Tributes 2009-05-26

Veronica F. (Chlebus) Arnoto, 83

STRUTHERS – Services will be Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Clemente Funeral Home and at 10:30 a.m. at St. Nicholas Church, both in Struthers for Veronica F. (Chlebus) Arnoto, 83, who passed away Friday morning at St. Elizabeth Health Center.

Veronica was born on Sept. 3, 1925, in Lynch, Ky., a daughter of George and Ann Refka Chlebus. She moved to West Virginia as a young child and to Ohio as a young lady.

She worked as the head cook at the Italian Restaurant in Youngstown. She was also known for the personal pizza’s she made. She was a member of St. Nicholas Church.

Veronica was married to Joseph J. Arnoto and he passed away on Jan. 5, 1988.

She leaves four sons, Joseph A. Arnoto, Anthony P. Arnoto, Thomas P. Arnoto and Robert S. Arnoto, all of Struthers; one daughter, Frances A. (Hugh) Connolly of Youngstown; two sisters, Rose Ballotta of Struthers and Helen Ruschak of Howland; 19 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Veronica was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two sons, Stephen and Paul T. Arnoto; one brother, George Chlebus; and three sisters, Mary Kremin, Ann Schuley and Julia Benjyi.

Friends may call on today from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Clemente Funeral Home in Struthers.

Please visit www.clementefuneralhomes.com to view this obituary and to send condolences.

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Judith L. Carlos, 68

POLAND - Prayers will begin Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Poland Chapel followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10 a.m. at the Holy Family Church for Judith L. Carlos, 68, who passed away Sunday afternoon at Hospice House.

Judy was born March 19, 1941 in Youngstown, the daughter of Walter and Catherine Noel Cook.

She was a 1959 graduate of Sharon High School and later worked at Ohio Bell for over 32 years, retiring in 1990 as an engineering supervisor. After her retirement, she worked at the Town and Country Dry Cleaners in Poland for 10 years.

She was a member of the Holy Family Church, was president of the Holy Family conference of the St. Vincent De Paul Society, the Holy Family Third Source Committee and secretary of the Holy Family Infant Jesus of Prague Guild and the Poland Knights of Columbus Council No. 4471’s Kcettes. Judy was also a member of the Bell retirees Telephone Pioneers.

She is survived by her husband, James Carlos; a sister, Carol Kovacs of New York; two sisters-in-law, Marilyn and Nancy Carlos; and a brother-in-law, Tom (Sandy) Carlos, all of Sharpsville; and numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Poland Chapel.

Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown.

Visit www.higgins-reardon.com to view this tribute and to send condolences.

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John T. Courtney, 61

BOARDMAN – Prayers will be at 10 a.m. on Wednesday at the Fox Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday at St. Dominic Church, celebrated by Rev. Richard Jastrzebski, O.P. for John T. Courtney, who passed away Saturday afternoon.

John was born June 8, 1947, in Altoona, Pa., a son of John H. and Lois Smithmyer Coutney.

He was a 1965 graduate of Cardinal Mooney High School and had attended Kent State University.

John was the President of Courtney Vending Co. from 1979 to his retirement in 2002. He was a member of the church, a devoted father and grandfather and was an avid Harley-Davidson Motorcyclist.

He leaves to cherish his memory four daughters Jennifer (Roy) Aikey of Newark, Ohio, Kimberly (Mark) Haun of Boardman, and Tiffany (Seth) Meyer and Bridget (Don) Olson, both of LasVegas; his former wife Jean Clacko of Boardman; four brothers, Steven (Patti) Courtney of Boardman, Greg Courtney of Poland, Jim (Tina) Courtney of Rochester, Mich., and Ed Courtney of Youngstown; six sisters, Cindy Landers and Paula (Don) Humphries, both of Poland, Pat Drummond of Youngstown, Judy (Robert) Spin of Boardman, Janice (Clyde) Richards of Salem and Mary (Charles) Laycock of St. Louis, Mo.; and six grandchildren, Justin, Joe Haun, Courtney, Roy, Jr. and Kennedy Aikey and Dallas Olson.

Besides his parents, John is preceded in death by a brother, Lance Cpl. Michael Courtney, who was killed in action in Vietnan

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today and from 9 to 10 a.m. on Wednesday at the Fox Funeral Home, Boardman.

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

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Reynard Joseph Fitori, 90

BOARDMAN – Reynard Joseph Fitori, 90, of Boardman, passed away May 20, 2009.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at St. Christine Church.

The family will be receiving friends from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church, prior to the Mass.

Reynard was born Aug. 5, 1918 in Youngstown, the son of the late Joseph and Christina (Pavone) Fitori.

Rey was a lifelong resident of Youngstown and a 1937 graduate of East High School. He was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army and served in the Pacific Theater and the Philippines. He was a self-employed builder for new and existing construction and a member of St. Christine Church.

He leaves his wife of 68 years, the former Virginia C. Yane; his five children, Joseph (Kay) Fitori of Overland Park, Kan., Christine Mastramico of North Lima, James (Priscilla) Fitori of Boardman, Renee Bitonte of Canfield and Virginia (Jeffrey) Charlotte of Sarasota, Fla.; 12 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Reynard was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley and St. Christine Church.

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

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William Creahen Floor, 85

MINERAL, VA. – A memorial service celebrating the life of William Creahen Floor, 85, will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Boardman. He passed away Friday morning in Virginia.

Mr. Floor was born Oct. 3, 1923 in Youngstown, a son of Warren C. and Marie Creahen Floor.

He was a graduate of both South High School and of Youngstown State University. He had worked as an accountant with US Steel in Youngstown, and later with Isaly Dairy in both Pittsburgh and Youngstown.

Bill was a member of the Bethel Lutheran Church and of the US Steel “Shutdown” Club.

He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II.

Surviving him is his wife, the former Garnet V. Hawkins; a daughter, Karen (Jon) M. Schmugge of Marshall, Minn.; two sons Ronald L. (Cindy) Floor of Mineral and William P. (Arlene) Floor of Aurora, Colo.; a brother, Howard B. Floor of Sun City, Ariz.; 11 grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death besides his parents, a brother, Charles W. Floor; and a sister, Helen E. Wallace.

Friends may call Thursday one hour (10 to 11 a.m.), prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests material tributes take the form of contributions to Hospice House of Piedmont, 675 Peter-Jefferson Parkway, Suite 300, Charlottesville, VA 22911 or Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Boardman, OH 44512.

Arrangements are being handled by the Davis Funeral Home.

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Helen D. “Honey” Torday, 91

CAMPBELL – Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Wasko Funeral Home with Father Michael Swierz officiating, for Helen D. “Honey” Torday, 91, who passed away Sunday morning at the Assumption Village.

Helen was born March 3, 1918 in Campbell, the daughter of John and Mary Grumel Hudach and was a lifelong area resident of Campbell.

She was a member of St. John Slovak Catholic and St. Joseph the Provider Catholic Churches and besides being a homemaker and avid flower gardener, Helen enjoyed crocheting and made slippers for all her family and friends.

Her husband, Paul “PT” Torday, whom she married Jan. 20, 1937, passed away on May 18, 1978.

She leaves to cherish her memory her son, Lennie J. (Darlene) Torday of Berlin Center; a sister, Gertrude Rock of Boardman; four grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Ronald P. Torday Sr.; a great-grandson, Nicholas Torday; four brothers, John Jr., Michael, Joseph and Andrew Hudach; one stepbrother, Edward Feren; and four sisters, Mary Janiga, Catherine Ferenchak, Bernice Pavlik and Agnes Zapka.

The family would like to thank the entire staff at the Assumption Village for the excellent care they provided to Honey.

The Torday family has entrusted their loved one to the care of the Wasko Funeral Home and will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday.

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Elizabeth V. “Libby” Linert, 89

AUSTINTOWN – Prayers will begin Thursday morning at 9 a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 9:30 a.m. at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church for Elizabeth V. “Libby” Linert, 89, who died Sunday morning at Austinwoods Care Center.

Libby was born Jan. 6, 1920 in Coitsville, the daughter of Adam and Valarie Kaminski Milanowski.

She had worked at EASCO Aluminum as a wrapper in the shipping department before retiring. She was a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and it’s Altar and Rosary Society.

Her husband, Stanley A. Linert Sr., whom she married Oct. 22, 1937, died Feb. 10, 1977.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Stanley A. and Elaine Linert of Austintown; four grandchildren, Karen Huntley, Diane Reedy, Briane Donley and Michelle Jakovina; and great-grandchildren, Timothy Huntley, David and Alex Jakovina, Nicole and Michael Donley, and Justin and Christopher Reedy.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Betty Ann Donley; a grandson, David Donley; a brother, Stanley Milanowski; and six sisters, Mary Zoldak, Gertrude Mika, Peggy Milanowski, Stephanie Dickinson, Lottie Costa and Sister Mary Annuncia Order of St. Francis.

Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home in Austintown.

Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown.

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

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Carolyn B. McGarry, 86

LOWELLVILLE – Carolyn B. McGarry, 86, died early Monday morning at her daughter’s residence.

Mrs. McGarry was born Jan. 18, 1923 in Struthers, a daughter of Paul and Theresa Schriffort Sikes.

She was a 1941 graduate of Struthers High School and was a homemaker.

Mrs. McGarry was a founding member of the Holy Family Church. Mrs. McGarry was a Cub Scout Leader, Blue Bird Leader and a 4H advisor.

Her husband, Robert, whom she married March 2, 1946, died October of 1996.

She leaves five daughters, Kathleen (Paul) Senich of Boardman, Colleen (R. Jerome) Bugno of Poland, Linda (Dave) Anzevino of Youngstown, Pollyanna (John) Salvatore and Bridget McGarry, all of Poland; one son, Michael (Karen) McGarry of Poland; daughter-in-law, Patty McGarry of Poland; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Besides her parents and husband, Mrs. McGarry was preceded in death by her son, Robert McGarry; sister, Ann Sweet; and brother, Paul Sikes.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Holy Family Church in Poland.

There are no calling hours.

Contributions may be made to the Hospice of the Valley.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.

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Mary Kathleen “Kathy” Morris

WAKE FOREST, N.C. – Mary Kathleen “Kathy” Morris died peacefully after a sudden illness on Saturday, May 23, 2009, surrounded by her loving family.

Kathy grew up in Youngstown.

She was a 1970 graduate of Cardinal Mooney High School.

She married Ralph “Randy” Morris Jr. in August of 1971. She and Randy lived in Germany at the beginning of their life together while Randy was stationed in Landstuhl. They lived briefly back in Youngstown before relocating to North Carolina in 1976.

Kathy leaves behind her husband, Ralph “Randy” Morris Jr. of Wake Forest; two sons, David and Mike; and a daughter, Stacy [Morris] Murray, all of Holly Springs, N.C.; as well as seven grandchildren, Cory, Katy and Kelsy Peil, Hayley and Kyle Morris and Angelique and Joe Murray Jr.

Her large loving family in both North Carolina and Ohio will miss her as well. Those she left in North Carolina include a sister, Terri (Sheridan) and Ray Gonzalez; father-in-law, Ralph Morris Sr.; in-laws, Deahn (Morris) and Ricky Inagaki, Sally (Morris) and David Vasbinder; and many North Carolina nieces and nephews. In Youngstown, Kathy is survived by her mother, Mary Alice Sheridan; brothers, Philip of Youngstown and Tom and wife, Chrissy of Stow. She leaves behind sisters, Patty; Debbie Shaw and husband, Chris, Lori Begnaud and husband, Jerry, all of the Youngstown area; and many, many nieces and nephews.

Her father, Thomas J. Sheridan preceded her in death.

Kathy was a very devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and sister. Her family always came first and she welcomed the opportunity to help others. Her family and friends could always turn to Kathy for both support and leadership. In addition, she managed a successful career as owner of a real estate company, ANS Inc., and assisted in the family business A-1 House Inspections. With her seemingly inexhaustible energy, Kathy even recently had the chance to return to working part-time for Wachovia Bank.

Those left behind take much solace that Kathy’s caring spirit will live on in all our memories and in the lives of many through organ donation.

In lieu of flowers, we are certain Kathy would love for you to contribute to St. Jude’s Children Hospital.

Funeral Mass will be held on today, May 26, at 11 a.m. at the Mausoleum Chapel at Raleigh Memorial Park.

Please visit www.mitchellraleighmemorial.com to send condolences to the family.

Arrangements by Mitchell Funeral Home at Raleigh Memorial Park.

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Patricia Jo Starr, 53

POLAND – Patricia Jo Starr, 53, died Saturday, May 23, 2009, at the Cleveland Clinic, after a 5-year courageous battle with cancer.

Mrs. Starr was born June 14, 1955 in Youngstown, a daughter of Joseph and Jane Kostik.

She was 1973 graduate of Ursuline High School, a graduate of Youngstown State University with both an Associates in Applied Science and Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, she then graduated with a Master’s Degree in Nursing from the University of Akron. She was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau, the International Honor Society for nursing.

Mrs. Starr started her career in nursing at the Northside Medical Center in 1976. She was a staff nurse for several years and an assistant clinical nurse manager in the medical intensive care unit at the Southside Medical Center. She later became the nursing supervisor at the Southside and Northside Medical Centers as well as Beeghly Medical Park. Mrs. Starr was also a director of nursing at Tod Children’s Hospital, the Clinical Nurse Manager for the Special Care Nursery and Pediatric Ambulatory Center at Tod Children's Hospital and Woman’s and Infants Pavilion at Beeghly Medical Park. She currently was the Clinical Nurse Manager of the Labor and Delivery, mother and newborn nursery at Forum Health Northside Medical Center.

Mrs. Starr was also a clinical instructor at the Youngstown State University, Kent State University and the St. Elizabeth Hospital Diploma School of Nursing. She extensively taught CPR and neonatal and pediatric advanced support to nurses, paramedics and the medical staff. Mrs. Starr was also instrumental in the design of the special care nursery for the Women’s and Infants Pavilion at Beeghly Medical Park. Mrs. Starr was honored by the Ohio Nurses Association, District 3 for excellence in nursing.

She was a member of the St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church, where she was one of the parish nurses, and also served on parish council.

Besides her mother, Jane Kostik, she is survived by her husband, Brian Starr, whom she married Sept. 12, 1981; one daughter, Shannon Starr of Poland; two sons, Jeremy Starr and Eric Starr, both of Poland; one sister, Sharon (Michael) Longrich of Cleveland; one brother, Joseph Kostik Jr. of Struthers; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Joseph Kostik and one brother, Larry Kostik.

Services will be held Thursday at 10:30 am at St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church, with the Rev. Philip Rogers officiating. Interment will follow in the Calvary Cemetery.

Family and friends will be received Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home in Poland, where prayer services will be held Thursday at 9:45 a.m.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.

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Richard J. “Red” Thomas Jr., 82

AUSTINTOWN – Funeral services will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel for Richard J. “Red” Thomas Jr., 82, who passed away from congestive heart failure Friday morning at Cleveland Metro Health Center.

Red was born April 18, 1927 in Youngstown, the son of the late Richard J. and Grace (Davis) Thomas Sr.

Red served as a CB in the Navy from Nov. 7, 1944 to July 2, 1946 and received honorable discharge. He retired from Ohio Bell after 35 years of service. Red was a 60 year member of St Alban’s Lodge and a 82 year member of the Western Reserve Baptist Church, formerly the First Baptist Temple in downtown Youngstown. Red and his wife also participated at Shaker Woods for 25 years.

Red leaves his wife, of 57 years, the former Janice Davis; a daughter, Martha (Gerry) DeBruyn of Austintown; a son, Richard J. Thomas III of Austintown; three grandchildren, PJ DeLisio, Debra DeBruyn and Michelle Sherman; and four great-grandchildren, Mary Grace, Brigit, Emma Grace, and Gavin.

Red was preceded in death by his parents.

The family will be receiving friends Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

The family requests material tributes take the form of donations to the Western Reserve Baptist Church.

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Mary Louise Petrin Vukovich, 80

YOUNGSTOWN – Prayers will be Thursday at 9:15 a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel, followed by the funeral services at 10 a.m. at S.S. Peter and Paul Croatian Roman Catholic Church for Mary Louise Petrin Vukovich, 80, who peacefully met Jesus on Saturday at her home.

In many ways, Mary was a woman ahead of her time. Born on Sept. 21, 1928 in Youngstown to the late Blaze and Jenny (Ivanka) Jakopcin Petrin.

She graduated from The Rayen School in 1946 and forged a path that differed from most of her contemporaries. In addition to being extremely proud of her position as bookkeeper at The Superior Chemical Company prior to her marriage in the late fifties, Mary was an avid sportswoman. She played softball and enjoyed golfing, winning several tournaments in each sport. She was most widely known, however, for her accomplishments in bowling.

Mary began her widely acclaimed career in bowling in 1948, back when she paid to have the pin boys set up the pins at Champion Lanes. Mary set her 718 series record in bowling, which stood for over two decades in the city in 1956. She competed in various local, state, and national tournaments with much success. Her many accomplishments, chronicled regularly by sportscaster Don Gardner and The Youngstown Vindicator, resulted in her being inducted into the YWBA Hall of Fame in 1982 and being proclaimed citizen of the day by the Mayor of Youngstown.

Mary, a lifelong member of S.S. Peter & Paul Croatian Roman Catholic Church, of which her parents were members, and a 50-year plus member of St. George Lodge 66, was extremely proud of her Croatian Heritage. She was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles for many years and a lifetime member of Les Dames.

She left her children with a great appreciation of helping others, an extremely generous nature, a unique sense of humor, and a passion for gardening and the outdoors.

Mary is survived by and will be missed greatly by her daughters, Diane (Steve) Gonda of Youngstown, Nancy (Tom) Bleggi of Canfield and Cathy (Chris) Cook of Cuyahoga Falls; and her grandchildren, Jennifer and Stephanie Gonda, Courtney, Michael and Jordan Bleggi and Andrew and Katie Cook. She also leaves several nieces and nephews including Thomas Vogrin, her godson.

Besides her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her siblings, Anna Asperger, Rose Tesyk, John Petrin, Joseph (Hoppy) Petrin and Martin Petrin.

She is survived by her sister, Helen Vogrin.

The family will be receiving friends Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

The family would like to thank Dr. Ravi and his staff for the excellent care they provided Mary Lou over many years. Because of their kindness, support, and sense of humor, Mary Lou looked forward to and enjoyed her monthly office visits.

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

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Maxine Vera “Dolly” Fontes Yost, 61

CAMPBELL – Funeral services will be held at 9:30 a.m. Thursday at the Wasko Funeral Home and at 10 a.m. at St. Lucy Catholic Church for Maxine Vera “Dolly” Fontes Yost, 61, who passed away Saturday afternoon at St. Elizabeth Health Center, Boardman Campus.

Maxine was born Feb. 23, 1948 in Campbell, the daughter of Antonio and Marie DeMart Fontes.

She was a 1966 graduate of Campbell Memorial High School where she played alto horn in the marching band.

She was a member of the church and loved to dance and sing, and was extremely independent and professionally driven.

Maxine moved to Sacramento, Calif. in 1967 and met her husband of 36 years, George Yost. After they were married, they moved to Germany where George was stationed in the military. While George was serving in the military, Maxine was a federal employee working as a commander’s secretary wherever they were stationed. She took great pride in caring for each of her commander’s daily schedules.

In 1991, she was diagnosed with MS and took on leadership roles in MS support groups. She also volunteered at hospitals doing administrative work. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister and aunt.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her only son, John Vincent Yost of San Jose, Calif.; three brothers, Anthony Fontes of Sacramento, Francis Fontes of Campbell and John Fontes of Sparks, Nev.; one sister, Rose Fontes-Alvarado of Stevenson’s Ranch, Calif.; three godsons, Benjamin Fontes of Sacramento, Anthony Fontes of San Jose and Vincent Teixeira of Saugus, Calif.; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins; and also her former husband, George L. Yost of Los Angeles.

In lieu of gifts or flowers, the family requests that a generous donation be given to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at http://main.nationalmssociety.org.

The Yost family has entrusted their loved one to the care of the Wasko Funeral Home and will receive friends Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m.

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