Vance I. Huffman

The Village of Strasburg has lost of one of its most familiar faces and ardent supporters. Longtime pharmacist and former owner of Strasburg Pharmacy, Vance I. Huffman died unexpectedly in his home on Saturday, April 28, 2007. He was 72.

Born in Strasburg on October 20, 1934, he was the son of the late James Ivan and Olga Oppliger Huffman.

As he was growing up, he worked several years for the old Garver Brothers Store. Upon his graduation from Strasburg High in 1952, he went on to honorably serve his country in the Navy, and by 1961 had earned his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Ohio Northern University.

With degree in hand, he and his late wife, Carole Mathias Huffman who died May 20, 1981, moved to New Madison, Ohio. There they would start their family, and he would begin his career as a Pharmacist. He became a partner in his first pharmacy in New Madison when he managed and assisted in the operation of the Bonfiglio Pharmacy.

Longing to come back to Strasburg, an opportunity to purchase Houglan Drug arose and in 1976, Vance and his family took the downtown operation over, renaming it Strasburg Pharmacy. With an eye on civic growth, he worked closely with the Hostetler family in the development of the Valley Center Mall at the town�(TM)s north end. The store, though no longer under his ownership, continues to be a strong presence in that location.

He was a man of simple pleasures who enjoyed the outdoors, whether it meant fishing or just working in the yard. He was a passionate supporter of Strasburg High School athletics and was a fixture at nearly every Tiger sporting event. His interest was taken to new heights in recent years with the involvement of his grandchildren. So interested was he in the athletic endeavors of his grandkids, Vance had even driven to Canfield �" to watch a practice! It was more than just a game �" it was family.

Vance leaves behind a large, and tight-knit family that will miss him dearly. Survivors include: children, Amy (Jeff) Froman of Strasburg, Julie (Jim) Rafoth of Canfield, John Huffman and Carol Snowden of Cleveland, Kate Sibila of Bay Village, and John (Becky) Sibila of Strasburg; grandchildren, Abby, Ryan and Nick Froman, Ellie, Janie, Rachel and Jack Rafoth, Emily McKimmie, and Sydney Sibila; a brother, Gale (Carol) Huffman of Strasburg; nieces and nephews, Fran (Don) Gerber, Elaine Stollar, Michelle Huffman, Steve (Patty) Huffman, Ann Park, Fred Park, and Mike Park; many great nieces and nephews; and a brother-in-law, Jack (Donna) Mathias of Maine.

In addition to his wife and parents, a sister, Joan Park, preceded Vance in death.

A service celebrating Vance�(TM)s life will be held Thursday, May 3, at 11 a.m. in the St. John United Church of Christ in Strasburg with Rev. Gary Friend, Rev. Steven Court and Pastor Jack Pancher officiating. Interment will follow in Strasburg�(TM)s Grandview Union Cemetery. Friends may call in the church on Wednesday from 4 to 9 p.m.

Those unable to attend or wishing to share a fond memory may sign the online register book for Vance by visiting the “obituaries” link on the funeral home�(TM)s website

Vance understood that the lifeblood of the community was the athletic program at Strasburg High, and firmly believed that without the Tigers, Strasburg just wouldn�(TM)t be the same. In that spirit of community, and in preparation for many Tiger seasons to come, it is asked that in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts be made in Vance�(TM)s name to the Strasburg Athletic Booster Club, c/o Strasburg High School, 140 N. Bodmer Ave., Strasburg, 44680.

Memorials may also be made to St. John United Church of Christ, 516 N. Wooster Ave., Strasburg, 44680.

Arrangements have been handled through the care and direction of Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory, Strasburg.

Toland-Herzig
(330) 343-6132
www.tolandherzig.com