Tributes 2009-05-09

Alberta L. Best Barrett, 80

COLUMBIANA – Alberta L. Best Barrett, 80, passed away Thursday, May 7, 2009, at Vista Center in Lisbon after a five month battle with cancer.

She was born Oct. 20, 1928 in Columbiana, the daughter of the late Joseph and Gertrude (Molenkopf) Mikesell.

Mrs. Barrett worked 12 years at Handlemans Corporation.

Alberta was preceded in death by her sister, Janis Gbur; her former husband, James O. Best Sr.; and her daughter, Doreen Leach.

She is survived by five sons, James (Sandy) Best Jr., Thomas (Sue) Best Sr., Daniel (Sue) Best Sr., David (Sandy) Best and Joseph Best Sr.; one stepsister, Mary Spade; 14 grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren.

A graveside memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, May 11, 2009, at Forest Lawn Cemetery with Pastor Everett Schleef.

There will be no calling hours.

Friends may visit www.seederly-mongandbeck.com to view this obituary, sign the guest register or send private condolences.

---

Blossom N. Colwell, 90

Together Again

NEW SPRINGFIELD – Blossom N. Colwell, 90, passed away early Thursday morning, May 7, 2009, at her home.

She was born July 5, 1918 in Poland, the daughter of John and Ada (Williams) Persing. Mrs. Colwell was a lifelong area resident.

Blossom worked 12 years at Howard Johnsons on the turnpike as a manager until her retirement in 1967. She attended the Free Methodist Church of New Middletown and was active in T.O.P.S., and was a past member and president of the Ladies Auxiliary Triangle Post No. 2799 of New Springfield.

Blossom was preceded in death on Nov. 14, 2002 by her husband, Irvin “Bud” Colwell Jr, whom she married on March 27, 1937.

She is survived by two sons, Buddy (Ginny) Colwell and John (Jo) Colwell, both of New Springfield; one sister, Marjorie Morlan of New Middletown; eight grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Colwell was preceded in death by one sister, Arlene Gerner and two brothers, William, who died as a young child and Donald Persing.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 11, 2009, at the Free Methodist Community Church with the Rev. Hal Haire officiating.

Friends and family may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, May 10, 2009, at the Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home in North Lima and one hour prior to the funeral service from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, May 11, 2009, at the church.

Burial will be at Lake Park Cemetery.

Friends may visit www.seederly-mongandbeck.com to view this obituary, sign the guest register or send private condolences.

View Image

---

Eva E. Latronico, 93

SALEM – There will be funeral services at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 11, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Youngstown for Eva E. Latronico, 91, who passed away Thursday afternoon, May 7.

Eva was born Feb. 2, 1916 in Boardman, the daughter of Charles and Alfrieda (Magnuson) Larson.

She was a 1934 graduate of Boardman High School and was a homemaker. Eva belonged to the Bethlehem Lutheran Women’s Circle, Ladies Aid and the Blanket Sewers. She loved to raise dried flowers.

Her husband, John J. Latronico, whom she married March 24, 1943, passed away Oct. 17, 1984.

Eva will always be remembered by her two daughters, Elaine Less and Susan (Dan) Wrobleski, both of Greenford; two sons, J. Charles (Connie) Latronico of Liberty and John (Margaret) Latronico of New Castle, Del.; 10 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by three brothers,, Julius, Edward and Henry Larson; and four sisters, Alma Firestone, Alberta Shook, Agnes Fitzwilliams and Eloise Rogers.

Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 10 at the Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave. in Boardman.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 388 E. Midlothian Blvd., Youngstown OH, 44507 or to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Boardman OH, 44512.

---

Cecilia E. Liberatore (Nuskievicz), 88

NILES – Cecilia E. Liberatore (Nuskievicz), 88, passed away peacefully Thursday, May 7, 2009, at 8:05 p.m. at Lake Vista.

She was born Nov. 17, 1920, in Youngstown, the daughter of Ignacy and Frances Piescienski Nuskievicz.

Her husband, Raymond, whom she married June 26, 1943, preceded her in death Nov. 20, 2004. She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Helen and Mary and her brothers, Joseph, Ted, John and Tom.

She will be deeply missed by her two daughters, Sr. Cecilia Liberatore of the Sisters of Notre Dame and Antoinette (Keith Brown) Liberatore of Niles; a son, Raymond Jack Liberatore Jr. and his wife, Jan (Sohayda) of Washington D.C.; a sister, Josephine (John) Sakoman of Lisbon; two grandchildren, Tina Fuda and Anthony Fuda and his wife, Patty; and her great-granddaughter, Colette.

Cecilia attended Girard St. Rose and Niles St. Stephen, and graduated from Niles Mckinley High School in 1938.

She was a member of the Mt. Carmel Church, Infant of Prague Guild, Notre Dame Guild, Notre Dame India Mission, SCOPE, SCOPE Players. She worked for Greyhound Van Lines, Postal Telegraph and was a poll worker for the Board of Elections.

Cecilia set up the first libraries at Mt. Carmel School on Robbins Ave. and Rhodes Ave.

She enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, and her rose and flower gardens. She was an avid Ohio State Buckeye fan.

Friends and family may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles, where the Infant Jesus of Prague Guild and the Mt. Carmel Bereavement Ministry will conduct prayers at 3:45 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Niles, preceded by a 10 a.m. prayer service at the funeral home.

Burial will be at St. Stephen Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Cecilia’s name to the Sisters of Notre Dame, 13000 Auburn Road, Chardon, OH 44024, or Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, 381 Robbins Ave., Niles, OH 44446.

Arrangements are being handled by the Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Niles.

Please visit www.josephrossifuneralhome.com to send condolences.

View Image

---

Joan D. Miller, 74

CANFIELD – Joan D. Miller, 74, passed away Saturday, May 2, 2009, at Pembrooke Nursing Home.

She was born July 19, 1934 in Youngstown, a daughter of the late John B. and Sarah K. (Baltes) Morris.

A 1952 graduate of South High School, Joan was a registered nurse and nursing administrator for Milton Manor Nursing Home, retiring in 1989.

She loved crocheting and crosswords and had a wonderful gift of words. She was a volunteer at Ellsworth Elementary School. Joan was a mom and grandma to many in her community.

Her husband, Edward T. Miller, whom she married June 11, 1968, passed away in 1973.

She is survived by five children, Robert Conrad of Lake Milton, John (Terry) Conrad of Lake Milton, Kathryn Young of Ellsworth, Melissa Barnes of Lake Milton and Mary (Tim) Hise of Cocoa, Fla.; and eight grandchildren, Jason, John and Kara Conrad, Sarah Young, Andrea and Mike Barnes and Matthew and Jacob Hise.

Besides her parents and husband, Joan was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Jane Morris; and a grandson, Jeremy Scott Conrad.

Friends are welcome to join the family in a celebration of Joan’s life, Saturday, May 16, 2009, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Ellsworth Fire Station on Route 45.

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

View Image

---

Timothy R. Peck

WARREN – Timothy R. Peck passed away on Monday, May 4, 2009.

He was born in Cleveland on July 6, 1948 to Rosalie and Raymond Peck.

Timothy graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 1966 and attended Kent State University.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Joy. Tim has a daughter, Lauren and is also survived by his twin sister, Virginia and another sister, Jermaine. He also has several nieces and nephews, including Molly Peck, Reed Collins and Sidney Collins. Tim worked for First Energy as a lineman and then fleet mechanic for 30 years. Those are the bare facts of his life—but not who he really was.

Tim Peck was a man who was truly wealthy; wealthy with friends and family that cared deeply about him. And he earned everybody’s love by being the kind friend and husband that is very rare and cherished. He was known as “Wing Doctor” because he was constantly helping someone on their Goldwing motorcycle. It was a unique problem indeed that was beyond his expertise.

Being an avid biker for the past 28 years, he rode in all kinds of weather, winter or summer. Many will remember seeing him riding past, his long beard blowing back over his shoulders, a big grin on his face. Truly, Tim was his happiest on his Wing.

But he also had a giving heart for others, too. Tim was always lending a hand to everyone, whether they needed help with their computer, car, bike or even their taxes. And, most times, people didn’t even have a chance to ask before he was already offering to lend a hand.

Timothy also had a tremendous love for animals. He would go out first thing every morning, rain or shine, to fill the bird feeders and put out food and water for any stray cat or dog who came by. He had an ongoing feud with the neighborhood squirrels. Tim called them the “furry mafia” and claimed they were eating him out of house and home. Yet their feeders always got filled too—even with special treats. When the snow fell, Tim would go out and shovel under all the feeders so any food that fell could still be gotten to.

Tim adopted three kittens that were abandoned and a dog from the local pound. His pets all adored him, especially Dufus, his dog. Dufus even learned to imitate Tim’s snoring, to the detriment of his wife’s sleeping. When the kittens were tiny and scared of their new surroundings, guess where they instinctively went to sleep? Under Tim’s beard, knowing that was the best place in the world to find peace. It was a wonderful and moving sight to see this tall, hairy biker reclining in his chair while a tiny furry face with shining eyes peaked out from its warm nest and purred like a mini-motorcycle. Because of his concern for our furry friends, it would be extra special if, in lieu of flowers, in Tim’s memory, to please donate to the Spay a Stray Program, c/o Veterinarian Pam Fritsch, 200 Garfield Dr. N.E., Suite D, Warren, OH 44483. That was his favorite charity.

“Our Tim had far too many friends to count.” Everybody knew “the bearded biker guy” and remembered him. He rode and camped with many friends over the years and loved every mile. Just some of his special friends were Ron and Debbie B., Ron B., Craig and Sandy S., Greg G., Kim R., Little Sis Pam, Wilma and Sue, Dave K., Ross, Bev and Craig, Mike and Lisa, Mark and Johnny, the GWRRA family and of course, his very, very unique and much loved Donut Shop family.

Tim’s memorial service will be held at the Holloway-Williams Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 611 Robbins Ave., Niles, on Sunday, May 17 at 5 p.m. Visiting hours will be from 1 to 5 p.m. that day at the funeral home.

Cremation has taken place. At a later date, as he had requested, Timmy’s ashes will be sown to the wind from his bike, Scarlett, on one of his favorite twisty roads.

Tim was not your typical sort of person and everybody knew how he loved wearing his jeans, t-shirts and ultra casual. All those familiar with Tim knew how he disliked formality. This will be a celebration of his life and he would be very distressed if he knew he had caused his friends and family to think of him with tears and sadness. So, please try to remember him on his last day with stories of all the great times you shared with him. For now, God must have needed a new Road Captain and he got the best. Ride safe.

Visit hollowaywilliamsfh@sbcglobal.net to also email condolences.

View Image

---

Tami Lynn Royal, 40

YOUNGSTOWN – Tami Lynn Royal, 40, passed away Tuesday, May 5, 2009, at St. Elizabeth Health Center.

Tami leaves to cherish her memory her parents; Lloyd Watkins of Youngstown, Rita Boswell of Maryland and Bevell and Johnnie Mae Huff of Youngstown; a son, Kureese Royal of Maryland; three daughters, Destiney Smith-Royal and Jennifer Royal, both of Youngstown and Tamarra Royal of Maryland; three brothers, Raymond Royal of Atlanta, Daniel (Tennille) Royal of Washington, D.C. and Jermaine Ingram of Youngstown; a sister, Eri-Ona Boswell-Royal of Maryland; a grandmother, Patricia Royal-Robinson of Youngstown; a grandson, Demier Williams; a granddaughter, Janaya Royal; her fiance, Burton Hartwell of Washington, D.C.; and nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts and other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Michelle Royal; two grandfathers, Lloyd Mack Royal Sr. and Otis Robinson; and a great-grandmother, Marion Abbott.

Services will be Monday at 11 a.m. at the Howard-Rhoden Memorial Home.

Friends may call one hour prior to services.

View Image

---

Leigh D. Sigel, 73

AUSTINTOWN – There are no services or calling hours for Leigh D. Sigel, 73, who died Thursday afternoon at Austinwoods Nursing Center in Austintown.

He was born June 15, 1935 in Youngstown, the son of Elwood E. and Ethel (Foor) Sigel, and he resided in this area all of his life.

He was a 1953 graduate of Austintown Fitch High School. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Army serving from 1958 to 1960.

He worked as a journeyman die maker for General Motors Lordstown for several years before retiring. He had also worked for McKenzie Muffler and Hines Industries.

He enjoyed gardening and woodworking. One of his favorite activities was playing Bluegrass music on his banjo and guitar.

Leigh was a quiet and gentle man and he will be sadly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

He is survived by a sister, Neoma Ruth Sigel, with whom he made his home, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and four sisters, Wanda Foor, Amy Herman, Winifred Robinette and Ilene Walsh.

Memorial contributions may be made in Leigh’s memory to the Salvation Army.

Arrangements are being handled by the Lane Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel.

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

---

Philip A. Snyder, 81

BOARDMAN - Philip A. Snyder, 81, retired director of University Relations at Youngstown State University and a long time local Rotarian and Scottish Rite Mason, passed away Friday, May 8, 2009, at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Boardman Campus, after a brief illness.

He was born on Feb. 3, 1928, in Savannah, Ga., a son of the late George and Cleomarie (Arnold) Snyder and was a 1946 graduate of South High School.

Upon graduation, he enlisted in the Marine Corps where he attained the rank of corporal, receiving an honorable discharge in 1948.

He enrolled at then Youngstown College upon his discharge from the military, thus beginning a seven decade association with his alma mater.

A very involved student, he was a four-year letter winner as a member of the Penguin tennis team where he fashioned a 31-7 singles mark and a 20-13 doubles ledger while playing for coaches Leo Mason and Ralph Beard.

Writing, advertising and management have always been Snyder’s interests, so it was only natural that he gravitated to the school’s yearbook, The Neon, where he served on staff all four undergraduate years.

He rose from the ranks as staff member his freshman year, moving to advertising manager as a sophomore, became the circulation manager his junior year and during his senior year, was named its editor-in-chief.

Along with the late Chuck Perazich, who went on to become sports editor of The Vindicator, they teamed with the school’s athletic department in those early years to produce the scholastic football programs.

As co-editors, it was Snyder who sold the advertising and Perazich the writing, both working in perfect harmony to produce the game day programs which were made available to those in attendance at games back then.

He was a member of Alpha Phi Omega fraternity and the school’s honorary advertising/merchandising fraternity, Alpha Mu.

He earned his BS in business administration degree in 1952, majoring in advertising and public relations. That same year he was named as a “Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges” recipient.

He later added additional studies at Westminster College to his resume, receiving his National Security Seminar Certificate from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in 1971.

Upon graduation, he became the publicity director and editor of employee publications for G.F. Business Equipment, a post that he held until 1963 when he accepted the director of public relations position at nearby Westminster College.

He stayed at Westminster until 1966 when he was hired as YSU’s director of University Relations, a post that he held until his retirement in 1992. Upon his retirement and at the urging of then president Dr. Neil D. Humphrey, the University’s Board of Trustees conferred upon him the title of Director Emeritus.

Snyder came to YSU at a time when things were beginning to take off, and he was directly involved with the many positives that were beginning to take shape on the campus.

During his 26-year tenure, he wrote a history of YSU, organized records and data of hundreds of former and present faculty and staff and planned and coordinated the groundbreaking dedications of all buildings. Those weren’t his only duties, however.

He was credited as the driving force behind the school’s “YSU” block logo and was instrumental in securing their new 44555 zip code from the U.S. Postal Service (their old zip code was 44503), a request of which local post office officials were most happy since it would now distinguish and easily separate the high volume of mail that the university received on a daily basis.

When you talk about involvement and going beyond the scope of your everyday duties, surely Snyder’s name was at the top of the list.

In his “spare time,” he served as faculty advisor to Youngstown State’s Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, a position that he held for over 20 years.

He joined the Rotary Club of Boardman in 1972 with the classification Education, State Universities and for the next 24 years had perfect attendance with the organization.

His duties within the organization were many, but over the years he served as president, vice-president, Governor’s representative and District Governor where he was the recipient of their highly coveted Paul Harris Fellow Award in 1983.

Among his many organization affiliations, he was a former member of the Youngstown Press Club, the American Alumni Council, American College Public Relations Association and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.

To this day, he remains an active member of the Royal Order of Jesters, Cleveland Court No. 14.

His community service includes serving as past chapter chairman and current board member of the Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross, the publicity officer of the Lutheran Brotherhood, past officer and director of the William Holmes McGuffey Historical Society, has served on the Youngstown Area United Way Public Relations Committee, where he was co-chairman of the Education Division in 1988, is a former manager and coach in the Boardman Little League, is the former camping director of the Mahoning Valley Council of the Boy Scouts of America and the former Assistant Scoutmaster and Troop Committee Chairman of Troop 27 – Bethel Lutheran Church.

A 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, he is a past chairman of the Masonic Learning Center for Children with Dyslexia while among his many honors over the years, he was named the 1981 Luke N. Zaccaro Memorial Award recipient for his meritorious service to the student body at YSU, was a “Who’s Who in the Midwest” honoree (1983), Rotary International’s “Key Man” honoree in 1983 and that same year, was Sigma Phi Epsilon’s Chapter Award recipient.

He received YSU’s Greek Sing “Dedication for Service” Award in 1991 and was the YSU Alumni Association’s “Involvement Award” honoree for his outstanding commitment to University and Community Affairs. Phil also received the lifetime Membership Award” by C.A.S.E., the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education organization.

He returned to YSU on a part-time basis after his retirement to serve as academic ceremonies coordinator for the University’s Honors Convocation and Commencement and in all, has served all six YSU Presidents as either an employee or volunteer.

He also served on the YSU Centennial Planning Committee.

He was inducted into the Curbstone Coaches Hall of Fame in 1998 and was YSU’s Heritage Award honoree in 2007. “When I received notice that I was one of this year’s honorees, I was speechless. This is an honor that I will never forget. There have been many fine individuals before me to receive this award, and to be included on that list now is truly a humbling feeling,” Phil stated during his acceptance speech.

He leaves his wife of 52 years, the former Dr. Dolores Bair, whom he married on Aug. 18, 1956; his daughters, Karen (Bernard Jr.) Galehan of Pittsburgh and Karla Snyder Beauchamp of Boardman; his son, Kurt of Cleveland; his three grandchildren, Philip W. Snyder, Kristine N. Beauchamp and Cheryl N. Snyder; and his brother, George (Nancy) Snyder III of Boardman.

The family would like to thank the numerous well-wishers who expressed their concern and offered prayers and thoughts of hope during his illness.

Services will be held Monday at 11 a.m. at the Bethel Lutheran Church, Boardman.

Friends may call from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Davis Funeral Home and one hour prior (10 to 11a.m.) at the church. The Four Square Club and a Masonic service will be held following calling hours at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the church memorial fund, Bethel Lutheran Church, 425 Crestview Dr. in Boardman.

View Image

---

Catherine L. Taylor, 93

NORTH LIMA - Services will be Monday at 11 a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Poland Chapel for Catherine L. Taylor, 93, who died Friday afternoon at Assumption Village.

Catherine was born Sept. 28, 1915 in Youngstown, the daughter of Thomas and Catherine Gallier Wells.

Catherine worked in retail sales for many years for several stores in the area and was a member of the Struthers United Methodist Church. She was an avid reader and bingo player and enjoyed playing cards.

She is survived by three daughters, Gayle (Bill) Elmer of Springdale, Ariz., Carol (Thomas) Nardella of Boardman and Harriet MacAvoy of Austintown; a son, David (Marcie Rester) Shook of N. Farmington; 17 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and fifteen great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Taylor; a son, Robert Shook; four grandchildren; a sister, Lillian Popa; and four brothers; Wilfred, Frank, Albert and Harold Wells.

Catherine’s family would like to thank Assumption Village for all of their care and kindness shown to Catherine over the years, and the staff of Hospice of the Valley.

Friends may call Sunday from 5 to 8 p.m. and Monday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Poland Chapel.

Contributions may be made to the Assumption Village in Catherine’s memory.

---