Obituary of Charles William Sidbeck

ASHTABULA - Charles W. Sidbeck, 87, passed away December 11, 2021 at his home. He was born July 6, 1934, the son of the Henry and Margaret (Hensel) Sidbeck and had been a lifelong Ashtabula resident. A 1952 graduate of his beloved Harbor High School, Charlie was a three-sport athlete. He excelled at football, basketball, and track. For many years, he held the Harbor High School and county record for the mile with a time of 4:28. He participated in the State Track Meet 3 times, finishing in the top 5 twice. He loved sharing stories with his grandchildren about running/competing on a cinder track with the same shoes he wore to school each day. "You can buy the most expensive of everything but when it comes down to it, it's all about heart." In 2019, he was honored to be inducted in the Ashtabula County Track and Cross Country Hall of Fame for his accomplishments as a high school track athlete. He took great pride that he and his two brothers were all Hall of Fame inductees; his brother Bobby in football, his brother Alan in basketball. Immediately following graduation, he entered the US Navy where he continued to compete in track. He served his country during the Korean Conflict before being honorably discharged in 1957. Upon returning home he competed in fast-pitch softball for many years. Charlie never lost his love of competition. On May 7, 1960, he married Josephine Monda, and together they shared 37 wonderful years together. Prior to his retirement in 1997, he worked 34 years for ESAB Welding, formerly Linde Wire. After his retirement, he stayed active babysitting his grandchildren and later working as a delivery driver for Capitena's Florist. An avid sports fan, he loved to cheer for all the Cleveland teams, but especially loved to follow local high school sports. He rarely missed a Harbor, and later Lakeside High School football game. He could be found on the same bench at all home games cheering on The Dragons. He coached Ashtabula Little League for 21 years and American Legion (Ashtabula Rubber Company team) baseball for 9 years. He also volunteered as a youth basketball coach for Ashtabula Area City Schools and St. Joseph School. A member of the American Legion, Dewey Howlett Post #103, he loved spending time with his family and following his children and grandchildren and their successes. He is survived by two sons, Kevin (Raena) Sidbeck and Randy (Kristine) Sidbeck; grandchildren, Alissa (Buzz) Edwards, Patton (fiancé Tori Clemens), Caleb, Austin, Matthew, and Dylan Sidbeck; one brother, Alan (Janice) Sidbeck of Ashtabula; three sisters, Shirley Wilkinson of Geneva, Donna (Tom) Orr of Ashtabula, Mary Jane (Dick) Scott of Mentor; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Josephine, on September 4, 1997; one brother, Robert Sidbeck; and his parents. A calling hour will be held from 10-11AM with a service to follow at 11 AM on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at the ZABACK-WILLIAMS-DUCRO FUNERAL HOME, 500 West Prospect Road, Ashtabula. His brother-in-law, Rev. Tom Orr, and brother Alan will officiate. Burial will be at Saybrook Cemetery at a later date. Contributions in his memory may be made to Lakeside Athletic Boosters, Attn: Sherri Anderson, 6620 Sanborn Rd, Ashtabula, OH 44004 or the Ancient Mariners, PO Box 2996, Ashtabula, OH 44005-2996. www.ducro.com