Obituary

Michael had a passion for leading children to the Lord. He focused his energy to instill Christian education and develop youth with integrity for years in the Mansfield community.

Michael Mecurio, longtime Mansfield Christian School teacher and principal, left his Mansfield home for his Heavenly home on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 with his steadfast wife by his side. At age 83, he found peace and ended his struggle with cancer and dementia.

Michael Joseph Mecurio was born in Mansfield on January 31, 1938, the son of Michael & Hazel (Van Scoy) Mecurio. He was a 1956 graduate of Mansfield Senior High. Michael earned his bachelor’s degree and later his Masters of Administration and Education from Grace College in Winona Lake, Indiana where he played baseball and won ‘Player of the Year’ for intramural football. As an undergraduate, he met Ethel Spahr and asked her out on a date to an opera concert. The pair married June 15, 1963 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and honeymooned in California.

For three years, Mr. Mecurio taught at his alma mater in the Mansfield City School system and in 1964 moved to teach in the junior high at Mansfield Christian School where he was at different times the JV basketball coach and the cheerleader advisor. He later became the high school principal at MCS for 12 years before retiring in 2006. Michael and Ethel made many fond memories attending Senior Class and National Honor Society trips over the years. He loved the students and they loved him in return.

He and Ethel were active and dedicated members of Berean Baptist Church in Mansfield for many years where Michael served on the deacon board and led worship for a time. For years, he was the chairman of the board of Child Evangelism Fellowship. He was always willing to fill any position that was needed in all areas of his life.

He was active with the Trail to Life Camp which taught teens survival skills in their life, the wilderness, and their faith. Michael enjoyed tent camping and had a green thumb. For years he kept a beautiful and large vegetable garden. He loved sports of all kinds and enjoyed watching games of all Ohio teams—especially the Cleveland Indians. Above all, he cherished spending time with his wife, sons, and grandsons. Michael has left a lasting imprint on the Mansfield community and will be deeply missed by many.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Ethel Mecurio of Mansfield; son Matt Mecurio (Dawniel) grandsons Ryan and Trevor and son Marc and Maryam Mecurio and their sons Erfan and Emad all of Mansfield; brother Roger and June Mecurio; sister Rosalie Wade; numerous nieces and nephews including Shelley Seibert who moved in to assist with Michael’s care; and faithful canine companion Daisy.

In addition to his parents Michael & Hazel Mecurio, he was preceded in death by his sister-in-law Elizabeth Williss.

Private burial will take place in Mansfield Memorial Park cemetery in Ontario with Pastor Donnell Smith officiating.

Contributions in his memory may be made to: Mansfield Christian School or Child Evangelism Fellowship. Please write checks directly to the charity and mail to: Snyder Funeral Homes, PO Box 3085, Mansfield OH 44904, so we may make a list of donors for the family.

Snyder Funeral Homes, Lexington Avenue Chapel is honored to serve his family; leave messages & memories online at: SnyderFuneralHomes.com