Obituary of Henry "Hank" Nettling

Henry (“Hank”) Nettling, 81, moved peacefully into God’s arms during the early morning on March 26, 2017 in Hudson, Ohio. Hank was born in Nagyszekely, Hungary and came to Akron in 1947 with his parents, Kristof and Kristine (Schneider) Nettling. After arriving in Akron, he joined the Boy Scouts and eventually earned the rank of Life Scout. Hank graduated from Akron South High School in 1954 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from The University of Akron in 1959. At the university, he was a member of ROTC and the honoraries Pershing Rifles and Scabbard and Blade. Upon graduation, Hank was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army and served six months active duty before joining the Reserves, from which he was honorably discharged in 1972, having attained the rank of Captain. He remained a highly patriotic American for the rest of his life. Hank was married in 1961 to his college sweetheart, Arlene. They lived in Akron, Cuyahoga Falls, Stow, and Hudson, residing in Stow for 36 years. Together, they enjoyed traveling, attending performances and lectures, participating in university activities, and spending much cherished time with family and friends. When their daughter, Kim, was born, and as she grew, Hank was a truly devoted, loving father and always considered his family his first priority. Hank worked for nearly 39 years at The University of Akron, primarily as Controller, and retired as Vice President Emeritus for Business and Finance in 2002. He was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters upon retiring. Hank enjoyed his work life immensely and felt strong loyalty to the university, its athletic teams, and especially its strong community. After retiring, Hank enjoyed participating in retirees’ organizations connected with the university to maintain his friendships and involvement. Hank was a kind, generous man with profound integrity. He was a wonderful listener, and he had a sincere way of making everyone feel welcome and appreciated, whether he had known you for a day or for decades. He loved to laugh, and he loved music, including singing in church choir during retirement. Drawing on his lifelong work ethic, Hank fought bravely against the Progressive Supranuclear Palsy that gradually overtook his body in the last years of life. His gentle spirit remained intact throughout this journey. Hank’s family would like to express heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Laurel Lake and Crown Center, who compassionately cared for Hank during the past year. Hank was predeceased by his parents and their siblings. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Arlene, his loving daughter, Kim (Fred) Yoak, grandchildren, Hallie (Michael), Evan (Ani), and Trevor, and great-granddaughter, Elena, as well as many cousins. Hank truly enjoyed every moment spent with family and with special friends from college, the university, church, and the village in Hungary. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, March 30 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at Redmon Funeral Home in Stow (3633 Darrow Road), and a funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 31 at First United Methodist Church, Cuyahoga Falls (245 Portage Trail), with visitation at 10:00 a.m. Burial will take place at Silver Springs Cemetery in Stow following the service. Memorials may be made to the Henry “Hank” Nettling Endowed Scholarship in Accounting (Department of Development, The University of Akron; Akron, OH, 44325-2603), to the First United Methodist Church Music Ministry (245 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, OH, 44221), or to CurePSP (30 East Padonia Road, Suite 201; Timonium, MD, 21093).