By Rebecca Goodman
Enquirer staff writer

PRICE HILL - Jerome T. "Jerry" McClatchey, a high school football and basketball official in Greater Cincinnati for more than 30 years, died Monday of a heart attack at University Hospital.

The Price Hill resident was 58.

"He was a friend to all and just a wonderful individual who kept peace and harmony with coaches and players," said his friend, Tim Donovan of Mount Washington. "He did a wonderful job."

Mr. McClatchey coached basketball at St. Antoninus School in Green Township during the 1970s and basketball at St. Teresa of Avila School in Price Hill from 1970 to 1985.

"I think the biggest aspect is that he coached and reffed. He worked both sides," Donovan said. "That's where the empathy came from. That, and he was just a very, very good individual. He had a heart of gold."

As a high school varsity football and basketball official, Mr. McClatchey touched the lives of hundreds of Greater Cincinnatians. He was twice selected to referee state football playoffs and officiated at several state basketball tournaments.

Mr. McClatchey also served as referee for the Cincinnati Recreation Commission and other leagues on Cincinnati's West Side.

And he worked hard to provide a good life for his family, said his son, Chris, of Merritt Island, Fla.

"He used to work two and three jobs in order to ensure that his family always went on vacation," said Chris McClatchy.

He fell in love with Ocean City, Md., while serving in the Army Reserve from 1966 to 1971 and he saw to it that "our family has gone there the third week in July for the past 26 years."

Mr. McClatchey was director of safety and security at Providence Hospital from 1971 until 1989 and at Drake Center from 1989 until his death.

In addition to his son, survivors include his wife, Marian "Mimi" Hub McClatchey; his mother, Kathryn McClatchey of Clifton; another son, Tim of Fairfield; three daughters, Amy Gates and Katie Priestle, both of Green Township, and Becky McClatchey of Price Hill; a sister, Mary Rust of Green Township; and six grandchildren.

Mass of Christian burial is 10 a.m. today at St. Teresa of Avila Church, 1175 Overlook Ave., Price Hill. Burial will be at St. Joseph New Cemetery.

Memorials: Jerome T. McClatchey Memorial Fund, St. Xavier High School, 600 W. North Bend Road, Cincinnati 45224.

E-mail rgoodman@enquirer.com