Tributes 2009-02-22

Eugene J. Clay, 87

NILES – Eugene J. Clay, 87, passed away with his loving family at his side at 11:20 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009, at his residence following a lengthy struggle with cancer.

He was born in Lawton, Ky., Nov. 6, 1921, to Millard and Maggie (Haywood) Clay.

Gene retired in 1980 after working 32 years as a grinder at U.S. Steel, McDonald Works. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Niles and enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing and watching baseball games. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII.

He is survived by his wife, Sylvia “Jean” (Campbell) Clay, whom he married Jan. 12, 1946; four sons, Roy L. (Jane) Clay of Austintown, Darrell R. (Carla) Clay of Southington, Robert O. (Peggy) Clay of Niles and Ronald E. (Wanda) Clay of Canfield; two daughters, Karen F. (Patrick) DiLuzio of Erie, Pa., and Sharon K. (Richard) Yanek of Bristolville; 16 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a grandson, Michael Clay; four brothers, James Clay, George Clay, William Clay and Cecil Clay; and five sisters, Annabelle Cheeks, Lula Cox, Victoria Johnson, Mandy Dean and Mary Clay.

Calling hours will be Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Holeton-Yuhasz Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2009, at 1 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. G. Ben Reed officiating.

Burial will be at Pineview Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Celtic Healthcare Hospice or the First Baptist Church.

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John B. Drahus, 83

HONOLULU – A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 9, 2009, at the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church on Rayen Avenue for John B. Drahus, 83, formerly of Youngstown, who passed away Feb. 12 in Hawaii.

John, whose nickname was “Giant,” was born Feb. 9, 1926, in Youngstown, the son of the late Charles and Eva Rosmrik Drahus.

He was a loving and devoted father of four daughters, Mary Kay (Eugene) Anthonsen, who died Jan. 28, 2006, Jane (Rodney) Osaki of Mililani, Hawaii, Ruthanne Salreno of Canfield and Terri (Thomas) Crogan of Canfield. He also leaves 11 grandchildren, John and Heidi Anthonsen, Tiffany, Shane and Lauren Osaki, Louis and Katelyn Salreno, Kristina and Scott McMurray, Trevor and Taryn Crogan; and two great-grandchildren, Jasmine Jones and Redding Anthonsen.

Besides his parents and daughter, Mary Kay, John was preceded in death by three sisters, Anna, Nita and Mary; and his brother, Charles.

John served in the U.S. Navy at Pearl Harbor during World War II. He worked for the L. Hollander Meat Co. for many years, retiring in 1978. An accomplished chef and baker, he also worked at local restaurants in his spare time.

He had many talents and interests. He was an avid polka enthusiast and over the years enjoyed playing the violin, accordion, harmonica and guitar with his friends. He also enjoyed gardening and was the owner of Evergreen Landscapers. For many years, he enjoyed playing softball and was involved with the Youngstown Old Timers Association.

Upon retiring, John moved to Honolulu, where he continued to enjoy life to the fullest. He touched the lives of all who had the honor of knowing him and he will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

He will be laid to rest in Honolulu, Hawaii, at the National Memorial Cemetary of the Pacific at Punchbowl with military honors.

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Clyde E. Hake, 95

GIRARD – Clyde E. Hake, 95, passed away Thursday Feb. 19, 2009, at Briarfield at Ashley Circle.

Clyde was born March 22, 1913, to the late Emmanuel and Alice Friedhofer Hake in Girard.

He worked for Republic Steel, retiring in 1972, and was a member of the First Christian Church and the Girard Senior Citizens.

He is survived by his daughter, Judith (Timothy) McDonald of Liberty Township; sister Alice Dandino of Girard; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, the former Jane Urbania, whom he married Feb. 18, 1939, and who died July 14, 2005; a son, Richard; four sisters, Alsinda, Cora, Edna and Ruth; and brothers, George, Albert, Louis and Norman.

Services will be on Monday at 1 p.m. at the Blackstone Funeral Home, where visitation will be held one hour prior the service.

Internment will follow at Girard City Cemetery.

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William Hash Jr., 76

AUSTINTOWN – William Hash Jr., 76, died Friday morning at the Hospice House in Poland.

He was born Oct. 31, 1932, in Youngstown, a son of William and Mary Spin Hash Sr., and was a lifelong area resident.

Mr. Hash was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in the Korean War.

He was a roofer for 42 years, retiring from Roth Brothers in 1994.

Mr. Hash loved all sports, especially bowling. He was on numerous bowling leagues and bowled on the Vindicators All-Star League. He was a dedicated Cleveland Cavalier fan and enjoyed playing the lottery.

He leaves his wife of 52 years, the former Dorothy Zumrick, whom he married Aug. 25, 1956; one son, William, and wife Jen of Howland; two stepgrandchildren, Tyler and Zach Nicholes; two brothers, Robert Hash of Vienna and Merle Hash of Girard; one sister, Donna Pugh of New Middletown; and dear friends Patricia (Frank) Pepe of Austintown.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Darlene Hash.

There will be no calling hours.

Private services will be held at a later date.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Davidson-Becker Funeral Home in Struthers.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.

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Darwyn Hall Lesh, 71

GEORGETOWN, S.C. – Darwyn Hall Lesh, 71, formerly of Hubbard, died Feb. 5, 2009, in Georgetown, S.C., where he had retired from his Virginia law practice.

Darwyn was born Feb. 19, 1937 in Hubbard, a son of the late Keith A. and Hilda J. Hall Lesh.

He was a graduate of Hubbard High School and served in the U.S. Marine Corps before graduating from George Washington University and Law School.

Darwyn is survived by his son, Jessee David Lesh, and wife Jamie and two granddaughters, Jennifer and Julie, all of Georgetown. He also leaves his sister, Mina J. Lesh Price of Roswell, Ga., and several nieces and nephews.

There will be a memorial service and burial in Hubbard at a later date.

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

Family and friends may visit www.stewart-kyle.com to view this obituary and send condolences.

Stewart-Kyle Funeral Home

Providing Funeral Service Since 1850

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Thelma G. “Georgia” Lowe, 78

BOARDMAN – Services will be at noon Tuesday, officiated by Pastor Randy Brunko, at the Evangel Baptist Church for Thelma G. Lowe, 78, who entered the arms of our Lord Friday at St. Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown.

Thelma was born Aug. 15, 1930, in Ft. Wayne, Ind., a daughter of Reverend Everett and Thelma Sigler Clegg.

She was employed by the Havar Co., retiring in 2005.

She was the loving mother of four daughters, Barbara Olive of Reynoldsburg, Martha Lowe of Boardman, Diane (Vanzel) White of Lucasville, and Carolyn (Pat) Kelso of Stuart, Fla.; two sons, Harold Lowe of Boardman and Ronald (Cheryl) Lowe, with whom she made her home; two sisters, Kathleen McCord of Parkesburg, W.Va., and Edna Forrider of Coolville; a brother, Everett Clegg of Austintown; and four grandchildren, James Olive, Matthew Lowe, Vanzel White and Haley Lowe.

She was preceded in death by a son, David Lee Lowe; a brother, Robert Clegg; and a sister, Virginia Null Tice.

Friends may call from 10 to 11:45 a.m. Tuesday at the Evangel Baptist Church, 5248 Southern Blvd. in Boardman.

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

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Sylvia Marie Magada, 66

AUSTINTOWN – Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009, at the Green Haven Memorial Gardens Chapel, 3495 S. Canfield-Niles Road in Canfield for Sylvia Marie Magada, 66, who passed away Saturday morning, Feb. 21.

Sylvia was born Sept. 22, 1942, in New Castle, Pa., the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Lombardo) LaLama.

She retired as an Ohio Certified Prevention Specialist. At Austintown Schools, she developed the I Can Program for adolescents with drug and alcohol issues, and created the Right to Learn Center for tutoring services.

Her husband, Paul P. Magada, whom she married Sept. 23, 1961, passed away March 26, 1986.

Sylvia Marie was a woman of grace and of great influence.

She will be sadly missed by her two sons, Paul J. (Elizabeth) Magada and Jeffrey M. Magada, all of Youngstown; her dad, Joseph of Youngstown; her grandchildren, Amber and Mariah Magada; her brother, Gary C. LaLama; and her cousins, Donna, Dianne and Russell DeEulio and Martin and Carol LaLama.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Rossi Brothers & Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Avenue in Boardman.

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Karen Ann Maier, 59

MINERAL RIDGE – There will be services at noon on Monday at the Stewart-Kyle Funeral Home for Karen Ann Maier, 59, who passed away Saturday at St. Elizabeth Health Center.

Karen was born July 31, 1949, in Youngstown, a daughter of Edgar R. and Daisy Edinger Maier, and graduated from Leonard Kirtz School.

She attended the Bible Baptist Temple in Campbell.

She is survived by a brother, Robert Maier of Liberty, and a sister, Marsha Funkhouser of Girard.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Edgar W. Maier and Donald Maier; and a sister, Gloria James.

There will be calling hours Monday from 11 a.m. to noon at the Stewart-Kyle Funeral Home. Interment will be at the Belmont Park Cemetery.

Family and friends may visit wwww.stewart-kyle.com to view this obituary and send condolences.

Stewart-Kyle Funeral Home Providing Funeral Service Since 1850

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1st Sgt. Richard James Miles I, 57

LOUISVILLE, KY. – Military services were held in Radcliff, Ky., for 1st Sgt. Richard James Miles I, who died Feb. 4, 2009, at the age of 57.

Services were held at 10 a.m. Feb. 9, 2009, at the Nelson-Edelen-Bennett Funeral Home with the Reverend Betsy Dartt presiding. He was laid to rest with full honors at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central.

Richard was born Feb. 24, 1951, and lived in this area for many years before moving to Kentucky.

He retired from the U.S. Army at Fort Knox, Ky. Richard also worked at River Metals Recycling in Louisville. He was a member of The House of Prayers Lutheran Church in Louisville and Freedom Riders of Radcliff.

Richard is survived by his loving wife, the former Shirleyann L. Costello; two sons, Richard II (Amanda) and Jay; a daughter, Wendy; three grandsons, Richard III, Bryan and Zachary; and two granddaughters, Jordan Kaylee and Autumn. He also leaves his mother, Lois K. Miles of Kentucky; two brothers, Allen of California and Michael (Dee) of Texas; and a sister, Linda Fogle Miles Brown of Pennsylvania. He will be sadly missed by all.

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Kostas “Gus” P. Pizanias, 47

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – Kostas “Gus” P. Pizanias, 47 years old, of Melbourne, Australia, peacefully passed away on Feb. 13, 2009, with his loved ones beside him, after a short battle with cancer.

Kosta was born in Kalymnos, Greece, on Feb. 10, 1962, the son of the late Pantelis Pizanias and Efimia (Kourou) Pizanias.

Kosta moved to Campbell at a young age and graduated from Campbell Memorial High School in 1980.

While vacationing in Australia in 1983, he met his wife, Katina (Manias) Pizanias. In 1985 they were married in Melbourne, Australia and resided there. They were blessed with two sons, Pantelis (22) and an infant, George who is awaiting his father in heaven.

Kosta was a fun loving, good hearted person, who loved everyone, and was loved by everyone who knew him. He loved traveling to Campbell and Greece, to visit family and friends, and he visited often. Campbell, his childhood home, always held a special place in Kostas’ heart. His dream was to retire and one day return to his hometown to be near his family and many cousins and friends.

Kosta will be painfully missed, and his memory will be cherished forever by his wife, Katina and son, Pantelis of Melbourne; his mother, Efimia Pizanias; a sister, Noma and a brother, Charlie (Irene) Pizanias, all of Campbell. He also leaves behind his nieces, Irene and Efimia Sarayias; a nephew, Pantelis Pizanias; and a niece/goddaughter, Fotini Pizanias, all of Campbell; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Popi and George Manias; and brothers-in-law, Jim and Agapito; and their families, all of Australia; as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends in Campbell, Australia and Greece.

Calling hours will be at the Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church on Tuesday, Feb. 24, from 5 to 8 p.m. and church services will be on Wednesday, at 10 a.m. at the church.

Fulfilling Kostas “dream,” he will be buried at the Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Cemetery in Campbell.

The Pizanias family has entrusted their loved one to the care of the Wasko Funeral Home in Campbell.

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Daniel Popa, 84

NILES – Daniel Popa, 84, of 150 Helen Ave., died at 9:10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, 2009, at University Hospitals in Cleveland from complications of a stroke.

He was born in Niles Jan. 18, 1925 to Dan and Agnes (Batin) Popa, moved to the Ukraine in Europe in 1929 and lived there until returning to Niles in 1966.

Daniel retired in 1986 after working 20 years as a janitor for General Electric, Niles Plant. He was a member of St. John Romanian Orthodox Church in Niles and the Niles Moose Lodge. He was an artist and enjoyed painting.

He is survived by his cousin, Helen Polinsky and her family of Girard, and several relatives in Europe.

He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009, at noon at the Holeton-Yuhasz Funeral Home with the Rev. Romules Bleahu, of St. John Romanian Orthodox Church, officiating.

Friends may call one hour prior to the service.

Burial will be at Niles City Cemetery.

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Robert L. “Buddy” Shaffer, 71

AUSTINTOWN – A prayer service will be at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009, at the Thompson Funeral Home, 4221 Market St., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Christine Church, for Robert L. “Buddy” Shaffer, 71, who died Friday evening at Forum Health Northside Medical Center.

Robert “Buddy” was born June 19, 1937, in Struthers, a son of the late William F. and Agnes Gillen Shaffer.

He had served in the U.S. Marines and had worked at LTV Steel in the seamless shipping department, Campbell Works for 30 years, retiring in 1986. He was a Pittsburgh Steelers and NASCAR fan, and enjoyed spending time with his family.

He leaves his wife, the former Elaine M. Fleming, whom he married Nov. 18, 1972; his daughter, Lori L. Shaffer of Austintown; a son, Robert L. Shaffer Jr. of Youngstown; two sisters, Shirley Tul of Youngstown and Cindy A. (John) Mentzer of Boardman; a sister-in-law, Marney Fleming of Fairborn; one granddaughter; one great-grandson; five nephews; two nieces; and great-nieces and great-nephews, whom he loved dearly.

Besides his parents, Robert was preceded in death by a son, Michael J. Shaffer; a brother, William F Shaffer; and a brother-in-law, Joseph E. Tul Sr.

Friends may call on Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Thompson Funeral Home.

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Terezia Soos, 99

AJKA, HUNGARY – Terezia Soos, 99, died peacefully in her sleep Feb. 10, at her residence.

Terezia was born Sept. 21, 1909, in Pusztaederics, Hungary, a daughter of Jozsef and Eleonora (Szabo) Poczak.

She married Lajos Soos on Feb. 24, 1930 and was a lifelong resident of Hungary.

She was a homemaker who helped with the responsibilities of the family’s farm. She and her family survived decades of Communist oppression.

Terezia had an abiding love of reading and, well into her 90s, impressed others with her ability to keep up with local and international events and world politics. She enjoyed entertaining guests and was known for her cheerful demeanor and her warm and engaging personality. Her pride and joy was her large family on two continents. She could name every child and adult in the scores of family photos she collected through the years – even those she had never met – and she could recount stories about each of them.

Her secret to a long life seemed to be her strong Catholic faith and her ability to look beyond life’s difficult circumstances with a hopeful and generous heart. She lived with a chronic medical condition yet believed in staying active. In her mid-90s, she could be found on warm summer days picking fruit from the trees at the nursing home where she resided, to add a little snack to the lunches of her friends there. She was admired by all who knew her and was easy to love.

Terezia will be deeply missed by son Frank (Elaine) of Hubbard; four children in Hungary, Terezia (Sandor) Szucs, Peter (Eva), Tibor (Erzsebet) and Maria; two sisters in Hungary, Julia Horvat and Gizela Tamas; 27 grandchildren, including, in the United States, Frank (Sharon) of Youngstown, Rita (Lee) Pupio of Youngstown, David of Washingtonville, Erin of Warren and Teresa of Hubbard; 46 great-grandchildren, including in greater Youngstown, Chastity Santana, Jaimasena Soos, Franchesca Soos, Dallas Soos, Kayla Pupio, Dustin Soos, Jordan Jackson, Barbara Jackson and Leina Pagan; and six great-great-grandchildren in Hungary.

Terezia was preceded in death by family members in Hungary, including her husband, in 1967; their infant children, Ferenc and Terezia, and sons, Lajos, Kalman and Jozsef; her brothers, Jozsef, Peter, Janos, Kalman and Geza; her sister, Erzsebet Gergaly; grandson, Lajos Soos; and great-grandson, Balazs Fulop.

A Mass of Christian Burial was offered Feb. 13 in Jezus Szive (Sacred Heart of Jesus) Catholic Church, Ajka.

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Edith Stiles, 86

YOUNGSTOWN – Edith Stiles, 86, died Friday morning at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Boardman Campus.

Edith was born May 31, 1922, in Struthers, a daughter of Paul and Stella Bailey Ellis, and lived in Struthers all of her life until moving to the Poland area in 2004.

She was a 1940 graduate of Struthers High School, a longtime business owner/distributor for Avon cosmetics and worked several years at the G.C. Murphy Five and Dime. She was a founding member of the Boardman Baptist Church and its Ladies Fellowship, of which she was a member. Edith also served as church secretary-treasurer, pianist and Sunday school teacher. She was a member of the Christian Women’s Association, Gideon’s Auxiliary, and Struthers Band Boosters.

Besides her husband, Edward Stiles Sr., whom she married Nov. 3, 1942, Edith leaves three daughters, Janet Andrews of Mesa, Ariz., June (Sandy) Gunn of Canfield, and Linda (Ralph) Weimer of Warren; one son, Edward (Sandy) Stiles Jr. of Poland; three sisters, Ollamae Canfield of Pomona, Calif., Mariam Downing of Cortland and Evangeline Eisenbraun of Poland; two brothers, Dewey Ellis and Daniel Ellis of Greenville, S.C.; 13 grandchildren, Robert (Erin) Reed, Ronald (Roxanne) Reed, Bethaney (Dr. Rob) Vedjani, Graham Gunn, Dr. Megan (Robb) Terek, Gretchen (John) Myers, Brett Weimer, Jennifer (David) King, Michelle (Justin) Koening, Tricia Colburn, Jessica Stiles, Wayne (Tara) Andrews and Carolyn (Terry) Glynn; and nine great-grandchildren, Allie, Cooper, Grayson, and Ayden Reed, Mia Vedjani, Colin, Liam, Kate, and Reagan Andrews.

Besides her parents, Edith was preceded in death by two brothers, LaValle Ellis and Lake Ellis.

Services will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home in Poland with Rev. Dennis Massie officiating. Interment will follow at the Green Haven Memorial Gardens in Canfield.

Friends will be received Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at the funeral home.

Contributions may be made to the church building fund of the Boardman Baptist Church, 1207 Shields Road in Boardman.

Visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.

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