Tributes 2009-02-15

Atty. James H. Beck, 73

STRUTHERS – Atty. James H. Beck, 73, passed away at 1:52 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9, 2009, at Trumbull Memorial Hospital in Warren.

He was born Aug. 29, 1935, in Canton, the son of Dr. Harry William and Helen (Hayes) Beck.

He graduated from Lehmann High School in 1952 and Wittenberg University in 1956, and he was a member of the Alpha Gamma Chapter of the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity at Wittenberg. He received his Judicial Doctoral Degree at the University of Virginia Law School in 1959.

He practiced law for more than 50 years. His law firm was located in Canfield at the Olde Courthouse Building, Seven Court Street, for 35 years. He volunteered his legal services for the Youngstown affiliation of the ACLU. He was a member of the Mahoning County Bar Association, the Ohio Bar Association, and The Supreme Court of Ohio. He was an active member of the Lions Club for more than 35 years and the U.S. Power Squadron since 1982. He was also a member of the Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Canfield.

He is survived by his wife, the former Denise M. Eusanio, whom he married Dec. 22, 1995; two children, James R. Beck of Miami, Fla., and Elizabeth Beck of Lexington, Ky.; and a grandson, Carter R. Beck of Lexington.

There will be no calling hours.

Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, 2009, at the Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Canfield.

Family and friends may visit www.lanefuneralhomes.com to view this obituary and send condolences.

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Loretta M. Stanton Connelly, 89

“Together Again”

BOARDMAN – Loretta M. Stanton Connelly, 89, a devoted and compassionate wife and mother, died Thursday morning at her home in Boardman with her daughters at her side.

Mrs. Connelly was born in Youngstown April 18, 1919, to Leo and Mary Ellen Stanton, and grew up with three brothers and a sister.

She graduated from South High School.

She married Thomas F. Connelly June 21, 1941, at St. Patrick’s Church in Youngstown. They were married for 62 years, and raised their children at a home on Charles Avenue. They celebrated their daughters’ marriages, the births of their grandchildren and numerous other special occasions together before Mr. Connelly passed away in 2003.

A strong woman of Irish heritage and Catholic faith, Mrs. Connelly was a long-time parishioner of St. Charles Church in Boardman.

Mrs. Connelly was fond of the expression, “we are women; we are strong,” and this value was manifested in her daily life. She spent four years away from her husband during WWII, worked at General Fireproofing from 1940 to 1944, raised a large family and fought through illness.

Never short on family and friends, Mrs. Connelly especially enjoyed large holiday gatherings at her daughters’ homes. Her presence, stories and humor lit up a room and kept her family close.

She is survived by five daughters, Mary (Thomas) Stabi of Boardman, Peggy (Randy) Ramhoff of Sandusky; Kathy (Frank) Musilli of Canfield, Jeanne (Steve) Bernard of Stow and Joanie (John) Ramson of Poland, and a son, Pat Connelly. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren, Keith and Katie Stabi, Lindsay and Megan Ramhoff, Michael Musilli, Brian, Becky and Joey Bernard, Jayme, Johnny and Jimmy Ramson, Colleen Soares, and Christopher Connelly; and seven great-grandchildren. She is survived by three sisters-in-law, Betty Hamer, Francis Connelly and Rose Connelly.

In addition to her husband, Mrs. Connelly was preceded in death by a daughter, Maureen Connelly Deniakis; her brothers, James, William and Leo Stanton; a sister, Emily Stanton Durkin; and a grandson, Johnny Deniakis.

Friends may call today, Feb. 15, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Fox Funeral Home, 4700 Market St. in Youngstown.

Prayers will begin at 9:15 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Saint Charles Church, celebrated by Father Philip Rogers.

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

The family would like to thank Hospice of the Valley and asks that material contributions be sent to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Youngstown, OH 44512.

Loretta Connelly will be remembered for her unwavering love and devotion to her family, her strength and her faith.

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Helen M. Ferko, 75

AUSTINTOWN – Helen M. Ferko, 75, passed away Friday morning, Feb. 13, 2009, at Forum Health Northside Medical Center after a courageous battle with cancer.

Helen was born April 21, 1933, in Youngstown, a daughter of the late Anthony and Concetta DelMonte DeFuria, and was a lifelong area resident.

She was a 1951 graduate of Chaney High School and had attended Youngstown College. Helen was a homemaker and was a self-employed beautician for many years.

She was a member of St. Joseph Church in Austintown, enjoyed golfing and was a member of the Fem-Bombers golf league. She was also a volunteer for cancer awareness groups, and most of all, enjoyed the time she spent with her family and friends.

Mrs. Ferko leaves her husband of 53 years, Donald S. Ferko Sr., whom she married April 16, 1955; five children, Donald S. Jr. (Vicki) Ferko of Canfield, Darryl A. Ferko of Canfield, Darlene S. (Daniel) Wiery of Austintown, Dina M. (Bruce) Giambattista of Boardman, and Dawna L. (Kevin) Mellott of Austintown; 14 grandchildren, Donald S. III (Malinda) and Abby Ferko, Sarah, and Steven Ferko, Daniel, Marisa, and Nick Wiery, Brittany and Jimmy Steinbeck, Craig and Ryan Giambattista, and Tyler, Brandon and Sophia Mellott; a brother, Joseph (Vera) DeFuria of Youngstown; and four sisters, Dora Andio, of Boardman, Norma Brooke of Canfield, Diana (Charles) Schaeffer of Austintown, and Lillian (William) Weimer of Boardman.

Two brothers, Louis DeFuria and Anthony DeFuria Jr, and a sister, Stella Nichols, are deceased.

Helen was a wonderful and loving wife, mother and grandmother, and will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Family and friends may call on Monday, Feb. 16, from 4 to 7 p.m., at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Road in Youngstown.

Funeral services will begin at 9:15 a.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home, and continue at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Church on New Road.

Visit kinnickfuneralhome.com to view this obituary and send condolences.

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Frederic L. Fish, 61

COLUMBIANA – Frederic L. Fish, 61, of 1229 Columbiana Lisbon Road died at 7:30 a.m. Saturday at the Salem Community Hospital following a 13 month battle with cancer.

Mr. Fish was born Jan. 9, 1948, in Youngstown, a son of Daniel and Elizabeth Price Fish and had lived in Columbiana the past five years coming from Austintown.

Fred had worked in the maintenance department for Walmart in Salem and had also worked for Eat N Park in Austintown.

Fred served seven years active duty in the U.S. Army, including two years in Vietnam, and then 15 years in the Ohio National Guard.

He is survived by his wife, the former Christine DiPanfilo, whom he married March 21, 1980.

There are no calling hours and a memorial service will be held at a later date.

Warrick-Kummer-Rettig Funeral Home in Columbiana handled the arrangements.

Please visit www.familycareservices.com to sign the guest register and send condolences to the family.

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Margaret McEwan Gessler, 64

BOARDMAN – Services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Fox Funeral Home, officiated by Pastor Russ Adams, for Margaret McEwan Gessler, 64 who passed away Friday morning at St. Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown.

Mrs. Gessler was born Jan. 14, 1945, in Renfrew, Scotland, the daughter of Alex and Elizabeth McEwan and moved to the U.S. at the age of 18.

She worked at St. Elizabeth Health Center for 25 years.

Besides her husband, Emrik Gessler, whom she married July 11, 1969, she leaves a son, Tony Spain of Sarasota, Fla.; a stepdaughter, Kimberly Stocker of Struthers; a stepson, Joseph Gessler of Ft. Myers, Fla.; a brother, Alex McEwan of California; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Emrik was her life.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Harry McEwan.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Material contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Youngstown, OH 44512.

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

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Laura (Cacivilano) Lattanzio, 92

POLAND – There will be a Mass of Christian Burial held on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2009, at 10 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church on Oak Street in Youngstown, with Rev. Msgr. John Zuraw officiating, preceded by a 9:15 a.m. prayer service held at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4700 Market St. in Boardman, for Laura (Cacivilano) Lattanzio, 92, who passed away Friday, Feb. 13, 2009.

Laura will always be remembered and loved by her family and friends.

She was born July 9, 1916, in Youngstown, the daughter of Ralphael and Adeline (Compocure) Cacivilano, and was a lifelong area resident.

Laura was a homemaker and was a custodian at East High School for 20 years.

She enjoyed cooking and baking, but her passion was playing Bingo at Sacred Heart and St. Luke churches.

Laura was a member of Immaculate Conception Church and was a 1936 graduate of East High School.

Her husband, Pete Lattanzio, whom she married June 17, 1939, died Jan. 31, 2004.

She leaves behind to hold on to her memories two sons, John Lattanzio of California and Michael (Barbara) Lattanzio of Poland; 10 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by seven sisters, Helen, Emma, Josephine, Lillian, Mame, Caroline, Genevieve, and five brothers, Joseph, Steve, Nicholas, Tony and Angelo Cacivilano.

Friends may call on Monday, Feb. 16, 2009, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4700 Market Street, Boardman.

Entombment will take place at Calvary Cemetery.

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Timothy L. McIntire, 42

YOUNGSTOWN – Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the New Covenant Worship Center, 1900 Canfield Rd. in Youngstown for Timothy L. McIntire, 42, who died Thursday morning at his residence.

“Tim” was born Jan. 13, 1967, in Youngstown, a son of John and Donna Kent McIntire.

He graduated from Wilson High School in 1985, and had worked in delivery for Austintown Dairy, and had previously worked for Ludt’s Towing.

Tim enjoyed playing pool, bowling, fishing, golf , and spending time with his nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents of Youngstown, Tim leaves three sisters, Debbie (Sonny) Fuller of Youngstown, Sherry (Kris) Reinhart of Antwerp, and Michelle McIntire of Youngstown; and four nephews and two nieces.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday at the Thompson Funeral Home, 4221 Market St. in Boardman and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the funeral home in Timothy’s name

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Mattie M. McPeters

YOUNGSTOWN – Funeral services will be Monday, Feb. 16, at 11 a.m. at the Tabernacle Baptist Church for Mattie M. McPeters who passed away Tuesday.

She is survived by her husband, Lonzo; her children, Thelma Dudley and Anthony “Tony” (Angela) McPeters; two grandchildren, Greg Dudley and Dean (Valerie) Dudley; two great-grandchildren, Amber and Courtney; and two siblings, Pauline Simmons and Ruth Hall.

Calling hours will be Monday from 10 to 11 a.m., one hour prior to the service.

Services entrusted to the Sterling-McCullough-Williams Funeral Home.

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Helen M. Miglets, 80

AUSTINTOWN – Helen M. Miglets, 80, formerly of Wedgewood Drive, passed away early Saturday morning, Feb. 14, 2009, at Hospice House following a brief illness.

Helen was born Feb. 27, 1928, in Sagamore, Pa., a daughter of the late Michael and Emilia Przybylowicz Kohowski, and came to Youngstown as a child.

She was a homemaker who also worked in the credit department at Youngstown Hospital Association for 17 years and at Keystone Readers for five years.

Mrs. Miglets was a member of St. Stanislaus Church, its Infant Jesus of Prague Guild, was a CCD teacher and was active in the PTA at the parish school. She was also active in the Democratic Party serving as precinct committee-person in Austintown precinct No. 32, and was a member and secretary of the Jennie Dalesandro Democratic Women’s Club. She was also a member of the Jackson-Milton Booster Club.

Helen leaves three daughters, Paulette (Joseph) Sculli of Austintown, Helaine (Kenneth) Yash of Jackson-Milton, and Karen (Charles) Boros of Austintown; a son, Stanley J. Jr. (Debra) Miglets of Austintown; two brothers, Matthew (Rose) Kohowski of Youngstown and Bruno Kohowski of Conneaut; two sisters, Frances Vukovich of Youngstown and Camille Allen of Cortland; 11 grandchildren, Shannon (David) Weimer, Renee Sculli, Michael (Kristin) Sculli, Mandi (Craig) Young, Eric Miglets, Troy (Stephanie) Miglets, Kcey (David) Anthony, Kristen (Eric) Williamson, Ken Yash Jr., Thomas Yash and Laura Yash; and nine great-grandchildren.

Her husband, Stanley J. Miglets Jr., whom she married Jan. 25, 1947, died March 2, 1972. Three brothers, Walter, Mike and John Kohowski, and a sister Blanche Goeke, are also deceased.

Family and friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2009, at Kinnick Funeral Home 477 N. Meridian Rd. in Youngstown.

Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home and continue at 11:30 a.m. at St. Stanislaus Church.

Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice House, 9803 Sharrott Road, Poland, OH 44514.

Visit kinnickfuneralhome.com to view this obituary and send condolences.

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Carolyn Mikolay, 78

NORTH LIMA – Carolyn Mikolay, 78, earned her angel wings Friday, Feb. 13, 2009. 

She was a loving, gentle and caring mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, whose sweet smile will be greatly missed.

For the past year Carolyn enjoyed an active and fun social life at Glenellen Senior Living Center in North Lima. She formerly resided on Risher Road in Boardman, where she and her husband, John, raised their four children.

Carolyn was born Sept. 6, 1930. She was married 58 years to John M Mikolay, who preceded her in death in 1990.

She leaves behind four children: Patty (Denny) Zitello of Hubbard, Marianne (Frank) Eliser of Boardman, Jon (Barbara) Mikolay of Sagamore Hills, and Diane Mikolay (Bruce Robertson) of Apex, N.C.

Carolyn was a devoted grandmother to Rob (Jen) Eliser of Imperial, Calif., James (Rosanna) Eliser of Struthers, Kate (Jeremy) Thompson of Canfield, and Lauren Mikolay of Sagamore Hills. Her great-grandchildren are Kain and Logan Eliser, Enlil Eliser, and Isabella and Camden Thompson. She leaves a brother Mike (Fran) Sultan of Youngstown. 

Preceding her in death were her brothers, John and Tom Sultan, and her sister, Kay Pasquale. 

Carolyn especially enjoyed outings with sister-in-law Helen Mikolay.

Carolyn loved being a homemaker and cooking for others. She also enjoyed her retail career at Abrahams, JC Penney, and Kmart, as well as working the polls for many years, during election season. She had a special fondness for dogs, especially her beloved Scottish Terrier, Quincy.

Her children wish to express their heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional and caring staff at Glenellen Senior Living and Hospice of the Valley.

The family will have a service Monday at 11 a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Boardman-Canfield Chapel.

There will be no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, please send remembrances to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Boardman, OH 44512, the Jubilee Christian Fellowship Building Fund, P.O. Box 862 Canfield, OH 44406, and Animal Charity, 2722 South Ave., Youngstown, OH 44502.

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Carmelo Morales Sr, 73

YOUNGSTOWN – Funeral services will take place Monday at 8 p.m. at the Kubina Yuhasz Funeral Home, 5925 Market St. in Boardman for Carmelo Morales Sr., 73, who passed away Friday, Feb. 13 at Hospice House in Poland.

Visiting hours will also be held on Monday at the funeral home from 5 to 8 p.m., prior to the services.

Mr. Morales was born July 28, 1935 in Narranjito, Puerto Rico.

He worked as a printer and was a member of the Fountain Grace Church.

He is survived by his sons, Heriverto Alvarez and Carmelo (Jeanette) Morales Jr. of Youngstown; his daughters, Carmen Alvarez of Hartford Connecticut and Maria Alvarez of Youngstown; and by his 14 grandchildren; and 26 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Morales was preceded in death by his wife, the former Felicita Gonzalas, whom he married in the year 2000, and who died March 29, 2007.

Visit kubinayuhasz@sbcglobal.net to send condolences

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Barbara J. Boila Nunez, 78

COLLIERVILLE, TENN. – Barbara J. Boila Nunez, 78, formerly of Youngstown, passed away Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009, surrounded by loved ones.

She is survived by her companion of 60 years, James Boila; her daughter, Jane Basinger (Bill) of Germantown, Tenn.; her sons, William Boila of Youngstown and David Boila (Lisa) of Youngstown; four grandchildren, Alexa, Mylissa, David and Kenneth; and three great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Ali’s Way Foundation at St. Jude’s Children Hospital.

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Dr. Robert L. Pegues Jr., 72

YOUNGSTOWN – Dr. Robert L. Pegues Jr., 72, died Thursday at his residence.

He was born March 6, 1936, in Youngstown, the son of Robert L and Inez DeYoung Pegues Sr.

He graduated from The Rayen School in 1954, Youngstown State University in 1958 with a B.S. degree, and in 1963 from Westminster College with a master’s degree in Elementary School Administration, and he earned his Ph.D. from Kent State University in 1989.

Dr. Pegues was appointed assistant superintendent for the Youngstown City Schools in 1970 and became the first black superintendent for the Youngstown City Schools from 1972 to 1978. He was also principal at Tod Elementary and taught at Lincoln School. In 1978, he joined the staff of YSU in the School of Education, serving as Director of Field Services and Educational Research. He was the first black superintendent for the Warren City School District for seven years, retiring in 1987.

He was a very active member of the Centenary United Methodist Church, where he was a member of the Protestant Men. Dr. Pegues served on the PTA Area Council, Roberts Deliberating Club, NAACP, Phi Delta Kappa, Kappa Delta Pi, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, YSU Foundation Board, Medical Education Foundation NEOUCOM, American Association of School Boards, Association of Elementary Principals, Stambaugh Pillars, Rotary Club of Warren, St Elizabeth Medical Center Board of Trustees, Chairman of the United Negro College Fund Drive, Rebecca Williams Community House, Tribune Chronicle Board of Contributors and several other boards.

Dr. Pegues received numerous honors and awards throughout his career and has a scholarship in his honor at Youngstown State University. He started a local group for those who have sarcoidosis.

He served in the U.S. Army ROTC as a captain from 1954 to 1965 and was Civil Aide to Secretary of the Army from 1974 to 1978.

Dr. Pegues is survived by his son, Robert L. Pegues III, and his daughter, Tamra M. Brooks, both of Youngstown; four brothers, Cecil (Jane) Pegues of Charlotte, N.C., Winston (Debra) Pegues of Youngstown, Morris Pegues of Long Beach, Calif., and Jeffrey Pegues of Detroit; and two sisters, Carol Pegues and Denise Welch, both of Youngstown.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marlene Pegues; one daughter, Chilita R. Pegues; one brother, Morton E. Pegues; and one sister, Chilita Grace.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, Feb. 18, at noon at the Centenary United Methodist Church.

Calling hours will be Tuesday, Feb. 17, from noon to 6 p.m., with special services from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Centenary United Methodist Church and also Wednesday from 11 a.m. to noon, one hour prior to the funeral service.

Services of care entrusted to the Sterling-McCullough Williams Funeral Home.

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John C. Purucker, 85

BOARDMAN – A private burial was held at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Youngstown, Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009, for John C. Purucker, 85, who passed away Friday morning.

Mr. Purucker was born Dec. 11, 1923, in Boardman, a son of Frederick William and Rose Caldwell Purucker and had lived in the area all his life.

John had served in the U.S. Army Air Force during WWII.

He is survived by his wife, the former Mary Jean Martin, whom he married April 7, 1952; four daughters, Jennifer (Dan) McNally of Boardman, Julia (Jerry) Kurtz of Columbiana, Judy Purucker of Boardman and Jackie (David) Jacobson of Poland; a son, John Purucker Jr. of Boardman; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Arrangements were handled by the Warrick-Kummer-Rettig Funeral Home in Columbiana.

Please visit www.familycareservices.com to sign the guest register and send private condolences to the family.

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Emma Helene (Varro) Scott, 85

“Together Forever - Forever In Love”

YOUNGSTOWN – There will be funeral services at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, at the Rossi Brothers & Lellio Funeral Home, followed by a 11:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at the Our Lady of Hungary Church, for Emma Helene (Varro) Scott, 85, who passed away Friday morning, Feb. 13, 2009.

Emma was born Sept. 16, 1923, in Farrell, Pa, the daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Kish) Varro.

She was a great supporter of our troops during WWII by working at Sharon Steel Corp. Emma was very proud of her Hungarian nationality, and was a member of the Our Lady of Hungary Church and the Hungarian Club. She was a 1941 graduate of Farrell High School. She loved flowers and listening to music. Emma was the devoted family matriarch who provided help to all.

Her husband, Charles L. Scott, whom she married Nov. 12, 1948, passed away March 14, 1997.

She is survived by her nine children, Donna Jean Mittal of Sharpsville Pa.; Richard A. (Virginia) Scott of Columbiana, Deborah (John Nobel) Aziz of Austintown, Darlene (Ray) Hudak-Bateman of Hubbard, Darla Scott of Youngstown, Denise O’Malley of Girard, Doreen (Mark) Delisio-Carver of Boardman, Douglas Scott of Austintown, and Donald P. (Deborah Ferreri) Scott of Youngstown; 22 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; a sister, Ida Chirazzi of New Castle, Pa.; a brother, Charles Varro of Cleveland; and her two nieces, with whom she had a close relationship, Brenda of Hartville and Karen of Cleveland.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; a son, David Malcolm Scott; a daughter, Delores Donoghue; a granddaughter, Rebecca Delisio; a great-granddaughter, Celine Hudak; and three brothers, John, Dan, and William Varro.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, 2009, where a prayer service will be held at 5 p.m. at the Rossi Brothers & Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave. in Boardman.

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Victor Lawrence Strizzi, 22

TAMPA, FLA. – Victor Lawrence Strizzi, 22, died Feb. 10 in Tampa General Hospital in Florida.

Cadet Victor Strizzi, 22, a University of Tampa sophomore and member of ROTC, suffered serious internal injuries from a motorcycle accident on Tuesday. He was taken to Tampa General Hospital, where friends and family later gathered. Strizzi underwent surgery while suffering from internal bleeding, but doctors were unable to save the young cadet.

A son of Gabriel and Marcia Strizzi, Victor Lawrence Strizzi was born March 31, 1986, in New Castle, Pa.

He graduated from Brocton Central High School in Brocton, N.Y., in May of 2004, and subsequently enlisted in the U.S. Army.

Victor completed basic training at Fort Sill, Okla., and advanced individual training at Fort Sam, Houston, Texas, in May of 2005. His first duty assignment was Weisbaden, Germany, where he served as a Medic/ Health Care Specialist (68W) at Weisbaden Health Clinic. He served three years and three months on active duty before competing for and receiving a Green to Gold Army ROTC scholarship to attend The University of Tampa.

Victor’s military awards and decorations include two Army Achievement Medals, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and Overseas Service Ribbon.

He joined the University of Tampa and the Spartan Battalion ROTC program in the fall of 2008. As a result of academic credits earned while on active duty through the University of Maryland and Pierce College, Victor entered UT as an academic sophomore. He was pursuing an undergraduate major in biochemistry with the goal of competing for medical school and serving the nation as an Army physician.

Of particular note was his accomplishment last month, completing the Walt Disney World Marathon with an official time of 4:07:42.

Strizzi had previously served at U.S. Army bases in Germany and skipped his freshman year at UT by using credits from previous classes. He enrolled in the fall of 2008 and purchased his motorcycle in September.

Victor is survived by his father, Gabriel L. (Barb) Strizzi of Charlotte, N.C., and his mother, Marcia Bobby Strizzi of New Castle; paternal grandfather Ennio Strizzi of New Castle; maternal grandfather George Bobby of New Castle; maternal grandmother Anne Bobby of St. Petersburg, Fla., as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Visitation will be held at the R. Cunningham Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 2429 Wilmington Road in New Castle on Tuesday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m..

Funeral services will be Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 11 a.m., also at the funeral home, and officiating will be the Rev. Raughnsen Payne.

Full military honors will be performed by the New Castle Area Honor Guard.

Entombment will be at Parkside Mausoleum.

Please visit www.cunninghamfh.com to send online condolences.

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Fred L. Struble, 75

POLAND – There will be funeral services at 11 a.m. Monday at the Stewart-Kyle Funeral Home for Fred L. Struble, 75, who passed away Wednesday at St. Elizabeth Health Center, Boardman Campus.

Fred was born July 25, 1933, in Youngstown, a son of George A. and Lillian L. Campbell Struble, and was a lifelong area resident.

He was a sanitary engineer for Mahoning County for 30 years, retiring in 1987. He also worked part-time at The Embassy on Youngstown-Poland Road for many years.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during the Korean Conflict.

He leaves his wife, the former Agnes Fellows, whom he married Sept. 9, 1955; his children, Fred L. Jr. (Sharon) Struble of New Springfield, Patricia (Kenneth) Bodnar of Youngstown, Ronald Struble of East Palestine, Pamela Struble of Salem and Gary (Rachelle) Struble of Girard; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; a brother, Edward Struble of Youngstown; and a sister, Thelma Chenoweth of New Port Richey, Fla.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a granddaughter, Shannon Kos; brothers Dean Struble and Dale Struble; and sisters Ruth Reinhart, Mavis Houston, June Wyllie and Helen Ditata.

There will be calling hours today from 2 to 5 p.m. and Monday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Stewart-Kyle Funeral Home in Hubbard.

Interment will be at Green Haven Memorial Gardens.

Friends and family may visit www.stewart-kyle.com to view this obituary and send condolences.

Stewart-Kyle Funeral Home Providing Funeral Services Since 1850

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George W. Tekac, 90

COITSVILLE TOWNSHIP – Funeral services will be held on Monday, Feb. 16, 2009, at 10:15 a.m. at the Kirila Funeral Home, 258 Poland Ave. in Struthers and at 11 a.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Church, 421 Covington St. in Youngstown for George W. Tekac, 90, who died Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009, at his residence.

George was born March 24, 1918 in Struthers, the son of the late Joseph and Mary Vasur Tekac.

He went to Villa Marie grade school, which accepted boys at that time, graduated from New Castle High School and completed several courses from Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. to become a millwright.

He was a U.S. Army veteran, having served as an Air Corp. Sergeant in Newfoundland during WWII.

George worked as a maintenance man in the Seamless Mill of the Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co., Campbell Works and retired after 37 years of service. He received several awards and certificates of accomplishments from Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. for suggestions to save maintenance repairs for the company.

He was a member of Lodge No. 185 in Campbell for 56 years and served as hall manager for 30 years, the Jednotka Slovak Lodge No. 259, all of his life and the VFW Post No. 3538, both in Struthers, and the ACC Club in Youngstown. He was a manager for the Coitsville Little League during the 1960s and a member of the St. George Kolo Ensemble, and went on a 14 day concert tour in Croatia, Yugoslavia.

He was a devoted husband, a loving father and loved his family and friends and was always concerned about others, even through his later years.

He also loved dancing, farming and gardening.

He is survived by his wife, the former Marie Rose Lilak, whom he married May 25, 1946; a son, Jack (Marilyn) of Poland; a daughter, Rosemary (Jeff) Olsavsky of Youngstown; two grandchildren, Kimberly (Dom) Triveri and Ryan Tekac, both of Poland; one great-grandchild, Anthony Triveri; and several godchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Steve, Joseph, John and Andy; and one sister, Ann Lewar.

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

Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery.

Please visit www.kirilafh.com to view this obituary and send online condolences to the family.

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Joseph P. Vendemia, 84

BROOKFIELD – Joseph P. Vendemia, 84, died at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009, at the St. Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown following a sudden illness.

Mr. Vendemia was born at home in Masury on June 4, 1924, a son of Anthony “Tony” and Jeanette (Palumbo) Vendemia.

Joe went on to serve our country in the U.S. Navy as a Fireman 2nd Class during WWII. He was stationed aboard the USS PC 621, the USS Venango, and the USS Selfridge DD. His decorations and citations include, the American Area Ribbon, European African Middle Eastern Area Ribbon with one Bronze Star, and the WWII Victory Ribbon.

Mr. Vendemia retired from A&P Tea Company in Sharon and Hermitage, Pa. after 30 years as a meat manager.

He was a member of St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Masury, member of the former VFW Post No. 8860 in Masury and the American Federation of Musicians Sharon Association Local No. 187.

Joseph will be remembered for his loving and caring heart toward others. His kindness and smile have touched the lives of all who crossed paths with his gentle spirit. His passions were music, hunting, and his family. He was an accomplished musician playing his “Cordovox,” and he loved to entertain.

Spending time with his family and friends was his first love, and these memories will be in our hearts until we meet again.

He will be greatly missed by his son, Joseph A. Vendemia and wife, Debbie of Howland Township; his daughter, Darlene M. Nacey and husband, Edward of St. Petersburg, Fla.; his brothers, Anthony “Tony” Vendemi Jr. of Masury, Guy Vendemia of Brookfield, and Johnny Vendemia of Niles; his sisters, Pauline “Cookie” Bruno of Girard, Michalene “Mickie” Fette of Brookfield, and Kathryn Taub of Brookfield; his grandchildren, Joseph C. Vendemia, and Melanie L. Smith and husband, Chad; his great-grandson, Anthony Joseph Smith; and his stepgranddaughters, Natalie M. Ross, Christa A. Ross, and Courtney L. Ross.

He was preceded in death by his parents; by his wife, Jane Vendemia; and by his sister, Mary Scott.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2009, at the Lane Funeral Home, Madasz Chapel in Brookfield, with Rev. Frank Zanni, Pastor.

Calling hours will be Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Burial will be at the Brookfield Township Cemetery, with full military honors.

Family and friends may visit www.madaszchapel.com to send condolences.

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Frank Paul Villani, 97

SAGAMORE HILLS – 97 year old Frank Paul Villani, passed away at 10 a.m. Saturday morning Feb. 7, in a restful state, after several years of declining health. Mr. Villani died at Brentwood Health Care Center in Sagamore Hills, Ohio.

Frank Villani was a career builder, contractor, property planner and a visionary promoter of commercial development of downtown Youngstown.

The son of Emedio Cacciavillani (Edward Villani) and Pia Alessandrena Moauro (Alice Villani), emigrants from Agnone, Italy, Frank was born on Rayen Avenue in Youngstown on June 19, 1922 and grew up in Smoky Hollow.

He was educated at the original The Rayen School and at the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York.

During World War II, Frank served four years with the 3rd Army Engineer Supply Officers in the European Theater, developing and maintaining supply lines to front line troops. He was discharged from the Army at the rank of sergeant.

Frank married Martha Philomena Mormile in 1947 at St. Charles Church and the couple built a house on Brookwood Road in Boardman, where they raised five sons.

He is sadly missed by his five sons, James, Richard (Claudia), Robert (Tarie), Thomas (Tami) and Gerald; and his sister, Miss Helen Villani, 94 year of age. Frank is also survived by two granddaughters, Lynn and Melissa Villani; two grandsons, Michael and Nicholas Villani; and a sister-in-law, Mrs. Vera Villani.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Martha; his sister, Mary; and four brothers, Dr. James, Red, Ralph and Joseph.

The son of a stone mason, Frank and his brothers were exposed to the construction and building trades as boy helpers, carrying brick. A newsboy, Frank sold copies of the Youngstown Telegram.

He graduated from The Rayen School. In 1936, Frank enrolled in the Rochester Institute of Technology. He served with the Army engineers for four years, discharged in 1945.

In 1946/1947, he developed, along with Edward J. DeBartolo, the first area Kelvin air-conditioned homes, built in Newport Village, Boardman.

Working as the on-site managing contractor during the construction phase of building development projects, Frank built for the Edward J. DeBartolo Corporation, Burger Chef Corporation, and lastly, the Arby’s Corporation. He was involved in the planning and erecting of the Boardman Plaza in 1950, as well as the building of the Mahoning Avenue and Belmont Avenue Plazas with Edward DeBartolo. For Burger Chef and Arby’s, Frank built restaurant units as far away as Maine, Florida and Texas.

A visionary property planner, Frank Villani promoted urban agenda, featuring his Cathedral Square proposal, which paired a corporate hotel with a convention/exhibition center bridging the Erie abandonment corridor and meeting the McKelvey’s block, which would connect St. Columba Cathedral to downtown.

In a letter dated June 7, 1985, then Congressman James Traficant called the “Cathedral Square concept not only progressive but ingenious,” and offered his support. Congressman Traficant then acquired an appropriation to create a convocation center or arena in Youngstown, which came to be the Chevrolet Center, absent any kind of lodging. Frank Villani maintained that the convocation center without a tower hotel cannot economically sustain itself.

Perhaps the greatest testament to Frank Villani’s creative vision is the home he built on Brookwood Road in Boardman. An original design, the floor plan fronts with a triangle kitchen, which is wrapped around the back with a dining room and living room meeting in another triangle. Built in 1947, the two story, four bedroom, lathe plaster house is constructed with concrete block and steel windows, materials that came to be fashionable with strip plaza development in the 1950s.

In addition to building and property planning, Frank Villani was community minded. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Youngstown, and received several “perfect attendance” citations. He was an usher at St. Charles Church in Boardman and was a Cub Scout and Boy Scout pack leader at the school. He served on the 50th Reunion Committee for his class at the Rochester Institute of Technology.

He and his wife, Martha squared danced at the Pioneer Pavilion at Mill Creek Park. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 14, 1997 at the Youngstown Club.

Frank enjoyed reading, gardening, and feeding the birds; he much applauded the work of Frank Lloyd Wright; and he supported and promoted Catholic education.

A memorial Mass will be at St. Charles Parish in Boardman at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 20.

The family request that memorial contributions be made to the Kiwanis Club of Youngstown or the Cub Scouts at St. Charles School.

Condolences may be sent to in care of Villani, 4866 Brookwood Road, Youngstown, OH 44512.

Arrangements are being handled by the Fox Funeral Home.

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

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Thomas Patrick Welch, 81

WARREN – There will be a Mass of Christian Burial Monday, Feb. 16, 2009, at 10 a.m. at St. James Church, with Celebrant Fr. Charles W. Crumbley, preceded by a 9:30 a.m. service at the Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel for Thomas Patrick Welch, 81, who passed away Friday evening, Feb. 13, 2009, at his home with his family by his side, following an extended illness.

Thomas Patrick Welch was born Sept. 2, 1927, in Springfield, the son of Martin and Mary Winifred Mullee Welch, and came to Warren as a teenager.

He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in Japan during the Korean Conflict.

He was a salesman at Mullee’s Hardware and Appliance in Warren for 55 years, retiring in 2001.

Tom was a member of St. James Church, the Warren K of C No. 620 and the Warren BPO Elks No. 295. He enjoyed spending time with his family, his wife, children and grandchildren.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 55 years, Susan Bilchak Welch, whom he married Aug. 5, 1953; three sons, Thomas Michael (Polly) Welch of Cincinnati, William Edward Welch of Ft. Myers, Fla., and John Joseph Welch of Ft. Myers, Fla.; two daughters, Kathleen Marie (Dennis) Perisa of Fowler, and Sue Ann Welch of Farmdale; eight grandchildren, Bill Welch, Lauren Perisa, Michael Perisa, and Meghanne Perisa, Elizabeth Wagner, Bridget Wagner, Emily Wagner, and Justin Wagner; a son-in-law, Dr. Tim (JoAnne) Wagner of Howland; and four sisters, Annie (Dante) Ianni, Carolyn Ryan, Alice Welch, and Patricia Wilson, all of Springfield. He also leaves many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Dr. Bridget Welch Wagner; three brothers, Bill Welch, Jack Welch, and Raymond Welch; and a sister, Helen Hannon.

Calling hours will be today, Sunday Feb. 15, 2009, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel and also Monday morning from 9 to 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home.

Burial will be at All Souls cemetery.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Healing Garden at St. Joseph Health Center, 667 Eastland Ave. SE, Warren, OH 44484 or St. James Church, 2532 Burton Street SE, Warren, OH 44484.

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