Tributes 2009-03-03

Dorothy E. Berg, 88

COLUMBIANA – Mrs. Dorothy E. Berg, 88, a former resident of Struthers, passed away Sunday, March 1, 2009, at St. Mary’s Alzheimer’s Center in Columbiana.

She was born on March 6, 1920, the daughter of the late H. Frank and Cora (Warner) Hofmeister.

Mrs. Berg was employed by the Daylight Cleaning Co. until her retirement in 1980.

She married her late husband, Charles Edward Berg, on March 23, 1949, and he passed away in 1977.

Dorothy had been affiliated with the Christ Lutheran Church in Struthers.

She is survived by her two sons, Mr. Harold Berg of Struthers and Mr. Ernest F. Berg of East Palestine; two grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Thelma Leuzinger and Ruth Gillam; and a brother, Orvil Hofmeister.

Arrangements are being handled by the Terry A. Cunningham Funeral Home, 203 Oak St. in Bessemer, Pa., where the family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, 2009.

A funeral service will be at the funeral home at 8 p.m. on Wednesday. The Pastor Nathan Leslie of the Bessemer Presbyterian Church will officiate.

Interment will be at Lake Park Cemetery in Youngstown.

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Sister Mary Olimpia Cibelli, 94

CONNEAUT – A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 6, 2009, at St. Anthony Church in Youngstown for Sister Mary Olimpia Cibelli, 94, of the Oblate Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, who died Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009, at Hamot Medical Center in Erie, Pa.

Sister Mary Olimpia was born Dec. 23, 1914, in Orsara di Puglia, Italy, a daughter of Donato and Anna Buonassisi Cibelli.

She joined the Oblate Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in 1934 in Italy, professed her first vows in 1936 and made her perpetual profession in 1941.

Sister Mary Olimpia was an elementary teacher and principal in Foggia, Italy from 1941 to 1949. She came to the United States in 1949 and taught in elementary schools after receiving her bachelor’s degree from Youngstown College in 1955. she taught at Our Lady of Peretual Help School in McDonald from 1955 to 1970. From 1970 to 1987, she was principal of St. Francis Cabrini School in Conneaut and the local superior of the convent. After retiring in 1987, she continued to serve the Conneaut community part time as Pastoral Minister until 2000. From 2000 until present, Sister Olimpia continued living her Oblate vocation in her daily prayer and offering of herself to priests.

In addition to her parents, six brothers, Nicola, Michele, Biagio, Giuseppe, Daniele and Fedele and three sisters, Grazia, Maria Antonia and Rocchina preceded her in death.

She is survived by one brother, Mario, who resides in Italy, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Friends may call at the Oblate Sisters’ Convent, Villa Maria Teresa in Hubbard on Thursday, March 5, from 2 to 6 p.m., concluding with evening prayer and on Friday at St. Anthony Church from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Contributions may be made to the Oblate Sisters Memorial Fund.

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Ray R. Dalton Sr., 84

YOUNGSTOWN – Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 5, 2009, at the Western Reserve United Methodist Church, 4580 Canfield Road in Canfield for Ray T. Dalton Sr., 84, who died Sunday morning at Briarfield Manor.

Ray was born Sept. 7, 1924 in Youngstown, a son of the late Ralph P. and Jane E. McDonald Dalton.

He graduated from South High School and served as a Merchant Marine in the South Pacific during World War II.

He attended Miami University of Ohio and Youngstown State University and had worked for the Erie Lackawanna Railroad for over 30 years, retiring in 1985.

Ray was a member of the Western Reserve United Methodist Church, where he had served as trustee and volunteered in various capacities. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed bowling.

He leaves his wife, the former Jeannette Uber, whom he married Aug. 10, 1949; three sons, Ray T. Dalton Jr. of Louisville, Ky., David M. (Nancy) Dalton of Atlanta and Steve W. (Efrat) Dalton of Fort Collins, Colo.; two brothers, Howard L. Dalton of Parkersburg, W.Va. and John R. Dalton of New Middletown; two sisters, Joyce Cerimele of Canfield and Janet McHenry of Austintown; and four grandchildren, Lindsay Miozzi, Nick Dalton, Elizabeth Dalton and Mikaela Dalton.

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

The family requests that material tributes take the form of contributions to the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders, 3695 Boardman-Canfield Road, Canfield, OH 44406 or to the Memorial Fund of the church.

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Mattie Warren Grissett Davis, 93

YOUNGSTOWN – Mattie Warren Grissett Davis, 93, departed this life to be with the Lord on Feb. 27, 2009, at Park Vista Nursing Home.

The eldest of eight children, she was born Oct. 5, 1915 to Ulysees and Mozella Warren in Sparta, Ga.

The family relocated to Youngstown and she attended Scienceville High School. She worked in New York City for a few years and upon returning to Youngstown, she married Beale Grissett, to this union Ruth and Betty were born. Beale passed away in 1960.

In 1974, she married Thornton Davis. She was employed as a housekeeper, having worked for the Beecher-Flad family for over 50 years, along with other families. She was the matriarch of her family.

She accepted the Lord as her personal saviour in her early teens. She was a faithful member of Mt. Olive F.B.H. Church for over 80 years, having served in many capacities, such as Chair Lady of the Mothers Board, Deaconess, Sunday School Teacher and Chair Lady of the Kitchen Committee, where many enjoyed her culinary skills (especially her dumplings and layer cakes). She was a true Missionary, her life and love was serving God and others. Whatever the need, she would be there for you. Her motto was “Live and Let Live.”

She will be sadly missed by her daughters, Betty Carter of Youngstown, who became her caregiver during her illness and Peggy Bishop of Toledo; 11 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; 20 great-great-grandchildren; her sisters, Hattie Coney and Inez Washington, both of Youngstown and Ollie McClain (Richard) of New York; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends. She will leave them with fond memories, her legacy and her love. Her gentle and kindhearted manner was evident in the way she touched the lives of many people.

She was preceded in death by husbands, Beale Grissett and Thornton Davis; a daughter, Ruth Grant, a son, James Grissett, her brothers, James, Homer and Elijah Warren; and her sister, Louise Coney.

The family would like to thank everyone who took part in her care.

Friends may call Wednesday from 11 a.m. to noon at Mt. Olive F.B.H. Church.

Funeral services will be at noon at the church.

Arrangements are being handled by the L.E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home.

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Attorney Joseph S. Donchess, 88

STRUTHERS – A Panachida service will be on Thursday at 9:15 a.m. at the Kirila Funeral Home Inc., followed by a Divine Liturgy service at 10 a.m. at the Infant Jesus of Prague Byzantine Catholic Church in Boardman for Attorney Joseph S. Donchess, 88, a prominent Youngstown attorney, who passed away on Feb. 28, 2009, at Humility House in Austintown.

Joe was born in Youngstown on Feb. 20, 1921, a son of Joseph and Rose Ponker Donchess. He was a lifelong area resident.

Joe married June Tablack on May 30, 1944. Together they raised five children in Struthers. June passed away Nov. 23, 1997.

Joe attended Youngstown City Schools and graduated from The Rayen School in January of 1939, as valedictorian of his class. He attended undergraduate school and law school at Youngstown College and passed the Ohio Bar Exam in 1954. Joe began practicing law in 1956, became a partner in the law firm of Henderson and Convington in 1965 and remained with the law firm until 1997.

Joe served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945. He earned his wings as a Navy pilot. He became a fighter director officer on the USS Enterprise during World War II and survived numerous close calls including a kamikaze attack explosion that destroyed his sleeping quarters.

Joe began selling the Youngstown Vindicator newspaper at age nine to help his family during the Great Depression. He became assistant to the street sales manager at the Vindicator, when he was a teenager. From 1941 to 1956, excluding the war years, Joe worked for the Internal Revenue Service.

When Joe was nine years old, he became a member of the Youngstown YMCA. He earned a lifesaving certificate there and later taught Navy enlistees how to swim during basic training. Joe was an avid volleyball player and participated in many tournaments throughout the years, including the Y’s “Win the Last One Win ‘Em All” Tournaments.

Joe served as a judge in the Struthers Municipal Court for many years. He taught business classes including accounting, taxation and business law at Youngstown State University from 1955 to 1978.

Joe was a member of the American Bar Association, the Ohio State Bar Association and the Mahoning County Bar Association. He was “Lawyer of the Year” in Mahoning County in 1983, the first year that the members of the Mahoning County Bar Association selected a recipient for the award.

He served on the Mahoning County Law Library Board of Trustees for 25 years. Joe served as a member of the Board of Trustees of CASTLO Community Improvement Corporation, Youngstown YMCA, Youngstown University and the Children Services Board of Mahoning County. Joe was a member of the Youngstown Rotary for 28 years and was proud of the fact that he had perfect attendance until he became ill in his later years. He was a member and commander of Struthers VFW Post 7538.

Joe was a member of the Infant Jesus of Prague Byzantine Catholic Church in Boardman.

Joe leaves two sons and daughters-in-law, Atty. Joseph and wife Deborah of Baton Rouge, La. and Atty. James and wife Kathleen of North Canton and three daughters, Georgene Hand of Los Angeles, Erica Hite of Struthers and Maribeth Clellen of Shaker Heights. He leaves 10 grandsons and a granddaughter-in-law, Ian and Michael Hand of Los Angeles, Matt Hite of Phoenix, Joe Hite of Bend, Ore., Sean Thoms and wife Beth of Tacoma, Wash., Sam Donchess of Savannah, Ga., Tom and Sam Clellen of Shaker Heights and Matt and Alex Donchess of North Canton; and one great-grandson, William Thoms of Tacoma.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, June; his parents; two brothers, John and Stephen; and two sisters, Mary Strojny and Kathryn Martin.

The family wishes to thank all of the employees of Humility House for the excellent and loving care they gave to Joe.

Visitation will be Wednesday, March 4, 2009, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Kirila Funeral Home Inc., 258 Poland Ave. in Struthers, where a Parastas service will be at 5:30 p.m.

Donations may be made to the Youngstown Rotary Club.

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

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Regina Dragovich, 87

ALLIANCE – Regina Dragovich, 87 passed away Sunday, Feb. 28, at Altercare of Alliance.

Regina was born Dec. 29, 1921 in Campbell, the daughter of David and Barbara Maretich Dragovich.

She was a longtime resident of Altercare of Alliance, where she made many friends with the staff members and the residents, whom she loved. Regina enjoyed the activities at Altercare, shopping trips and especially bingo.

She leaves to cherish her memory, two brothers, Daniel Dragovich and Ron (Sheryl) Dragovich, both of Youngstown and three sisters, Barbara Dragovich of Struthers, Patricia Hughes of Poland and Jackie (Auggie) Ruggiero of Austintown.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, David Dragovich; and three sisters, Ann Erkman, Evelyn Testa and Mimi Dragovich.

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

At the family’s request, there will be no funeral service or calling hours.

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Edna E. Jacobson, 83

CANFIELD – Edna E. Jacobson, 83, died Sunday afternoon, March 1, 2009, at Forum Health Northside Medical Center following a lengthly illness.

She was born Sept. 24, 1925 to Ernest and Della (Ruggles) Johnson and was the loving wife of Henry (Hank) Jacobson, whom she married Sept. 5, 1942.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and two brothers, Robert F. Johnson and Llewelyn H. Johnson.

She graduated from East High School, Class of 1944. She was an active member of her church, was a member and past commander of Navy Mothers of America No. 51 and did volunteer work for more than 20 years at the Brecksville Veterans Hospital. She was also a member of the Eastern Star of Youngstown and the League of Women Voters. She always liked to be active in helping people and had a happy upbeat personality. She also liked to cook and bake, her specialty being cookies and pies.

She and her husband liked to travel and took many trips to various parts of the world.

She will be sadly missed by her children, Erin L. Jacobson, with whom she made her home, Betty (Michael) Ripple of Poland, Brianna Jacobson of Greenbay, Wis. and Eva Jacobson of Columbiana and several nieces and nephews, who were very close to her.

The family wishes to thank her doctors and their staff for their wonderful care.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Evergreen Seventh-day Adventist Church, 7668 Glenwood Ave. in Boardman.

Friends may call at the Lane Funeral Home, Canfield Chapel from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday and one hour prior to services on Thursday at the church.

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

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Dorothy M. Martin, 87

NEWTON FALLS – Private funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m. Monday at the Lane Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel for Dorothy M. Martin, 87, who died Thursday morning at her residence.

She was born Nov. 17, 1921 in Youngstown, a daughter of Joseph and Emily (Beedham) Simons and she resided in this area all of her life.

She was a 1939 graduate of North High School and she spent her adult life as a homemaker raising her two sons. She was a longtime member of the First Free Methodist Church in Cornersburg. She enjoyed cooking and collecting cookbooks and stamps, but her greatest love was her family and friends.

Her first husband, Daniel F. Snyder Sr., died during WWII in 1945. Her second husband, Harold Martin, whom she married in 1948, died in 2001.

She is survived by a son, Daniel F. (Jaye) Snyder Jr. of Newton Falls; three grandchildren, Christopher Snyder, Amy Snyder and Jessica Yankush; and a sister, Margaret Boomhower of Marietta, Ga.

Besides her two husbands, she was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Kenneth Martin; and four brothers; Joseph, James, David and Howard Simons.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Hospice of the Valley.

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

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Kevin R. McBride, 53

HERMITAGE, PA. – Kevin R. McBride, 53, passed away Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009, at UPMC Shadyside Hospital in Pittsburgh, after a courageous battle with Leukemia.

Mr. McBride was born Nov. 19, 1955 in Sharon, Pa., to James and Maud (Kelly) McBride.

Kevin graduated from Brookfield High School in 1973 and worked for Dean Foods in South Pymatuning Township as a truck driver and then as a distribution manager for 25 years.

Mr. McBride belonged to the ZEM ZEM Temple of Mercer County, Shriner’s of North American, Free and Accepted Masons Lodge 810 of Hermitage, BMW RA Motorcycle Club and the Good Fellows Club of Hermitage.

Kevin was “Mr. Fix It” and could fix anything and was very mechanically inclined. He was a personal GPS system for which he helped many friends and family find their way to their destinations. He was a NASCAR fan and rode his motorcycle across country with his uncle, John Hughes, whom he considered another brother. They road in 49 states in the United States and nine Canadian Provinces from 1995 to 2008.

He is survived by his mother, Maud McBride of Brookfield; two daughters, Rachel Quinn and her husband, Jeremey of Hermitage and Sarah McBride-Kraynak and her husband, Justin of Hermitage; a son, Eric J. McBride and his wife, Renee of Detroit; his fiancé, Sharon McClure of Hermitage; two sisters, Linda Pfiffer and her husband, Michael of Parker, Colo. and Beth Ann McBride of Exira, Iowa; three brothers, John D. McBride and his wife, Susan of Masury, Stephan A. McBride and his wife, Genia of St. Augustine, Fla. and Robert W. McBride and his wife, Genia of Rutherfordton, N.C ; and three grandchildren, Andrew, Kiersten and Trenton McBride

He was preceded in death by his father.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, March 4, 2009, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home chapel, with Pastor Bill Johnson of the Brookfield United Methodist Church, officiating.

Friends may send condolences by email to remember@flynnfuneralhome.com.

Visitation will be today, March 3, 2009, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home, with a Masonic Rites at 7:45 p.m. by the Free and Accepted Mason Lodge 810 in Hermitage.

Cremation will take place.

In honor of Kevin, memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia Lymphoma Society or the Family House in Pittsburgh and a special thanks to the Shadyside Hospital 7 West.

Arrangements are being handled by the John Flynn Funeral Home & Crematory Inc.

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Mary Medved, 87

MISSION VIEJO, CALIF. – Mary Medved, 87, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2009, in Mission Viejo, Calif.

She was born Sept. 27, 1921 in Yugoslavia.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Ann Dreyer and three grandchildren, Jeffrey Humason, Jeniffer Brown (Dreyer) and Vinnie Anne Yike (Humason). She is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Tanner Brown of Dana Point, Calif. and John and Joe Humason of Macomb Township, Mich.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Medved and her daughter, Eva Humason.

Mary will be buried at Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown.

Donations should be made to either the Humane Society (any branch) or ASPCA charities in Mary Medved’s name.

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Ronald Vincent Russo, 62

HANFORD, CALIF. – Ronald Vincent Russo, 62, died of cancer Feb. 21, at his home.

Mr. Russo was born Sept. 8, 1946 in Youngstown to Vincent and Virginia (Willrich) Russo.

He served 22 years in the U.S. Navy and was a Vietnam veteran, retiring in November of 1988. He continued a career as a jet engine technician for the Federal Government until he retired on Dec. 31, 2008. He devoted over 40 years of his life to the U.S. Navy in various capacities ... the most rewarding aspect was mentoring young sailors. It was always about the sailors!

Ron had a passion for shooting. He mentored youth shooters at the local gun club, which he was a member of the board of directors. He was awarded the highest honor most military and civilian rifle shooters aspire for, the Distinguish Rifleman Badge.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a stepmother, Lynn Russo; a stepsister, Kathy Evans; brother, Arlie Russo; and an aunt who raised him, Francis Leedy “Aunt Fran.”

He is survived by his three sons, Ronald P. Russo, Jeffery Russo and John Russo; a stepson, Brian Massey; two daughters, Amy Roper and Rhonda Russo; a sister, Patricia Johnston; and his brothers, John Russo and Vincent Russo. He also leaves nine grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by the People’s Funeral Home in Hanford.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 2, at Hanford Cemetery. Immediately following the graveside services, a reception will be held at the Fleet Reserve in Lemoore, Calif.

In lieu of sending flowers, the family ask that you send your condolences at the following web site: http://main.acsevents.org/goto/ron.russo.

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Eleanor A. Suciu, 79

CANFIELD – Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Lane Funeral Home, Canfield Chapel for Eleanor A. Suciu, 79, who was fondly known as “Ona,” died Monday morning at Park Vista.

Ona was born Aug. 29, 1929, in New Castle, Pa., the daughter of Avisalom and Mary (Barbu) Suciu and had formerly lived in Canfield before moving to Park Vista.

Ona retired from LTV Steel, where she had been employed as an executive secretary. She graduated from New Castle High School and Youngstown State University. She was a member of the Canfield Presbyterian Church, loved classical music and supported the Youngstown Rescue Mission.

Ona was a loving daughter and she was the caretaker for her parents and she loved her sister-in-law, Eugenia Suciu of Youngstown, who will miss her.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Cornelius and Emil Suciu.

Family and friends may call from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home, prior to funeral services.

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

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Katherine Patricia “Patty” Wilson, 83

WARREN – There will be a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, March 4, 2009, at 11 a.m. at the Blessed Sacrament Church, 3020 Reeves Road NE in Warren with Celebrant Fr. Donald E. King, for Katherine Patricia “Patty” Wilson, 83, who passed away Monday morning, March 2, 2009, at Lake Vista of Cortland from natural causes.

Katherine Patricia “Patty” Wilson was born Nov. 23, 1925, in Columbus, the daughter of John William and Eleanor Fitzgerald Kavanagh.

She was a 1943 graduate of St. Joseph Academy in Columbus and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Ohio State University in 1947.

She married Dr. Thomas Edward Wilson on June 18, 1949 and he preceded her in death on May 11, 1996.

She came to Warren in 1950 from Columbus. She was an elementary school teacher, having taught in Columbus and Detroit, she then became a homemaker and mother to her eight children.

Patty belonged to the Blessed Sacrament Church. She was a member of the Trumbull Country Club and the Trumbull County Medical Auxiliary. She was a longtime member of the Bridge Club, Book Club, and Birthday Girls.

The center of her life was her children and her grandchildren. She cherished the time she spent with her husband and her family.

She is survived by eight children, Thomas J. (Joann) Wilson of Warren, Michael J. Wilson of Chicago, Ill., James M. (Randi) Wilson of Grand Rapids, Mich., Mary Pat (Pat) Russell of Milwaukee, Wis., Terrance E. (Annette) Wilson of West Lafayette, Ind. Kate (Paul) Fahrenbach of Wilmette, Ill., Patrick K. (Elisabeth) Wilson of Warren and Kevin W. (Susan) Wilson of Greensboro, N.C.; 28 grandchildren, Megan Cook, Katie Stillerman, Tom, Sara, Jim, Erin, Ryan, Kelly and Mehgan Wilson, Tim, Jackie, Patrick, Katie, Michael and Sean Russell, Abigail and Jack Wilson, Mary Kate, Annie, Maggie, Colleen and Elise Fahrenbach, Madeline, Laurel, Mara, Liam, Brian, and Matthew Wilson; and four great-grandchildren, Max, Frannie and Lizzy Cook and Jack Stillerman.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents.

Calling hours will be today from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel, 1884 North Road NE in Warren and also Wednesday morning at the church, one hour prior to the service.

Burial will be at All Souls Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Dr. Thomas E. Wilson Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o 108 Main Ave. SW, Suite 500, Warren, OH 44481.

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