George Playforth

CANFIELD - Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Canfield Presbyterian Church for George E. Playforth, 82, who died peacefully Saturday evening at Hospice House surrounded by his family.

George was born Nov. 16, 1936, in Canfield, the son of William and Margaret (Pollock) Playforth.

He was proud to call Canfield his home. He was a 1955 graduate of Canfield High School, and was inducted to the Athletic Hall of Fame in 1991. Coach Francis McLaughlin referred to George as being the “Toughest athlete pound for pound he had ever coached in football.”

He was a member of the U.S. Army Reserves for eight years.

George was an operating engineer for many years. George owned and operated several businesses in the area, including Playforth Mobil Service in Canfield, Diamond Auto Wrecking, and Diamond Back Golf Course.

George always had a love for animals, primarily horses and cattle. He spent many years helping with 4H at the Canfield Fair. He was devoted to his daughters horse shows and livestock shows, which led to an eventual grand champion steer.

One of his greatest passions was watching NASCAR. He was a former race car driver of the #66 at Canfield Speedway, where he was often the center of attention on the track and in the pits. George also introduced his grandsons to racing, and had traveled the country with them.

George is survived by his wife, the former Diane Edwards, whom he married March 1, 1957; four daughters, Georgia (Mark) Wilson of Ellsworth, Becky (Brian) Snyder of Ellsworth, Peggy (Mark) Brucoli of Canfield and Beverly (Mike) Suess of Cincinnati; sister Mildred Kersten of Canfield; 12 grandchildren, Justin (Jenna), Alexandra (Peter), Parker (Angie), Edward, Jake, Paige, Ben, Maggie, Payton (Brenna), Nolan, Samantha (Lee), and Reese; and great-grandchildren, Caleb, Andrew, and Jack.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, June McCartney and Violet Crowther; and brother, Bill Playforth.

Family and friends may call on Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. and on Thursday from 10 to 10:45 a.m. all at the church.

Because of George’s love for animals, the family has requested that in lieu of flowers, material tributes take the form of donations to Angel’s for Animals, 4750 W. South Range Road, Canfield, OH 44406; or to Hospice House, 9803 Sharrott Road, Poland, OH 44514.

Professional services are being handled by the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Boardman-Canfield Chapel.