Matthew Ryan Kobal

Matthew Ryan Kobal "Coach Kobal", 38, of Vermilion, died Friday, November 17, 2017 at University Hospital, Avon after a sudden illness. He was born July 23, 1979 in Oberlin and had been a life long Vermilion resident. Matthew graduated from Vermilion High in 1998 and went on to play football at the University of Mount Union for three years, winning a national championship in 1998. He graduated from Mount Union in 2002 and returned to Vermilion where he served as the freshman offensive coordinator in 2004 and 2005. He moved up as the junior varsity offensive coordinator from 2006 through 2010. In 2011, Kobal coached the offensive and defensive lines at Firelands High School for 2 years. But, his heart remained with the Sailors. He returned to Vermilion, where he was the offensive coordinator before being named head coach. Matthew was named the president of the Lorain Co. Coaches Association and enjoyed helping children and spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife of 12 years, Amanda (nee Aandewiel) Kobal of Vermilion; daughter, Gracie Kobal at home, parents, Edward J. and Barbara Kobal; brother, Michael Kobal of Vermilion; sister, Joanne (James) See of Vermilion; ; and 5 nephews. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Edward R. and Stella Kobal and his maternal grandparents, Gerald and Frances Braun. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2017 from 3:00 pm until the time of a memorial service at 6:00 pm (In honor of Coach Kobal, please wear purple) at the Vermilion High School Gymnasium, 1250 Sanford St., Vermilion, OH 44089. The Reverend Bob Gardner will officiate. The family suggests memorial contributions directly to the family for a Scholarship fund for Gracie or to the Vermilion Athletic Department, 1250 Sanford St., Vermilion OH to be used for a football scholarship fund. Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.