Tributes 2009-03-04

Anna A. Bernard, 95

“Together Again”

WARREN – Anna A. Bernard, 95, formerly of Youngstown, peacefully passed to her eternal reward on Monday, March 2, at Community Skilled Center, where she was a resident for four years.

She was born April 20, 1913 in Youngstown, the daughter of Anna Hruska Vargo and John Vargo.

She married George Bernard on Sept. 28, 1932 and he preceded her in death on Dec. 26, 1970.

Anna enjoyed going to church, playing bingo, church festivals and Atlantic City.

She is survived by three sons, George (Joan) Bernard Jr. of Warren, Stephen Bernard of Duluth, Minn. and Andrew (Frances) Bernard of Pittsburgh. She is also survived by eight grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and two stepgranddaughters.

Besides her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by four brothers, Stephen, John, Joseph and Michael Vargo; a stepsister, Helen Koss; and a stepbrother, Clyde Svetlak.

Calling hours will be at the Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel on Friday, March 6, 2009, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., where a Panachida will take place at 8:30 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, March 7, 2009, at 11:30 a.m. at Sts. Peter & Paul Byzantine Catholic Church in Warren, with Fr. Robert Karl officiating, preceded by an 11 a.m. prayer service at the funeral home.

Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown.

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Wallace Henry “Wally” Dahman, 86

POLAND – There will be services at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the Anstrom-Velker Funeral Home, 75 E. Midlothian Blvd. for Wallace Henry “Wally” Dahman, 86, who died from complications arising from Parkinson’s disease Sunday morning at Sunrise Assisted Living of Poland, where he was a resident since March of 2004.

He was born Oct. 30, 1923, in Youngstown, a son of Julius Henry and Elizabeth A. Weimer Dahman.

After receiving his GED, he went to work for the East Ohio Gas Co. as an engineer from June of 1947 until his retirement in January of 1985.

Wally was a U.S. Army veteran, having served in World War II from April of 1943 until December of 1945. He was honorably discharged at Camp Atterbury, in having served as a rifle marksman, Private First Class. He was awarded an Asiatic Pacific Theater ribbon with two Bronze Stars, Philippine Liberation ribbon with one Bronze Star, a good conduct ribbon and a victory medal.

Wally was an active member of the former St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Youngstown. He was also a member of the American Legion Post No. 0888. Wally had a passion for Christmas lights, beer steins, (and Budweiser Beer), Roy Rogers roast beef sandwiches, collectible coins and Lionel trains. He and his wife were lifetime members of the Youngstown German Maennerchor, where they went dancing every Saturday night.

His wife of 56 years, the former Violet M. Helman, whom he married June 20, 1948, died Jan. 24, 2005.

He is survived by his daughter, Marian (John) Pysarchuk of Pickerington; his son, Wallace D. (Helena) Dahman of Louisville, Ky.; his grandchildren, Jocelyn Pysarchuk, Jessica (Karl) Gustafson, Jacklyn Pysarchuk and John Pysarchuk Jr. and Nicole and Lyndsey Dahman. His guardian angels were George and Patty Lancaster of Poland.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Julia Leggatt and Harriet Dahman and four brothers, Chester, Harold, Charles and Orrin.

Friends may visit with the family from 10 to 11 a.m. prior to the service on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association, Inc., 135 Parkinson Ave., Staten Island, NY 10305 (www.apdaparkinson.org).

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Eve D. David, 85

NEW CASTLE, PA. – Eve D. David, 85, formerly of Youngstown; died the evening of March 2, 2009, at Jameson Hospital.

She was born May 14, 1923 in Youngstown, the daughter of the late Elias and Nora Kushfeh David.

Eve was a retired elementary school teacher. She had taught for nine years at St. Christine Elementary School in Youngstown and then at Newton Falls Elementary School for 12 years in special education and five years at elementary level.

She was a graduate of Youngstown State University.

She was a life member of the Ohio State Teachers Association, a member of the Trumbull County Retired Teacher Association and the Youngstown State Alumni Association.

Eve enjoyed golf, horse races and traveling. She also enjoyed card playing with her many card clubs.

She was a former member of St. Patrick's Church and St. Maron’s Church, both in Youngstown.

She is survived by one brother, Sam David of Youngstown; one sister, Rita Joseph of New Castle; several nieces and nephews; and great-nieces and great-nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, Fred David and two sisters, Adele Zenn and Rose David.

Visitation will be Thursday, March 5, 2009, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Ed & Don DeCarbo Funeral Home & Crematory Inc., located at 941 S. Mill St. in New Castle.

A private blessing service will be held at the funeral home. The Rev. Fr. John Petrarulo, pastor of St. Vitus Church will officiate.

Burial will be at Parkside Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Jameson Hospital of Lawrence County, 1000 S. Mercer St., New Castle, PA 16101.

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Hilda U. Davis, 87

CANFIELD – Memorial services will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at the Gospel Baptist Church for Hilda U. Davis, 87, who passed away Monday evening at St. Elizabeth Health Center.

Mrs. Davis was born May 1, 1921 in Blakely, Pa., a daughter of Herbert and Valedia Cook Jakes.

She graduated from South Side Nursing School and worked as nurse X-ray technician. She also volunteered at the gift shop at South Side Hospital.

She was a former member of the Glenwood Primitive Methodist Church and its adult Sunday school class, and the Order of Eastern Star. She was an avid golfer, bowler and bridge player.

Her husband, Earl V. Davis, whom she married June 27, 1942, died Dec. 21, 1976.

Surviving her is a son, William (Anna) Davis of Struthers; two grandchildren, Juliann A. Miller and Jill Forkin; two great-grandchildren, Hunter Z. Baran and Gust J. Mamounis IV; a son-in-law, Owen Miller; and a dear friend, Vincent Aguilar.

Preceding her in death besides her husband and parents are two daughters, Sandra Miller and Debora Forkin.

The family requests material tributes take the form of contributions to the Church Memorial Fund, Gospel Baptist Church, 6235 Clingan Rd., Poland, OH 44514.

Arrangements handled by the Davis Funeral Home.

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Anthony J. Kozak, 88

WAYNE – Anthony J. Kozak, 88, died at his home on Feb. 25, 2009.

He was born June 11, 1920 in Cleveland, the son of Tomas and Tekla (Romanovich Czykowski) Kozak.

Mr. Kozak was a 1939 graduate of John Adams High School in Cleveland and a 1948 graduate of Ohio University.

He served in the U. S. Army during World War II as part of the 157th Field Artillery of the 44th Division.

Mr. Kozak was a commercial artist for Robert Silverman Inc. of Cleveland for many years, and he retired in 1986.

A resident of Chesterland for 50 years, Mr. Kozak was a resident of Wayne since 2002. He was a member of St. Luke Episcopal Church of Chardon, Tri County Coin Club, Wayne and Jefferson Historical Societies and the V.F.W. of Chesterland.

Mr. Kozak was a collector of many things, including antique eyeglasses. He was an avid reader, loved a good joke and had a gift for storytelling and “tinkering.”

On Nov. 25, 1950, he married Josephine R. Martin.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Pauline Kozak; and three brothers, Michael, Simon and Gregory Kozak.

Survivors include his loving wife of 58 years, Josephine R. Kozak; four daughters, Julianne (James) Spreng of Mohicanville, Stephanie K. (Peter) Brown of Jamul, Calif., Paulla (Bruce) Williamson of Eastlake and Allison X. (Howard Yellen) Kozak of San Francisco; and one grandson, Byron Anthony James Spreng of Mohicanville.

A memorial service will be Saturday, March 7, 2009, at 2 p.m. at St. Luke Episcopal Church, 11519 Wilson Mills Road, Chardon, OH 44024, with the Rev. Christopher McCann officiating.

Burial will be at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Luke Church, Hospice of Western Reserve, 1166 Lake Ave., Ashtabula, OH 44004 or Cleveland Sight Center, 1909 East 101st St., Cleveland, OH 44106.

Please visit www.baumgardnerfuneralhomes.com to sign guestbook.

The Baumgardner Funeral Home in Andover is handling the arrangements.

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Brian “Tiny” Edward Lewis, 48

YOUNGSTOWN – Services will be Thursday, March 5, 2009, at 11 a.m. at the L.E. Black Funeral Home for Brian “Tiny” Edward Lewis, 48, who departed this life Saturday at his residence.

Mr. Lewis was born Oct. 26, 1961 in Huntington, W.Va., a son of William D. and Peggy B. Birchfield Lewis, coming to this area in 1969.

He worked as an auto technician at Greenwood Chevrolet before retiring of disability.

He was a member of the Friendship Baptist Church in Girard and a member of its male chorus. He was a true collector of antiques, especially owls and cars.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, the former Priscilla Comer; his mother, Peggy Birchfield Thomas of Youngstown; four children, Decosta S. (Jamie) Baptiste of Boardman, Chaunte’ J. Baptiste and Kiara Harris, both of Youngstown and Anthony Ferrell of Erie, Pa.; three brothers, William Lewis of Youngstown, James (Michelle) Connors of Maryland and Mohammed (Judy) Harren of Youngstown; three sisters, Sonya Mukaabya, Rita (Davanzio) Tate and Erica (Ali) Williams, all of Youngstown; three grandchildren; and a host of family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, William Lewis and his stepfather, James Thomas.

Friends may call Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the L.E. Black Funeral Home.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the L.E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home.

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Elder Leonard J. Mayo, 76

YOUNGSTOWN – Services will be Friday, March 6, 2009, at 11 a.m. at the New Bethel Baptist Church for Elder Leonard J. Mayo, 76, who entered eternal life on Tuesday, March 2, 2009, at his home.

Elder Mayo was born Dec. 9, 1932 in Cleveland, a son of Ashley J. II and Luvenia Stevens Mayo.

He was a 1951 graduate of The Rayen School and attended Youngstown State University. He had been employed as a dietary supervisor at Assumption Nursing Home, retiring in 1991.

He was a member of the Beulah Temple United Holy Church, where he formerly served as assistant minister and was in the church choir. Presently, Elder Mayo served as Pastor of the New Covenant United Holy Church in Pittsburgh for the past 22 years, was president of the Cleveland District Union of the Northwestern District for 9 years, served on the Board of Elders with the Northwestern District, District Elder over several churches in the Northwestern District, and had mentored several young pastors throughout his many years of Christian service. He formerly served as chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Northwestern District for 12 years, assistant to the Presiding Prelate of Northwestern District for eight years, was on NWD Board of Presbytery, and on the United Holy Church of America General Board of Trustees. He was a U.S. Army veteran.

He enjoyed cooking, watching golf, boxing and the Cleveland Browns. He especially loved being with his children and grandchildren, and having breakfast at Bob Evans Restaurant with his granddaughter, Brittney.

He leaves to cherish his beloved memory, his devoted wife, the former Celestine Brown, whom he married May 14, 1977; six children, Leonard E. Mayo of Akron, Lenora Jackson of Decatur, Ga., Delphine (Monzell) Way of New York, Regina Mayo of Louisville, Ky., Sheree L. Brown of Youngstown, and Sgt. Ashley J. (BeaJae) Mayo III, stationed with the U.S. Army at Ft. Hood, Texas; 14 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; three sisters, Evangelist Thelma Fitzgerald, Elaine Levels of Michigan and Melvine (Gunter) Kaisauer of Hollywood, Calif.; a brother, Prentiss Logan of Chicago; goddaughters, Bernice “Bunny” Sullivan and Clarisse “Missy” Jordon both of Pittsburgh; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church.

Arrangements entrusted to the L.E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home.

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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 today, 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.

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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Donald F. Randolph, 91

“Together Again”

BOARDMAN – Services will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at the Western Reserve Methodist Church for Donald F. Randolph, 91, who passed away Monday evening at Beeghly Oaks Nursing Home.

Mr. Randolph was born Sept. 3, 1917, in Braddock, Pa., a son of Leonard F. and Jessie Boyer Randolph.

He graduated from South High School in 1937. He retired as an inspector with Jones & Laughlin Steel Company and was a member of the union and had served as its secretary.

As a U.S. Army Air Corp veteran, he served during World War II and was a 60 year member of Sulgrave Lodge 696 F. & A.M.

He was a member of the church and past president of the Amity Class.

His wife, the former Ruth V. Evans, whom he married June 9, 1945, died Oct. 10, 2006.

Surviving him are two sons, Kevin Randolph of Boardman and Mark Randolph of Houston, and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death besides his wife and parents, is a brother, Clyde Randolph and a sister, Mary Jane Webb.

Friends may call Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Davis Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church.

The family requests material tributes take the form of contributions to the Church Memorial Fund, Western Reserve Methodist Church, 4580 Canfield Road, Canfield, OH 44406.

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Paul R. Schell, 86

POLAND – A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Holy Family Church for Paul R. Schell, 86, who passed away Monday evening at St. Mary’s Alzheimer’s Center.

Mr. Schell was born April 16, 1922 in Beaver Falls, Pa., a son of Raymond J. and Mary Yeager Schell.

He was a graduate of Beaver Falls High School and attended Geneva College. Paul was a photographer for the Beaver Falls News Tribune and later for The Vindicator, retiring in 1985 after 29 years.

Paul served in Word War II with the U.S. Marine Corp. as an aerial photographer with the No. 423 Squadron in the South Pacific.

He was a member of the National News Photographer Association in both Ohio and Pennsylvania, the Tri-State Marines, the VFW and the Holy Family Church.

Surviving him is his wife, the former Evelyn Milbradt, whom he married Nov. 27, 1958; a niece, Carole (Cliff) Mains of Mississippi; two nephews, C. Lee (Pat) Gropp of Virginia and Barry W. (Bonnie) Gropp of Pennsylvania; also a godson, Michael Wagner of Independence, Mo.

Friends may call Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Davis Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that contributions be sent to St. Mary’s Alzheimer’s Center, 1899 W. Garfield Ave., Columbiana, OH 44408 or Holy Family Church, 2729 Center Road, Poland, OH 44514 or Good Hope Lutheran Church, 98 Homestead Drive, Boardman, OH 44512.

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Rev. Protopresbeter Anthony Spirtos, 87

NORTH CANTON – Rev. Protopresbeter Anthony Spirtos, 87, passed away Monday, March 2, 2009, at St. Luke’s Lutheran Community after a brief illness.

Rev. Father Anthony was born July 25, 1922 in Kalymnos, Greece to the late Rev. Theodore and Niki (Billiris) Spirtos and is also preceded by brothers, Charles Spirtos and Theofilos Spirtos and his wife of 52 years, Anna Spirtos.

He was a member of St. Haralambos Greek Church and a 45-year member of the Order of Ahepa. Fr. Anthony led a most remarkable life, dedicating himself to the service of others.

In 1943, he enlisted in the Greek Navy in Egypt, where he volunteered to become a spy, working for the United States OSS, (Office of Strategic Command - the forerunner of today’s CIA) to aid in the liberation of Greece from the Nazis. He was assigned as a radio man in the western part of Greece and dropped behind enemy lines with a secret identity to report on German troop movements. He was discharged in 1945 and recognized by the Greek and United States governments as one of the unknown heroes of World War II.

He then enrolled at the National University of Athens in Greece and graduated a doctor of dentistry (DDS) in 1953. In 1955, he married Anna Ballas of Youngstown and came to America, where he worked at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital. He was eventually named director of special chemistry.

In 1964, he pursued a lifelong dream and was ordained a priest. He was assigned to St. Anagyri Greek Orthodox Church in Rochester, Minnesota from 1964 to 1970, where he also served as chaplain to all Orthodox patients treated at the Mayo Clinic. In 1970, he was transferred to St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Huntington, W.Va., remaining until 1989, when he retired and moved to North Canton.

Upon his retirement, the St. George Community honored Father Anthony by naming the church social hall after him. During his “retirement” in Canton, he continued to actively serve all of the area Orthodox churches and was highly regarded by all who came in contact with his kind and caring ways.

He is survived by nephew and niece, Nick and Virginia Ballas and grand nephews, William and Thomas Ballas, all of North Canton; a nephew, Michael Ballas of Boardman; a sister-in-law, Helen Ballas of Campbell; his nephews, Drs. Theodore, George and Emmanuel Spirtos of Youngstown; his nieces, Vickie Spirtos (Sr. Seraphima) and Mary (Spirtos) Sebest, along with brother, Nick Spirtos; sisters Sevasti Tsouni, Maria Zavalari and Lina Magriplis, all of Greece.

Services will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2009, at St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church, starting at 9 a.m. with Orthros, followed with the Divine Liturgy and 3rd Saturday of the Souls Memorial Service.

The funeral service will start at 11:30 a.m. with his Eminence Metropolitan Maximos of Pittsburgh (Host Metropolitan) and his Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit (nephew), his Grace Bishop Mark of Toledo, assisted by the Rev. Dr. Nicholas Gamvas Proistamenos of St. Haralambos Church and the Stark County Orthodox Clergy Brotherhood and other Metropolis Clergy.

Interment will be at Archangel Michael Church Cemetery in Campbell.

Friends may call Friday, March 6, 2009, at St. Haralambos Greek Church in Canton from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., where a Trisagion service will occur at 5 p.m. and at 6:30 p.m. the 1st Salutations to the Theotokos will be chanted.

In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes can be made to the St. Haralambos Hellenic Dancers. Father Anthony truly enjoyed watching the dancers perform and was very touched by the dance group’s honoring of his beloved Presbytera Anna by dedicating last year’s show “Traditions of a Greek Wedding” to her.

The Rossi Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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Pauline T. Summers, 86

HUBBARD – Pauline T. Summers, 86, died Monday evening, March 2, 2009, at Orange Village.

She was born Sept. 15, 1922, in Youngstown, a daughter of George and Josephine Darpini Pugliese and was a lifelong area resident.

Mrs. Summers was a secretary for Gettman Hearing Aids for 10 years. She was a member of the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Youngstown and a graduate of East High School. Pauline enjoyed roses, gardening, crocheting, reading, football and was an avid Notre Dame fan.

Her husband, Edgar U. Summers, whom she married July 27, 1957, died June 18, 1966.

She leaves two sons, John P. (Kathy) Summers of Hubbard and George R. (Janet) Summers of Liberty; a sister, Kathryn Beck of Naples, Fla.; three grandchildren, Debra (James) Rutan of Hubbard, Angela (Jeff) Porter of Myrtle Beach, S.C. and George (Marcy) Summers Jr. of Howland; eight great-grandchildren, James Jr., Taylor, Quinn Marie, Jessica, Bianca, Samantha, Jeffrey and Natalie; many nieces and nephews; and her beloved cat, Boots, whom she loved very much.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Joseph and Frank Pugliese.

Funeral services will be held at 9 a.m. at the Kelley-Robb Funeral Home and 10 a.m. at the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church.

Family and friends may call on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Please visit www.kelley-robb.com to view the obituary and to send condolences to the family.

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John William Wagner, 53

AUSTINTOWN – John William Wagner, 53, died Monday, March 2, 2009, after a long illness of renal disease.

John was a 1974 graduate of Austintown Fitch High School and he graduated in 1978 from Youngstown State University with a degree in business administration. He was a graduate of the ROTC program at YSU and commissioned as a first lieutenant of the Army Reserve. His military career spanned 22 years, retiring as a lieutenant colonel after service in Bosnia.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Stewart G. Wagner and Jane Kemple Roller Wagner.

He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Deborah Lippiatt Wagner, whom he married June 1, 1991 at the Girard First United Methodist Church; his sons, Michael and Matthew, both of Austintown; and his brother of another mother, Edward Rance Jr. of Canfield.

John was an avid fisherman (the catfish can now rejoice). He was also a Ham Radio Operator and his call sign was N8ISS.

A celebration of life service will be Friday at 6 p.m. at the Grace Lutheran Church,162 S. Raccoon Road in Austintown.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice of the Valley Hospice House or Wagner/Roller Scholarship Fund at YSU/ROTC program.

Arrangements are being handled by the Blackstone Funeral Home.

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