Thomas “Coach” Wetzen

Memorial Mass planned for Thomas “Coach” Wetzen

A Memorial Mass for Thomas “Coach” Wetzen, who entered into rest on Saturday, April 25, 2020 at Buffalo VA Medical Center at the age of 92, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 17, 2021 at St. Teresa of Avila Parish, 5771 Buell Street, Akron, NY 14001.

Thomas was born on October 1,1927 to the late Adolph and Ada (Lotto) Wetzen.

He grew up in Riverside and served in the Army at the end of WWII. He met his future wife, Barbara (Scott), while attending SUNY Brockport and they were married in 1951. He then started his career with Akron schools as a physical education teacher and coach. During his coaching career from 1953 to 1989, his baseball teams received four Niagara-Orleans League titles and five sectional titles while his football teams achieved six league championships.

As a beloved coach within the Akron community, he was inducted into Akron Central Schools’ Athletic Wall of Fame and the varsity baseball diamond was named in his honor. He was also the recipient of several sportsmanship and dedication to the game awards as well as the Niagara-Orleans League Foundation Award. He was a long-time member of the Akron Lions Club and the VFW Post 3180.

Cherished father of Martha Wetzen and Anne (Wetzen) Murray; proud grandfather of Gregory Murray; dear brother of Louise (Wetzen) Williams. Thomas is predeceased by his wife, Barbara, his daughter, Lori, and brother, John Wetzen.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to the Veteran’s Association. Arrangements by Ross Funeral Home of Akron, LLC. To share memories and condolences with Coach’s family, please visit rossakron.com.