Mitchell James Siler

Mitchell J. Siler, the life of the party (and more times than not, the guy playing music at the party) passed away peacefully at Ebeid Hospice in Sylvania, Ohio surrounded by family.

Mitch was born in Adrian, Michigan on September 22, 1947 to David Siler, Sr. and Mary (Walters) Siler. There are many stories of Mitch enjoying time with his older brother David Jr. and annoying his older sister Katherine as well as spending time with his grandparents Bart and Bessie Siler who lived on the property with Mitch.

High school brought about Mitch's love of sports, cars, and music. He played the alto saxophone in the Madison High School band and won many accolades as both an athlete and a musician. He even played at Carnegie Hall!

Mitch attended Eastern Michigan University where he earned his Master's in Physical Education. It was while he was there, he met Ruth (Ouellette). They married in 1970 and were married for 53 years before Mitch's passing. Together they had two daughters, Jesika and Jennifer. His family was always a source of laughs and entertainment.

Mitch began his teaching and coaching career in 1969 in Highland Park, MI, then onto Columbia Central Middle and High Schools. Much of his teaching and coaching was done at Riverdale High School in Mt. Blanchard, OH. There he coached middle school girls' basketball, Cross Country and Track and Field also ending up as the School's Athletic Director for many years. "You gotta go, knuckleheads!" Finally, after a few years of retirement in Florida, he decided he wasn't finished shaping the youth of tomorrow. He taught for several more years at Carver Middle School in Leesburg, FL. Through the years he made countless friends and changed the lives of many students, athletes, and teachers. Mitch's children would go on to call many of these friends aunts and uncles. Mitch kept in touch with many of these friends until the time of his passing. To these friends, he was either "Coach," "Siler," or "Mitchie Boy."

Mitch had a love for music that was unparalleled. He even had a deejay career briefly as Siler's Sounds, where he played music for countless school dances, parties, and briefly hosted a Name that Tune in The Villages, Florida. After moving back to Toledo, he once again played Name that Tune, where he continued to educate the youngsters what real music was. Along his journey with us, he met many of his favorite musicians; Martha Reeves, Nathanial Mayer, Del Shannon and even sang on stage with the Shirelles....once. His enjoyment of live music in most recent years was all about his beloved Moonbats. Of all Mitch's travels, no trip brought him more joy that the trip to Muscle Shoals Alabama where he met one of the 'Swampers' while visiting several music studios in the area.

His love of classic cars also knew no bounds. He owned several classic Chevrolets over the years. This love of classic cars also provided him with countless friends spanning from here to Australia. He made several friends from Australia and fulfilled his dream of purchasing his Chevy "UTE" and restoring it to its former beauty. Some of these Aussies even attended his children's weddings. As a matter of fact, when Mitch retired the first time and moved to Florida, he fulfilled a dream of working for the Late Great Chevy Association.

Mitch is preceded in death by both of his parents, David Siler, Sr., and Mary (Walters) Siler, his brother David (Carolyn) Siler, Jr. and his best friend, Rich (Ann) Spuller. Surviving is his devoted wife Ruth (Ouellette) Siler of Toledo, OH, his daughters Jesika (Chris) Lehner and grandchild Joe Lehner, Jennifer (Robert Bennett) Siler, Katherine (Wayne Gordon) Siler, and Carolyn Siler. He is also leaving countless nieces and nephews who loved Uncle Mitch's jokes and sense of humor in all situations, as well as friends and their children who were like family to him.

Please join us in honoring a true one of a kind and share a story or two as we Celebrate the Life of Mitchell Siler at the American Legion 5580 Centennial Rd. Sylvania on May 28, 2023 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. The family will be sharing Mitch's favorite music and tell some of his best jokes. We will all be doing our best "Mitchie" impression.

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