Posted September 12, 2022
“Phil” Maynard made the world a better place. His dedication to faith, family and to those in need left a legacy that will last forever. His work ethic, combined with a humble and generous heart is the example we all should emulate.
Phil attended St. Francis de Sales Parish School and Archbishop Hoban High School. After leaving Kent State University to enter military service in Japan, he returned home with his new bride Takako and started working a temporary job on Gilchrist Road at Akron Storage and Warehouse while finishing his degree and starting a family. He moved up the ladder quickly, eventually becoming assistant to the president.
Phil purchased his own company, Snyder Distribution Centers, Inc., which he renamed Akron Storage and Warehouse (ASW) in 1983.
“You’ve got to be able to move things expeditiously,” he said in a 2007 interview. “Our whole society is based upon movement, and that to me is basically what logistics is – moving things from Point A to Point B and keeping track of it in transit. Without it, our society comes to a screeching halt.”
After a long career, Phil retired from business in 2007 after the sale and merger of ASW Properties, Ltd. to former Cleveland Indian André Thornton.
Phil’s success in business was undeniable. His devotion to faith, family and charitable causes was nothing short of inspirational.
Akron Community Foundation President and CEO John Petures Jr. said Maynard’s giving touched many lives.
“He was an honest and generous man, in his faith, integrity and character,” Petures said. “He was a believer in the saying that ‘To those that much is given, much is expected,’ and I think that was rooted in his faith. He was a friend to so many.”
The Maynard Family Center for Spiritual Formation at Hoban High School opened in 2014. The Center includes a chapel as its centerpiece, offices and an area for campus ministry activities. Its focus is to develop a desire in students to serve others and to impact the world in a positive way.
Phil detailed his vision for the Center at the groundbreaking in March 2014.
“We wanted to do something that goes beyond a chapel. Something that is dedicated to the spiritual growth of all of the Hoban students because spiritual development is essential in the Holy Cross tradition. Holy Cross values emphasize developing the mind, body and soul. The spiritual formation center will be a place where students can worship God and focus on their faith and spiritual growth.”
Phil’s commitment to philanthropy will live for generations to come in the Catholic community as well as the Greater Akron Area. He lived the Gospel every day, making family and the wellbeing of others his priorities. The awards he received were deserved, but the real honor was bestowed on those who knew him and experienced his kindness, humble nature and social conscience. He was one of a kind and we all should strive to be more like him.
Phil’s extraordinary generosity touched the lives of many served by Catholic Charities. His financial contributions to annual campaigns like the Catholic Charities Annual Appeal and Summit County Partners in Giving as well as his time and active participation in fundraising events made an indelible and inspirational mark on so many programs and countless individuals and families. The Maynard Family Foundation has served as title sponsor to the annual Derby for Dollars event, benefitting Catholic Charities Emergency Assistance Services in Summit County and the annual Catholic Charities Summit County Golf Outing which benefits Peer Recovery programming. Phil established the Maynard Family Foundation in 1993.
Phil peacefully passed away in 2021 at the age of 78. Survived by his wife of 53 years, Takako; daughters Amy (T.K.) Griffith and Emily (Matt) Eckart; his grandchildren Allie (Frank), Austin, Abby, Andrew, Julia and Luke; sister Nancy (Gary) and brother Peter (Susan); nephew Simon (Denise) Maynard and niece Heidi (Guillermo) Arbona; grand-nephews and nieces: Isabella, Andrés, Gabriel, Samantha, Thomas and Camilla.
Awards and Honors
- Catholic Diocese of Cleveland – Archbishop Edward F. Hoban Award
- Akron Community Foundation - Bert Polsky Humanitarian Award
- Akron Children’s Hospital - Children’s Champion
- Archbishop Hoban High School – Distinguished Alumni
- University of Akron - Distinguished Alumni Honor Award
- Marketing Executives Association of Akron - Executive of the Year
- Small Business Council of the Akron Regional Development Board (Greater Akron Chamber) - Entrepreneur of the Year Award
- Village of Mogadore - Award of Appreciation
- Leadership Akron – Lifetime Trustee
- FirstMerit Bank - Eagle Award to his company for outstanding economic contributions to Northeast Ohio.
- Salvation Army Community Award
- Child Guidance & Family Solutions Friend of Children Award
- Greater Akron Chamber H. Peter Burg Economic Development Leadership Award
- Battered Women’s Shelter “No Harm" Award
- East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation Urban Leadership Award
Nonprofit Involvement
- Akron Children Hospital Board
- Akron Children Hospital’s Foundation Board
- Catholic Community Foundation
- Catholic Charities
- Archbishop Hoban High School
- University of Akron Foundation
- United Way of Summit County
- Open M Board
Click below to purchase tickets and sponsorships for our Celebration of 110 Years.
Part of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland
