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Tributes 2009-03-26

John Michael Barsodi, 90

BRADENTON, FLA. – John Michael Barsodi, 90, died March 23, 2009.

Born in Youngstown, he moved to Bradenton in 2003, from Boardman.

A graduate of the Ohio State University in agriculture, he worked for U.S. Steel and retired after 35 years. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army during World War II. He was president of the Men’s Garden Club, a member of the Senior Golf League of Youngstown. He enjoyed gardening, sports and was an avid naturalist, hunter and golfer. He was a devoted husband and caring father.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Andree of Bradenton; daughters, Michele Takei of Bradenton, Jacqueline Barsodi of Las Vegas and Margaret Petrovich of Roseville, Calif.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in Youngstown.

The Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd St., West Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements.

Please visit www.brownandsonsfuneral.com to make online condolences.


Bertha Mae Bartlebaugh, 81

BOUNTIFUL, UTAH – Services will be held at 4 p.m. Friday at the Lane Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel for Bertha Mae Bartlebaugh, 81, formerly of the Youngstown area, who died Saturday, March 21, in Utah.

Bertha was born Sept. 30, 1927 in Hastings, Pa., the daughter of the late William and Pearl (Ashcraft) Woodley.

She had been a nurse’s assistant for Park Vista for 14 years, retiring in 1989. She was formerly a member of the Struthers Baptist Tabernacle.

Her husband, Lawrence Bartlebaugh, whom she married Aug. 27, 1945, died June 12, 2003.

She is survived by two children, Wendy (Steven) Wolfe of N. Salt Lake City and Larry Bartlebaugh of Youngstown; a sister, Phyllis Giles of Townsend, Del.; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; four sisters; and six brothers.

Friends may call from 3 to 4 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

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



Dr. Richard Lee Bernstine, 84

BOARDMAN – Services will be held Friday at 4 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Health Center Chapel, for Dr. Richard Lee Bernstine, 84, a medical doctor, who passed away recently in the comfort of his home. A reception at the Overture Restaurant located inside the DeYor Center for the Performing Arts will immediately follow the service.

Dr. Bernstine was born Jan. 8, 1925 in Philadelphia, a son of Dr. Jack B. and Rena Berkowitz Bernstine.

He came to the Youngstown area in 1976, where he earned his professorship and taught at Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine and was the director of education and the Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program at St. Elizabeth Health Center.

He is survived by his wife, the former Joyce Tully, whom he married June 1, 1971; a daughter, Torey Via (Jeff) Worron of Lakewood; a son, Robert Deane (Christina) Via of Cape Coral, Fla.; and a sister, Janet Shuster of Los Altos, Calif.; and grandchildren, Tully Lee Worron and James Deane Via.

Preceding him in death besides his parents is a brother, Dr. Melvin Lee Bernstine.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Youngstown, OH 44512.

Arrangements are being handled by the Davis Funeral Home.


Helen Chamer, 97

WARREN – There will be a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, March 28, 2009, at 11 a.m. at St. Roberts Church with the Celebrants Fr. Carl Kish and Fr. Robert Karl, for Helen Chamer, 97, formerly of Youngstown, who passed away Monday afternoon, March 23, 2009, at Just Like Home in Warren.

Helen Chamer was born Aug. 3, 1911 in Youngstown, the daughter of John and Susanna Matzko Hudock.

Helen was a homemaker. She was a member of St. Matthias Church in Youngstown and Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Warren. She belonged to the Infant Jesus of Prague Guild at St. Matthias, and St. Benedicts Auxiliary in Warren.

She married Michael F. Chamer on June 17, 1937, he preceded her in death on April 3, 1987. She came to Warren in 2001.

She leaves to cherish her memory, a daughter, Mary Helen (Dr. Domingo) Villareal of Warren; a son, Michael (Rexita) Chamer of Howland; six grandchildren, Donna M. (Steve Grill) Villareal of Columbus, James M. (Catherine) Villareal MD of Salt Lake City, David A. Villareal of Houston, Brian E. Villareal of West Carrolton, Rexita M. Chamer of Charlottesville, Va. and Rechael (Tom) Nagle of Manassas, Va.; and six great-grandchildren, Sarah, Erin, Jonathan, Paul, Liam and Helena. She also leaves two sisters, Mary Susak of Sharpsville, Pa. and Ann Kenny of Campbell.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by four brothers, Andrew, John, Joseph, and George Hudock and three sisters, Alice Kessler, Betty Lewis and Bertha Hudock.

Calling hours will be Saturday at St. Roberts Church in Cortland from 10 to 11 a.m.

Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to St. Roberts Church, 4659 Niles Cortland Road N.E., Cortland, OH 44410 or Sts. Peter & Paul Church, 180 Belvedere Ave. N.E., Warren, OH 44483.

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Mary Louise Diyorio, 85

KINGWOOD, TEXAS – Mary Louise Diyorio was born in New Castle, Pa., to Nicholas and Theresa DeRosa on April 1, 1923 and passed away in Kingwood on Monday, March 23, 2009, at the age of 85.

Mary was born and raised in New Castle, until she married Anthony V. Diyorio on April 25, 1942. The couple moved to Youngstown, where they raised three daughters.

Mary and Anthony remained in Youngstown until 2006, when they chose to move to Kingwood to live with their daughter. Mary was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her three brothers, Palmereno, Anthony and Michael DeRosa.

She is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Anthony V. Diyorio; three daughters, Carol DePinto (Nick), Josephine Arndt (Richard) and Patricia Murdock–Pitts (Michael); sister, Helen Tesone; grandchildren, Michele DePinto–Jacobson (James), Anthony DePinto (Leah), Kimberly Murdock, Christina Murdock, Aric Arndt (Kelli Wilson) and Darren Arndt (Heather); great-grandchildren, Nicolina, Antonio, Marcello, Nicholas, Isabella, Marissa Jo, Marcella and Omar; and many nieces, (especially Teresa Mae Burgo), nephews, in-laws and numerous other relatives that will dearly miss her.

Visitation with the family was held Tuesday, March 24, 2009, at the Kingwood Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m., followed by a vigil service at 8 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Wednesday, March 25, 2009, at 12:30 p.m. at St. Martha Catholic Church, 2302 Oak Shores Drive in Kingwood. Interment followed at the Veteran’s Houston National Cemetery.

For those desiring, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, 343 Via Mount Carmel Ave., Youngstown, OH 44505.

Please visit www.mem.com for more information about the life of Mary, to sign the online guestbook, or to share memories of Mary with the family.

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Margaret A. Ellis, 96

AUSTINTOWN – Margaret A. Ellis, 96, went home to our Lord on Sunday, March 22, 2009.

She was born March 25, 1912 in Clinton Forge, Va., the daughter of the late John and Margaret Isabella (Atkinson) Gardner.

She was the wife of the late Charles E. Ellis Sr. and they united in marriage on Dec. 12, 1939.

She leaves a son, Charles Ellis Jr. (Lora) of Virginia Beach, Va.; daughters, Margaret Bowen of Austintown and Charlene Frush of Youngstown; two stepdaughters, Carol and Shirley Ellis; and nephews, Bobby, John and Tommy Thoman.

Margaret made her home in Austintown with her oldest granddaughter, Margaret E. Martin-Burnett. She leaves many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She was the beginning of five generations living. Margaret enjoyed her grandchildren immensely, she made a strong and loving impression on all, especially those grandchildren she helped rear, Tonya L. Bowen of Youngstown, James E Neeld of Niles and Crystal Gayle Lordi (Ellis) of North Jackson.

Margaret worked at Hills Department Store of Boardman most of her life. She was a member of St. Charles Church and enjoyed spending days with The Antonine Sisters of North Jackson.

Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sister, Anne Thoman; brothers, Harry and Thomas Gardner; and a nephew, Kenneth Gardner.

A memorial service will be held in Margaret’s memory on Saturday, March 28, at 11 a.m. at the Bethel Assembly of God, 3807 Mahoning Ave. in Austintown.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting monetary donations to be made in Margaret’s name to Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Road in Youngstown.



Clara Belle Fitzsimmons, 92

CORTLAND – Clara Belle Fitzsimmons, 92, was born March 27, 1916 in Bristolville. She was the daughter of the late Jody and Laura Bagley Reeves.

Clara passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2009, at Lake Vista of Cortland.

She was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother and sister. Clara loved cooking, playing cards, taking bus tours with friends and family and playing bingo with friends at Lake Vista.

On Dec. 1, 1956, she married Cecil T. Fitzsimmons, who died in September of 1993.

She leaves behind one brother, Roy Reeves of Kinsman; three daughters, Sondra (James) Sherwood Bates of Cortland, Linda (Ronald) Sherwood Jones of Brookfield and Arlene (Ron) Fitzsimmons Craft of Cortland; seven grandchildren, Gail, Christine, Jodi, James, Sharon, Kari and Ashley; nine great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Preceding Clara in death is her husband; four sisters, Retta Hegel, Martha Hudson, Margaret Strange and Lucy Ellen Herron; and three brothers, Glen, George and Joseph Reeves.

The family will receive friends from 11 am to noon on Friday, March 27, 2009. The service will follow at noon at Crown Hill Chapel Mausoleum in Vienna.

Interment will take place at Crown Hill Burial Park.

Arrangements entrusted to the Selby-Simpson Funeral Home.

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Cynthia “Cindi” (Durkos) Force, 50

HUBBARD – Cynthia “Cindi” (Durkos) Force, 50, passed away on Monday, March 23, 2009, at 5:50 p.m. at Sharon Regional Hospital.

Mrs. Force was born in Glasgow, Mont. on March 2, 1959, a daughter of John and Rose (Simeon) Krukar. After her fathers passing in 1968, her mother went on to marry Joseph Durkos in 1969, who raised Cindi as his own daughter.

A 1977 graduate from Hubbard High School, Cindi went on to marry Timothy L. Force on Dec. 30, 1989, and together they shared 19 years of marriage.

Cindi was a very creative person, who enjoyed crocheting many different things. She also enjoyed baking and spending time with her friends and family, who were her greatest joy.

She was currently working as a cook at the Bell-Wick Bowl, where she had been for more than five years.

She is survived by her husband, Tim and daughter, Yvonne at home; her parents, Joseph and Rose Durkos of Hubbard; four brothers, John “Skip” Durkos and his wife, Bernadette of Stow, Joseph Durkos IV of Hubbard, Frank Durkos and his wife, Kim of Hubbard and Ernie Bolger and his wife, Kathy of Morristown, Tenn.; her sister, Yvonne Gahagan and her husband, Jim Jr. of Vienna; four nephews, Christopher, John, Tyler and Dylan Durkos; two nieces, Gina and Deanna Durkos; and a great-nephew, Gauge Durkos.

She was preceded in death by her father, John Krukar.

Calling hours will be Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Lane Funeral Homes, Madasz Chapel in Brookfield, where a funeral service will begin at 7 p.m.

As an expression of sympathy, the family suggests contributions can be made to the Cindi Force Benefit Drive at any Huntington Bank location.

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


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Louise Gaines, 83

YOUNGSTOWN – Services will be Saturday, March 28, 2009, at the Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church at 10 a.m. for Mrs. Louise Gaines, 83, who departed this life Tuesday, March 24, 2009, at her home.

Mrs. Gaines was born May 4, 1925 in Camilla, Ga., a daughter of William and Irene King Lawton.

She was a member of the Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church, its usher board, treasurer of its benevolent fund and Mother’s Board.

A homemaker, Louise loved her church and enjoyed cooking and fishing.

Her husband, Henderson Gaines Jr., whom she married in May of 1943, preceded her in death.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory, a son, Keith A. (Cynthia) Gaines of Youngstown; eight daughters, Ann Delois Gaines, Maretta Gaines (John) Golphine and Pamela D. Gaines, all of Pittsburgh, Juelene Sanders, Barbara Jean Eiland, Yvonne Crenshaw and Clara J. Olds, all of Youngstown and Sheree Pogue of Springfield, Mass.; a sister, Lillie C. Thomas of Camilla; 21 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; two great-great-granddaughters; and a host of other family and friends.

Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by three children, Peggy Ann Gaines, Freddie C. and Larry Edward Gaines; three sisters, Rosalee Sparks, Juliett Bullard and Susie Mae Davis; and three grandchildren, Elbert Eiland, Brandy Crenshaw and Peggy Delois Gaines.

The family wishes to send a special thanks to Yolanda Crenshaw, with whom Louise resided, for the care she gave her grandmother.

Friends may call Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. at the church.

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

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Rose Marie Mayfield, 89

CANFIELD – Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Lane Funeral Home, Canfield Chapel for Rose Marie Mayfield, 89, who passed away Tuesday evening at Briarfield Manor Care Center.

Rose Marie was born March 29, 1919 in Youngstown, the daughter of Otto H. and Cathrine Schafer Haug.

She was a homemaker, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a member of the First Free Methodist Church in Canfield. Her hobbies included crocheting, sewing, cross stitch and needle point.

Her husband, Charles E. Mayfield, whom she married May 16, 1941, passed away Sept. 2, 1987.

She leaves four children, Janice Reese of Raleigh, N.C., Dorothy (Robert) DeCapita of Boardman, Sally (Lee) Maloney of Dallas, Ga. and William (Arlene) Mayfield of Loganville, Ga.; two sisters, Ann Horvath of Poland and Josephine McBratney of San Diego; 12 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Besides her parents and husband, Rose Marie was preceded in death by two sisters, Lenora Varley and Verdella Bell.

Family and friends may call Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

The family would like to thank the staff of Hospice of the Valley for all their care and support during Rose Marie’s final days.

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

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Delores Rogan Novak McGowan, 95

BOARDMAN – Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Boardman-Canfield Chapel for Delores Rogan Novak McGowan, 95, of Humility House, formerly of Boardman, who died Monday morning at St. Elizabeth Health Center after a brief illness.

Delores was born Sept. 2, 1913 in Kittanning, Pa. to the late Michael and Elizabeth (Janovsky) Rogan.

She was a member of St. Charles Church.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Ronald J. Novak; and her twin sisters, Jean Bryan and Joan Terreri.

She is survived by her husband, John (Jack) McGowan, whom she married in May of 1968; two grandsons, Ronald W. (fiancee Kari) Novak of Boardman and John (Cheryl) Novak of Boardman; a great-grandson, William Novak, who was her pride and joy; two great-granddaughters, Jennifer and Michelle Fellows of Boardman; and several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. at the funeral home.

Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery.

Please visit www.higgins-reardon.com to view this obituary and to send condolences.

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Margaret M. “Cookie” Schwarten, 66

SALEM – Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday at the Lane Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel for Margaret M. “Cookie” Schwarten, 66, who died early Wednesday morning at her home.

Cookie was born Feb. 10, 1943 in Youngstown, the daughter of the late John and Margaret (Korda) LaBerto.

She had formerly been a teller for Amco Credit Union in Alliance for 10 years. Cookie was a 1961 graduate of Fitch High School, and enjoyed bowling, bingo and going to Mountaineer Race Track.

She is survived by her husband, James Schwarten, whom she married Nov. 15, 1967 and three children, James Jr. (Lindie) Schwarten of Salem, Phyllis (Pete) Walters of Lisbon and Carrie Alfalaij of Bahrein. She also leaves a sister, Mary Jane Mahoney of Florida; two brothers, John “Ritchie” (Candy) LaBerto of Boardman and Joe (Trish) LaBerto of Canfield; and five grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Rene Vedjunec.

Friends may call at the funeral home from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Friday, prior to the services.

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



Margaret Suhy, 96

YOUNGSTOWN – Services will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday at the Szabo & Sons Funeral Home, and at 10 a.m. at the Our Lady of Hungary Church for Mrs. Margaret Suhy, 96, who passed away Tuesday morning at St. Elizabeth Health Center.

Margaret was born Feb. 8, 1913 in Youngstown, a daughter of John and Elizabeth Francosky Kalocsky.

She worked 15 years in the offices at Strouss, retiring in 1971.

Margaret married Albert Suhy on Sept. 16, 1930 and he passed away June 26, 1987.

She was a charter member of the Our Lady of Hungary Church, a member of the Altar and Rosary Confraternity Society, a CCD teacher for 15 years, and a sacristran for 35 yeas. She was also a member of the Youngstown American Hungarian Club.

Margaret is survived by a grandson, Mark Suhy of Austintown; four great-grandchildren; and several nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert; a son, Robert, two brothers, John and Joseph; a sister, Virginia Shaffer; and a foster daughter, Mary Elizabeth Kamarada.

Friends may call Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery.


John P. Yannitti Jr., 78

BOARDMAN – There will be funeral services at 9:15 a.m. on Friday, March 27, at the Rossi Brothers & Lellio Funeral Home in Boardman, followed by a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Luke Church, with the Rev. Joseph Fata celebrating for John P. Yannitti Jr., who passed away late Tuesday evening, March 24.

John was born June 29, 1930 in Youngstown, the son of Giovanni P. Sr. and Isabelle (Caruso) Yannitti.

He was a graduate of South High School. John was employed at the Youngstown Sheet & Tube and was a skilled trade carpenter. He also worked along side his wife making crafts. He was an usher at St. Patrick’s Church and a past officer of the Men’s Club and a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus. He was a member of the golf and bowling leagues. John was a member of St. Luke Church and the Holy Name Society. He enjoyed playing the Ohio Lottery and loved to fish.

Besides his wife, the former Edith Jones Costello, whom he married Jan. 10, 1981, he will always be remembered by his seven children, Richard A. (Susie) Yannitti of Bellbrook, Annamarie (Billy) Keel of North Jackson, Robert (Diane) Costello of Lagrange, Thomas Costello of Austintown, Mary (Jack) Steed of North Aurora, Ill., John (Barb) Costello of Poland and Patricia (Bryan) Turnbo of Joliet, Ill.; 13 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; a brother, Michael (Rose) Yannitti of Lake Milton; a sister-in-law, Florence Yannitti; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara A. Akers; two brothers, Donald Yannitti and Richard Yannitti; three infant sons; and one infant daughter.

Friends may call today, March 26, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Rossi Brothers & Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave. in Boardman.

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