Tributes 2007-01-16

Glenn E. Armstrong, 94

MINERAL RIDGE – There will be memorial services held at a later date for Glenn E. Armstrong, 94, who died late Sunday evening at his home.

Glenn was born July 11, 1912 in McKeesport, Pa., the son of the late John and Marguerite (Howell) Armstrong.

He retired in 1977 from Mahoning Valley Sanitary District after 16 years as supervisor of equipment. Prior to his employment at the district, he was the service manager at Bonaquist Motor in Niles for 11 years.

Glenn became a member of the Mineral Ridge Church of Christ in 1930 where he served for many years as a Deacon, Class Officer and Trustee and was a member of the building committee. He was a charter member of the Mineral Ridge Volunteer Fire Department. After his retirement, he and his wife volunteered for Mobile Meals for 19 years.

Glenn is survived by wife Evelyn to whom he was married to for 75 years; two daughters, Donna Squires of Mineral Ridge, Diane Natoli of Niles; a brother, Thomas Armstrong of San Antonio, Texas; a sister, Dorothy Botz of Maple Heights; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Matilda Armstrong.

Friends and family may visit www.lanefuneralhomes.com to view the obituary and send condolences.

Sheila L. Liebisch Banks, 42

BERLIN CENTER – Memorial services will be at 12:30 p.m. Thursday at the Lane Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel, for Shelia L. Liebisch Banks, 42, who died late Saturday evening at Hospice House in Poland.

Sheila was born June 22, 1964 in Cincinnati, the daughter of the late William and Ida (Rinaldo) Liebisch.

Sheila leaves her husband, Robert Banks and three children, Sarah Gresham of Cincinnati and Stevie Banks and Robert Banks, both at home. She also leaves a sister, Denise Liebisch, and a brother, William Liebisch, both of Cincinnati, and two grandchildren.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Friends and family may visit www.lanefuneralhomes.com to view the obituary and send condolences.

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Paul T. Brenner, 78

VAN WERT – Paul T. Brenner, 78, died at 12:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 12, at Van Crest Health Care Center.

He was born Jan. 7, 1929 in Youngstown to J. Paul and Helen Thompson Brenner.

Mr. Brenner had worked for the Ohio State Highway Patrol as a drivers examiner. He had been a member of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Chorus for 27 years. He also served in the U.S. Army Medical Corp. during the Korean Conflict.

Survivors include two sons, Charles P. Brenner of Zanesville and Paul W. Brenner of Rocky River; a stepson, Jeffrey D. Stambor of Calistoga, Calif.; two daughters, Sara L. Brenner of Madison, Wis. and Margaret H. Kalmar of Bowling Green; a stepdaughter, Cheryl B. Torsney of Morgantown, W.Va.; a sister, Martha L. Brenner of Youngstown; 10 grandchildren; and a special friend, Phyllis Ayres of Van Wert.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his second wife, Elsa Malkin Brenner.

There will be a memorial service at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 19, at the First Presbyterian Church in Van Wert with Dr. Ed Jillson officiating.

Arrangements are being handled by the Bayliff & Son Funeral Home in Cridersville.

Eli Caron, 88

AUSTINTOWN – Eli Caron, 88, passed away Saturday, Jan. 13, 2007 at 12:37 p.m. in the emergency room of Forum Health Northside Medical Center.

Eli was born June 2, 1918 in Goodyear, Conn., the son of the late Louis and Adelia (Garieppi) Caron.

He retired in 1984 from Youngstown Welding where he worked for 10 years as a material handler. Eli also worked for 26 years at Isaly’s Dairy.

Eli was a WWII veteran, having served with Company B 643 Tank Destroyer Battalion in the European Theater. He was discharged Oct. 5, 1945 with the rank of Private First Class.

He was of the Catholic faith.

Eli is survived by his wife of 61 years, the former Minola Irene Smith, whom he married July 30, 1945; two sons, James L. (Marsha) of Boardman and William “Bill” C. (Vikki) of Gustavus; a sister, Doris Brenek of Lisbon, Conn.; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Besides his parents, Eli was preceded in death by two sisters, Loretta St. John and Delia Alberico; and a brother, Joseph Caron.

Family will receive friends Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2007, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Lane Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel, where a funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday.

Friends and family may visit www.lanefuneralhomes.com to view the obituary and send condolences.

William Dollard, 79

NEW CASTLE, PA. – William Dollard, 79, died at 3:54 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 14, at St. Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown.

He was born July 31, 1927 in Hoboken, N.J., a son of Joseph and Benedicta Meany Dollard.

He attended Westfield Presbyterian, was past commander of the Earl J. Watt American Legion Post and was a horse show announcer for the Western Pennsylvania Quarter Horse Association. He also served in the U.S. Army from 1945 to 1947.

He is survived by his wife, Lois (Harries) Dollard, whom he married Aug. 24, 1948, of New Castle; daughters, Kathleen Creech and husband Jack of New Castle and Amy Miles and husband Mark of Boardman; grandson, Matthew Miles of Boardman; and granddaughter, Corey Miles of Boardman.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be today from 7 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Terry A. Cunningham Funeral Home, where there will be services Wednesday at 2 p.m. conducted by Dr. Robert Bardeen.

Military graveside services will be held at Westfield Cemetery.

Mildred M. Gilbert, 92

DENVER – There will be services at 12:30 p.m. Thursday at Hubbard Union Cemetery Chapel for Mildred M. Gilbert, 92, formerly of Hubbard and Youngstown, who passed away Friday at Briarwood Nursing Home in Denver.

Mildred was born Jan. 13, 1914 in DuBois, Pa., the daughter of John and Isabell Black Mulgrew. She lived in this area until moving to Denver in 1980.

She was a buyer for Strouss-Hirshberg Department Store for many years.

Her husband, William Gilbert, whom she married Aug. 12, 1953, passed away July 4, 1979.

She leaves a sister, Jean Stefano of Hubbard; two nieces, Barbara O’Neil of Hubbard and Beth Taylor of Denver; a nephew, David Wilson of Denver; two great-nephews, Christopher Taylor and Stephen Moore; and two great-nieces, Brooke Taylor and Beverly Donahue.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Mary Pauline Wilson and Louise Robinson; and brothers, James Mulgrew, William Mulgrew and Gerald Mulgrew.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Stewart-Kyle Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 3695 Boardman-Canfield Road, Suite 301 B, Canfield, OH 44406-0321.

Stewart-Kyle Funeral Home Providing Funeral Service Since 1850

Harriet Marie Gurska, 71

HERMITAGE, PA. – Harriet Marie Gurska, 71, of 3634 Mt. Hickory Blvd., passed away at 10:18 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, at the UPMC Horizon Hospital in Farrell, Pa., after a courageous eight-year battle with cancer.

Harriet was born Aug. 23, 1935 in Erie, Pa., a daughter of the late John J. Quinn and Harriet Marie Parke Quinn.

She was an alumna of Villa Maria High School, Erie, and the Columbus (Ohio) College of Art and Design.

Earlier in her life, she was a fashion illustrator for the former Livingston and Strauss’ department stores. She was a well-known local artist and sculptor who worked with many different mediums, including wood, bronze and oil and watercolors. She was an exceptionally talented artist and her works can be found in many homes and businesses throughout the valley.

She was a member of the Mahoning County (Ohio) Woodcarvers Association. She was a member of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Farrell, and was a former active member of the Church of the Good Shepherd in West Middlesex, Pa., where she was a money counter and a member and past president of the Altar and Rosary Society. Active in the community, she was a volunteer for Meals-On-Wheels in Sharon, Pa., Prince of Peace Center in Farrell, and John XXIII Home in Hermitage. She was also an avid golfer and a longtime member of the former Sharon Country Club, where she was a six-time club champion of the Ladies 18-hole league.

She was a kind and giving individual who was a great friend to many.

A devoted wife and mother, she leaves her husband at home, Richard J. “Dick” Gurska, whom she married Aug. 24, 1974; two daughters, Cynthia Marie Fulcher and Catherine Ann Gurska, and a son, David G. Gurska and his wife Gina, all of Hermitage; a stepdaughter, Patricia Neuman of Woodbury, Minn.; a stepson, Richard J. “Dick” Gurska and his wife Karen of Gibbon, Minn.; three sisters, Sally Quinn and Margaret “Peggy” Kelsey and her husband Fred, all of Erie, and her twin, Marian Perantoni and her husband Robert of San Leandro, Calif.; a brother, John J. Quinn of Erie; nine grandchildren, Robbie, Mary and Danny Gurska, David, Brandy and Lindsay Fulcher, Lexy and Matt Gurska, and Anthony Neuman; a brother-in-law, Gustav Gurska of Cincinnati; and several nieces and nephews.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Prince of Peace Center, 502 Darr Ave., Farrell, PA 16121, or Meals-On-Wheels, in care of Christ Lutheran Church, 396 Buhl Blvd., Sharon, PA 16146.

Calling hours will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St.

A memorial Mass will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 3613 Sharon Road, West Middlesex, Pa. with Msgr. Salvatore P. Mitchell as celebrant.

Arrangements are by the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc.

Friends may visit McGonigleFuneralHome@verizon.net to email condolences.

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Virginia Ellis Landy, 83

SPRUCE PINE, N.C. – Virginia Ellis Landy, 83, formerly of Ohio, Georgia and Florida, died Wednesday at her daughter’s residence in Spruce Pine.

Virginia was born Dec. 15, 1923 in Struthers, a daughter of E.J. “Jack” and Ellen LaForce Ellis.

She was a graduate of Struthers High School and attended Youngstown College. After graduating from Youngstown College, she worked as the auditor for the college. She was a bookkeeper for the Civil Service Commission and retired in 1985. She was a founding member of the Fairview Baptist Church in Youngstown, where she served as choir director and organist. She also was a member of the First Baptist Church in Panella Parks, Fla.

She leaves her daughter, Sandra S. Ladigo Hite with whom she lived; two sisters, Ruby Rupe Smith of Austintown and Verna Gething of Struthers; two brothers, Glenn Ellis of Poland and Jack Ellis of Cornelia, Ga.; and a granddaughter, Teva Marie Hite.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

There will be funeral services Wednesday at 3 p.m. at the Davidson-Becker Funeral Home in Struthers, where friends may call from 1 to 2:45 p.m. Wednesday.

Visit at www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.

Robert E. Leak, 49

WARRENSVILLE HEIGHTS – There will be services at 1 p.m. today at Howard-Rhoden Memorial Home for Robert E. Leak, 49, who passed away Thursday, Jan. 4.

Mr. Leak leaves to mourn his loss his father, Robert Leak Sr. of Red Springs, N.C.; his mother, Alice Leak of Youngstown; two sons, Fobert D. Hooper of Bosic, N.C., and Andrew Smith of Youngstown; two daughters, Tomika and Tahmiel Lambert-Leak, both of East Orange, N.J.; two grandchildren; a special friend, Pamela Jackson of Warrensville Heights; and Robert Carter, who was like a father to him.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, George and Roberta Leak and Arthur and Alice Council.

Friends may call one hour prior to the services.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Howard-Rhoden Memorial Home.

Dominic J. Manenti, 87

VIENNA – Dominic J. Manenti, 87, died at 12:10 a.m. Monday at Autumn Hills Care Center.

He was born July 31, 1919 in Youngstown, a son of Carmen and Gabriella Carone Manenti.

Mr. Manenti served in the U.S. Army during WWII. He was a car inspector for the Youngstown Northern Railroad, retiring in 1980.

His wife, Jean Centifanti Manenti, whom he married May 22, 1948, died June 12, 1996.

Survivors include two daughters, Janet Manenti of Vienna and Donna (Joseph) Fornadel of Winter Garden, Fla.; a son, David (Tammy) Manenti of Hamlin, N.Y.; five brothers, Tony of Austintown, Steve of Liberty, Sammy of Mineral Ridge, and John and Joe Manenti, both of Girard; and five grandchildren, Jeannette Fornadel, Erica Manenti, Sara Manenti, Jesse Manenti and Rachel Manenti.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Mary and Carmel.

Calling hours will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Madasz Funeral Chapel, Brookfield, where there will be funeral services at 11 a.m. Friday, with Tim Jervis of the Hubbard Congregation of Jehovah Witnesses.

Burial will be at Crown Hill Burial Park.

Family and friends may visit www.MadaszChapel.com to send online condolences.

John S. Pallay, 91

BOARDMAN — Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Evangel Baptist Church for John S. Pallay, 91, who died Sunday evening at his residence with his family at his side.

Mr. Pallay was born Jan. 7, 1916 in Youngstown, a son of John and Helen Laslo Pallay and was a lifelong area resident.

A graduate of East High School, he owned and operated Pallay’s Ski Shop with his wife from 1955 until 1988. After his retirement from the ski shop, he tuned skis at home for family and friends.

He was a member of the church and a U.S. Army veteran serving in WWII in Europe and Africa. He was an avid skier, having skied until the age of 82 in 1988. He loved to travel with his wife and grandchildren.

He leaves his son and daughter-in-law, Dennis and Sharon Pallay of Boardman; a brother, William Pallay of Poland; a sister, Helen Toth of Austintown; three grandchildren, Wendy Pallay, Jonathan Pallay and Heather Pallay Mullins; and two great-grandchildren, Zachary and Gizalia.

He was preceded in death by his wife and a brother, Steve Pallay.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Fox Funeral Home and from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the church.

Contributions may be made to the Evangel Baptist Church, 5248 Southern Blvd. Boardman, OH 44512.

Family and friends may visit www.foxfuneralhome.org to view this obituary and send condolences.

Ellen “Louise” Smith, 89

NILES – Ellen “Louise” Smith, 89, died Monday, Jan. 15, at Forum Health Trumbull Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. She was a resident at Shepherd of the Valley in Niles.

She was born June 30, 1917 in Sharpsville, Pa., to Edward and Lydia Marie (Shollenberger) Auchter.

She graduated from Sharpsville High School in 1935. She married Jesse A. Smith of Farrell, Pa., in Wellsboro, W.Va., Oct. 31, 1936.

She enjoyed knitting, traveling and bingo. She especially enjoyed being the “Official Greeter” at Shepherd of the Valley in Niles.

She leaves three children, Shelby Ferry of Warren, Marsha (John) Webster of Warren, Pa., and Jesse (Shirley) Smith of Mineral Ridge; seven grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and three stepgreat-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her son George and her two brothers George and Robert.

Private services were held Monday at the Lane Funeral Home, Mineral Ridge Chapel.

The family requests that material contributions be made to Shepherd of the Valley in Niles.

Friends and family may visit www.lanefuneralhomes.com to view the obituary and send condolences.

Phyllis Jean Wallis, 81

BOARDMAN – Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Western Reserve United Methodist Church, 4580 Canfield Road, for Phyllis Jean Wallis, 81 of Boardman. She passed away Monday morning at Forum Health-Northside Medical Center.

She was born Feb. 24, 1925 in Youngstown, a daughter of George A. and Catherine Weil Doane.

Mrs. Wallis was a homemaker and member of the church.

Her husband, Dan B. Wallis, whom she married June 1, 1946, died Nov. 20, 1984.

Surviving her are a son, Timothy Wallis of Boardman; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Also, her companion, Joseph Hammerton.

Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Davis Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church.

The family request material tributes take the form of contributions to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Boardman, OH 44512.

George E. Warder Jr., 69

AUSTINTOWN – There will be funeral services Thursday at 1 p.m. at the Thompson Funeral Home, 4221 Market St., Boardman, for George E. Warder Jr., 69, who died Saturday evening at the Cleveland Clinic.

He was born Sept. 22, 1937 in Youngstown, the son of the late George E. and Hazel Warder Sr.

George graduated from South High School and served in the U.S. Navy. He worked as a forklift operator at General Motors in Lordstown, for 37 years, retiring in July of 2003. George was a bingo enthusiast.

His wife, the former Helen Judie Alcroft, whom he married Oct. 16, 1957, died Sept. 11, 2005.

He is survived by three daughters, Patricia L. (William) Adler of Hermitage, Pa., Susan L. (Robert) Wagner of Branson, Mo. and Debra A. Bagnoli of Port Orange, Fla.; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Friends may call Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Thomas P. Young, 70

SALEM – Thomas P. Young, 70, of Plymouth Place, beloved husband, father and grandfather, died Monday morning at his residence after a battle with leukemia.

He was born Oct. 30, 1936 in Boardman, a son of Dewey William and Lorena Belle Hull Young.

He was a 1954 Boardman High School graduate and graduated from Bethel College in St. Paul, Minn., with a sociology degree. He was an electrician at St. Luke Hospital in Cleveland and a biomedical engineering technician in Toledo prior to plant operations and construction management for Sharon, Northside and Salem Hospitals.

He was a member of the Community Bible Church in Beloit and the Bethel Friends Church in Poland. He was also a member of the Salem Rotary Club.

Mr. Young’s main focus in life was providing spiritual leadership and godly example to his children and grandchildren. He was a prayer warrior for his family, friends co-workers and acquaintances.

He is survived by his wife, the former Wanda Panter, whom he married Sept. 27, 1958; three daughters, Sherri and husband Herb Chapman and grandchildren Paul, Rachel, Andrew, Leah and Thomasson Chapman of Franklin, Tenn., Paula and husband Dean McDaniel and grandchildren, Jordan, Savannah, Lacey, Ashley and Canaan McDaniel, Beth and husband Steve Queen and grandchildren Chloe and Madeleine Queen of Poland; and a brother and sister-in-law, James and Ardy Young of San Diego.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Doris Cramer; and a brother-in-law, Frank Cramer.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, Poland Chapel, and from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Thursday at the Community Bible Church in Beloit.

There will be funeral services at 11 a.m. Thursday at the church.

Visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.

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