Vicki Blanton, 61
BOARDMAN Vicki Blanton, 61, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2009, at Valley Renaissance.
Vicki was born July 22, 1947 in Youngstown to the late Eugene and Millicent Thorpe Arnold.
She was a homemaker and attended the Millcreek Baptist Church.
She is survived by her children, Judee (Charlie) Davenport of Georgia; son, Cody Blanton of Youngstown; sisters, Pegge (Sam) DeAngelo of Clarks Mills, Pa., Bonnie Barbero of Shreve and Roxie (Wayne) Duerden of Bremo Bluff, Va.; their father, James Blanton of Youngstown; grandchildren, Ashley (LeeAndre) Walker of Minot, N.D. and Courtnee Davenport of Georgia; a great-granddaughter, Jasmine Walker; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Eugene Arnold Jr.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Blackstone Funeral Home, where friends may visit one hour prior to the service.
Joseph R. Bryan, 80
CANFIELD There will be prayers offered at 9:30 a.m. Friday at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Boardman-Canfield Chapel and a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church for Joseph R. Bryan, 80, who died Sunday, Feb. 8, at his residence.
Joseph was born June 8, 1928 in Youngstown to the late Joseph A. and Edna (Karam) Bryan.
He attended Youngstown College, and graduated with high honors at the top of his class from Ohio Northern University College of Law in 1951.
He was admitted to practice law in Ohio in August of 1951. For two years, he served with the U.S. Marine Corps attached to the legal office. His private practice spanned over 40 years from October of 1953 to December of 1993.
He served Mahoning County as a Referee of Juvenile Court from January of 1961 to September of 1993, a Referee of Common Pleas Court, General Division from September to December of 1993, and as a Magistrate of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court from January of 1994 until his retirement on July 3, 1999.
He returned to private practice in 2000. During his professional career, he was an Arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association for over 25 years and served as a hearing officer and Arbitrator in labor-management disputes within the steel industry in Northeast Ohio.
He was a member of the Ohio State Bar Association, Mahoning County Bar Association, serving as president from 1979 to 1980, American Arbitration Association and Ohio Magistrates Association. He also served the Mahoning County Children Services Board as Chairman, the Youngstown Catholic Service League as president, the Steel Valley Homes for Youth as president, Legal Assistance Association of Mahoning County as president, The Chesterton Club as president, the Knights of Columbus, where he served as Past Grand Knight and former District Deputy, and the Lions Club of Canfield for many years. He was active in the Youngstown Diocese and St. Michael Parish for over 30 years.
Joseph was honored as the Lawyer of the Year for 1986 to 1987 by the Mahoning County Bar Association, and the Brotherhood Award in 1971 by the BNai BRith, and the Knight of the Year Council 3144, Knights of Columbus. He was also honored with membership in the Willis Society for Scholastic Achievement, and in 1999 received the Distinguished Service Award from the Mahoning County Bar Association.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Jean (Rogan) Bryan, whom he married Nov. 15, 1958,and died Nov. 2, 2007; and a sister, Joyce Smock.
He leaves a daughter, Janine (Kevin) Vining of Bismarck, N.D.; five sons, Dr. Joseph M. (Terri) Bryan of Ft. Myers, Fla., James M. Bryan of Atlanta, Jerry M. (Kathleen) Bryan of Canfield, Jason M. (Michelle) Bryan of Akron and Jonathan M. (Jan) Bryan of Hilliard; and two grandchildren, Alex Bryan of Sarasota, Fla. and Joanna Bryan of Hilliard.
Friends may call Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery.
Those who wish may make contributions to St. Michael Church.
Please visit www.higgins-reardon.com to view this obituary and send condolences.
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Shirley Coco, 73
HUBBARD Shirley Coco, 73, passed away Feb. 5, 2009 at Forum Health Northside Medical Center.
Shirley was born Dec. 6, 1935 in Girard, the daughter of Harry D. and Lulu (Parker) Barton.
She retired from the The Wood Company at Youngstown State University.
Shirley married Dominic Coco on Oct. 11, 1958. He passed away July 13, 1997.
Shirley was preceded in death by her son, Dominic J. Coco; two sisters, Donna Jean Peppy and Janet Worrelia; and one brother, Bruce Barton.
Private service where held for Shirley on Monday.
Alice E. Craig, 99
HUBBARD There will be funeral services at 11 a.m. Friday at the Stewart-Kyle Funeral Home for Alice E. Craig, 99, who passed away Monday at Park Vista Retirement Community.
Alice was born June 10, 1909 in Pulaski, Pa., a daughter of Charles and Frances Gearhart Thompson and came to Hubbard in 1931.
She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Hubbard.
Her husband, Russell W. Craig, whom she married June 12, 1931, passed away June 20, 1981.
She is survived by her sons, Donald S. Craig of Port Orange, Fla. and Thomas W. Craig of Hubbard; eight grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Robert W. Craig; brothers Russell W. Thompson and Walter S. Thompson; her sister, Louise Minteer; and daughter-in-law Sandra Craig.
There will be calling hours on Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Stewart-Kyle Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Hubbard, 22 Westview Ave., Hubbard, OH 44425 or Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Youngstown, OH 44512.
Interment will be at Hubbard Union Cemetery.
Friends and family may visit www.stewart-kyle.com to view this obituary and send condolences.
Stewart-Kyle Funeral Home Providing Funeral Service Since 1850
Elizabeth DeAngelis, 27
LIBERTY There were private services held at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4700 Market St. in Boardman, for Elizabeth DeAngelis, 27, who passed away Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2009, at her residence.
Elizabeth was born Nov. 25, 1981, the daughter of Anthony J. and Lanora (Fiscus) DeAngelis.
She was employed with Leer Seat Company in Lordstown, and was a 1999 graduate of Hubbard High School.
Elizabeth enjoyed spending time with her family, but especially with her children.
She leaves to hold on to her memory her precious loved ones, a son, Dominic; three daughters, Audrina and twins, Livia and Kayla; a loving aunt, Dolores Lori DeAngelis and cousins, Candy and Mark, whom raised her; two sisters, Chelise and Melissa; four brothers, Tony, Fred, Lenard and Isaiah; three aunts, Gloria, Rosita and Rosie Gatze; her cousin, Maria Klasic; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Arrangements entrusted to the professional care of the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4700 Market St. in Boardman.
My Lizzy, You are so precious to me. All you ever wanted was for everyone to love and hold you. As I look up at the sky each day, I see the bright blue in your loving eyes that sparkles as the sun shines upon them and the smile that lightened up everyones lives. Oh, if only they could have seen what was really in your precious heart as I did. Love you forever, Aunt D.D.
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Anna DiGregorio, 107
YOUNGSTOWN A Mass of Christian Burial was held yesterday, Feb. 10, at the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church with Celebrant Rev. Msgr. Michael J. Cariglio for Anna DiGregorio, 107, who passed away on Saturday, Feb. 7.
Anna was born Jan. 16, 1902, in Italy, the daughter of Angelo and Filomena (DAloise) Pavone and came to America as a young child.
She was homemaker and a member of the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church.
Her husband Eugene DiGregorio, whom she married in 1925, passed away in 1978.
Her love will always be cherished by her daughter, Gloria Latessa of Liberty; two sons, Edward DiGregorio and his wife Edith of Boardman, and Arthur DiGregorio of Poland; 13 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and a sister-in-law, Mary Pavone of Poland.
Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by two grandsons, Edward and Arthur DiGregorio; a great-granddaughter, Alyssa DiGregorio; a daughter-in-law, Grace DiGregorio; a son-in-law, Rudy Latessa; her two sisters, Rose and Josephine Pavone; and four brothers, Robert, Frank, Michael, and Henry Pavone.
There were no calling hours.
Arrangements were entrusted to the care of the Rossi Brothers & Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave. in Boardman.
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Albert A. Ferenchak Sr., 89
BOARDMAN Albert A. Ferenchak Sr., 89, died early Monday evening at St. Elizabeth Health Center on Belmont Avenue.
Mr. Ferenchak was born in Youngstown on Nov. 14, 1919, a son of John and Mary Bellej Ferenchak and lived in the area all of his life.
He worked as a pipe inspector in the electric weld shop at Republic Steel for 36 years, retiring in 1981.
A longtime member of St. Matthias Church, Mr. Ferenchak also belonged to the Holy Name Society and served on the Parish Council for 8 years. He was a member of the Jednota Catholic Slovak Union, golfing and bowling on Jednota leagues.
Albert leaves his son, Albert (Donna) Ferenchak Jr. of Seneca, S.C.; his daughter, Janet (Gene) Geister of Boardman; and three grandchildren, Eric and Ashley Ferenchak, and Adam Geister.
He was preceded in death by his three sisters, Betty Nolder, Helen Bobby, and Sr. Mary Agatha, VSC; and by his four brothers, John V., Steve, Vincent and Cyril Ferenchak.
Services for Mr. Ferenchak will be held Thursday at 10 a.m. at St. Matthias Church in Youngstown.
Friends may call at the church one half hour prior to the services. Friends may also call at the Kubina Yuhasz Funeral Home, 5925 Market St. in Boardman, Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m., where a prayer service will be held at 4:45 p.m.
Visit kubinayuhasz@sbcglobal.net to send condolences.
Edna Ruth Gatewood, 59
AKRON Edna Ruth Gatewood, better known as Jackie, at age of 59, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009.
She was born March 29, 1949, in Akron, the daughter of Eddie Gatewood and Margaret Howze.
Jackie was a proud graduate of East High School, Class of 1968. She was an administrator of an after school and summer program for Smokey Hollow Ministries and was a member of the Butler Memorial Presbyterian Church.
She leaves two sisters, Alberta Rhodes and Margaret (Virdee) Thompson, both of Fairborn; three brothers, Ronald Henderson of Youngstown, William L. (Vanessa) Phifer Jr. of Steubenville, and Roy Phifer of Columbus; stepfather, William L. Phifer Sr.; three aunts, Ruth Woodall, Mildred (Irwin) Warren and Florence Dial, and a very close friend, Linda Weaver, all of Youngstown; and a host of nieces, nephews and first cousins and other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her parents; by her maternal grandparents, William and Nannie Mae Henderson; a brother, Lawrence Everett (Phifer) Henderson Sr.; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Friends may call Thursday from noon to 1 p.m. at the funeral home.
Services will be at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009, at the F.D. Mason Memorial Funeral Home.
Family will receive friends at the Covenant Lodge on Wood Street immediately following services.
Wayne E. Goldsmith, 74
AUSTINTOWN Wayne E. Goldsmith, 74, passed away Sunday evening, Feb. 8, 2009, at Select Specialty Hospital from Parkinsons Disease complications.
Wayne was born April 4, 1934 in Wallace, W.Va., a son of the late Ira and Vallie Marie Hurst Goldsmith, and came to the Youngstown area in 1950.
He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving from 1956 to 1958, and was stationed in France, where he was part of the Red Ball Express convoy system.
Wayne worked 35 years for U.S. Steel, first at the Ohio Works Mill and then in Oil City, Pa. Mr. Goldsmith retired in 1983.
He was a member of the Boardman Baptist Church, enjoyed hunting, building dune buggies and carpentry. He especially enjoyed the time he spent with his family.
Mr. Goldsmith leaves his wife of nearly 49 years, Wilma Jean Hildreth Goldsmith, whom he married Feb. 20, 1960; his daughter, Donna (Michael) Smaldino of Youngstown; three grandchildren, Jason (Kim) Smaldino, Joseph (Katie) Smaldino and Jessica Smaldino; three great-grandchildren, Lauren Grace Smaldino, Kadin Allen Smaldino and Cassie Hoops; and two sisters, Doris Joann (Loudin) Flemings of Wallace and Helen (James K.) Anderson of Burgettstown, Pa.
Wayne will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.
A sister, Margaret Virginia Chrislip is deceased.
Family and friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Road in Youngstown.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Boardman.
Visit kinnickfuneralhome.com to view this obituary and send condolences on-line.
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Susan (Mazzone) Iacobucci, 50
LANTANA, TEXAS Susan (Mazzone) Iacobucci, 50, passed away Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009, at her home.
She was born Jan. 11, 1959 in Youngstown to Joseph Louis Mazzone and Geraldine Marie Stanislaw Mazzone.
Susan married Joe Iacobucci on April 24, 1982 in Youngstown.
She was a member of St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church in Lewisville, Texas, a member of the Lantana Book Club, and was a former volunteer for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Susan is survived by her husband, Joe; a daughter, Jennifer Iacobucci and a son, Michael Iacobucci, both of Lantana; her mother, Gerry Mazzone of Youngstown; a sister, Trisha Szuhay and husband, Danny of Lindenhurst, Ill.; a brother, Mike Mazzone and wife, Eileen of Chantilly, Va.; her grandmother, Julia Stanislaw of Youngstown; her mother-in-law, Patricia Iacobucci of Youngstown; her brothers-in-law, Mike and Zina of Youngstown, Bob and Shirley of Youngstown, and Dave and Ruthe of Columbus, Ohio; her aunt, Theressa DeLucca of Youngstown; her aunt and uncle, Lorena and Bob Stanislaw; and many extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her father, Joseph Louis Mazzone; by her father-in-law, Joseph R. Iacobucci; and by her grandparents, Michael Stanislaw and Novella and Paul Brindiar.
Funeral Mass will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009, at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church in Lewisville.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8:30 p.m. today, Feb. 11, at the Mulkey-Mason Funeral Home in Lewisville. Another viewing will be held at the church from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday prior to Mass.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Visit www.mulkeymason.com for online condolences.
Daniel JanJanin, 86
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP Daniel JanJanin, 86, died Sunday evening, Feb. 8, 2009, at his residence.
He was born Oct. 30, 1922 in Farrell, Pa, a son of Stojan and Bozica Rodich JanJanin and was a lifelong area resident.
Mr. JanJanin was self employed, working for Mylott JanJan Realty for 35 years and the JanJan Inn and Turkey Farm.
He served with the U.S. Army during WWII and his decorations included the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge. He was a member of St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Hermitage, Pa. and enjoyed spending time with his family.
His wife, the former Rita DErcole, whom he married Oct. 19, 1958, died March 1, 1996.
He leaves a daughter, Janice JanJanin of Liberty, with whom he made his home; two sons, Daniel (Maria) JanJanin of Seatlle and James (Madelyn) JanJanin of Austintown; and a granddaughter, Melissa JanJanin.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Michael JanJanin; and a sister, Mildred Maxwell.
Funeral services will be held Friday at 9:45 a.m. at the Kelley-Robb Funeral Home in Hubbard and at 11 a.m. at St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Hermitage, Pa.
Family and friends may call on Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Kelley-Robb Funeral Home in Hubbard.
Contributions may be made to St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, 65 S. Keel Ridge Road, Hermitage, PA 16148 or to the Antonine Sisters Adult Day Care, 2675 North Lipkey Road, North Jackson, OH 44451.
Please visit www.kelly-robb.com to view this obituary and to send condolences to the family.
James A. Peace, 80
MINERAL RIDGE Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Lane Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel for James A. Peace, 80, who died early Tuesday morning at St. Elizabeth Health Center.
Jim was born June 18, 1928, in Saltsburg, Pa., and was the son of the late James C. and Loretta (Ames) Peace.
He had worked for Packard Electric for 24 years, where he had been a machine repairman. He was a member of the Austintown Community Church, Post 737 in Lake Milton and had served in the U.S. Marines.
His wife, the former Helen Smith, whom he married Nov. 29, 1952, died May 27, 1995.
He is survived by a daughter, Sharon (Don) Kerner of McDonald. He also leaves a grandson, Joshua Kerner of McDonald and three great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; a brother, Samuel; and four sisters, Betty Bakich, Lois Easton, Dorothy Olive and Loraine Axe.
Friends may call at the funeral home from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday.
Family and friends may visit www.lanefuneralhomes.com to view this obituary and send condolences.
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Michael T. Ronci, 26
LAS VEGAS There will be funeral services at 8 pm on Wednesday, Feb. 11, at the Rossi Brothers & Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave. in Boardman for Michael T. Ronci, 26, who passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 3.
Michael was born June 14, 1982, in Youngstown, the son of Anthony E. and Cynthia (Tremayne) Ronci.
He was a 2000 graduate of Chaney High School. Michael worked in construction as a carpenter and had a passion for art. He especially loved drawing. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and was loved by everyone who knew him.
Michael will always be remembered by his parents of Youngstown; a brother, Anthony J. Ronci of Hubbard; his paternal grandmother, Eva Ronci; his maternal grandmother, Norma Jean Tremayne; his aunts and uncles, Tammi (John) Petrosky, Nanette Ronci, Reno (Diana) Ronci, David (Janet) Ronci, Kirk (Patty) Tremayne, Larry Tremayne, Craig (Dee) Tremayne, Randall Tremayne, Barbara (Marty) Kalmer, and Linda Gray; and many cousins.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Rinaldo Reno Ronci and his maternal grandfather, James A. Tremayne.
Friends may call from 5 until time of services on Wednesday, Feb. 11, at the funeral home.
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Michael D. Saunders, 42
YOUNGSTOWN Services will be Friday, Feb. 13, 2009, at 11 a.m. at St. Andrews AME Church for Mr. Michael D. Saunders, 42, who passed away Friday at Forum Health Northside Medical Center.
Mr. Saunders was born May 30, 1966, in Youngstown, a son of Claudia Saunders.
He was a 1984 graduate of Chaney High School and served in the U.S. Army. He was employed in the construction industry as a roofer. He enjoyed sports, music and loved being with family and friends.
He leaves to cherish his loving memory, his mother, Claudia Hauser of Woodbridge, Va.; his grandmother, Alice Saunders of Youngstown, who raised him; two children, Jamie Hubler of Youngstown and Jaelah Thomas of Dayton; two brothers, Brian Saunders and Albert Hauser, both of Woodbridge, Va.; an uncle, Harold Saunders Jr. of Youngstown; his fiancé, Yvette Dawson; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Harold B. Saunders Sr.
Friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church.
Arrangements entrusted to the L.E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home.
David Smith, 45
HUBBARD David Smith, 45, formerly of Wilbur, W.Va., departed this life Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2009, in Welland, Ontario, Canada.
He was born Nov. 23, 1963 in Tyler County, a son of Faye Smith Davis of Hubbard.
David was of Protestant faith, and a truck driver for Yourga in Wheatland, Pa., and a member of the Teamsters.
In addition to his mother, David is survived by his two sons, Brian Smith and his wife, Kara of New Martinsville, W.Va. and Victor Smith of Pensacola, Fla; one daughter, Tricia Smith of New Martinsville; one brother, Mark Santiago of Ohio; two sisters, Judy Hoover of Hubbard and Tracy Nelson of Missouri; and two grandchildren, Donnivan Smith and Kaylee Leichliter.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009, from noon to 3 p.m. at the VFW Post 6166 in Hermitage, Pa.
Please visit www.furbeefuneralhome.com to offer expressions of sympathy to the family.
Herbert Thompson, 77
YOUNGSTOWN A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the New Bethel Baptist Church for Herbert Thompson, 77, who departed this life Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2009, at Forum Health Trumbull Memorial Hospital in Warren.
Mr. Thompson was born Aug. 10, 1931 in Winston Salem, N.C., a son of Leroy and Dorothy Thompson.
He was an entertainer in Detroit. He was a member of the New Bethel Baptist Church and its mens choir.
He leaves a daughter, Mercedes Jemison in Germany; a sister, Thelma Morris, and a niece and caregiver, Renee Richardson, both of Youngstown; and a host of family and friends.
His parents and two sisters, Amy Johnson and Velma Boudrey preceded him in death.
Arrangements are being handled by the F.D. Mason Memorial Funeral Home.
James D. Wilson, 77
YOUNGSTOWN Services will be Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009, at 10 a.m. at the New Bethel Baptist Church for Mr. James D. Wilson, aka J D Wilson, 77, who departed this life Monday, Feb. 2, 2009, at his home.
Mr. Wilson was born May 4, 1931 in Clover Hill, Miss., a son of Robert and Fannie Hampton Wilson. As a child he moved with his family to West Helena, Ark., and then relocated to Youngstown in 1951.
He was formerly employed at Republic Steel, retiring in 1985 after 33 years of service. He loved to work with wood and made many beautiful pieces of furniture for his home, as well as for others. He was a member of the New Bethel Baptist Church and its Male Chorus and Mens Fellowship Ministry.
He leaves to cherish his memory, three sons, Robert (Sheller) Wilson of Youngstown, Larry Wilson of Akron and Phillip (Mary Ann) Wilson of Georgia; six daughters, Brenda Hall and Denise Wilson, both of Houston, Patricia Wilson-Hawkins, Marlene Wilson, Ellen Wilson and Minnie Wilson, all of Youngstown; two sisters in-law, Ruby Wright of St. Louis and Betty (Cary) Wilson-McQueen of Campbell; 12 grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; five sisters, Gracie Perkins, Pearlie Franklin, Beatrice Humphrey, Leanna Lewis and Mary Lee Early; and three brothers, Willie Dixon, Albert Wright and L T Wilson.
Friends may call Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. at the church.
Arrangements are entrusted to the L.E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home.