Randall N "Randy" Berentz

Randall N “Randy” Berentz, 79, passed away January 16, 2022 due to complications from covid pneumonia and cancer.

Randy was born in Akron, Ohio and was preceded in death by his parents, Norval and Anna (nee Harka) Berentz.  He leaves his loving wife, Arlene, daughter, Michele Minor, sons, Stephen (Michele) Berentz and Craig (Michelle) Berentz and two grandchildren, Arden Minor and Alexis Berentz.  He also leaves behind, brothers, Rodney (Shara) Berentz and Robert (Charlotte) Berentz, sister, Marlene (Joel) Canepa, brother, Bruce (Marcia) Berentz, sister, Nancy Olitsky and brother Gregg Berentz, many nieces and nephews and his two feline buddies, Cali and Biscuit.

Randy was extremely hard working and worked many jobs to make a better life for his wife, Arlene, of 57 years and his children.  Randy played basketball at Hower Vocational School and was second team all-city leading scorer.  He went on to play basketball for four years at the University of Akron and was the leading scorer his senior year and his team was second in the nation his senior year.  After graduation he went on to play basketball for the Goodyear Wingfoots for three years.  He was the team captain and the team won the world cup three times and was AAU All American in 1969.  He won three world cup medals and was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1970.  Randy was also inducted into the Akron University’s basketball Hall of Fame, Summit County Sports Hall of Fame and the Barberton Sports Hall of Fame.

After his basketball career, he went on to teach science and physical education for 32 years in the Barberton School system. He was a certified basketball assignor, serving many schools in the area and was a basketball referee for 57 years and also a volleyball and softball referee.

He loved spending time with his family and loved working in his yard and dared a weed to grow in his yard. He earned the title of “Handy Randy” as he was always fixing things around the house.

Cremation has taken place.  A funeral Mass will be held Friday, January 21 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 4019 Manchester Rd., Akron, Ohio followed by a private burial due to covid considerations.  Family and friends will be received at the Church on Friday from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Due to the cemetery schedule following Mass, we request all visitation with family to conclude prior to Mass.  Due to covid, masks will be required at the Church.

In lieu of flowers, if so desired, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

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