Donald Means

Donald L. Means age 63 of Massillon passed away June 8th at Heather Ridge Commons after a long illness. He was born February 22, 1942 in Painesville, OH to the late Dale & Viola (Hettinger) Means and was raised in Perry, OH. Don graduated from Kent State University in 1964 with a Bachelors Degree in Accounting. While a student at KSU he met his soon to be bride Susan Bresson and they married January 23, 1965. Don began his career with Republic Steel Corporation in the Budget Dept. and subsequently was promoted thru Supervisor of Budgets, Inventory Supervision, Cost Accountant, Supervisor of Accounts Payable, and Manager of Accounts Payable and Receivable. He retired after 34 years of service. His personal time was spent serving his community. He was active in Junior Achievement, refereed high school basketball in Stark-Wayne Counties from 1965 thru 1970 and officiated Little League games in Massillon during the same period. Starting in 1981, he coached 8th grade boys basketball at St. Mary’s for 17 years. After his retirement, an award was established in his name to recognize the outstanding student athlete. Don took off a year and then began helping Coach Kevin Finefrock at Central Catholic High School as assistant girls basketball coach. They took the team to the regionals and were one game from going to State. He was unable to continue coaching because of the first signs of Alzheimers. While sports were his first love, his avocation was the Jackson Township Fire Department. For 10 years he served as a volunteer fireman, EMT and paramedic at Station #2 on Traphagen Road. Don was not one to be idle; he also worked at Bordner’s Grocery at both Amherst and Wales Road. If Don had some time to relax, you would find him fishing at Rice Lake in Canada with his family or sitting by the ocean in Myrtle Beach. Don loved the water and really enjoyed being in a boat with his family, holding a fishing pole in his hand. He is survived by his wife of 40 years Susan (Bresson) Means of the residence. Daughter & Son in Law, Diane & Jeffrey Kiko of Yorkville, IL. Son & Daughter in Law, Douglas Means & Traci Simonsen of Louisville, KY. Brother & Sister in Law, Dennis & Carolyn Means of Madison, OH. Grandchildren: Emma, Benjamin, Alec, Noah, & Jadon A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10AM Monday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, with Fr. Edward Gretchko officiating. Burial will be in Rose Hill Memorial Garden. Friends may call Sunday from 1 PM until 4 PM., at the Paquelet Funeral Home in Massillon. Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Basketball program c/o Jerry Lewis, 726 First St. N.E., Massillon, OH 44646; Heather Ridge Commons, 911 Pittsburg Ave. N. W., North Canton, OH 44720 or Hospice of Stark County, 2611 Whipple Ave. N. W., Canton, OH 44718 The Means family would like to thank every one who stood strong with them during this time. “We could not have done it without you”, Susie Means. Paquelet – Massillon A Golden Rule Funeral Home 330-833-3222 Paquelet.com