Bio

Bob DiFranco was an outstanding athlete at North Ridgeville High School excelling in basketball and football. He furthered his education at Ashland College and was a standout for the Eagles on the gridiron. He began his teaching career at Midview and was as an assistant varsity football coach in 1969 and 1970. He returned to North Ridgeville as a teacher for the next 29 years. Education was always important to Bob in both his personal and professional life.

Bob and Kathy DiFranco lived in Grafton and with their five children, Troy, Chad, Heather, Jason and Ryan. They all participated in athletics at Midview. Bob’s involvement with the Midview community and schools was endless. He coached middle school football and basketball at Midview and was an assistant varsity football coach in 1969, 1970 and in the 1990’s. He was the varsity basketball scorekeeper for many years. Bob was a member of the Grafton Parks and Recreation Committee and coached numerous hot stove teams in the community. He started the Midview Flag Football league in 1983. He was also the director for the district and regional softball tournaments. Bob DiFranco’s dedication to his family was paramount in his life. He and Kathy followed the college activities of their children and seldom missed football and basketball games that they participated in. Bob was a lector and was involved with the “Christian Family Movement” at Immaculate Conception Church in Grafton.

Bob DiFranco passed away on January 11, 2000. The “Bob DiFranco Holiday Basketball Tournament”, now in its tenth year, honors his memory. It has generated thousands of dollars in scholarships for Midview students. Bob DiFranco set an example that is well exemplified by the legacy he left in the adults his children have become.

The Midview Athletic Hall of Fame is proud to honor Bob DiFranco with its “Special Recognition” award.