August Michael Ocepek

August Michael Ocepek. “Mickey” 12/6/43-01/26/24 was born in Barberton, Ohio and passed away recently after a brief illness.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years Dottie (Huff), son Christopher (Cindy) and daughter Stephanie (Chris Giusti). He has three surviving nephews Mike , Nick and Phil Baker and godson Gus Baker all of Naples, FL and godson Teddy Sabo Jr of Parma.  He was preceded in death by his loving parents Augustine and Veronica (Budick), sister Monica (Richard ) Baker and nephew Doug Baker. Mickey was a co-owner with his father of Ocepek Service in Barberton, a gas station auto shop and AAA towing from 1951-1973.  Special cousin Bob Beres was a manager/owner as well.

He was a 1961 graduate of Norton High where he was a stellar athlete and was voted best dressed. He had a longtime girlfriend Betty Conley (61).  His real achievement was being a track star at Norton with a record held for over 21 years. He also ran track at Kent State sophomore year and graduated in 1965 with an education degree.  He also received tenure from Kent as well. He taught at Plymouth Schools from 1966-70 and coached track football and cross country. The bulk of his career was spent at Norwayne Schools from 1970-1996 where he was a legendary teacher track coach and VP of the teachers union as well.  He coached with some of the best, such as Larry Root, Terry Ohare, Rich Allen, Paul Zimmerly and Bill Marcum. After teaching he worked at Brookside country club in Norton and was also a security team member for the Cleveland Indians and Browns for many years. He found a new passion for his last job as a federal TSA officer at CAK airport for 9 plus years  He enjoyed protecting NE Ohioans and especially the US Airways crew where his daughter Steph worked.

He will be sorely missed and had a booming coaching voice and had a comment or suggestion for all.  He was a member of St. Andrew Catholic Church and a lifelong democrat who valued equality and fought for teachers rights for many years as a union Vice President . Please honor his legacy and make a donation to the Norwayne Track Fund 350 South Main St., Creston, OH 44217.

Per his wishes cremation has taken place. Private family services have taken place.