Donald Marshall

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share of the passing of Donald Nathaniel Marshall, 76, of Akron, Ohio. After a courageous 2-year battle with cancer, Don passed peacefully surrounded by his family on September 16th. He is survived by his loving wife of 19 years, Geri Douglas Marshall; daughter Marisa Ann Trzemzalski, her husband Joseph Andrew Trzemzalski, and their daughter Anniston (Annie) Grace Trzemzalski of Greenville, SC; son Nicholas Todd Marshall and his partner Dr. Margaret Faye Huff of Rochester, NY.

Don was born in Canton, Ohio on February 14th, 1949, to Ann Morelli Marshall and Donald Nathaniel Marshall. He spent his childhood and teenage years growing up in Carrollton, Ohio, and attended Carrollton High School. After graduation he moved to Akron, Ohio and attended the University of Akron. He received his BS in Health, Physical Education and Recreation in 1971, and later received his MS in Physical Education and Sports Medicine in 1982.

He first came to the University of Akron as a student athletic trainer in 1966 and left in 1989 as the head athletic trainer for over sixteen different sports. During his tenure, he oversaw the expansion of the athletic training department, was instrumental in the creation of the sports medicine curriculum, and mentored more than forty-five athletic trainers. He went on to lead the Department of Sports Medicine at Children’s Hospital Medical Center of Akron, where he directed operations including the development of satellite clinics and affiliate sports medicine programs for local high schools and universities. He subsequently served as the Chief Operating Officer for Portage Physical Therapy and ended his career at The Imaging Center – MRI and Nuclear Medicine Specialists.

Don made a profound impact on many lives throughout his career and service work. He served on the board of the Summit County Sports Hall of Fame and received the inaugural Legends of Sports Medicine at Akron Children’s Hospital. One of his proudest moments was his induction into the 2023 Varsity “A” Association Hall of Fame at the University of Akron.

His greatest priority was always his family. He adored his children, their partners, and his granddaughter. He was a loving husband who enjoyed spending his time biking on the Towpath Trail with his wife, Geri, which he did nearly every summer weekend. He also held dear the Smith family in Las Vegas, especially his best friends Dr. Eric and Carmen Smith, who were like family to him.

Don loved sports of all kinds and shared this with his friends. He regularly met his University of Akron football crew for monthly breakfasts and annual Christmas lunches. He also held the highest regard and appreciation for his friends from the original staff of Akron Children’s Sports Medicine Center, especially Dr. Joseph Congeni, who helped to spiritually support him during his final days.

The family would like to sincerely thank the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center, particularly, Dr. Spradling, Dr. Schuster, and the oncology nurses at CCF Medina Hospital.

Cremation has taken place. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, September 26th at 11:00am with visitation at 10:00am at Guardian Angels Church in Copley. A Celebration of Life at Ken Stewart’s Lodge will take place that evening at 5:00pm, with an opportunity for remarks from family and friends at 6:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Medina Hospital Cancer Services Fund. Checks can be mailed to Cleveland Clinic Medina Hospital, P.O. Box 931517, Cleveland, OH 44193 or donations can be made online at bit.ly/3VoGm2R (make sure to select Cancer sure to select Cancer Services at Medina Hospital from the drop-down menu).

Services in care of the Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory, FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Road Akron, OH 44333 (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)