John Michael Shirhal

HUDSON - Long time Hudson resident and retired teacher of the Hudson School System, John Michael Shirhal passed away unexpectedly at his home on Monday, November 28, 2022.

As a young boy, John was educated at St. Paul’s Elementary and Middle School in the Firestone Park area of Akron, Ohio. He attended and graduated from Garfield High School where he played baseball and football. Following High School, John played baseball as a catcher at Manatee College in Florida. He completed his undergraduate studies and earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Akron where he was a member of Lone Star Fraternity.

John shared his love of baseball with youth teams, coaching the “Burger Chef” team to a “National Championship” in 1973, making special memories for 12 kids who called him “mentor, coach, and friend.” And, John treasured the opportunity to coach a Stow Youth Baseball team with his great nephew playing catcher and relief pitcher.

John began his professional career as a math teacher at McDowell Elementary School in Hudson, then transitioned to teaching American history at Hudson Middle School. He retired in 2004 after 30 years of teaching.

A fan of Golden Retrievers, for their sporting capabilities and companion dog qualities (years before the breed rose to its current popularity), John owned two wonderful retrievers. Seeing an opportunity to share the breed with more families, he bred and raised puppies including a record breaking 13 pup litter.

As an avid hunter and bass fisherman, John fished professionally in bass tournaments around the country for many years. He authored the book, The Complete Guide to Bass Tournament Fishing, and wrote numerous articles that were published in fishing magazines. He also conducted fishing seminars at sports shows sharing his expertise with hobbyists and pros. He served as an ambassador for Ranger Boats and as a Professional EverStart fisherman. As a member of the Ohio B.A.S.S. Chapter Federation, John was recognized as Ohio’s Man-of-the-year for 1997. He served as a Basswater Products Pro Staffer for twelve years, assisting in sales promotions, working shows and serving as Director of Sales for the company. As a creative leader, John organized the Trade Winds Marine Bass Circuit and the Berlin Bass Series and became the owner and director of Basswater Consolidated Fishing Circuits as well as becoming the contributor and editor of a new magazine, Bass Talk.

John attended St. Mary Catholic Church in Hudson, Ohio and will be buried at Holy Cross Cemetery in Akron. A mass for friends and family at St. Mary Catholic Church is scheduled for December 18, 2022, at 9:30 A.M. Calling hours and service are scheduled at Redmon Funeral Home, (3633 Darrow Road, Stow, Ohio), on December 18, 2022, from 1:00 to 3:30 P.M.

Preceded in death by Mother Helen (Kossuth) Shirhal and Father Peter Paul Shirhal.

Survived by Sisters Suzanne Elizabeth (Shirhal) Senuta and Patricia Jean (Shirhal) Sasanecki and Brothers-in-Law Robert Senuta and James Sasanecki.

Nieces and Nephews include Anne Elizabeth (Senuta) Lindsay, Jules (Senuta) Hennessy, Peter William Senuta, Beth (Senuta) Minor, Stacy Jean (Sasanecki) Persico and Scott James Sasanecki.

Great Nieces and Nephews include Kelsie Anne (Senuta) Androulakakis, Peter Daniel Senuta, Jonny Zachary Senuta, Jamie Nicole Cunnington, Scott James Cunnington, Justin Thomas Minor, Adam Robert Minor, Kyle Lucas Minor, Robert Alan Lindsay, Talia Persico, Rocco Persico.

Cousins include Michael Kossuth,Tommy Kossuth. Joey Maxim, JoAnne (Maxim) Hines, Marlene (Zenda), Korfas, Clementine (Yando) Burns, Richard Yando (deceased), Suzanne (Billie) Holliday, Mary Ann Billie (deceased), Donna Marie (Kossuth) Rosen, Michelle (Kossuth) Phillips, Patricia Ann (Kossuth) Marshall, Catherine Mary (Kossuth) Wissler.

Memorial offerings can be made to Life Teen at St. Mary Catholic Church , 340 North Main Street, Hudson, OH  44236.