William ‘Mark’ Hannay

Poland- William “Mark” Hannay, 73, formerly of Salem, passed away peacefully Friday, March 28, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Mark was born on September 21, 1951 in Salem, Ohio, the son of the late William “Bill” and Clara May (Housteau) Hannay.

Mark was a 1970 graduate of Salem High School. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Education from Kent State University in 1975. During his high school and college years, Mark was a champion water skier who competed at the regional level. Also, during this time he spent his summers at Sandy Lake in Stoneboro, PA. He was a member of the Sandy Lake Water Ski Club and made many fond memories. He furthered his education earning his Master’s in Education from Youngstown State in 1982.

Mark began his career at Mercer High School teaching biology for more than 30 years. Shortly after being hired, he began his coaching career in track and field at Mercer. He was an adored coach for nine years and was inducted into the Mercer High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame in 2001 with a successful record of 146-6-1. His passion led him to then coach at Slippery Rock University where he coached pole vault, javelin and high jump for 19 years. One of his many accomplishments was serving on the National and Olympic Pole Vault Coaching and Development Committee.

Mark was passionate about educating coaches, athletes and the public about the importance of pole vault safety. He studied the biomechanics of the sport and published many articles on the subject.

He is survived by three daughters, Elizabeth (Joe) Habarka of Hubbard, Christi (Mathew) Arnoto of Salem and Kelly Paxson of Salem; two sons, Patrick Hannay of Pittsburgh and Rich (Michelle) Paxson of East Palestine; seven grandchildren, Alyssa, Gavin, Carson, Aiden, Brendan, Owen, Lucas and number eight, Baby Boy Paxson due in September; two cousins, Susan Lora of West Chester and Diana Dominic Halm of Murrells Inlet, SC and his dog Brandy.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Jackie Pence Hannay, whom he married July 26, 2009; his adored Aunt, Joan Lora; and his favorite chocolate lab, Cappie.

Family and friends will be received Tuesday, April 1, 2025, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Stark Memorial Funeral Home, 1014 E. State St., Salem.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Entombment will follow at Hope Cemetery in Salem.

The family is asking that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Jackie Hannay Memorial Scholarship Fund that will be awarded to a graduating senior majoring in education. Please send donations to: Salem Community Foundation, P.O. Box 553, Salem, Ohio 44460.

If unable to attend, you may show your support by joining our complimentary “Hugs from Home” program at www.starkmemorial.com/hugs-from-home.

Visit www.starkmemorial.com to share memories and condolences with the family.

3/31/25