He grew up in northeastern Ohio and began his lifelong dedication to education and community early on. A talented athlete, Mel graduated from Niles McKinley High School in 1962 and was notably a member of the 1961 State Champion Red Dragon football team. Mel played one year of football at the University of Cincinnati before transferring to Youngstown State University. There, he earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Education and was a proud member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.
Mel began his teaching career at Fowler-Vienna and Champion schools before finding his professional home at Howland Local Schools. Over the course of 29 years with Howland, he not only taught but also served as President and Vice President of the Howland Classroom Teachers Association. His commitment to education extended beyond the classroom through active involvement with the National Education Association (NEA), Ohio Education Association (OEA), and Northeastern Ohio Education Association (NEOEA). His leadership and advocacy left a lasting impact on colleagues and students alike.
Beyond his professional life, Mel was a devoted family man.
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Marilyn; their son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Kasi; and his cherished granddaughter Rosabella—affectionately known as “Bella Banana.” Mel’s joy in recent years came from watching Rosabella play cello and swim, a favorite pastime that brought him immense pride
He also leaves behind his brother and sister-in-law Jack and Vicki Hockensmith; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law JoAnn and Joe Venosky, and Kathy and Michael Welsh. Mel was preceded in death by his parents; his sister and brother-in-law Katy and Richard Yahnert; as well as Marilyn’s parents Louis and Katherine Vivolo. We would be remiss if we didn't list his nieces and nephews that filled his world: Denny Heeter, Donna (Joel) Medina, Nicole (Randy) Divens, Christy (Bob) Rohrbaugh, Lori (Rick) Tackett, Megan (Walt) Kutoba, Gretchen (Andy) Mahan, and his great-nieces and nephews.
A passionate Cleveland sports fan throughout his life, Mel followed his teams faithfully through every season. After retiring from teaching, he embraced travel with Marilyn—especially enjoying their winters spent in Florida together as well as his trips to Italy and Canada.
Mel’s legacy lives on through the many lives he touched—as an educator, mentor, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.
Calling hours will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday January 17, 2026 at Holeton-Yuhasz Funeral Home in Niles. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be at noon at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Niles and then luncheon at Ciminero's Banquet Centre, 123 N. Main Street in Niles.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Howland Classroom Teachers' Association Scholarship fund with a check payable to "The HCTA" and indicating "Scholarship" on the memo line. Checks can be mailed to the Howland Local Schools, 8200 South St., SE, Warren, OH 44484, Attn: HCTA.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Melvin D Hockensmith Jr., please visit our flower store.
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