THOMAS P. HATFIELD, age 87, beloved husband of 65 years to Gail (née Taylor), loving father to Carolyn Sweeney, Nancy Griffiths (Jack), Margaret Hatfield (deceased) and Thomas Hatfield (Diane). Cherished grandfather of Leslie Barnes (Jeremy), Megan Griffiths (Sam Vanoer), Daniel Sweeney (Sarah), Bridget Camargo (Tom), Hugh Sweeney, Matthew Hatfield, Lucas Hatfield, and Sarah Hatfield; loving great grandfather of Jacob, William, and Thomas Barnes; Rory and Marla Sweeney; Logan, Keagan, and Adalynn Hatfield; and Anna and James Vanoer; beloved brother to Jerry Hatfield (Gail); treasured uncle and great-uncle to many. Passed away March 14, 2025.

A proud graduate of St. Edward High School (Class of 1955), Tom earned his degree from Ohio University and a Master's from the University of Kentucky. His passion for learning led him to further studies at Case Western Reserve University, the University of Illinois, and the Universidad de las Américas. He was honored as a Fulbright Scholar to Mexico in 1968 and to India in 1972.

Tom dedicated 34 years to education, beginning his teaching career at St. Edward High School before joining North Olmsted High School in 1961. There, he shaped young minds in the classroom and inspired young athletes as a wrestling coach before founding the school's soccer program in 1972. Considered the father of Ohio high school soccer, he played a key role in getting the sport sanctioned by the OHSAA and establishing the first state tournament.

Over five decades of coaching, Tom led North Olmsted to remarkable success, winning state championships in 1977 and 1985—the latter with a historic 25-0-0 record. He served as president of multiple coaching associations and earned numerous accolades, including Ohio Coach of the Year in 1977 and 1985. His contributions were recognized with inductions into the Ohio High School Scholastic Soccer Coaches Association Hall of Fame (1992), the St. Edward High School Athletic Hall of Fame (2000), the North Olmsted High School Athletic Hall of Fame (2001), the Ohio Youth Soccer Association North Hall of Fame (2003), and the Ohio Soccer Hall of Fame (2008).

Tom's greatest joy was his family, and he took immense pride in supporting his children and grandchildren. He was a constant presence at sporting events, birthdays, recitals, and graduations, always offering unwavering support, wisdom, and kindness. His love and devotion created a lasting legacy that will continue to live on through the generations he inspired.

Tom's love, leadership, and dedication to mentoring will be deeply missed but never forgotten, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew him.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, March 20, at The Church of St. Clarence (30106 Lorain Rd., North Olmsted) at 11 A.M. Interment will be private. Friends may call at Chambers Funeral Home of North Olmsted (29150 Lorain Rd. at Stearns Rd.) on Wednesday, March 19th from 5-7 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be mailed to the North Olmsted City Schools Education Foundation, Attn: Paula Beatrez, 26669 Butternut Ridge Rd., North Olmsted, OH. 44070 for the Hatfield Soccer Scholarship Fund