Tributes 2009-03-16

Edith Mae Barnes, 80

STRUTHERS – Edith Mae Barnes, 80, died Sunday, March 14, 2009, at her granddaughter’s residence after complications due to COPD.

Mrs. Barnes was born Sept. 15, 1928 in Erie, Pa., a daughter of Edward and Glada Graham Gradler. She came to this area in the 1960s.

She was a 1946 graduate of Academy High in Erie. Mrs. Barnes worked in retail sales in the clothing department for several stores, including Richmond Bros. for 20 years.

She was a member of St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church in Struthers, the VFW Ladies Auxiliary in Struthers, and the Democratic Party. She enjoyed playing bingo and cards.

In 1968, she participated in the Vietnam Drive and sent hundreds of packages to soldiers on the front line. She was recognized by President Johnson for her work and was known by the soldiers as “Mrs. Claus.”

She leaves her two daughters, Karen (Dave) English of Lakeland, Fla. and Cynthia (Dan) Wellman of Struthers; two sons, David McLaughlin of Campbell and Donald McLaughlin of Andover; a sister, Florence Earl of Boca Raton, Fla.; eight grandchildren, Ron (Dawn) McLaughlin of New Springfield, Tina (Shawn) Millison of Greenford, Tracy (Tim) Green of Toledo, Cassie (Jon) Eppinager of Monroe, Mich., Dawn (Jay) Andrews of Rogers, Tanya McLaughlin of Coitsville, David McLaughlin of Campbell and Michael Wellman of Struthers; 17 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Michael McLaughlin; a sister, Letah Gradler; and two brothers, Edward and Donald Gradler.

Funeral services will be held Thursday at 9:15 a.m. at the Davidson-Becker Funeral Home in Struthers and at 10 a.m. at St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church with Fr. Bernard Bonnot officiating.

Family and friends will be received Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

The family requests that memorial tributes take the form of contributions in Mrs. Barnes name to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Boardman, OH 44512.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.

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Diana M. Dawson, 54

CANFIELD – Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 18, at the Thompson Funeral Home, 4221 Market St. in Boardman for Diana M. Dawson, 54, who died Saturday morning at Cleveland Clinic.

Diana was born Sept. 23, 1954 in Youngstown, a daughter of the late John P. and Anita Cellurale Milligan.

She graduated from Boardman High School in 1972 and received her bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University. She had taught in the Youngstown City Schools and later was a substitute teacher for Canfield, Austintown and Boardman Schools.

Her husband, Gary A. Dawson, whom she married April 19, 1980, died Dec. 21, 2004.

She leaves her two daughters, Amanda Dawson and Tracy Dawson, both at home; a sister, Kimmy (Bob) Baughman of Jacksonville, Fla.; her uncle, Carl Cellurale of Boardman; and two nieces, Jennifer (Billy) Green and Michelle Baughman.

Friends may call on Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Thompson Funeral Home.

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Jane Gerner, 89

POLAND – Services will be held Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Poland Chapel for Jane Gerner, 89, who passed away Saturday morning at Hospice House.

Jane was born March 23, 1919, a daughter of Edwin and Beuhlah Gordon Klinger, coming to the Springfield Township area from Champion.

Jane worked at Packard Electric and for American Paper Products for over 25 years. She was a 1937 graduate of Champion High School and was of the Protestant faith.

Her husband, Paul Gerner, whom she married in 1940, passed away in 1971.

She leaves one daughter, Kandy Bloomingdale of Poland; two sisters, Eileen Vale of Sarasota, Fla. and Norma Thomas of Champion; two brothers, Edwin “Stretch” (Percie) Klinger of Englewood and Jim (Helen) Klinger of Warren; three grandsons, Rich Bloomingdale, Mark (Pam) Bloomingdale and Jeff (Kelly) Bloomingdale; and four great-grandchildren, Devon Aey, Marquis Bloomingdale, Dylan Bloomingdale and Talyn Bloomingdale.

Besides her parents and husband, Jane was preceded in death by two sisters, Elizabeth Hamilton and Mary Jane Krupp; and two brothers, Richard Klinger and Ed Thomas.

Friends may call Tuesday from noon to 1 p.m. at the funeral home.

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Thomas E. Gifford, 87

POLAND – Thomas E. Gifford, 87, of Four Seasons Trail, died Saturday morning at Hospice House with his family by his side.

Mr. Gifford was born June 30, 1921 in Niles, a son of Earl and Eva VonSchwarz Gifford

He was a 1939 graduate of Girard High School and a graduate of Youngstown State University, receiving his bachelor’s degree in accounting.

Mr. Gifford was a World War II Army veteran. He was stationed overseas and landed on Omaha Beach on D–Day, and fought in the Battle of the Buldge.

He began working for Youngstown Sheet and Tube at the age of 18 as a mail carrier, then eventually became the director of accounting services, retiring after 40 years.

He was a member of the Poland United Methodist Church. Mr. Gifford enjoyed traveling across the United States and Europe, he especially enjoyed traveling every year to Marco Island, Fla.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, the former Phyllis Carter, whom he married May 12, 1951, who died Aug. 16, 1972.

He is survived by his second wife, Isabelle MacLennan (Moorhead) Gifford, whom he married June 30, 1990; one son, Kenneth (Rebecca) Gifford of Willard; two stepdaughters, Pamela (Randy) Roscoe of Cortland and Kimberly (Tim) Burns of Canton; five grandchildren, Michael Gifford, Andrew Gifford, Kelley Gifford, Emily Burns and Sarah Burns; two sisters, Mary (Bill) Adams of Girard and Barbara Mills of West Palm Beach, Fla.

Besides his parents and first wife, he was preceded in death by one daughter, Janice Gifford.

Family and friends will be received today from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home in Poland.

Funeral services will be Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the Poland United Methodist Church, where friends will be received from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Interment will follow at Poland Riverside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice House, 9803 Sharrott Road, Poland OH 44514.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.

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Timothy R. Kyle, 52

HUBBARD – There will be funeral services Saturday, March 21, at noon at St. Patrick Catholic Church for Timothy R. Kyle, 52, who died peacefully Thursday at home with his family at his side after a courageous battle with Multiple Myeloma.

Tim was born Aug. 9, 1956, a son of A. Ray and Diane J. Chufo Kyle and was a lifelong Hubbard resident.

He was a 1974 graduate of Hubbard High School, attended Youngstown State University and graduated in 1978 from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science.

He was a third generation funeral director and embalmer, co-owner and vice president of the Stewart-Kyle Funeral Home for many years. He was vice president of Western Reserve Leasing Livery Company for over 10 years, which provides specialty funeral vehicles to funeral homes in Northeastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania. He also worked at Liberty Steel Products Hubbard Plant for several years as a truck driver and in the maintenance department.

Tim’s commitment to his community was unwavering, always dedicating his time and efforts in anyway to help the citizens of Hubbard. His service reached beyond the funeral home. He loved and supported his entire family and all of his loving friends and colleagues.

He was a dedicated member of the Hubbard Volunteer Fire Department for 22 years, serving as Captain, Assistant Chief and retiring as Chief in 2000. He was a member of the Hubbard Community Fund Corporation, which is an agency of the Youngstown Area United Way. He was a member since 1984, serving on numerous committees and for the last five years served as its vice president. He also donated his time for the Second Harvest Food Bank of Youngstown, delivering food to area charities.

In 2007, Tim was made a Paul Harris Fellow, an award provided by the Rotary International Foundation.

He was an active member of the Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana Counties Funeral Directors Association, OFDA District 15, and had served the organization in many capacities over the years and was its president from 2004 to 2006. He was a member of the Ohio Funeral Directors Association, serving the association in anyway that he could, National Funeral Directors and Ohio Embalmers Association.

He loved restoring his antique fire trucks and numerous automobiles spending endless hours working in his barn and always made time to help his friends on their projects as well. He was a member of Youngstown rod and Custom and Penn-Ohio truck Club and a former member of Youngstown Model T Club.

He will be sadly missed by all who knew him and loved him. Tim is survived by his loving wife, Janice L. McCullough, whom he married May 25, 1979; his son, Benjamin A. Kyle, a fourth generation funeral director and embalmer and his fiancee, Danielle K. Dugan; his parents, Ray and Diane Kyle; his brother, David J. (Dr. Terrie Rich) Kyle, all of Hubbard; and his grand dogs, Mocha, Cinnamon and Dallas.

He also leaves his mother-in-Law, Agnes McCullough of Hubbard; his brothers-in-law, Thomas (Marilyn) McCullough of Howland; William McCullough of Hubbard; his nieces, Courtney McCullough, Katherine McCullough and Deidre McCullough. He also leaves an uncle, Leonard Fields; and several cousins and second cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Wilber and Bernice Kyle, Selma and John Chufo; his father-in-law, Jack McCullough and his aunt, Jane Fields.

There will be calling hours Friday, March 20, from 2 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m., with prayers at 11 a.m. at the Stewart-Kyle Funeral Home, with a noon service at St. Patrick Catholic Church. For those not wanting to come to the funeral home on Saturday morning, you can go directly to the church for the noon service.

Tim’s love and dedication to Hubbard was remarkable and to continue his legacy in lieu of flowers, monetary donations may be made to Hubbard Community Fund in care of James Kerrigan, 401 Melody Lane, Hubbard, OH 44425.

The Kyle family would like to thank Dr. Howard Slemons of Hubbard, Dr. Robert M. Dean and Janice Reed, Nurse Clinician of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, for all the loving care and support given to Tim during his illness.

Graveside services and burial will be at Hubbard Union Cemetery.

Friends and family are invited to visit the funeral home’s website at www.stewart-kyle.com to share memories and condolences with the family.

Stewart-Kyle Funeral Home

Providing Funeral Service Since 1850

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Paul P. Landolfi, 85

POLAND – There will be a funeral service held on Tuesday, March 17, 2009, at 6 p.m. at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4700 Market St. in Boardman, for Paul P. Landolfi, 85, who passed away Friday evening, March 13, 2009, at his residence.

Paul will always be remembered and loved by his family and friends.

He was born Feb. 23, 1924 in Youngstown, the son of Antonio and Antonina (Cinque) Landolfi and later moved to Edinburg, Pa.

Paul was employed at Republic Steel Company as a Mobile Equipment Operator until his retirement in 1984.

He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, where he earned the rank of Technician 5th grade with the 470th Engineers (Service and Maintenance) Company. He received the following decorations, the Good Conduct Medal, the EAME Theater Service Medal with four Bronze Stars, the Combat Infantry and Drivers Medal and the Victory Medal. Paul’s campaigns were in Naples, Fla., Rhineland and Central Europe.

Paul attended Mohawk High School, and was one of the biggest New York Yankee’s fans. He truly enjoyed watching his grandchildren at their sporting events and loved to have family gatherings.

Paul leaves behind to hold on to his memories his wife, the former Eva Manos, whom he married May 27, 1951; a son, Gregory (Darlene) Landolfi and a daughter, Lissa (Daniel) Oslin, both of Poland; five grandchildren, Spencer and Lucas Oslin, Carlie (Paul) Sohayda, Terra Donnelly and Gregory Landolfi; two great-grandchildren, Keaton Donnelly and Cole Sohayda; a sister, Mildred (Paul) Petro of Struthers; and a brother, John Landolfi of Florida.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Gregory Landolfi.

Friends may call on Tuesday, March 17, 2009, from 4 to 5:50 p.m. at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4700 Market St. in Boardman.

Burial will take place at Belmont Park Cemetery.

Material contributions may be made in Paul’s name to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Youngstown, OH 44512.

The family would like to thank all those who cared and helped during Paul’s illness.

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Edith M. Matkovich, 92

GIRARD – Edith M. Matkovich, 92, died on Saturday, March 14, 2009, at Hospice House.

Edith was born July 11, 1916 in McIntyre, Pa., a daughter of Joseph and Mary Gentile Damiano, coming to this area at the age of seven.

She was a member of St. Anthony’s senior group, St. Anthony’s pizza workers, the Girard Oldtimers Club and Girard Senior Citizens. She enjoyed crafts and playing cards. She was a 60-year member of the Jolly Stichers and the Birthday Club.

She is survived by a son, Charles (Maureen) Matkovich of Germantown, Md.; four grandchildren, Mark (Karen) Matkovich of Hurricane, W.Va. and Jeremy, Kate and Marina Matkovich, all of Germantown; two sisters, Betty Drummond of Girard and Julia Virgalitte of Boardman; and a stepsister, Rose Winot of Niles.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Charles E. Matkovich; a son, Edward J. Matkovich; two brothers; two stepbrothers; and three stepsisters.

Calling hours will be Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Schiavone Funeral Home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Church. Burial will follow at Calvery Cemetery in Youngstown.

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Brenda Kay Porter, 51

NILES – Brenda Kay Porter, 51, of 410 Emma St., died at 6 a.m. Sunday, March 15, 2009, at St. Joseph Health Center in Warren following a short battle with cancer.

Brenda was affectionately known as “DO” and was born in Warren on Jan. 20, 1958 to Lester and Lucille (Wagoner) Porter.

She was associated with her brother, Carl, at BP Expertee’s of Niles for many years. DO was a Niles McKinley High School graduate and also graduated from Trumbull Business College with an associate degree in accounting and computer science.

She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints of Liberty Township. She was an avid shopper, enjoyed family vacations at the beach and camping and especially riding the golf cart at the campgrounds.

She is survived by her parents of Niles; her companion of 20 years, Darrell Jones, with whom she lived; three brothers, Talmadge (Vickie) Porter of Weathersfield Township, Carl (Veronica) Porter Sr. and Tim (Tina) Porter, both of Niles; and four nieces and two nephews, Monique (Mike Buckner) Porter, Timie “TT” Porter, Molli Porter, Carl Jr. Porter, Harry Porter and Ashley Porter.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Sandra Faye Porter, who died Feb. 28, 1998 and her grandparents.

Family and friends may call at the Holeton-Yuhasz Funeral Home in Niles Tuesday, March 17, 2009, from 4 to 7 p.m. and Wednesday from 12:30 to 1 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home Wednesday, March 18, 2009, at 1 p.m., with Dwayne and Jim Moore officiating. Burial will follow at Kerr Cemetery.

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Matilda L. Puskar, 93

BOARDMAN – Funeral services will be Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. at the Kubina Yuhasz Funeral Home, 5925 Market St. and a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Saint Patrick Catholic Church for Matilda L. Puskar, 93, who passed away Saturday evening at Briarfield Manor.

Mrs. Puskar was born in Youngstown on Sept. 1, 1915, a daughter of John and Rosa Frey Hohvart.

She was employed at the Youngstown State University Bookstore in the 1950s and 1960s. She was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church.

Matilda will be sadly missed by her son, George C. (Anita) Puskar of Boardman and her daughter, Nancy C. Harvey of Kettering; her grandchildren, George T. (Sherry) Puskar, Jeffrey Puskar, Christopher (Jodie) Puskar, Thomas J. Puskar, Lois (Gregg) Lane, Kenneth Harvey and Carol Harvey; and seven great-grandchildren.

Besides her husband, George Julius Puskar, whom she married in 1935, who died Aug. 20, 1972, Matilda was preceded in death by her sisters, Rose Hohvart and Ann Heasley; and by her brothers, John, Alfred, William and Joseph Hohvart; and a grandson, David Harvey.

Visitation will take place at the funeral home on Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m.

The family requests that material contributions be made to Hospice of the Valley.

Please visit kubinayuhasz@sbcglobal.net to send condolences.

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George Sheppa, 86

BOARDMAN - George Sheppa, 86, of Barbie Drive, formerly of Eleanor Avenue in Youngstown, died early Sunday morning, March 15, 2009, at his home with his family at his side, following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.

George was born Aug. 19, 1922 in Bellaire, a son of the late Michael and Pauline Popovich Sheppa and came to Youngstown as a child.

He was a 1941 graduate of Chaney High School and was a decorated World War II Army veteran, serving in North Africa and Italy from 1943 to 1945. He was a part of the 351st Infantry, 88th Division Medical Unit. George was awarded the Bronze Star, Combat Medical Badge, Distinguished Unit Badge, V-Ribbon, Good Conduct Ribbon and European Theatre Ribbon with three Battle Stars.

After the war, Mr. Sheppa graduated with high honors from New Castle Jewelers Training School and became a self-employed goldsmith. He owned and operated B & S Manufacturing Jewelers for decades. In addition to his jewelry business, George also worked for the U.S. Postal Service as a letter carrier for 30 years, retiring in 1981.

Mr. Sheppa was a member of St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, the Jewelers Board of Trade, and enjoyed the sunshine, long walks, traveling, cooking and most importantly, spending time with his family.

He leaves his wife, Kathryn Paliga Sheppa, whom he married Sept. 13, 1947; three sons, David G. (Andrea) Sheppa of Bay Village, Mark M. (Christina) Sheppa of Solon and Tim A. Sheppa of Boardman; a daughter, Georgiann K. (Joseph) Popovich of Boardman; five grandchildren, Joseph (Sarah Lovequist) Sheppa, Melissa (John) Syvanych, Julie Popovich, Danielle Sheppa and Stephanie Sheppa; a sister, Julie Wansack of Campbell; and a brother, Alexander (Sara) Sheppa of Hubbard.

Four brothers, Michael, Frank, John and Charles Sheppa, and a sister, Mary Sheppa, are deceased.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Tuesday, March 17, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Road in Youngstown and at 1:30 p.m. at St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church on South Belle Vista Avenue.

Family and friends may call from noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Interment with military honors will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley or to Alzheimer’s Assistance and Referral Network in care of the funeral home.

The Sheppa family extends its gratitude to Dr. Charles Wilkins, Amy Gabriel and to the staff of Hospice of the Valley, especially Linda, Cheryl, Dennis, Kim, Shelby and Jerry, for the loving care and kindness given to George during his illness.

Visit kinnickfuneralhome.com to view this obituary and to send on-line condolences.

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Romaine C. Stillson

BOARDMAN – Romaine C. Stillson died March 15, at Hospice House in Poland.

Romaine was born July 1, 1918 in Struthers and moved to Youngstown the next year and to Boardman in 1926.

She attended Youngstown College, Western Reserve and UCLA.

Her many activities included participation on the boards of the Mental Health Association, Child Guidance, YWCA and PTA. She was a member of the Mahoning County Medical Auxiliary and Great Books.

She was very involved in Children’s International Summer Villages (CISV) and the American Field Service (AFS).

She was a deaconess at the Westminster Presbyterian Church for two years. She taught English at the International Institute.

She was very involved in the Boardman Tennis and Swim Club and was a regular member of the Canfield Bridge Club, the Southside Bridge Club and the ACBL.

Romaine was married in 1941 to Dean Stillson, MD, who died in 1974. After his death, she worked for 15 years for Robert Fisher, MD.

Romaine was recently honored as one of Boardman’s first female cheerleaders.

She will be greatly missed by her four children, Kathy (Carole Katz) of New York, Jeffrey of North Carolina, Robert (DD) of Oregon and Jeanne (Joel Mazelis) of Maryland; four grandchildren, Robin, Roroy, Michael and Luke; and many extended relatives and friends.

Friends may call Tuesday, March 17, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Romaine’s condo at 7424 E. Huntington Drive in Boardman.

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

Arrangements are being handled by the Davis Funeral Home in Youngstown.

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