Paul Biber

Paul Biber Jr, age 75 of Sheffield Lake died at home on July 6 with his wife Joan Perch and sons Daniel and Joshua Biber and other family members at his side. 

Paul was a lifelong Lorain County resident and always deeply engaged in the Lorain community. The son of Paul Sr. and Stella Biber, Paul was an outstanding student and athlete at Admiral King High School earning multiple varsity letters with numerous honors in football, basketball and track. Following graduation in 1966, Paul entered the US Naval Academy. Two years later he transferred to the University of Toledo where he played tight end for the Toledo team that would go undefeated 3 consecutive years, culminating in two Tangerine Bowl wins and a #12 national ranking. 

After earning bachelors and masters degrees, Paul began a 36 year career as a social studies teacher at Admiral King. He was blessed with an incredible memory and comprehensive knowledge of world and US history that he drew upon in his classroom to educate and inspire his students.

No sooner did Paul begin his teaching career than he also began a coaching career that would ultimately lead to his induction in the Lorain Sports Hall of Fame. After serving as a football assistant coach at Admiral King for 7 years, Paul took over the girls basketball program at the school and led it to 8 conference and 11 sectional championships. He was named Lorain County Coach of the year nine times. Paul also coached the boys basketball team at Admiral King in 2003 and 2004, helped develop youth basketball programs in Lorain and coached AAU high school basketball from 2003 - 2009. Paul cared deeply for his students and went far beyond what was expected of a coach or teacher. Often that was a ride, a meal, or advice regarding further education or job opportunities – whatever he could do to help. 

After retiring from Admiral King in 2006, Paul taught history at Lorain County Community College for 18 years. 

Paul and his wife Joan also spent 25 years in the Cleveland arts scene, supporting local and regional artists including owning and operating Art at the Powerhouse and Art Metro, both galleries in Cleveland. Paul also served as a founder and board member of FireFish Arts in Lorain. 

A staunch Democrat, Paul served as a staff liaison to US Congressman Donald Pease for 10 years and was elected to the Lorain Board of Education in 2007. Paul enjoyed reading, spending time with friends and family, playing poker, and the annual family vacation on Cape Cod. 

Paul is survived by his wife Joan and sons Dan and Josh, sisters Karen Biber (Tom Holdford) and Diana Biber and in-laws Tom and Donna Perch, Mariellen Perch and nieces Michele Perch (David Bressler) and Allison Perch (Keith MacKay) and great niece Penelope Bressler. 

In addition to his parents, Paul was pre-deceased by his brother Patrick. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Lorain at 4 PM on Saturday, July 13 followed at 5 PM by a reception at Speak of the Devil patio bar in Lorain. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to http://www.firefishfestival.com/make-a-donation/