Tributes 2009-05-17

Louis (Elias) P. Asimakopoulos, 94

YOUNGSTOWN – Louis Asimakopoulos, 94, passed away Saturday, May 16, 2009.

He was born in Youngstown on April 7, 1915, the eldest of eight children of Panos and Olga (Karvellas) Asimakopoulos.

In 1923, the family relocated to Tripolis, Greece, where Louis was raised and educated. Returning to Youngstown on his own in 1934 at the age of 19, Louis worked initially at Sealtest Dairy making Klondike Bars and later at the Brass Rail Restaurant.

On June 2, 1940, he married the love of his life, Irene Makris, who predeceased him on Jan. 5, 1977.

Louis is survived by two brothers, John of Athens, Greece and James of Boardman; three sons, Peter (Helen) of Westerville, John (Cynthia) of Cleveland and Michael of Milford, Pa.; one daughter, Angela (Dr. William) Hradil of Youngstown; one granddaughter, Kali (James) Javoris; two great-grandchildren, Anastasia and Julian Javoris of Lyndhurst; and many, many loving nieces and nephews and cousins.

A combat veteran of World War II, Louis served with Company K, 143rd Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division (T-Patch) seeing action in North Africa, Italy and France. His awards included the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, two awards of the Purple Heart, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Presidential Unit Citation.

On his discharge in November of 1945, he returned to Youngstown, where he was employed for 25-plus years as a chef at the Palace Grill on Central Square. In June 1980, he retired from Kessler Products Inc., where he worked for 15 years as a vinyl extrusion machine operator. He then devoted all his time and energy to his main passion, planting and tending to his vegetable garden and caring for his lawn. An avid gardener, Louis kept his family and many of his friends well stocked with plenty of fresh vegetables during the summer months, well into his 93rd year.

He was a proud and loyal member of St. John, The forerunner, Greek Orthodox Church for 75 years and served as its administrative secretary for 35 of those years. A caring man who was loved and respected by all who knew him, he will be greatly missed and long remembered.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Vaschak-Kirila Funeral Home, 3100 Canfield Road in Youngstown, where a Trisagion prayer service will be offered at 7 p.m. Friends may also call from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. John Greek Orthodox Church, 4955 Glenwood Ave. in Boardman, with services to begin at 10:30 a.m.

Internment will take place at Forest Lawn Cemetery Chapel immediately following services at the church.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, friends consider contributions to St. John, The Forerunner, Greek Orthodox Church.

View Image

---

Ruth F. Barnes, 62

YOUNGSTOWN - Ruth F. Barnes, 62, of the city’s west side, passed away Thursday evening, May 14, 2009, at her home, surrounded by her family, after a brief illness.

Ruth was born Dec. 20, 1946 in Youngstown, a daughter of the late Eleanor Lampe, and was a lifelong area resident.

She was a 1965 graduate of Chaney High School, and became a homemaker, devoting her life to raising her children and grandchildren.

Ruth was a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. She enjoyed bowling, baking, going to Mountaineer Park Gaming Resort, and most importantly, spending time with her family.

She will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Ruth leaves her husband of 42 years, John R. Barnes Sr., whom she married Dec. 17, 1966; three daughters, Beth (Tony) Deley of Austintown, Melissa (Richard) Wyant of Youngstown and Jo Lynn (Albert) Protopapa of Austintown; a son, John R. Jr. (Ardina) Barnes of Boardman; eight grandchildren, Jake, Riley, Tori, Anthony, Kamri, Kylie, Alaina and Evan; and seven siblings, Betty (Steve) Kana, Carol (Kenneth) Croyle, Marge Rohrbaugh, Delores Weidner, Patricia (Dave) Rohrbaugh and Joe Lampe, all of Youngstown, and Alice (Ron) Steiner of Austintown.

A sister, Mary Lou Jones, and two brothers, Billy and Donny Lampe, are deceased.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 18, at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church on Norquest Boulevard in Austintown, where family and friends may gather beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Kinnick Funeral Home in Youngstown.

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

View Image

---

Gwendolyn Darnell Bunkley, 54

YOUNGSTOWN – Services will be Tuesday, May 19, 2009, at 11 a.m. at the Grace Evangelistic Temple for Mrs. Gwendolyn Darnell Bunkley, 54, who departed this life Thursday, May 14, 2009, at her home.

Mrs. Bunkley was born Nov. 27, 1954 in Tuskegee, Ala., a daughter of Roy E. and Treesa Pritchett Jenkins, coming to this area as a child.

She was a 1972 graduate of South High School. She had been employed with Head Start for 20 years, Cuddle, Hugs and Kisses, part-time with Children’s Services and was a home health aide. Along with all her other employments, she was a devoted homemaker, who enjoyed reading, writing poetry, arts and crafts, cooking, and caring for green plants. She loved using the word “basically” in almost all of her conversations. She was a member of the Grace Evangelistic Temple, where she was a part of the Culinary Committee.

She leaves to cherish her beloved memory, her husband, Rocky Davis of Youngstown; four children, Latisha D. L. Bunkley of Columbus, Valencia A. Bunkley of Warren and Edward C. Jr. and Emmanuel C. Bunkley, both of Youngstown; four grandchildren, including Nikayla, who helped care for her; a brother, Bishop Chorrethers (Stephanie) Jenkins of Youngstown; five sisters, including, Swannie G. (Artimus) Scissum, Georgia P. West and Deborah A. Stevenson, all of Youngstown, Cecelia A. (Henry, Jr.) Gillam of Austintown and Jacqueline T. (Tyrone) Welch of Baldwyn, Miss.; and a special thank you to her caregiver, Ron Farmer.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents.

Friends may call Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church.

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

View Image

---

Gerald H. “Jerry” Cohen, 76

BOARDMAN – Funeral services will be held Monday at 11 a.m. at Ohev Tzedek Shaarei Torah Congregation, 5245 Glenwood Ave., for Gerald H. “Jerry” Cohen, 76, who passed away peacefully Saturday morning at Northside Hospital.

Jerry was born June 16, 1932, in Youngstown, the son of the late Gus and Ruth Glickman Cohen.

Jerry was a 1950 graduate of South High School. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran, serving in the Korean War.

Jerry was partners with his late brother, Arthur Cohen, of Cochran Sparkles, and was produce buyer for Sparkle Markets. He was a member of Ohev Tzedek Shaarei Torah Congregation. Jerry was member of golf leagues and was an avid sports fan, cheering on the Cleveland Indians and Browns.

His greatest love was for his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Jerry leaves his wife, the former Jean Vecchione, whom he married Nov. 10, 1974 ; two sisters, Rita Fox of Youngstown and Sandra (Mendel) Rosenberg of St. Louis; a sister-in-law, Grace Cohen of Vienna; and many nieces and nephews.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Gus and Ruth, and his brother, Arthur Cohen.

Jerry's family will be receiving friends on Monday from 10 to 11 a.m. at Ohev Tzedek Shaarei Torah Congregation.

Contributions may be made to Heritage Manor, 517 Gypsy Lane, Youngstown, OH 44504 or to Ohev Tzedek Shaarei Torah Congregation, 5245 Glenwood Ave., Youngstown, OH 44512.

Arrangements are being handled by Shriver-Allison-Courtley-Weller-King Funeral Home.

View Image

---

Donald J. Ferguson, 76

HUBBARD – There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Hubbard for Donald J. Ferguson, 76, who passed away Thursday at Liberty Health Care Center.

Donald was born June 5, 1932, in Struthers, a son of Eugene and Elizabeth Guth Ferguson.

For more than 30 years, Donald was a inspector for the Sharon Steel Corporation, retiring in 1987. He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, the Greek Catholic Union, AARP and SOAR. He also enjoyed maintaining his well-kept yard and bowling at Bell Wick Bowl in Hubbard.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Northampton and USS Pittsburgh during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of American Legion Post 0158 of Struthers and VFW Post 5286 of Sharon and had attended several Navy reunions.

He leaves his wife, the former Mary Ann Kisak, whom he married May 18, 1957; a son, Daniel E. (Lori) Ferguson of Vancouver, Wash.; a daughter, Suzanne M. (Jim) Wittenauer of Lancaster, Pa.; and his long-awaited grandchildren whom he loved so much, Sydney and Brendan. He also leaves his nephews, David (Helena) Ferguson, Tim (Linda) Ferguson, Jerry (Diane) Ferguson, Mickey (Dawn) Ferguson, Martin Maters, Chuck Masters, and Dennis Masters; and a niece, Sheryl (Jim) Fortnat. He also leaves his brother-in-laws, Joe (Dorothy) Kisak, Mike Kisak, and Pete (Faye) Kisak; and a sister-in-law, Julia (Ed) Scholl.

Donald and Mary Ann celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on May 18, 2007, at a party hosted by their children and attended by all of their family, friends and neighbors. It was an occasion that was very special and beautiful and left both Don and Mary Ann with many special memories.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Rita Masters; a brother, Eugene Ferguson; and a sister-in-law, Kay Kisak.

There will be calling hours Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. and Tuesday prayers at 9:15 a.m. at the Stewart-Kyle Funeral Home.

Burial will be in Hubbard Union Cemetery with full military honors provided by the Trumbull County American Legion Honor Guard.

The Ferguson family would like to thank all of their neighbors and friends and a special friend, Scott, for all of their help, visits and concerns during Don’s illness. Special thanks to Father Tim for all of his visits and spiritual guidance and to Liberty Arms Nursing Home for the special care given to Don.

Special thanks also to Don’s four-year-old great niece, Zoe Belcik, who helped care for Don and who said she would come in and check on him every 15 minutes as his little nurse.

Family and friends are invited to visit the funeral home’s Web site at www.stewart-kyle.com to share memories and condolences with the family.

Stewart-Kyle Funeral Home

Providing Funeral Service Since 1850

---

Myra Bell Herbert, 85

YOUNGSTOWN – Funeral services will be at noon on Tuesday at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church for Myra Bell Herbert, 85, who departed this life Thursday, May 14, 2009, at her residence.

Mrs. Herbert was born Nov. 9, 1923, in Greenville, Ala., a daughter of Henry Smith and Geneba Jordan.

She was a homemaker and a member of the church, its senior choir, kitchen committee and the pastor’s aide ministry.

Her husband, Willie G. Herbert, whom she married Dec. 24, 1940, died Feb. 14, 1994.

She leaves three daughters, Emma (Heril) Nelson, Eva (Desey) Cathey and Gladys Herbert, all of Youngstown; two grandchildren, Dionne Cathey and Cheryl (David) Smith; and four great-grandchildren, Michael Cathey and Dorian, Donivan and Cheylynn Smith

Viewing will be from noon to 4 p.m. on Monday at the F.D. Mason Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.

Calling hours will be one hour prior to the service on Tuesday.

View Image

---

Anna Hinge, 72

YOUNGSTOWN – A memorial service for Anna Hinge will be held on Sunday, May 24, 2009, at 3 p.m. at the First Unitarian Universalist Church, 1105 Elm St. in Youngstown. All family and friends are welcome to attend. A reception will follow at 95 Creed Circle in Campbell for close friends and family.

Anna was a lifelong resident of Campbell and Youngstown. She was born March 18, 1936, to Michael and Irene Halikos, and had one brother, James Halikos, each of whom preceded her in death.

Anna was married in 1951 to her devoted husband of 37 years, George Hinge, who passed away in 1988. With her family at her side, she left this life peacefully May 7, 2009, at Heritage Manor in Youngstown.

She leaves six children to cherish her memory, Irene Skoufis and husband James, Nicholas Hinge, Mary Nau husband Ed, Michael Hinge, Mark Hinge wife Karen, and Daniel Demetriou and wife Kristin. She was adored by her five grandchildren, Alethea and Sophia Skoufis, Stephanie and Benjamin Nau, and Leonidas Demetriou. She also leaves behind her beloved niece, Victoria Dinard (daughter of her brother, James), Victoria’s husband, Jeff, and Victoria’s four much-loved children, Alexis, Christina, Jeffery and Anthony. Her considerable extended family also was a source of great joy to her.

A deeply spiritual woman, Anna enjoyed books and cuisine, and had a late-blooming passion for opera. But her life was largely spent caring for those around her – a duty she performed without thought of duty. Her many family and friends will never forget her unconditional love, unending faith in others and gentle nature. She was possessed with a strength that humbled those who knew her and a kindness that continues to nurture those she leaves behind. Expressions of condolences can be sent to The Hinge Family, 95 Creed Circle, Campbell, OH 44405.

View Image

---

Doris Knight, 87

COLUMBIANA – Doris Knight, 87, of 306 West Park Ave., passed away Friday, May 15, 2009, at Parkside Health Care Center, where she had been a patient for four months.

She was born Aug. 3, 1921 in East Palestine, the daughter of the late Stanton and Ethel Young Hull. She moved to Columbiana in 1991 from New Waterford.

On Oct. 25, 1941, she married Albert Knight, who passed away Feb. 7, 1974.

She was a member of the East Palestine High School Class of 1939 and had worked at Ethan Allen (Kenmar) Furniture for 28 years, retiring in 1986. Doris enjoyed collecting dolls and traveling, having spent the last few winters with her Florida family.

She leaves two children, Judy (Vern) Brinker of Leetonia and Ron (Sandy) Knight of Ruskin, Fla.; a sister, Shirley Jordan of Iron Station, N.C.; two grandchildren, Sue (Raymond) Bennett of Riverview, Fla. and Greg Brinker of Gilbert, Ariz.; and five great-grandchildren.

Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a grandson, Matthew Knight; two sisters, Helen Hulton and Lucille Gregory; and two brothers, Raymond Hull and Herbert Hull.

Following her request, there are no calling hours or services.

Anyone wanting to remember Doris may contribute to the Matthew A. Knight Foundation, 12902 U.S. Highway 301 South, Riverview, FL 33569.

Arrangements were made by the Van Dyke-Swaney-Rettig Funeral Home in East Palestine.

Please visit www.familycareservices.com to sign the register and send condolences.

---

Doris Fuhs Liphart, 94

BELLEVUE, WASH. – Doris Fuhs Liphart, 94, was born April 17, 1915 in Chicago, and died May 10, 2009.

Doris grew up in Pittsburgh, attended Allegheny College in Meadville, Pa., and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1937.

Doris raised her family in Poland with her husband, Charles R. Liphart, who died in 1971. In 1995, she moved to Bellevue, residing at Wynwood of Bellevue.

She is survived by her daughter, Anne Liphart Wurz of Bellevue; sons, Charles Kimmel Liphart of Redway, Calif. and William Fuhs Liphart and Christine Liphart of Ostrander; three grandchildren, Ada, Louis and Rakel; a great-granddaughter, Bailey; and sister-in-law, Dorothy Liphart of Ebensburg, Pa.

The family will hold a private memorial.

Remembrances may be made to the Poland Presbyterian Church, 2 Poland Manor, Poland, OH 44514 or the Arthritis Foundation, 3876 Bridge Way, Seattle, WA 98103.

---

Ronald R. Lovell, 70

LOWELLVILLE – Ronald R. Lovell, 70, died Thursday, May 14, 2009, at his residence.

Mr. Lovell was born Jan. 4, 1939.

He served in the U. S. Air Force for 13 years.

He is loved by Barbara Lovell, Deborah (Gene) Hunt, Jesse (Lori) Lovell, Robin (Ben) Beal, Robert (Angie) Ogle, Scott (Andrea) Ogle and Chris (Jenny) Ogle; his grandchildren, Beth, Missy, Nick, Chris, Gina, Mike, Chris, Matt, Jacob, Luke and Lillian; and his great-grandchildren, Sarah, Brooke, Jade, Ethan, Katie, Chris, McKenzie and Connor.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Russell Lovell Jr. and Edgar Lovell.

There will be no calling hours or services.

Arrangements are being handled by the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, Lowellville Chapel.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.

---

Keith A. McNeal, 51

GIRARD – There will be services at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Stewart-Kyle Funeral Home in Hubbard for Keith A. McNeal, 51, who passed away Friday at home after a six-year long battle with his illness. He had received a liver transplant in September of 2006 and later developed cancer.

Keith was born Dec. 8, 1957, in Youngstown, a son of Beverly Hopkinson McNeal, and was a lifelong area resident.

He was a roofer and was a member of Roofer’s Local No. 71. He also was a member of the AMA Men’s Club.

He is survived by his wife, Billie Jo Frye; a brother, Curtis McNeal of McDonald; a sister, Kimberly (Michael) Renato of Niles; his mother, Beverly McNeal of Girard; and a nephew, Nicholas Renato. He also leaves his best friends, Zack and Pollie.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Gladys McNeal; and his grandparents, Roseanna and Clifford Hopkinson.

There will be calling hours Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Stewart-Kyle Funeral Home.

Family and friends are invited to visit the funeral home’s Web site at www.stewart-kyle.com to share memories and condolences with the family.

Stewart-Kyle Funeral Home

Providing Funeral Service Since 1850

View Image

---

Ronnie Lee Moore, 68

JACKSONVILLE, FLA. – Ronnie Lee Moore, 68, passed away Sunday, May 10, 2009.

He was born on March 10, 1941 in McConnellsville, the son of the late Howard and Anna Moore.

He graduated from Poland Seminary High School and worked for Ray Gunter Trucking. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, a 32nd Degree Mason, commercial fisherman, avid cyclist, loved to cook and eat, and entertain his friends.

He is survived by his loving wife of 10 years, Nancy Ynclan Moore; a daughter, Wendy Gorup (Jeff); two brothers, Dana Moore and Charles Moore (Carol); two sisters, Eleanor Phillips (Burton) and Donna Bone (Ray); a grandchild, Emily Anne Gorup; eight nephews; four nieces; and two cats, Tasha and Cody.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Cancer Society.

Interment was at Riverside Memorial Park.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Hardage-Giddens Town and Country Chapel in Jacksonville.

Please visit Jacksonville.com to sign the guest book.

---

Helen A. Norris, 82

CORTLAND – There will be a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, May 18, 2009, at noon at St. Roberts Church with celebrant Fr. Carl Kish, for Helen A. Norris, 82, who passed away Friday afternoon May 15, 2009, at her residence.

Helen A. Norris was born Oct. 28, 1926 in Warren, the daughter of Alex and Ann Mink Termine.

She was a graduate of Warren G. Harding High School.

She married Lloyd E. Norris on July 20, 1946, he preceded her in death on June 2, 1988.

Helen was a homemaker and a member of St. Roberts Church. She enjoyed playing cards and traveling.

She is survived by a son, John L. (Sherry) Norris of Cortland; a daughter, Doreen (Robert) Datish of Austintown; five grandchildren, Darnell Brady, Steven (Maribeth) Datish, John Norris, Leslie (Marc) Cubbison and Ryan (Katie) Norris, and six great-grandchildren, Lindsey and Amanda Brady, Anthony and Peter Datish and Nathan and Jacob Cubbison.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, John Termine.

Calling hours will be Monday from 10:30 a.m. to noon at St. Roberts Church.

Burial will be at All Souls 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, Cortland, OH 44410.

View Image

---

Robert A. Nottingham, 28

BOARDMAN – There will be a memorial Mass at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 18, at St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church in Struthers for Robert A. Nottingham, 28, who passed away Wednesday, May 13.

Robert was born Sept. 21, 1980, in Youngstown, the son of Lawrence and Rebecca Nottingham.

He was employed as a delivery driver.

Robert will always be remembered by his parents of Boardman; his fiancee of 11 years, Natasha Wallace; his son, Robert of Boardman; three brothers, Blake of Titusville, Pa., Frank of Centerville, Pa. and Larry of Greenfield, Ind.; and a sister, Sherri Sorge of Meadville, Pa.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Rossi Brothers & Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave. in Boardman.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the family or mailed in care of Rossi Brothers & Lellio Funeral Home for Robert Jr.

---

Barbara J. Phillips, 68

AUSTINTOWN – There will be a funeral service at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Lane Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel for Barbara J. Phillips, 68, who died on Friday afternoon at St. Elizabeth Health Center.

Barbara was born Feb. 9, 1941 in Youngstown, the daughter of the late Robert E. and Anna (Yates) Boyer.

A homemaker, Barbara enjoyed sewing, boating and snowmobiling. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. She was a member of the Austintown Fitch High School 1959 Class Reunion Committee.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Donald W. Phillips, whom she married on July 7, 1962; two children, Denise (Richard) Zimmermann of Austintown and David W. (Victoria) Phillips of Radcliff, Ky.; six grandchildren, Christina (Nicholas) Thompson of Charleston, S.C.; Gwendolynn and Donald Phillips of Radcliff and Samantha, Amanda, and Marisa Zimmermann of Austintown; eight sisters, Lillian (Howard) Divelbiss of Austintown, Elizabeth (Leo) Genetta of North Jackson, Janice Kunkle of Austintown, Katherine (Howard) Johnson of Struthers, Nancy (Arnold) Welch of Austintown, Judith (Mickey) Kaiser of Columbia, Mo., Alice (Michael) Kochera of Mineral Ridge and Kareene (Kenneth) Conway of Austintown; and one brother, Robert F. (Patricia) Boyer of Austintown.

Besides her parents, Barbara is preceded in death by two sisters, Clara Mae Boyer and Anna Rick.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in Barbara’s name.

Family and friends may call Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

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

View Image

---

Florence Kathleen Serotko Sciullo, 75

NILES – Florence Kathleen Serotko Sciullo, 75, went to sleep peacefully at St. Joseph Health Center on Friday, May 15, 2009, with her family by her side.

She was born Sept. 21, 1933 in Apollo, Pa., the daughter of John and Francis Froncek Serotko.

She attended Apollo Schools and moved to Niles with her family in 1950. She married her husband, Edward Sciullo, on Sept. 25, 1954.

She was a loving mother to four sons by becoming a teacher, cook, nurse, doctor, and seamstress and by teaching them right from wrong.

Florence worked at Macali’s Grocery Store and Giant Eagle Store in Niles and Elm Road in Warren for 23 years. She helped prepare meals at St. Vincent DePaul Soup Kitchen and helped with special occasions at the Knights of Columbus in Niles.

Florence will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and a brother, John Serotko Jr.

She is survived by four sons, Peter Sciullo and Shirley of McDonald, John Sciullo and his wife, Leanor of Fort Myers, Fla., Edward Sciullo of Niles and Gary Sciullo and his wife, Michelle of Phoenix; three granddaughters; four grandsons; two sisters, Dolores Baran of Niles and Rosella McCloskey of Warren; a sister-in-law, Marilyn Serotko of Monrovia, Calif.; several nieces and nephews; and her very special friend and companion, George McCloskey.

Private funeral services will be held at the Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles.

Burial will be at Greenhaven Cemetery.

Material contributions may be sent to the American Cancer Society, 525 North Broad St., Canfield, OH 44406.

Special thanks to St. Joseph’s Health Center for making our mother’s last hours peaceful and comfortable.

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

Please visit www.josephrossifuneralhome.com to e-mail condolences.

View Image

---

Kathryn Giba Sovik, 83

YOUNGSTOWN - Kathryn G. Sovik, 83, passed away Saturday morning, May 16, 2009, at her home, with her family by her side.

Kathryn was born May 22, 1925 in Youngstown, a daughter of the late John and Katherine Paliga Giba, and had lived in Youngstown her entire life.

Mrs. Sovik was a life member of St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church in Youngstown and was a daily Communicant all of her adult life. She was a member of the Rosary Society for 58 years, serving as an officer for 50 years, mostly as its President. She founded and then directed St. Mary’s Rosary Makers for 15 years; this group constructed 350,000 Western and Eastern Church rosaries which were distributed free of charge locally and all over the world. She was also a member of St. Mary’s Golden Pillars and the Church’s Adult Enrichment Class, the St. John Chrysostom Society, and the Carpatho-Rusyn Society. She was professed as a member of the Sacred Heart and Immaculate Heart Fraternity of the Secular Franciscans.

Kathryn earned her Bachelor of Education Degree from Youngstown State University, and she earned her Master of Education Degree and completed the course work for her Doctoral Degree at the University of Akron.

Kathryn was an English and Reading teacher at Austintown Fitch High School, retiring in 1989. She received the Martha Jennings Scholarship Award in 1975 for Excellence in Teaching and was voted Austintown School System’s “Teacher of the Year” by her colleagues in 1978. She was a member of Austintown Retired Teachers Club, the Mahoning Retired Teachers Association, the Ohio Education Association and the National Education Association.

Her life was a testament to her strong faith, devotion to her family, and dedication to her church.

She leaves her husband, Paul Sovik, whom she married on July 21, 1951; one son, Dr. Thomas (Adrian) Sovik of Saginaw, Texas; one daughter, Dr. Mary (Gustavo) Benedetti of Cincinnati; and three granddaughters, Sarah Sovik of Reynoldsburg, Rebecca Sovik of Grove City and Sabina Sovik of Saginaw. She also leaves a daughter-in-law, Pamela Sovik of Grove City; a brother, Paul (Alice) Giba of Austintown; a sister-in-law, Anna Mae (Boyd) Keenan of Hubbard; and many nieces and nephews.

Six brothers, Michael, John, Joseph, Andrew, Frank and Frank David Giba, and three sisters, Mary Thomas, Ann Wikete and Helen Shellesky, predeceased Kathryn.

Family and friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, May 18, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Road in Youngstown, where prayer services will begin at 4:30 p.m.

Funeral services will begin Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by a Funeral Divine Liturgy at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church on South Belle Vista Avenue.

Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Cemetery on South Schenley Avenue.

Memorial contributions may be made in Kathryn’s name to the Sisters of the Order of St. Basil the Great, 500 West Main St., Uniontown, PA 15401.

Visit kinnickfuneralhome.com to view this obituary and send condolences.

View Image

---

Donald Stewart, 81

EAST PALESTINE – Donald Stewart, 81, of 545 N. Walnut Street, died at 12:25 a.m. Saturday at Hospice House in Poland following a short illness.

Mr. Stewart was born April 7, 1928, in East Palestine, a son of James and Mildred Slusser Stewart, and had lived here all of his life.

Don was a 1947 graduate of East Palestine High School and a driver and salesman for the Pepsi Cola Company in Youngstown for 34 years. He was a member of First United Presbyterian Church of East Palestine where he had served as a deacon. He also helped with Meals on Wheels and served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War.

His wife, the former Ruth Ann Martin, whom he married Oct. 9, 1954, died May 13, 2005.

Don is survived by a daughter, Patti L. (Thomas) Robb of Canfield; a son, James D. (Nene) Stewart of East Palestine; a sister, Mary Katherine Todd of East Palestine; eight grandchildren, Elizabeth Robb, Natalie Robb, Katherine Robb, Daniel Robb, Michael (Katarina) Robb, Jennifer (Nestor) Escamilla, Jamie (Robert) Aceveda and Andrew Stewart; and a great-granddaughter, Katia Escamilla.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Sally Stewart.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Van Dyke-Swaney-Rettig Funeral Home, East Palestine, with the Rev. J. Ross Slaughter officiating.

Burial will follow in Glenview Cemetery.

Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday and hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Material tributes may be made to Hospice of the Valley.

Visit www.familycareservice.com to sign the guest register and send condolences to the family.

View Image

---