Records Tributes 2007-01-25
Kelly Lynn King Allen, 37
STRUTHERS – Kelly Lynn King Allen, 37, of Struthers, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 23.
Kelly was born Feb. 24, 1969 in Youngstown, a daughter of Daniel and Rita Branam King, and was a lifelong resident of Struthers.
She was a 1987 graduate of Struthers High School and at one time was employed by Society Bank in Poland. She was a former member of New Life Assembly of God in Poland.
She leaves her parents, Thomas Jr. and Rita Gough of Struthers; a son, Isaiah Michael Wilson of Hartford; three sisters, Wendy (Dr. James) Haun of Vienna, Tracy (Nicholas) Blinsky of Poland and Karen Advant of Tennessee; two brothers, Kirk King of Tennessee and Thomas R. Gough III of Struthers; and maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. John Branam of Chatsworth, Ga.
Kelly’s father, Daniel King, preceded her in death.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Davidson-Becker Funeral Home, Struthers where friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday.
Visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.
Ida “Edith” Boyle, 81
YOUNGSTOWN – Ida “Edith” Boyle, 81, passed away Jan. 23.
She was born July 26, 1925 in Akron.
She graduated from the Sacred Heart Academy in Akron and, shortly thereafter, she met a handsome soldier on a bus. She married that soldier, Frank Boyle, and moved to Youngstown when she was 18 years old.
For many years she was a homemaker dedicating her life to her five children. During that time, she was a member of the Mother of Twins Club. She then began to work in retail services for many years and, after a career in that field, she became a caregiver for the elderly.
In her retirement, she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandson, Anthony Hill. She was a member of St. Christine’s Senior Citizens Card Club and numerous parish card clubs throughout the Valley. She loved playing Five Hundred with her friends, sometimes five times a week.
She will always be remembered by her family as a loving wife, a dedicated mother, a loyal sister and a fun loving grandmother who were blessed to have been loved by her. “She was the light of our life.”
During her illness, she was lovingly cared for by the staff of Humility House on Ohltown Road in Austintown. She received many hugs, kisses and words of encouragement from the staff who loved her. Her children will forever be indebted to the cheerful, pleasant caring employees who contributed to making her last days happy ones.
She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Pamela (Boyle) and John Furrie of Tucson, Ariz., Sheila (Boyle) and Rick Hill, Richard and Jackie Boyle, Michael and Colleen Boyle and William and Kim Boyle of Concordia Mo.; her grandchildren, Rochelle (Boyle) Boey and Rick Boyle of Phoenix, Michael Boyle II, Shannon Boyle and Kristin (Furrie) Owens of Sacramento, Calif., Vincent Furrie of Los Angeles, Mike and Billy Klasic, Anthony Hill, Micah, Jordan, Gabriel and Noelle Boyle of Concordia; several great-grandchildren; her sister, Lillian and Bill Willgohs; and two brothers, Rudy Fruscella and William (Sandy) Fruscella.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Mary Fruscella, and her husband, Frank.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in memory of Ida Boyle be sent to the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, 4303 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown, OH 44515 where the donations will be distributed to the Humility House Employee Appreciation Fund, Hospice of the Valley and the American Diabetes Association.
Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home and from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Christine’s Church.
Edward S. Conrad, 93
POLAND – Edward S. Conrad, 93, died Sunday evening at St. Elizabeth Medical Center.
He was born in Portage, Pa., a son of Charles E. and Emma Griffith Conrad, and came to this area in 1955.
Mr. Conrad was a graduate of Altoona High School and graduated from Altoona Business College. He was self-employed and worked as a food broker.
He was a member of the Poland United Methodist Church, where he was an adult Sunday school teacher, for more than 30 years. He also enjoyed traveling all over the world. He was a private pilot and owned two airplanes.
His first wife, the former Victoria B. Leonard, whom he married March 15, 1941, died Feb. 2, 2002.
He is survived by his second wife, Janet Chittock; two sons, Hank Conrad of Poland and Edward G. (Beth) Conrad of Howland; and two grandchildren.
Besides his parents, Mr. Conrad was preceded in death by two sisters, Rilla Jones and Edith Stark.
Friends and family may call from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. today at the Poland United Methodist Church, where services will be at 7:30 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be given in Mr. Conrad’s name to the Poland United Methodist Church, 1940 Boardman-Poland Road, Poland OH 44514.
Arrangements by Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, Poland.
Visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.
Frank Cucciarre
FAIRVIEW PARK – There will be a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Brendan Catholic Church, 4242 Brendan Lane in North Olmsted for Frank Cucciarre, a high school math teacher and former resident of Youngstown’s east side, who passed away Jan 20 after a two-year battle with cancer.
He was born May 5 ,1936 in Youngstown, the youngest of four children of the late Frank and Theresa (Ferrante) Cucciarre and was raised in Youngstown.
His siblings include sisters, Concetta Soriano (Bernard), Bridget Ivko (Michael) and Joann Foster (John, deceased), all of Youngstown.
He was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, attended Lincoln Elementary School and graduated from East High School in 1954.
In high school, he was president of the National Honor Society, and was a member of the Latin Club, Hi-Y and the Janus staff (yearbook). During his high school years, he worked at Malkoff’s Grocery Store in Youngstown.
He graduated from Miami University in 1958 with a B.S. in education. He was a member of Phi Kappa Tau fraternity and Kappa Alpha Kappa education fraternity.
He began teaching at Rocky River Schools at the junior high and later finished his 30 years of teaching at the senior high school.
He met his wife, Barbara (Weber) in college and they married in 1959. They had three sons, Frank P. (Christine), Michael J. (Ronda) and Paul J. (Tracy); and five grandchildren, F. Joseph, Sarah, Rebecca, Alex and Matthew.
Frank continued his education and received two masters degrees from Case Western Reserve University, a masters in education and a masters in mathematics.
He had also been a part-time teacher at Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland for 45 years.
Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Kacirek Funeral Home, 29150 Lorain Road (at Stearns Road) in North Olmsted.
Interment will be at Lakewood Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, the Salvation Army or the charity of the donor’s choice.
Barbara A. Lampkins Floyd, 60
COLUMBUS – A home going celebration will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Destiny Kingdom Worship Center in Columbus, for Barbara A. Lampkins Floyd, 60, who departed this life Friday, Jan. 19.
Mrs. Floyd was born Dec. 27, 1946 in Mobile, Ala., a daughter of Wilbur and Minnie Haston–Abrams Lee.
She was a member of the Destiny Kingdom Worship Center and was employed with Ves Con Industries.
She leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband of 25 years, John Floyd of Columbus; four sons, Lorenzo Lampkins, James (Ute) Lampkins, Russell Lampkins and Booker Lampkins, all of Columbus; a stepdaughter, Wendy Floyd of Detroit; two brothers, Jose’ (Shirley) Mundy Sr. and Albert H. (Terri) Abrams, both of Youngstown; three sisters, Patricia Harris of Warren, Deborah (Monty) Harrison of Cincinnati and Victoryia Morrison of Warren; two stepbrothers, Ernie Mundy and Ricky Henry, both of Youngstown; a beloved aunt, Annie Lee of Columbus; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends, including a special friend, Doris Boyd of Columbus.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a daughter, Monica Lampkins.
Friends may call Thursday one hour prior to services at the church.
A graveside service will be held Friday at 2 p.m. at Morefield Cemetery in Hermitage, Pa.
Local arrangements entrusted to the J.E. Washington Funeral Services Inc. in Farrell, Pa.
Anthony Fretlose, 90
YOUNGSTOWN – There will be services at 1 p.m. Friday at St. Dominic Church for Anthony Fretlose, 90, who died Wednesday at his residence.
Anthony was born Sept. 27, 1916 in Youngstown, the son of James and Madeline Mealle Fretlose, and was a lifelong area resident.
He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in the Pacific Arena during WWII. He retired in 1981 as an operating engineer, working for several local contractors. Anthony belonged to the International Union of Operating Engineers Local No. 66 and was a member of the church and its Holy Name Society.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Ralph A. Fretlose and James L. Fretlose Jr.; and two sisters, Lena Ciminelli and Josephine Dunadee.
There will be no calling hours.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Dominic Church, 77 E. Lucius Ave., Youngstown, OH 44507.
Arrangements are being handled by the Fox Funeral Home in Boardman.
Family and friends may visit www.foxfuneralhome.org to view this obituary and send condolences.
Carol Marie Giovannone, 82
WARREN – Carol Marie Giovannone, 82, of 1206 Ina Drive S.W., died at 6:39 p.m. Monday, Jan. 22.
She was born Aug. 8, 1924 in Butler, Pa., the daughter of Chile and Sarah Black Altman.
Carol was a 1942 graduate of Concord High School in Butler, a graduate of the Great Lakes College of Massage in Cleveland and was a self-employed massotherapist for 18 years and a certified nurse’s aide in Bluefield, W.Va., for seven years.
She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ in Liberty, enjoyed traveling and camping and was a truth seeker.
Her first husband, Dale C. Thompson, whom she married July 4, 1946, died Dec. 22, 1968.
Her second husband, Donald Crewse Sr., whom she married June 3, 1973, died in 1977.
Her third husband, Rex L. Baird, whom she married Aug. 8, 1982, died April 28, 2000.
She will be deeply missed by her husband, Frank D. Giovannone, whom she married April 23, 2005; two sons, Ronald T. Thompson and Gary L. Thompson, both of Kinsman; a daughter, Nancy Derby of Sanford, N.C.; and four grandchildren, Jeremy J. Derby of Somersville, Mass., Erik D. Derby of Providence, R.I., Steven D. Derby of New Port, R.I., and Julianna S. Derby of Old Saybrook, Conn.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Paul Altman, and a sister, Lotus Altman.
Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Joseph Rossi Funeral Home in Niles.
There will be a funeral service at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Church of Jesus Christ, 185 N. Canfield-Niles Road, Route 46 in Austintown, with the Rev. Wayne Martorana officiating.
Friends may call from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Church of Jesus Christ in Liberty in care of the funeral home.
Arrangements are being handled by the Joseph Rossi Funeral Home.
Visit www.josephrossifuneralhome.com to send condolences.
Veronica Kachovec, 79
NORTH JACKSON – There will be a Mass of Christian Burial offered at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, at St. James Catholic Church in North Jackson, preceded by closing prayers at 9:15 a.m. at the Lane Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel, for Veronica Kachovec, 79, who passed away Wednesday morning in Briarfield Manor Rehabilitation Center following a short battle with cancer.
She was born March 23, 1927 in Youngstown, the daughter of the late Michael and Mary Bracik.
Veronica was a 1945 graduate of Jackson Milton High School and retired from Jackson Milton Schools where she worked for 20 years as a cashier in the cafeteria.
She was a member of the church and its Keenagers and Altar and Rosary Society, member of the Patrol Wives of the Ohio State Highway Patrol was an avid bowler, bowling in leagues at Wedgewood Lanes and worked the Election Polls.
Her husband, Andrew R. Kachovec Sr., whom she married May 1, 1954, preceded her in death Feb. 22, 1975.
Veronica is survived by three children, Andrew R. “Andy” (Janice) Jr. of Berlin Center, Thomas “Tom” (Kathy) of Hamilton and Patricia “Patty” (Bob) Calai of Austintown; six granddaughters, Sarah and Jessica Kachovec, Cara and Laura Calai, Glenda (Jon) Hanshaw and Angela Dickinson; four great-grandchildren Angelica, Madyson, and Alexandria Hanshaw and Kaden Carlson; and several nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents, Veronica was preceded in death by sisters Anne, Elizabeth and Mary; and brothers, George, John and Michael.
Family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26, at the funeral home.
Interment will take place at North Jackson Cemetery.
Friends and family may visit www.lanefuneralhomes.com to view obituaries and send condolences.
John S. Kovach, 86
BOARDMAN — Services will be Saturday at 9:30 a.m. at the Fox Funeral Home and at 10 a.m. at Saint Charles Church for John S. Kovach, 86, who died Tuesday afternoon at Saint Elizabeth Health Center.
Mr. Kovach was born Feb. 17, 1920, in Teplicka, Czechoslovakia and came to the United States in 1929.
He retired as a supervisor candy maker for Gorant Candy Company. John often said he had “The Sweetest Job in Town.”
He was a member of the church and its Holy Name Society. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was an avid bowler with the Slovak Catholic Sokols and was an avid golfer and polka dancer. He also enjoyed walking at the mall.
He was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII, serving in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater.
His wife, the former Helen A. Demidovich, whom he married April 23, 1949, died Feb. 22, 1999.
He leaves four sons, John C. Kovach of Boardman, Charles F. Kovach of Columbus, James S. Kovach of Canfield and Thomas J. Kovach of Boardman; a daughter-in-law, Micki Kovach of Canfield; three granddaughters, Alyssa Kovach, Krista Kovach and Lauren Kovach; five sisters, Catherine Yanek of Youngstown, Mary Minear of Youngstown, Cecelia Ferenchak of Boardman, Agnes Kovach of Youngstown and Josephine Salata of New Middletown; and two brothers, Frank Kovach of Liberty and Cyril Kovach of Youngstown.
Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by a sister, Regina Kovach and two brothers, Joe Kovach and George Kovach.
Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Family and friends may visit www.foxfuneralhome.org to view this obituary and send condolences.
John R. Maiorana, 81
GIRARD – John R. Maiorana, 81, died Wednesday, Jan. 24, at Liberty Health Care Center.
He was born July 20, 1925 in Youngstown, the son of the late Antonio and Tindara (Macula) Maiorana.
He was an Army veteran of WWII and was a graduate of Youngstown State University. He was Girard city treasurer for 24 years and was a cost accountant for St. Elizabeth’s Hospital for 24 years. He was a member of St. Rose Church in Girard and the Knights of Columbus, Council 2935.
He is survived by his wife, Fernleigh “Peanuts” (Wilcox) Maiorana, whom he married Aug. 16, 1947; a son, Terry (Linda) Maiorana of Phoenix; a daughter, Linda Lee Yanasak of Girard; a brother, Robert Maiorana of North Carolina; four sisters, Nancy Vadino of Niles, Mary Hudak of Campbell, Margaret Colburn of Youngstown and Donna Ledenko of Niles; and three grandchildren, Jenna, Jessica and Jaclyn Maiorana.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Gene Maiorana; a daughter Laura Lee Maiorana; four brothers, Joseph, Sam, Thomas and Charles Maiorana; and two sisters, Janet Cupan and Anna Galati.
Calling hours will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26, at McClurkin Funeral Home in Girard.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, at St. Rose Church with prayers at 9 a.m. at the funeral home.
Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 510 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38104.
Judith Kathleen Horn McKay, 68
POLAND – Judith Kathleen Horn McKay, 68, of 7377 Indian Trail Drive, died Tuesday afternoon at her home.
Mrs. McKay was born in Lowellville, a daughter of Rodger J. and Esther McConnell Horn.
She was a 1957 graduate of Lowellville High School. She worked from 1958 to 1967 for the Home Savings and Loan Company, and served as an assistant controller. She was a member of the Poland United Methodist Church, the Poland Women’s Club, the Poland PTA and STEP, the Cotillion and Colony Clubs, the Financial Managers Society, the Poland Swim Club and the Youngstown Club. She was an avid bridge player, belonging to several bridge clubs.
A warm and talented homemaker and hostess, Judy was a beloved confidante to the many friends she treasured.
Her husband, James N. B. McKay, whom she married March 4, 1967, died Nov. 29, 2000.
She is survived by two daughters, Melissa (Tom) Cote of Weatherford Texas and Cynthia McKay of Poland; two sons, James McKay of Berea and Robert Bruce (Mary) McKay of Blairsville, Pa.; a brother, Rodger (Mary Jo) Horn of Hayesville; and a grandson, John Papinchak.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Family and friends may call from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Saturday at the Poland United Methodist Church where there will be services at 1 p.m. with Rev. Dr. Robert P. Hoover officiating. Interment will follow at Poland Riverside Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be given in Mrs. McKay’s name to the Youngstown YMCA, 17 North Champion St., Youngstown, OH 44503.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, Poland Chapel.
Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.
Mary A. Opsitnik, 91
YOUNGSTOWN – There will be services at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Paul the Apostle Church in New Middletown for Mary A. Opsitnik, 91, who died peacefully at her home Tuesday evening surrounded by her family.
Mary was born Jan. 20, 1916 in Youngstown, a daughter of John and Mary Stanko Klein and was a lifelong area resident.
She had worked in the Upholstery department of General Fireproofing for several years. She was a member of the church and had been a former member of St. Cyril and Methodius Church in Youngstown. She enjoyed cooking, sewing and gardening, but most of all, she enjoyed looking after her family.
Her husband, John K. Opsitnik, whom she married June 1, 1940, died Nov. 10, 1995.
She leaves two sons, John (Dick) Opsitnik and his wife, Barbara of Felton, Del. and Donald A. Opsitnik and his wife, Patty of Poland; a sister, Helen Eusanio of Boardman; four grandchildren, Leah Foy, Nikki Opsitnik, Andrew Opsitnik and Elizabeth Opsitnik; and two stepgrandchildren, Kimberly Herold and Michele Gross.
A sister, Margaret Jackson and five brothers, John, Joseph, Stephen, Albert and Edward Klein, are deceased.
Friends may call from 9 to 10:30 a.m. prior to the Mass at the church.
Contributions may be made to the church.
Arrangements are being handled by the Clemente Funeral Home in New Middletown.
Edward Pleas, 57
YOUNGSTOWN – There will be a funeral service at 10 a.m. Saturday at the F.D. Mason Memorial Funeral Home for Edward Pleas, 57, who departed this life Sunday at his residence.
Mr. Pleas was born Sept. 22, 1949 in Youngstown, a son of Henderson and Ola M. Bronson Pleas.
He worked for Delphi Packard Electric, retiring after 30 years. He received his bachelor of arts degree from Youngstown State University and was a U.S. Marine Corp. veteran during the Vietnam Conflict.
He leaves a son, Asim Tulane Pleas of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; a daughter, Nieda Jones of Meridian, Miss.; three sisters, Anne P. Cobbin and Essie P. Winkfield, both of Youngstown and Juanita (Ernest) Warren of Twinsburg; a brother, Harold (Loretta) Pleas of Youngstown; grandchildren, Asim Tulane Pleas Jr., Sade Gray and Amaya Pleas; a godson, Lorenzo Carter II; and best friends, George Warren and Brenda Penson-Grace, both of Youngstown.
Viewing will be Friday from noon to 4 p.m. at the funeral home where friends may call one hour prior to the service.
Marjorie C. Stanley, 100
SEBRING – Marjorie C. Stanley, 100, died at 6 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24, at Crandall Medical Center.
She was born Oct. 15, 1906 in Akron to Earl and Clara (McCuskey) Carter. While born and raised in Akron, Marjorie lived most of her adult life in Youngstown, before moving to Copeland Oaks in 1993. While at Copeland Oaks, she served as both a helping hand and a caring friend.
Mrs. Stanley graduated from high school in 1924, and received her B.A. in English from Mount Union College. She worked as a correspondent for B.F. Goodrich Co. before staying home with her children. At the age of 50, she began working for the State of Ohio Employment Service, retiring as a supervisor in 1976.
A member of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Youngstown, she was also a member of PEO Sisterhood, Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity, a former PTA council president in Youngstown and past president of Mount Union Women. She was also active in the Youngstown Playhouse for many years.
Survivors include her children, Cynthia (James) Hossman of Lewisberry, Pa., Edwin (Marie) L. Stanley of Fernandina Beach, Fla., and Stephanie (David) Greer of Harrison Township, Mich.; eight grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin L. Stanley, whom she married Nov. 2, 1935, and who died in 1972; brothers, Kenneth E. Carter and Robert J. Carter; sister, Elizabeth Cubbage; and granddaughter, Alison Kelly Stanley.
A memorial service will be held in the spring at the Bennett Chapel at Copeland Oaks.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Oaks Foundation Life Care at Copeland Oaks, 800 S. 15th St. Sebring, OH 44601 or the charity of the donors’ choice.
Arrangements are by Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home in Alliance.
Friends may visit www.ctcfuneral.com to register online.
Merle Leroy Welling, 70
SALEM – Merle Leroy Welling, 70, of 291 N. Madison Ave., died at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday at his home, with his family at his side, after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born Oct. 2, 1936 in Lisbon, the son of the late Merle Paul and Ethel Rebecca (Stockman) Welling.
He was a 50-year member of the Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 396, retiring Oct. 2, 1998.
Merle had worked as a plumber for Ellyson Plumbing & Heating for 23 years. He attended McKinley Heights School, Salem High School and the First Friends church in Salem. Merle was an avid NASCAR fan, a stock car driver and enjoyed working on cars. He also enjoyed gardening and spending the winters in Florida.
He is survived by his wife, Marjorie Lou (Leyman) Welling, whom he married June 27, 1953 by Wade Loop, Justice Of The Peace; four daughters, Bobbie (Larry) Callahan of Uniontown and Vickie (Les) Bricker, Sue (Don) Shuman and Jan (Greg) Toothman, all of Salem; a brother, Russell Welling of Salem; 10 grandchildren, Jordan Callahan, Stacy (Bricker) Callahan, Jason Bricker, Chelsie Shuman, Don Shuman, Chantel Shuman, Ashley Welling, Brittany Toothman, Brandon Toothman and Emily Toothman; a great-grandchild, David Alexander Mathes; and several nieces and nephews.
Also preceding him in death were a son, Ken Welling; a brother, James William Lutton; two grandchildren, Greg Hodge and Lantz Bricker; and a great-granddaughter, Ella Ann Callahan.
Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Stark Memorial Funeral Home, with Rev. Mark Headland officiating.
Burial will be at Highland Memorial Park in Beloit.
Calling hours will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 525 N. Broad St., Canfield, OH 44406.
Rudolph “Rudy” Zelina, 75
CAMPBELL – There will be services at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. John Orthodox Church, for Rudolph “Rudy” Zelina, 75, who passed away Tuesday morning at his residence.
Mr. Zelina was born Jan. 27, 1931, in Campbell, a son of Sam Sr. and Helen Barbus Zelina and was a lifelong area resident.
A January 1949 graduate of Campbell Memorial High School, Mr. Zelina was a professional draftsman and the plant manager for Calex Corporation in Campbell, retiring in 1995 after more than 40 years of service. He was a decorated U.S. Army veteran serving in the Korean War as a paratrooper with Company D of the 33rd Armored Engineer Battalion, receiving the Korean Service Medal with two bronze service stars, the United National Service Medal, the Combat Infantry Badge, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Parachutist Badge.
He was a member of the church, its parish council and “O” Club, and a charter member of the church’s building committee. He was an avid golfer, and enjoyed gardening and spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
His wife, the former Betty Vrabel, whom he married Feb. 6, 1954, passed away July 22, 1985.
He is survived by two daughters, Denise (Rich) Kafka of Wilmington, and Michelle (Derrick) Zelina of Georgia; two sons, Rick (Jeanne) Zelina of Cleveland and Paul (Anne) Zelina of New Castle, Pa.; a brother, John (Olga) Zelina of Poland; six grandchildren, Dana (Jason), Megan (Dusty), Kevin, Evan, Mackenzie and Jared; and two great-grandchildren, Gunner and Kimber.
Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Victor, George and Sam Jr. Zelina; and a sister, Emily Vasilzhek.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Wasko Funeral Home, where a prayer service will be held at 7:30 p.m. and a half hour before the service on Saturday at the church.
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