Allen "Big Al" Hmiel

Allen "Big Al" Hmiel, 70, of Massillon, Ohio left this world on Sunday, November

13th, 2022. He entered fully into the presence of the Lord from his home. He was

born July 3rd, 1952 in Beaver Falls, Pa. Allen graduated from Beaver Falls High

School where he became an All-State basketball player helping lead Beaver Falls

High School to its first ever Pennsylvania state basketball championship in 1970.

Allen received Parade All-American status and continued his playing career at the

University of Cincinnati where he would play until 1972. Al joined the basketball

coaching ranks under Gale Catlett at UC. He would become one of the country’s best

recruiters until 1978 where he left coaching for a very successful career in business.

Allen, who was the youngest student to receive his Masters degree in business

administration, would spend the next 28 years as an executive sales/operations

manager at Procter and Gamble. He would retire in 2007 living in York, Pennsylvania

before moving back to Massillon to be surrounded by his family. Allen loved nothing

more than watching his four kids throughout their athletic careers in high school and

college, telling stories, watching sports and old westerns, finding good grocery store

deals, loving his animals, prepping meals for this family especially his famous chili,

making those around him laugh with his ever funny catch phrase “He’s Gone”,

watching his grandchildren enjoy the innocence of life, and pushing his kids to be the

very best. “Big Al” had a heart of gold and he will be forever missed.

Allen was preceded in death by his parents Emil and Dorothy Hmiel. He’s survived by

his loving wife of 45 years Rebecca, his children Jason (Kristian) Hmiel, Ashley

(Clayton) Sanders, Lauren Hmiel, Kelly Hmiel and six grandchildren Jase, Jonah, Cal,

Colt, Harper, and Jaxton.

In honoring Allen’s wishes he will be cremated and the family will hold a private

ceremony at the home. Al would not want people to be sad, but to remain together to

laugh and share stories about the good times.