Tributes 2009-04-04

Betty Jayne Stiver Bevan, 89

YOUNGSTOWN – There will be a funeral service at 11 a.m. Monday at the Canfield United Methodist Church for Betty Jayne Stiver Bevan, 89, who passed away Thursday at Hospice House.

Betty was born Sept. 12, 1919, in Youngstown, a daughter of the late Franklin G. and Anna Maria (Prosser) Beichler.

She was a keypunch operator for Republic Steel and then worked for McKelvey’s Department Store. She was a member of the Austintown Community Church and more recently of the John Knox Presbyterian Church. She was a member of the Meander Chapter of the Antique Car Club of America with her husband, Ralph, and enjoyed antique car tours.

Betty was an excellent homemaker and loving wife, mother and grandmother.

Her first husband, Kenneth R. Stiver, whom she married Aug. 21, 1942, passed away March 10, 1977.

Betty is survived by her husband, Ralph, whom she married May 26, 1979; her daughter, Janice (Gary) Grimm of Canfield; stepson Richard (Pati) Bevan of Youngstown; and five grandchildren, Molly Grimm, Kenny Grimm and Jeff (Leanne) Bevan, all of Cincinnati and Michael Bevan and Stephen Bevan, both of Youngstown.

Besides her parents and first husband, Betty was preceded in death by two sisters, Olive Smith and Dorothy Gibson; and one brother, William Beichler.

The family would like to thank the staff of Sterling House in Cornersburg for their dignified care and compassion.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Boardman, OH 44512, in Betty’s name.

Friends may call from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Lane Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel and from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at the church.

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

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Brian Edward Bish, 40

GALION – Brian Edward Bish, 40, passed away March 27, 2009, at home.

He was born March 23, 1969 in Youngstown to Edward and Kathleen (Black) Bish.

He is survived by his wife, Jamie (Goin) Bish; three sons, Brandon Bish of Galion and Bryan and Kevin Bish of Tarpon Springs, Fla.; a sister, Pamela Lyons of Olympia, Wash.; and parents, Edward and Kathleen Bish of Yelm, Wash.

Munz-Pirnstill Funeral Home in Bucyrus is handling funeral arrangements.

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Florence Marie Burke, 89

“Together Again”

NORTH LIMA – Services will be at 9:15 a.m. Monday at the McCauley Funeral Home, and a Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. at St. Patrick Church in Youngstown for Florence Marie Burke, 89, formerly of Blueberry Hill Drive in Canfield, who died Friday morning at Assumption Village with her daughters by her side.

Mrs. Burke was born July 19, 1919, in Youngstown, and was a daughter of James A.J. and Agnes Sullivan Smith and was a lifelong member of the community.

She was a credit manager for both Northside Hospital and the Strouss Department Store in downtown Youngstown, retiring in 1976. She was a former member of St. Edward and St. Michael Churches and was a 1937 graduate of South High School.

Her husband, Harry A. Burke, whom she married Aug. 3, 1950, died on Aug. 21, 1981.

Mrs. Burke is survived by her daughters, Dr. Patricia (Ted) McAllen, with whom she made her home, and Maribeth (William) Hernan of Columbus; grandchildren, Ted, Patrick, Molly McAllen, Amy and Christopher Hernan; and a great-granddaughter, Chloe.

Beside her parents and husband she was preceded in death by a sister, Helen J. Tyrrell.

Material contributions may be made to Mercy College of Toledo, Florence Burke Scholarship, c/o St. Elizabeth Campus, 1044 Belmont Ave., Youngstown, OH 44504

The family will receive relatives and friends from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

The McCauley Funeral Home Our 107th year

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Sally Lou Crisci-Firmi, 74

NEW CASTLE, PA. – Sally Lou Crisci-Firmi, 74, of Charlottes Lane, died Thursday morning, April 2, 2009, at St. Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown.

She was born Jan. 10, 1935, in New Castle, a daughter of the late Frank and Ann Marie (Prioletti) Crisci.

She married the late Eugene “Lou” Firmi on Aug. 6, 1955. They were happily married for 53 years. Mr. Firmi died on July 26, 2008.

Mrs. Firmi was employed by the Crisci Food Equipment Co. for over 50 years and was the acting president for 20 years. She was active in the American Foreign Student Exchange Program with the New Castle Area School District. She was a member of St. Mary Church of Mary, Mother of Hope Parish. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister. She was always there for and supported her family.

She is survived by three sons and two daughters-in-law, Randall Firmi of Boardman, Rodney and Sherri Firmi of New Castle and Ryan and Aimee Firmi of New Castle; one sister and brother-in-law, Rosina and Anthony Chiaverini of New Castle; six grandchildren, Rodney, Lauren, Ryan, Kirsten, Brandon and Nolan; and four sisters-in-law and two brothers-in-law, Marge Firorelli of Highland Heights, Rosemarie and Frank D’Augostine and Martha and David Cotelesse, all of New Castle, and Betty Firmi of New Castle; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, April 5, 2009, at the William F. and Roger M. DeCarbo Funeral Home, 926 Cunningham Ave. in New Castle.

Friends also will be received from 8:30 to 9 a.m. Monday, April 6, 2009, at St. Mary Church, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9 a.m. with Father Victor J. Molka Jr. officiating.

Burial will be at Castle View Memorial Gardens.

Please visit www.williamrogerdecarbo.com to send on-line condolences.

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Margaret Didek, 77

BOARDMAN – Early Friday morning, the Angels came to lead Margaret Didek, 77, to her heavenly home.

Services for Margaret will be Monday at 9:30 a.m. at the Kubina-Yuhasz Funeral Home, 5925 Market St. in Boardman, followed by a Mass of Resurrection at 10 a.m. at St. Dominic Church with Fr. Rock officiating.

One of nine children, Margaret was born in Youngstown on July 12, 1931 to Charles and Mary Lippa Didek.

She was member of St. Dominic Church and was employed by MRDD for many years. She also belonged to the Red Hat Society and the Golden String Bowling League and participated in several Relay for Life volley ball tournaments. Known as “the Entertainer,” Margaret sang at numerous events for both MRDD and ISLE.

Margaret is survived by three sisters, Julie Yaroscak of New Middletown, Sue Mootz of Poland and Mary Coloutes of Michigan, and by several nieces, including Betty Boerio of Boardman and Julie Maruskin of Canfield.

Margaret was preceded in death by her two brothers, Pete and John Didek and by three sisters, Helen Frekotich, Anne Sinowski and Elizabeth Mokrovich.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to MRDD, ISLE, Omni Manor and St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Boardman Campus for the care and support given to Margaret and requests that material contributions be made to ISLE.

Friends may call at the funeral home Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m.

Visit kubinayuhasz@sbcglobal.net to send condolences.

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Pauline M. Kalasky, 82

LADY LAKE, FLA. – Pauline M. Kalasky, 82, formerly of Youngstown, passed away March 29, at her residence.

She was born Oct. 5, 1926 in Campbell, the daughter of John Kukura and Mary Orinak.

Pauline graduated from Campbell Memorial High School in June of 1944.

She was an avid reader and loved to travel and spend time with her two children and grandchildren.

She was a member of the Mahoning County Chapter of the Ohio Club in Florida and attended luncheons to share common interests.

Pauline is survived by her two daughters, Jeanne (Ponting) Lane and her husband, Kenneth of Sorrento, Fla. and Karen (Frederick) Nelson and her husband, James of Hubbard; two grandchildren, Jeffrey Ponting and Valerie Carpico and her husband, Vincent; and one great-grandchild, Lillian Grace Carpico.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William G. Kalasky, who died Nov. 23, 2003, and a brother, Thomas J. Kukura.

A private service was held April 3, in Bushnell, Fla. at the Florida National Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest with her husband.

At Pauline’s request, there will be no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, any memorial contributions should be made to the Florida Heart and Vascular Center, 511 Medical Plaza Drive, Suite 101, Leesburg, FL 34748, Attn: Regina Ingram. Please make donation in memory of Pauline M. Kalasky.

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Gerald “Jerry” R. Kusz, 62

BOARDMAN – Gerald “Jerry” R. Kusz, 62, died Thursday, April 2, 2009, at St. Elizabeth Health Center after a short battle with cancer.

Jerry was born Jan. 19, 1947 in Youngstown, a son of Daniel and Helen Swierz Kusz. He was a lifelong area resident.

Jerry was a graduate of Campbell Memorial High School and Youngstown State University with a degree in nursing. He worked for U.S. Steel Ohio Works for 17 years, until their closing. He then worked for Forum Health as an emergency nurse at both the Southside and Northside Hospitals.

Jerry was a U.S. Army veteran, serving during the Vietnam War in Germany. He was a Medical Corpsman and received the National Defense Service Medal and the Sharpshooter Decoration.

He was a member of the Ohio Nurses Association, YGDNA and the District 3 Nursing Association. Jerry was of the Catholic faith.

Jerry’s interests included sports, particularly golf, and he enjoyed traveling, going on cruises, Disney World, and shopping.

He leaves his loving wife, the former Pauline Keshock; a brother, Daniel (Marlene) Kusz of Campbell; a sister-in-law, Peg Keshock of Poland; two nieces, Jennifer (John) Schatzel of Austintown and Jeanette (Michael) Davanzo of Boardman; and great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held Monday at 9:45 a.m. at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home in Poland and 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph the Provider Church in Campbell with Fr. Michael Swierz officiating. Entombment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Austintown.

Family and friends will be received Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

A special heartfelt thank you to Luann, co-worker and friend, your friendship and compassion was greatly appreciated. Also, a special thanks to the Rev. Jack Bridges and his family.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.

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Robert K. Marsteller, 73

MEADVILLE, PA. – Robert K. Marsteller, 73, of 825 Dogwood Drive, died peacefully at home surrounded in love by his family, Wednesday, April 1, 2009.

He was born Oct. 25, 1935 in Butler, Pa., a son of Robert D. and Ethel L. Neal Marsteller.

He married Cecelia J. Schuler Aug. 23, 1958 and she survives.

He was vice president of Northwestern Roofing Company Inc. in Meadville, where he worked for the past 44 years. He was very proud of his achievements at work, and the professional relationships he developed with area business people and his loyal and dedicated employees. Before moving to Meadville in 1965, he worked for Koppers Inc. and L.J. Schuler and Sons Inc., both in Youngstown.

He was a 1953 graduate of Fredonia-Delaware High School in Fredonia, Pa. and a 1961 graduate of Youngstown University with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. Bob was a veteran of the Korean War era, serving with the U.S. Army. He attained the rank of Sergeant within 2 years, of which he was very proud.

He was of the Methodist faith and was also a member of St. Agatha Roman Catholic Church, Meadville, Elks Lodge No. 219, Taylor Hose Company, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2006, all of Meadville, and the Meadville Medical Center Board of Incorporators. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, and working. Most of all he enjoyed time spent with his family and many close friends. He was affectionately known by his grandchildren as papa and grandpa and they enjoyed laughter, jokes, and many hugs and kisses.

Survivors, in addition to his loving wife of 50 years, Cecelia; includes a daughter, Sherri A. Alexander and her husband, Jeff of Meadville; four sons, Robert M. Marsteller and his wife, Sharon Wagner Marsteller of Dauphin, Pa., Larry D. Marsteller of Meadville, Bradley J. Marsteller and his wife, Erin Gallagher Marsteller of Bethel Park, Pa. and David N. Marsteller and his wife, Kim Smolinski Marsteller of Meadville; two sisters, Sally Tatum and her husband, Don of Wimberley, Texas and Susan Manley and her husband, Lance of Chesapeake, Va.; a brother, Neal Marsteller and his wife, Patricia of Tennessee; 13 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Terri Lynn Hosick.

Calling hours will be Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, 581 Chestnut St. in Meadville, with a scripture prayer service at 8:45 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday at 10 a.m. at St. Agatha Roman Catholic Church, 353 Pine St. in Meadville, with Fr. Ray Gramata as celebrant.

Interment with military honors will be at St. Agatha Cemetery.

The family suggests that memorials be made to St. Agatha Roman Catholic Church, 353 Pine St., Meadville, PA 16335, Hospice of Crawford County, 464 Pine St., Meadville, PA 16335 or Wesbury United Methodist Community, 31 N. Park Ave., Meadville, PA 16335.

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Albert J. Mohr Sr., 87

YOUNGSTOWN – Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 6, 2009, at 11 a.m. at the Kirila Funeral Home in Struthers for Albert J. Mohr Sr., 87, who passed away Thursday afternoon, April 2, 2009, at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Boardman Campus.

Albert was born Jan. 22, 1922 in New Middletown, the son of Richard Mohr and Mable Rohrbaugh-Barnett.

He was a 1940 graduate of Struthers High School and a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served during World War II from 1942 to 1946, where he was awarded the Bronze Star and the WWII Victory Medal. Albert was a police officer for the Youngstown Police Department for 25 years before his retirement in 1977. He was also employed by Youngstown Sheet and Tube Co. and Donnell Ford.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, the former Helen Shandor, whom he married Feb. 9, 1943; two daughters, Barbara (David) Beebe of Canton and Evelyn (John “Butch”) Mihin of Canfield; a daughter-in-law, Mary Ellen Mohr of North Jackson; two sisters, Betty Grow and Mary Louise Balogh, both of Poland; nine grandchildren, Annemarie (Don) Brown of Los Alamos, N.M., Stephen (Lynne) Mohr of Austintown, Jennifer (Steve) Pleasnick of Woodville, Tracey (Christopher) Porter of Royal Oak, Mich., Todd Ricciuti of Boardman, Amy Ricciuti of Cary, N.C., Robyn (Rob) Culp of Mansfield, Aubrey (Dwaine) Gordon of Columbus and Tara (Kevin) Bruns of Pickerington; and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his son, Albert Jr.; his parents; and his maternal grandmother, who reared him, Bertha Rohrbaugh.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Interment will be at Lake Park Cemetery.

Please visit www.kirilafh.com to view this obituary and send online condolences to the family.

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Ruth M. Purnell, 87

CANFIELD – Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the Smith Corners United Methodist Church for Ruth M. Purnell, 87. who died Thursday at her residence.

Ruth was born July 9, 1921 in Austintown, the daughter of Perry and Goldie (Lawrence) Kimmel and was a lifelong area resident.

Ruth was a life member of the Smith Corners United Methodist Church, where she had formerly served as children’s director and a member of the co-workers group of the church. She had formerly been a 4-H advisor for the Austintown Stitch “n” Chat Club for over 20 years. Ruth loved to crochet for her family, garden and sew. She graduated from Austintown Fitch High School in 1939. Ruth had worked for Dr. Maria Fok as a housekeeper for many years.

Ruth will be sadly missed by her children, Ruth Ann (David) Kapus of Canfield, Mary Ann (Ken) Reel of Austintown and Patricia (Bill) Clark and Walter “Bud” (Joan) Purnell, both of North Jackson. She is also survived by sisters, Mary Penny of Austintown and Virginia DeWalk of Hubbard; grandchildren, Matthew Reel, Amy Nash, Carolyn Deer, Stephen Kapus, Joseph Clark, Elizabeth Clark, Christine Purnell and Amanda Purnell; and great-grandchildren, Alexis and Jacob.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter J. Purnell, whom she married May 8, 1942, and who died in 1972. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Roy, Perry, Mike and Jim Kimmel and sister, Marion Moser.

Family and friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Lane Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel and from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at the church, prior to services.

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

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Edward Arthur Shorten, 92

YOUNGSTOWN – Edward Arthur Shorten, 92, was born on Dec. 13, 1916 in Youngstown, son of Edward E. and Annie Shorten.

Dr. Shorten was a graduate of South High School and attended Youngstown State University for one year. He then drove an Elton’s Bakery truck, delivering products on a rural route in order to earn money for further education. He attended Miami University, graduating in 1940 and Western Reserve Medical School, earning his medical degree in 1943. He continued to work two jobs in college and medical school in order to pay tuition, room and board.

Dr. Shorten completed one year of residency at Youngstown Hospital Association (YHA), before being called to active duty in the U.S. Navy in October of 1944. He was discharged from active duty in May of 1946 and remained in the Naval Reserves for several years. He completed his surgical residency at YHA in 1949. He served as Chief of Staff, as well as Vice Chief of Surgery at YHA. He was a 50 year member of the Ohio Medical Society and served as the Medical Director of General Fireproofing. He practiced surgery at YHA until his retirement in 1986. The Chamber of Commerce awarded him the Civic Improvement Award in 1964, after the completion of the professional building at 420 Oak Hill Ave.

While working as a medical extern at St. Luke’s Hospital, he met Mary Virginia Williams and they were married July 8, 1944. Art and Ginny had four children, and they all enjoyed many wonderful and memorable family vacations. Art loved to travel and has visited all the national parks, rafted the rapids through the Grand Canyon and has traveled worldwide.

In 1970, Dr. Shorten volunteered his services to Care Medico in Kabul, Afghanistan, and again in 1975 at Tuma Tuma Mission in Kenya, Africa. He was the attending medical doctor on two trekking trips in Nepal.

Art loved to compete and enjoyed golf, tennis, squash, cards, and skiing, and was an accomplished worker of crossword puzzles and an avid reader of historical and political non-fiction.

Art was acknowledged as a talented wood carver, and wood working was a hobby that provided many hours of enjoyment, especially in his retirement years. He generously shared the artistic results of his hobby with family and friends.

Art was preceded in death by his sisters, Jessie Shorten Hofmaster and Christina Beard.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ginny Williams Shorten; his four children and their spouses, Rick Shorten and Alix Foster of Mt. Vernon, Wash., Susan Shorten and Patrick Lynch of Whispering Pines, N.C., David and Carole Shorten of Flagstaff, Ariz. and Scott Shorten and Michele Hatherill of Hudson.

He followed his grandchildren’s activities avidly and delighted in their successes. Jessica Shorten of Akron, Peter and Andy Shorten of Hudson, Corey (Cody) Hartman, Brandy (Kevin) Thomas, and Gina Shorten of Flagstaff, Carolyn Lynch of Bowling Green, Va. and Joanna Lynch and Tim Lynch of Burlington, Vt.

Art and Ginny always welcomed many foreign visitors and medical residents into their home and some of these visitors became family. Art leaves Iftikhar and Nadira Ahmad and their adult children, Omar Ahmad, Fataima (David) Warner and Leah (Shawn) Berry.

Memorial gifts may be given to Hospice or the charity of your choice.

A memorial service and celebration of Dr. At Shorten’s life will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 1150 Elm St. in Youngstown on Wednesday April 8 at 10 a.m.

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