Tributes 2009-04-19

Helen L. Burns, 78

HERMITAGE, PA. – Helen L. Burns, 78, of 187 Wick Ave., passed away at 1:45 a.m. Friday, April 17, 2009, in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System following an extended illness.

Mrs. Burns was born Nov. 4, 1930, in Chicago, a daughter of the late Charles and Catherine Fitzgerald Herald. As a young girl, she and her family moved to the area in 1938.

Mrs. Burns attended the former Sacred Heart Parochial Grade School in Sharon, Pa., and was a 1947 graduate of Hickory High School in Hermitage. Following her marriage to Fredrick J. Burns on Nov. 27, 1948, Helen focused on raising her four children. During this time she became an accomplished seamstress, sold Avon products and was a Girl Scout troop leader at Sacred Heart Church.

In 1980, she enrolled at the former Mercer County Vo-Tech near Mercer, Pa., where she received her LPN degree. She began her nursing career at what was then Sharon General Hospital and subsequently became employed at UPMC Horizon Hospital in Farrell, Pa.; ARC of Mercer County in Hermitage; Clepper Manor in Sharon; and Orange Village Care Center in Masury, from which she retired in 2002. Helen specialized in working with mentally challenged people.

A devout Catholic, she was a 70-year member of the Church of the Sacred Heart in Sharon. She was also a member of The Blue Army of Fatima and the Catholic Daughters of America, Court No. 507 in Sharon. Helen loved crafts and enjoyed needlework, painting and making stained glass. She was also an avid quilter and belonged to the Shenango Valley Quilt Guild. Helen belonged to a number of card clubs earlier in her life and looked forward to tending to her flower gardens each spring.

Following the death of her husband, Fred, on Oct. 22, 1990, she started to travel the world extensively, having gone to Ireland twice, as well as several European countries. Helen lived a full life and will be missed dearly by her family and many friends.

Surviving are three daughters, Pamela M. Hall and husband Ricky of Hubbard, Patricia A. Vandervort of Sharpsville, and Teresa C. Trontel and husband James of Hermitage; a son, Michael G. Burns and wife Cynthia of Twinsburg; five grandchildren, Megan and Kevin “Buster” Hall and Zachary, Matthew and Christopher Trontel; three sisters, Marie Madden of Columbia, S.C., Annella Ogden and husband James of Vista, Calif., and Theresa Eichman of Carlsbad, Calif.; a brother, William “Chuck” Herald and wife Faye of Hermitage; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

Besides her parents and husband, Helen was preceded in death by an infant son, Charles Burns.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Cancer Care Center of Sharon Regional, 2320 Highland Road, Hermitage, PA 16148.

Calling hours will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, 2009, in the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St. in Sharon.

There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 22, 2009, at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Sharon, with the Rev. Henry Andrae, pastor, as celebrant.

Interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Hermitage.

Friends may email condolences to www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.

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Kathryn “Kay” Coss, 90

NORTH LIMA – Kathryn “Kay” Coss, 90, of Assumption Village, formerly of Lowellville, died Saturday morning at Hospice House in Poland.

Mrs. Coss was born Jan. 16, 1919, in Youngstown, a daughter of Alex and Cecelia Woytoski Smalleck.

She was a 1939 graduate of Campbell Memorial High School, and a member of the Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church in Lowellville. Mrs. Coss was a homemaker, and was also a licensed beautician. She was known for her baking and loved baking cookies, cakes and kolachi. She also enjoyed Major League Baseball, and most of all she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren.

Her husband of 46 years, William J. “Buck” Coss, whom she married Oct. 20, 1945, died Nov. 25, 1991.

She leaves two sons, David (Helen) Coss of New Middletown and James (Mary Jo) Coss of Poland; two daughters, Nadyne (Thomas) Sweetko of Las Vegas and Debbie (David) Notareschi of Las Vegas; two sisters, Sophie Schiavone of Canfield and Julie Gulas of Boardman; eight grandchildren, David (Kim) Coss, Michelle (Skip) Shumate, Mary Kay (Jim) DeSellems, Amy (David) Zatvarnicky, Christine Notareschi, Angie Notareschi, Julianna (Tom) Stefek and Kevin Coss; and 10 great-grandchildren, David Coss, Dustin Coss, Tommy DeSellems, Jenna DeSellems, Victoria Daquelente, Brooke Zatvarnicky, Jacob Shumate, Madison Helen Shumate, Alivia Stefek and Alexander Stefek.

Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a sister, Ann Evanski, and two brothers, Alex and Mike Smalleck.

Friends will be received Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home in Lowellville, where prayer services will be held Tuesday at 10 a.m.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at the Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church in Lowellville. Interment will follow at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to the Hospice House, 9803 Sharrott Road, Poland, OH 44514.

The Coss family would like to thank the caring staff of Assumption Village for the wonderful care given to our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.

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Elsie Ida Foster, 91

CANFIELD – Elsie Ida Foster, 91, formerly of Reading, Pa., died April 9, 2009, at Greenbrier Nursing Home in Boardman.

She was the widow of Harry Foster, who died June 6, 1966.

Born in Leesport, Pa., she was a daughter of the late James and Minnie (Himmelberger) Kirkhoff.

She had been employed as a waitress for various restaurants in Youngstown and retired from Denny’s in Boardman after 10 years of service in 1988. She was a member of the Salem Belleman’s Church in Centre Township, Pa.

She is survived by three daughters, Harriet Gray of Scottsdale, Ariz., Georgia, wife of George Pappas of Powell, and Linda L., wife of John Evans, with whom she last resided. There are two brothers, William, husband of Thelma Kirkhoff, and James Kirkhoff, both of West Lawn, Pa., and four sisters, Helen, wife of George Remlinger of Wyomissing, Pa., Bonnie Kirkhoff and Betty Hafer, both of Allentown, Pa., and Kathryn Groover of Jacksonville, Fla.; and one sister-in-law, Dorothy, widow of Robert Kirkhoff of Womelsdorf, Pa. There are also four grandchildren, James Ward and wife Heidi of Cleveland, Halle Maxwell and husband Bryan of Kihei, Hawaii, Erica Creque and husband Don of North Las Vegas and Chris Baun of Milwaukee; and five great-grandchildren, Jacy and Parker Maxwell, Charley Baun and Foster and Liam Creque.

She was predeceased by a brother, Robert J. Kirkhoff in 2003.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, April 14, 2009, with burial at Fairview Cemetery of Centre Township.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Memorial Fund of Salem Belleman’s Church, 3540 Belleman’s Church Road, Mohrsville, PA 19541.

Please visit www.kirkhofffuneralhome.com to sign the guest book.

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Dallas T. Heston, 78

BOARDMAN – Funeral services will be conducted by the Rev. Ash Welsh on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the Fox Funeral Home in Boardman for Dallas T. Heston, 78, who passed away Friday morning.

Dallas was born March 26, 1931, in McKees Rocks, Pa., a son of Thomas and Mary Louise Griffith Whyle, and was adopted by his aunt and uncle, Ezma and Dallas C. Heston, as an infant.

He was a graduate of Girard High School and attended Lafayette and Mullenburg College in Pennsylvania. Dallas worked as a design engineer for several local engineering firms.

He served the U.S. Army in Korea. While there, he earned several medals including two Bronze Stars, Soldier Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Korean War Service Medal. Dallas was a member of the Boardman United Methodist Church, the Boardman Kiwanis, the Blind Support Group and the 24th Infantry Division and the 3rd combat engineering association.

He had been a very devoted leader in Boy Scouts for 38 years and was an assistant Scout Master of Troup 46, a member of the Camp Stambaugh Property Committee, the Advancement Committee, a district member at large, order of the Arrow vigil member. Dallas attended the 1973 and 1977 National Jamborees and attended Pailmont Scout Ranch. He received Scouting’s highest honor, the Silver Beaver, as well as many other awards.

Dallas is survived by his wife, the former Shirley Liska, whom he married Aug. 9, 1958, two sons, Mark (Christine) and Todd (Mary Ann) and a beloved grandson, Adrian, all of Boardman; and a sister, Mary Lynn Baker of Damascus, Md.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Fox Funeral Home.

The family requests donations go to Troup 46 at Boardman United Methodist Church, 6809 Market St., Boardman, OH 44512.

Family and friends may visit www.foxfuneralhome.org to view this obituary and send condolences.

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Robert R. Hum, 82

AUSTINTOWN – Robert R. Hum, 82, died peacefully on Feb. 16 at Briarfield Manor in Austintown. 

Born at South Side Hospital in Youngstown on May 28, 1926, he was the son of Ray C. Hum of Columbiana and Ruth Marie (Howell) Hum of Leetonia.

He attended Fairfield Centralized School, Columbiana High School (Class of 1944), Youngstown College and studied at the Dana School of Music. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Knox during the Korean War.

Bob met his beloved wife, Jeanne, at a talent show that he emceed. One of the great pleasures of his later years was employing his marketing skills to promote Jeanne’s career as a whistler of classical and contemporary music. The highlight of each year was their celebrated St. Patrick’s Day party bringing together musicians and whistlers from afar.

In his early years, Bob indulged his interests in photography and music. He enjoyed repairing things and could often be found working on his car or restoring antique typewriters.

His career in advertising and marketing took him to Omaha, Neb., and then to Palos Verdes Peninsula, Calif., where he was active in his church, the Chamber of Commerce and other professional organizations.

It was always his dream to return to Youngstown for his final years, and since his return, he had been an active member of St. Patrick’s Church in Youngstown. One of his last outings was attending the 64th Reunion of his Columbiana High School class.

He is predeceased by his wife, Jeanne E. (Kuhns) Hum, a graduate of Ursuline High School (1948), and survived by daughters, Laura L. Brezner of Sausalito, Calif., and Amy R. Gale of San Diego.

 A memorial Mass will be offered at St. Patrick’s Church, 1420 Oak Hill Ave. in Youngstown on April 21, 2009, at 11 a.m.

The family is deeply grateful to those who comforted Bob during his last years.

Donations in his memory may be made to St. Patrick’s Church in Youngstown or the Antonine Sisters Adult Day Care, 2675 N. Lipkey Road, Austintown, OH 44515.

Family and friends may visit at www.foxfuneralhome.org to view this obituary and send condolences.

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Virginia M. Myers, 66

CANFIELD – Virginia M. Myers, 66, of Hunters Woods, died Friday, April 17, 2009, at Hospice House in Poland.

Virginia was born July 24, 1942, in Salem, a daughter of Hubert and Esther Cook.

She was a 1960 graduate of Greenford High School, and was a member of the New Life Church of Poland. Virginia was retired after working for more than 30 years as a bookkeeper, most recently at Myers Research Group of Canfield, a business founded by her son, Brad.

She is survived by her two sons, Dayne (Caren) of San Diego and Brad of Salem; three grandchildren, Alyssa, Brayden and Brennan Myers of Salem; a sister, Betty (Jerry) Wiant of Austintown; and a brother, Robert (Judy) Cook of Greenford.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father.

Family and friends will be received on Tuesday, April 21, 2009, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home in Poland, 270 North Main St. Friends and family may also be received at 10 a.m. on Wednesday at the New Life Church, 2250 E. Western Reserve Road in Poland, with funeral services following thereafter at 11 a.m., officiated by Pastor Bob Reese. Interment will follow at the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Boardman.

Visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that sympathies be expressed by a donation in the name of Virginia Myers to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St. in Youngstown, or hospiceofthevalley.com for online donations.

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Anna Novakoski, 93

CAMPBELL – Funeral services will be held at noon on Wednesday at the Wasko Funeral Home with Father Michael Swierz officiating for Anna Novakoski, 93, who passed away Thursday morning.

Anna was born Nov. 5, 1915, in Windber, Pa., the daughter of Michael and Mary Polinski Krause, and lived most of her life in Campbell.

Anna was a homemaker and a member of St. Joseph the Provider Church.

Her husband, Alexander Novakoski Sr., whom she married June 12, 1943, passed away on March 29, 1973.

She leaves to cherish her memory, a daughter, Audrey (Ron) Caldwell of Boardman; a son, Alexander Jr. (Cheryl) of Largo, Fla.; four grandchildren, Ron T. Caldwell, Susan Lipp, Kevin Caldwell and Michele Olsen; and six great-grandchildren.

Besides her parents and her husband, Anna was preceded in death by two brothers, Joseph and Marvin Krause; and a sister, Mrs. Florence Svetlak.

The Novakoski family has entrusted their loved one to the care of the Wasko Funeral Home and will receive friends Wednesday from 11 a.m. to noon, one hour prior to the service.

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Roy S. Rothrauff, 57

BOARDMAN – Prayers will begin at 10 a.m. Monday at the Fox Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Charles Church celebrated by Father Shawn Conoboy, for Roy S. Rothrauff, 57, who passed away Friday morning at the Hospice House.

Mr. Rothrauff was born May 15, 1951, in Pittsburgh, a son of John and Delorez Carr Rothrauff. 

Roy was the owner of Paragon Plastics in New Middletown. He was a member of the church and a Mason with the Bethel Lodge in Lower Burrell, Pa. He was a family oriented man.

Besides his wife, the former Michelle Bober, whom he married Feb. 6, 1971, he leaves a daughter, Melissa (Hugo) Silva of Columbus; two sons, John (Maureen) Rothrauff of Boardman and Roy M. (Marie) Rothrauff of Struthers; two sisters, Maureen Tekec of Winchester, Va., and Lori Pat DiLorenzo of Pittsburgh; and was the proud ”Papa” of three grandchildren, Matthew, Charles and Donovan.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Rothrauff.

Friends may call today from 3 to 6 p.m. at the funeral home.

Family and friends may visit at www.foxfuneralhome.org to view this obituary and send condolences.

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Victoria Josephine Scarpine, 97

YOUNGSTOWN – A Mass of Christian Burial will be said Monday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Church for Victoria Josephine Scarpine, 97, of Granada Avenue, who died Thursday evening at Liberty Health Care Center.

Josephine was born Jan. 16, 1912, in Bloomington, Ind., a daughter of Anthony and Maria Moderelli Scardine.

She was a clerk at S.H. Kress Co. and later a supervisor at McCrory Department Store in their bargain basement, retiring after more than 50 years of service. She was a member of the church and its Senior Cititzens Group.

She is survived by a brother, Albert Scarpine; her nephews, Albert, Anthony and Allen; also five grandnieces and grandnephews and three great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews; other nephews, Michael R. (Paulette) Coppola Jr., Thomas (Judy) Coppola and Jon (Mary Beth) Coppola and four grandnieces and grandnephews; nephew Frank Marino and niece Marlene (Lee) Tincher and seven grandnieces and grandnephews and two great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Rose (Carl) Marino; her brother, James “Busty” Scarpine; her sister, Carmella Jane (Michael) Coppola Sr.; and a niece, Kathleen (Vince) Tuchek.

Family and friends may call today from 3 to 5 p.m. and Monday from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Schiavone Funeral Home.

Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery.

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Samuel Dominic Sebastian, 83

STRUTHERS – Samuel Dominic Sebastian, 83, passed away Wednesday, April 15, 2009, surrounded by his loving family.

Sam was born on May 10, 1925, in Struthers, the eldest son of Pasquale and Florence Angelo Sebastian.

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, where he participated in the Normandy invasion and the Battle of the Bulge. After serving his country, he received the Purple Heart of Honor. Sam was a member of the Disabled American Veterans and the VFW Post 3538.

On April 3, 1948, Sam was united in marriage with the former Violet Marchionda. The couple was blessed with many wonderful years together, raising three sons and sharing their love with their four granddaughters.

Mr. and Mrs. Sebastian recently celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary.

He worked for The Youngstown Sheet and Tube Co. and LTV Steel in Youngstown, where he was a steelworker. He retired in 1978 after 37 years of service.

Sam was a member of St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church in Struthers. He was a loyal husband, devoted father and supportive brother. His family and friends admired his strong sense of honesty and integrity, his contagious smile and his great sense of humor.

An avid golfer for many years, he enjoyed playing the area’s top golf courses with his sons, friends and co-workers, and was active in several golf leagues.

Besides his beloved wife, Violet, Sam is survived by three sons, Donald (Jennie) of Columbus, Samuel (Maria) of Poland and James (Betty) of Struthers; three brothers, Ralph (Elaine) of Florida, Patsy Jr. (Garnet) of Dayton and James (Margaret) of Canfield; and four granddaughters, Stefanie, Alyssa, Brianna and Sierra Sebastian.

Sam was preceded in death by his sisters, Viola Silvestri and Jeanette Petrock, and his parents.

Funeral services will be on Monday at 10:30 a.m. at the Clemente Funeral Home in Struthers and at 11 a.m. at St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church and will be officiated by Father James Marchionda, a nephew of Mr. Sebastian.

Friends will be received from 4 to 7 p. m. today at the funeral home in Struthers.

Interment will be at St. John’s Cemetery.

The Sebastian family would like to thank the staff at Hampton Woods Nursing Center for their exceptional care, heartfelt compassion and great support during their time of need.

Please visit www.clementefuneralhome.com to view this obituary or to send condolences.

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Donald Anthony Spotleson (Spatolisano), 79

CHANDLER, ARIZ. – Donald Anthony Spotleson (Spatolisano), 79, formerly of Youngstown, died Saturday, April 11, in Chandler after a long illness.

Mr. Spotleson was born in Campbell on Sept. 19, 1929, to Vincent and Theresa Spotleson.

He was a graduate of Campbell Memorial High School. He lived in Youngstown until 1986. He was a general contractor and realtor in the Mahoning Valley most of his life. In 1986, he moved to Chandler.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years, Sandra, and four children, Dawnelle Spotleson (Mark Bradford) of Columbus, Dana Spotleson (Andrew Giambroni) of Chicago, Ralph Spotleson Sr. of Austintown and Kim Spotleson (Jim Gazzolo) of Redland, Calif. He also leaves behind 11 grandchildren, Gary, Aja and Matthew DeSalvo, Andrew and Anthony Giambroni, Ralph Jr. and Tim Spotleson and Rachel, Rebekah, Vincent and Sarah Gazzolo; and two great-grandchildren, Ralph III and Ryan Spotleson. He also leaves a brother, Samuel in Scottsdale, Ariz.

He was preceded in death by another brother, Frederick in 1979.

A private service will be held in Arizona at a later date.

The family requests that all contributions be made in his name to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014-5656.

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Robert Tate Jr., 59

YOUNGSTOWN – Funeral services will be at noon on Wednesday at the F.D. Mason Memorial Funeral Home for Robert Tate Jr., 59, who departed this life Wednesday, April 15, 2009, at his residence.

Mr. Tate was born Jan. 3, 1950, in Macon, Miss., a son of Robert Sr. and Ethel L. Wilkerson Tate.

He was a detailer for VIP Car Care, attended the Lily Grove Baptist Church and was a graduate of Wilson High School.

He leaves his parents of Youngstown; siblings Curtis Mae Graham, Thomas Tate, Melvin Tate and Marilyn Tate, all of Youngstown, Carlson (Carolyn) Wilkerson of Warren and Felicia Tate-Williams of Windor Mills, Md.; his companion, Laura Dothard of Youngstown; and other relatives and friends.

A brother, Larry Tate, preceded him in death.

Viewing will be from noon to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, and friends may call one hour prior to service Wednesday at the funeral home.

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Elizabeth (Sulin) Uhrin, 85

WARREN – Elizabeth (Sulin) Uhrin, 85, of 1315 Edgehill S.E., formerly of Garrettsville and Byesville, entered peacefully into eternal rest Friday, April 17, 2009, at 12:40 p.m. at her residence with her family at her side following a lengthy illness.

She was born July 20, 1923, in Robins, the daughter of the late John and Anna (Yewchuck) Sulin, and came to the Warren area in 1986 from Garrettsville.

Elizabeth was a retired press operator and housewife and a graduate of Community High School in Robins. She was a member of St. John’s Orthodox Church OCA in Warren since 1962. Elizabeth was active with the Ladies Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Russian Orthodox Catholic Mutual Aid Society of the USA and sang in the St. Johns’ Church choir. She was also a member of the FROC in Warren.

On Oct. 31, 1942, Elizabeth was united into marriage with George Uhrin; they shared 61 loving years together until his passing on Oct. 31, 2003.

Memories of Elizabeth will be remembered and cherished by her loving family, sons Michael Uhrin and wife Pearlene of Grove City, Ohio, and Gregory J. Uhrin and wife Lisa of Salisbury, N.H.; daughters Kerya R. Brisbine and husband Edward of Warren and Claudia “Sis” Albers and husband William of Newton Falls; sisters Lenora Evancho and Claudia Sulin, both of Barberton; 10 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

A Divine Liturgy will be held at St. John’s Orthodox Church, 2220 Reeves Road in Warren at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 21, 2009, followed by funeral services at 11 a.m. with Fr. Jonathan Cholcher, Fr. Deacon Gregory Uhrin and Fr. Deacon Edward Brisbine officiating.

Friends may call from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 20, 2009, at the church, where a Panachida service will be held at 7:30 p.m.

Burial will follow in Pineview Memorial Park Cemetery in Warren.

In lieu of flowers, material contributions may be made to the St. Nicholas Orthodox Outreach, 2053 North Road N.E., Warren, OH 44483 or to Holy Trinity Orthodox Academy, c/o 191 Perkinswood Blvd. S.E., Warren, OH 44483.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Staton-Borowski Funeral Home, 962 North Road N.E. in Warren.

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