Ben Lash

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Visitation:
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
St. Bernard School Gymnasium
New Washington, Ohio

Service:
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
11:00 a.m.
St. Bernard Catholic Church
New Washington, Ohio

Ben Lash, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, educator, coach, mentor, and friend to many, passed away on April 4, 2025 after a brief illness. Ben was born on May 26, 1948 in Galion, Ohio to Donald and Nadine Lash. He leaves behind a legacy defined by compassion, dedication, and an unwavering love for life. A man who never met a stranger, Ben’s life was a lesson on how to live fully, give generously, and care deeply.

At the heart of Ben’s life was his wife and lifelong partner, Suzanne. Their story began when Ben was just 14 and Suzanne was 13—childhood sweethearts who became soulmates. They were married on September 5, 1970, and spent more than five decades building a life together filled with laughter, faith, and love. Together, they raised three children: Michelle, John, and Melissa. Their family continued to grow with the marriages of Michelle to Brad Geissman and John to Allyson Marx. Ben and Suzanne’s greatest joys were their grandchildren: Molly, Graham, Casey, and Elliot Geissman (Michelle and Brad); Simon, Wyatt, and Archie Lash (John and Allyson); Trey and Zeeke Taylor (Melissa). He was also a proud and loving dad to their dog Riley. He loved their daily walks together and feeding the birds every morning.

Ben graduated from Buckeye Central High School in 1966 and earned his Bachelor’s degree from Bluffton University in 1970. Ben began his career in education at St. Joseph’s in Galion, where he first discovered his passion for helping and educating children. In 1980, he became the principal of St. Bernard’s Catholic School in New Washington, a role in which he devoted over 30 years of his life. His impact extended well beyond the classroom; to his students, he wasn’t just an administrator—he was a role model, a guide, and a steady presence through both triumphs and challenges. He lived by a simple but powerful motto: Do the right thing at the right time to the best of your ability. It was a lesson he passed on to countless young people, both in school and beyond.

Coaching was more than a hobby for Ben—it was a calling. He started coaching at just 16 years old, taking the reins of a little league baseball team. Over the years, he coached basketball at nearly every level, from elementary schoolers to high school and AAU teams, as well as girls high school softball. He also played slow pitch softball for many years and many summer’s were spent at those tournaments.

Ben’s love for guiding others extended far beyond the court and the classroom. It was during his time at St. Bernard’s that he began taking his 8th grade students on trips, beginning with Toronto and eventually finding his favorite destination: New York City. These trips were more than just sightseeing—they were life lessons, eye-opening experiences meant to broaden the perspectives of students from small-town Ohio. His passion for these adventures grew so strong that he turned them into a business, giving even more people the chance to experience the magic he saw in the world. New York City became a second home to him, a place he never grew tired of sharing with others. Every trip to New York included a stop at St. Patrick’s Cathedral and McSorley’s Old Ale House.

Following his retirement from education, Ben continued to serve and lead his community as the Mayor of New Washington from 2011 until his passing.

Whether he was in a classroom, on a field, in a gym, or walking the streets of Manhattan, Ben had a unique gift—he made everyone feel welcome. His enthusiasm was infectious, his kindness unmatched. Wherever he went, he left with a new friend or two.

Ben was also a devoted Ohio sports fan. His heart belonged to the Ohio State Buckeyes, the Cleveland Browns, Cavaliers, and Guardians. Fall weekends were often split between Columbus on Saturdays and Cleveland on Sundays, tailgating and cheering with all the energy of a man who lived and breathed his teams. His tailgates with his brothers Bob and Marvin were legendary—walk by and you were sure to leave with a burger, a hot dog, and a new story to tell.

But what made all of these passions truly meaningful was the way Ben shared them—with his family. His adventures, his love of sports, his coaching, and his kindness were never solitary endeavors. They were woven into the fabric of his family’s life, creating memories and bonds that will last for generations.

In addition to the family members mentioned above, Ben is survived by his brother Robert Lash (Karen), brother Marvin (Vicky), sister in-laws Barb Kaple, Flossie Kaple, MaryJean Smith, Jan Frazee, brother in-law David Kaple (Heather) and many nieces and nephews.

Ben was preceded in death by his father and step-mother Donald and Dorothy Lash, his mother and step-father Nadine and Cantwell Lash, brother and sister in-law Bud and Carolyn Kaple, brothers in-law Dale Smith, Bill Kaple, Tom Kaple, and Tom Frazee.

Calling hours for Ben will be held in St. Bernard School gymnasium on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 from 4:00-8:00pm and his funeral mass will be held at St. Bernard Catholic Church on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at 11:00am. Burial will be at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made to the Crawford County Humane Society or to the family. Online condolences can be made to Ben’s family by visiting www.secorfuneralhomes.com

Ben Lash lived a life of purpose, laughter, and love. He gave endlessly of himself, lifted those around him, and left this world far better than he found it. His spirit lives on in the lives he touched, the lessons he taught, and the stories that will be told about him for years to come.