Thomas “Tom” Slentz was a beloved physical education teacher, mentor, and longtime citizen of Englewood, Ohio. His abrupt and terrible passing has left the town and the Northmont City School District in deep sorrow. In addition to being an ardent teacher at Northmont High School, Tom Slentz, 46, was an alumnus of the same institution where he devoted his professional career to molding the lives of innumerable pupils. Many in the Englewood and Northmont community, including friends, colleagues, students, and family, are deeply saddened by his premature death on October 1, 2024.
Tom was reared in Englewood, Ohio, and went to school in the Northmont City School District from elementary school until he graduated from high school in 1996. He had a tremendous commitment to his community, sports, and education from a young age. His love of sports ultimately inspired him to seek a profession in physical education, hoping to instill in his students the same discipline and desire for learning that he had experienced as a child.
Tom was a young, passionate teacher at Northmont City High School in 2002 who had just graduated from Ohio University’s degree program in physical education and health sciences. He was ready to make a difference. He developed into a vital member of the Northmont High School community during the ensuing 20 years, respected for his work as a coach, mentor, and district leader in addition to his dedication to physical education.
Many people in the close-knit community were shocked to learn of his passing, and they are greatly hurt by his loss. The school system and many who knew him have expressed their sorrow and gratitude for the influence he had on so many lives, even if the precise cause of death has not been made public. According to a statement made public by Northmont City Schools, Tom was more than just an educator. For his students, he served as a buddy, mentor, and role model. His commitment to this community and his love of learning were unparalleled. All those who knew him will be deeply saddened by his absence.