Tiffin, Ohio, is remembering John Allen Tomaszewski, a longtime coach, educator, Hall of Famer and devoted family man who died Monday, September 28, 2026. He was 78.
Tomaszewski built a career around education and athletics, leaving a lasting impression on generations of students and athletes in the Tiffin and Lorain areas. He retired in 2011 after 42 years in public and private education, where he worked as a teacher, administrator and coach.
He was born December 2, 1947, to Raymond Lucas Tomaszewski and Irene Florence Morris Tomaszewski. He grew up in a Polish Catholic family with four brothers. After graduating from Admiral King High School in Lorain, he attended Heidelberg University in Tiffin.
At Heidelberg, Tomaszewski earned two football letters as a linebacker and served as co captain during his senior year. He also lettered in wrestling and golf. He graduated in 1969 with a degree in education and later earned a master’s degree from Bowling Green State University.
A Career Built Around Coaching and Education
Tomaszewski began his coaching career in 1970. After six years as an assistant at Tiffin Calvert and Upper Sandusky, he joined Tiffin Columbian High School in 1976.
He served as the school’s defensive coordinator until 1987, when he became head football coach. During his first season as head coach, the Tornadoes finished the regular season undefeated. Tomaszewski was named Northwest District Coach of the Year and UPI Division II Coach of the Year.
During six seasons as head coach, he led two teams to the state playoffs and won three Northern Ohio League championships. He also worked as an assistant coach at Heidelberg University and Tiffin University.
His coaching career extended beyond football. Tomaszewski served as Columbian’s head wrestling coach from 1976 through 2000. His wrestling teams had two undefeated seasons and won two conference championships. He also coached numerous sectional and district champions and seven state placers.
Tomaszewski created and directed the Wendy’s Invitational wrestling tournament for 18 years and founded the Tiffin youth Biddy Wrestling Program.
Remembered by Family, Students and Athletes
Tomaszewski was inducted into the Tiffin Columbian Hall of Fame in 1993 and the Lorain Sports Hall of Fame in 2012. He also spent many years teaching 11th grade English, including teaching his own sons.
His obituary notes that many of his former student athletes continued their education on scholarships, while others eventually became coaches themselves.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Jane Wengatz Tomaszewski; sons Alexius and Maxum; four grandchildren; brothers Terry, Ray and Mark; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, October 1, at Engle Shook Funeral Home in Tiffin. A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, October 2, at St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Financial Aid for Cancer Treatment of Seneca County.
