Tributes by Date:

Death records from 2000 to current are also available to Vindy.com subscribers in the online archive

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Tributes 2009-05-27

Lena Margaret Adduci, 87

GIRARD – A Mass of Christian Burial will be said Friday, May 29, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Church for Lena Margaret Adduci, 87, who passed away Sunday, May 24.

Lena was born in Youngstown on Jan. 8, 1922, the daughter of Vincenzo and Carmela Desiderio Calderone.

She graduated from East High School in 1941 and worked at Strouss as a window dresser prior to her marriage to Vincent Adduci on June 19, 1948, and was a member of the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Youngstown.

Lena was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Church, a charter member of their Altar and Rosary Society, and one of their pizza workers. She was a member of the Oblate Sisters Ladies Auxiliary, the Senior Citizen Liberty 55 Club, a member of the Senior Citizens of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Youngstown, and a Girl Scout Leader for many years.

Lena loved to cook, spend time with her family, golf and bowl.

She is survived by her children, Rocco of Niles, Vincent Jr. of Houston, Anthony (Cynthia) of Youngstown, Robert (Stacy) of Hubbard and Carmel Ann (Steve) Urban of Hubbard; grandchildren, Rocky Adduci, Celeste (Jeff) Conklin, Nicole Adduci, Stephanie and Angela Urban, Ashton Adduci and Nicholas and Lucas Adduci; and a great-grandchild, Alyssa Conklin. Also surviving is a brother, Louis (Dorothy) Calderone; sisters, Philomena Bonace, and Mary O’Neill; and sisters-in-law, Ida Calderone and Grace Calderone.

Lena was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Vincent, who died Oct. 21, 2005; daughter, Mary Catherine Adduci; brothers, Thomas and James Calderone; and sister, Ann Marzano.

Family and friends may call at the Schiavone Funeral Home Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. and Friday from 9 to 10 a.m.

Muriel Helen Bryant, 86

FAIRBORN – Funeral service will be at noon on Friday at the Third Baptist Church for Mrs. Muriel Helen Bryant, 86, formerly of Youngstown, who departed this life on Saturday, May 23, 2009, at Miami Valley Hospital.

Mrs. Bryant was born Sept. 7, 1922 in Struthers, a daughter of Charles and Alma Trussell Blakeny.

She was a secretary to the Mahoning County Prosecuting Attorney and employment counselor for the Ohio Bureau of Employment Services.

She was a member of the church, its Missionary Society, Keenagers, charter member of the Literary Guild, where she worked extensively in its library, pianist for the Angie Johnson Missionary Circle, chairperson of the Scholarship Committee and volunteer for its Bible school and Day Camp. She was also a member of the NAACP, AARP, and Pers and Finess Bridge Club.

She was a graduate of Youngstown State University with a degree in Sociology.

Her husband, John A. Bryant Jr., whom she married in February of 1946, died in March of 1979.

She leaves her daughter, Marsha E. Holbrook, with whom she made her home; son, Arthur C. (Jackie) Bryant of Akron; brother, Charles Blakeny of Akron; sisters, Marjorie O. Warren and Bettye M. Barnes, both of Youngstown; and three grandchildren, Nicole, John and Stephanie Bryant.

Her parents; a son, John A. Bryant III; two sisters, Marlene Lewis and Dorothy Blakeny; and two brothers, Berry and Isadore Blakeny, preceded her in death.

Viewing will be from noon to 4 p.m. Thursday at the F.D. Mason Memorial Funeral Home.

Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the church.

View Image

Robert A. Curry, 83

LEETONIA – Longtime journalist and well-known track official, Bob Curry died at 6:24 p.m. on May 25, 2009, at Parkside Healthcare Center in Columbiana, following an illness of several months.

He was a former sports editor of The Review in East Liverpool and spent over 30 years with the sports department of The Vindicator in Youngstown, retiring in 1990. He had been a resident of Leetonia since 1975.

Robert Curry was born in East Liverpool on Dec. 8, 1925, a son of the late John Edgar and Blanche Owen Curry.

He was a 1942 graduate of East Liverpool High School, where he served as a football manager under Coach Morbito. It was here he developed an early interest in athletics, and for nearly a half-century, he was involved as a sportswriter and track official, working every major meet in the Youngstown area as well as district and regional meets in Northeast Ohio, along with State meets until declining health would not permit his involvement.

In addition, Mr. Curry served as an officer in the State Track Officials’ Association for four years, holding the office of president and clinic director. He also served as secretary of the local track officials association for over 30 years and was a member and one-time president of the Northeast District officials Committee, serving on the DOC Grants Committee.

As a young man, he was leader of Boy Scout Troop 33, sponsored by the former Grant Street Civic League. He attended Ohio University. He began his career at The Review in 1948 and was named sports editor in 1954. In 1955, he joined The Vindicator where he remained until his retirement. He was especially proud of having reported on six Summer Olympic Games, including Montreal, Los Angeles, Seoul, Barcelona, Atlanta, and Sydney.

He was inducted into several halls of fame including East Liverpool High School, the United Press International Sportswriters, and the Ohio High School Athletic Association Track Officials.

A veritable dictionary of information in track and field, Mr. Curry was consulted many times for his knowledge and expertise. He was presented the OHSAA Media Service Award from the Northeast District Athletic Board’s newsletter.

Surviving are two sisters, Mrs. Nancy (Bill) Levonian of Santa Cruz, Calif., Mrs. Mura Glenn of Sequim, Wash., along with two brothers, Donald Curry of Homasassa, Fla. and David (Gay) Curry of Loveland, Colo.

He will be deeply missed by his “adopted” daughter, Cindy Guterba and her husband, Lee, along with their children, Sierra, Renee and Evan.

His beloved wife, the former Shirley Baker, died Feb. 15, 1976.

Brother, John “Jack” Curry died on March 23, 1928, and another younger brother, James Curry died April 3, 1998.

Services will be held at the Dawson Funeral Home, 215 West Fifth St. in East Liverpool at noon Saturday, May 30, with the Rev. Paul Sturm officiating.

Friends may call two hours prior to the service Saturday.

Burial will follow next to his wife at Union Hill Cemetery in Sugarcreek, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. Curry’s memory may be contributed to Senior Independence Hospice, 6715 Tippecanoe Road, Building E, Canfield, OH 44406 or East Liverpool High School Athletic Department, 100 Maine Blvd., East Liverpool, OH 43920.

View Image

Vito J. Donofrio, 86

BOARDMAN – Vito J. Donofrio, 86, passed away May 25, 2009.

Vito was born Aug. 29, 1922 in Smoky Hollow in Youngstown to the late Antonio and Josephine Donofrio.

He proudly served in the Navy Seabees during World War II. After the war, he moved his family to Detroit to work at Ford Motors, then returned and lived his entire life in the Youngstown area, where he founded Donofrio Brothers Construction Company with his brothers, Rudy and Creamy. During the course of their career, they built many fine homes in the area. Vito continued working into his late seventies for “Organized Space” with his son, Ron Donofrio.

Vito was a sports enthusiast, devoted to Cleveland teams and Ohio State, and was an accomplished bowler, bowling perfect 300 games on two occasions. He also enjoyed gardening, dancing and spending time with his family and friends. He was a charter member of St. Christine’s, helping to build the original church school and rectory, and in recent years, served as an usher. He was also a lifetime member of the Bagnolese Club, the ITAM Club, and the Eagles Club 3298 in Austintown, The Smoky Hollow Gang, and was a frequent guest of his friend, Sam Crish, at Sam’s Wedge Inn, where he made many friends.

Vito was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife of 47 years, Mary (Tiberio).

He is survived by his four children and their families, Anthony and Carol Donofrio of Lakewood, Jim and Roseanne Donofrio of Canfield, Linda and Rick Strong of Wadsworth and Ron and Nancy Donofrio of Canfield; his grandchildren, Anthony (Gina) Donofrio, Elisa Finn (Paul), Marie (Dan) Rutkowski, Leana (Anton), Joana, Carli, Gianni, Stephanie (Matt) and Julian; and his nine great-grandchildren, Elena, Anthony, Nicholas, Dominic, Gianna, Lauren, Keely, Mara and Michael Vito. Vito is also survived by his brothers, Al (Helen) Donofrio and Rudy (Willie) Donofrio; sisters, Rose (Late of Joe) Pugliese and Edith (Hank) Constantino; and many nieces, nephews and cousins, and special friend, Irene DelRosso.

The family will receive friends Thursday from 4 to 9 p.m. at Rossi Brothers & Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave. in Boardman.

Funeral services will be held Friday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Christine’s Church, 3165 S. Schenley Ave. in Youngstown.

Visit www.rossifunerals.com to view this obituary and send condolences.

View Image

Knut Andreas Kronstad, 77

COLUMBIANA – Knut Andreas Kronstad, 77, went to be with the Lord May 24, 2009, after a several weeks illness.

Born in Bessemer, Pa. on Dec. 8, 1931, Knut attended Mt. Jackson schools, having grown up on a 100 acre farm in Mt. Jackson. He attended Pennsylvania State University and earned a B.E. in Mechanical Engineering from Youngstown State University. He served in the U.S. Army Medics as an X-ray technician from 1953 to 1955 during the Korean conflict.

He worked for area engineering firms, retiring from George Mitchell Company in Boardman. He and his family spent two years in Parrametta, Australia, where he worked as an engineer.

He and his wife had been active western square dancers in the early years of their marriage. He was a math whiz and could figure out how to fix anything. His hobbies included stained glass windows, for which he was known, he was also an amateur artist and writer.

He leaves his wife, the former Mary Ella Bell, whom he married July 24, 1960; son, Richard Bryan Kronstad and his wife, Kristi of Minneapolis, Minn.; two grandsons, Larsen and Aidan; and many cousins, nieces and nephews in the United States and Australia.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gudrun (Jensen) and Harvard Kronstad; two brothers, Gudmund and Harold; and sister, Shal Lyle.

He was a lifelong Presbyterian and grew up in the Mt. Jackson Presbyterian Church and was a member of the Columbiana Presbyterian Church.

Calling hours will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, at the Seederly-Mong and Beck Funeral Home in Columbiana and from 1 to 2 p.m. prior to the funeral service at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 31, at the First Presbyterian Church in Columbiana with the Rev. Scott Parker and Mr. John Reed officiating.

Following the funeral service, the American Legion Post No. 290 of Columbiana will conduct a military honors service.

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

Susan Elaine Laury, 61

YOUNGSTOWN – Services will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. at the L.E. Black, Phillips and Holden Funeral Home for Mrs. Susan Elaine Laury, 61, who passed away Friday, May 22, 2009, at her home.

Mrs. Laury was born Nov. 30, 1947 in Youngstown, a daughter of John and Cecelia Smith Eley.

She was a 1965 graduate of East High School and also graduated from Youngstown State University in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She had been employed for 32 years by Delphi Packard as a technician, retiring in 2004. She had been a former member of the Ebenezer COGIC and St. Peter’s Missionary Baptist Church. She loved spending time with her grandchildren.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her mother, Cecelia Joseph; two daughters, Monica L. and Qiana R. Laury, both of Youngstown; two sons, Luthell of Utah and Darrick L. (Candy) Laury of Youngstown; two sisters, Jill (William) Carter of Youngstown and Pamela (Rev. Roderick) Hennings of Buffalo, N.Y.; three brothers, John and Perry T. Eley, both of Youngstown and Stephen A. Eley of Minneapolis; seven grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father and brother, Monte E. Eley.

Friends may call Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the funeral home.

View Image

Atty. John Masternick, 83

GIRARD – Owner of Windsor House Inc. and a former Judge, John Masternick, 83, died at his home on Memorial Day, May 25, 2009.

He was a pioneer in the nursing home industry. Together with his wife, Dorothy Fritz Masternick, they developed and operated over 20 nursing homes in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia while employing over 1500 people, primarily in the Mahoning Valley. He had been active in the Northeastern Ohio Nursing Home Association, the Ohio Health Care Association, the Ohio Academy of Nursing Homes, the American Health Care Association and the National Health Lawyers Association. This year marked his 50th year in the nursing home business.

Born Aug. 11, 1925 in Girard, he was the ninth of ten children of Joseph and Theresa Fortunato Masternick.

He was a 1943 graduate of Girard High School, Veteran of World War II and received four battle stars while serving in Italy, France, Germany and Belgium. He founded the Italian-American World War Veterans Post No. 9 in Girard, was a member of the Catholic War Vets and the American Legion.

Atty. Masternick graduated from the Youngstown College of Law in 1955. While in law school, he served as Justice of the Peace, and was later elected Judge of the Girard County Court. He was the youngest elected Judge in Trumbull County history. He also served as Prosecutor, City Solicitor and Law Director in Girard.

He practiced law from 1955 through 1981 in Warren and Girard, having been associated or in partnership one time in the law firm of DelBene, Masternick, LaPolla and Thomas. He was a member of the Trumbull County Bar Association, Mahoning County Bar Association, Ohio State and American Bar Associations and served as an Arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association.

Atty. Masternick was a lifelong member of St. Rose Church, where he served on many committees over the years and was an advocate of Catholic School education. He established the St. Rose School Scholarship Fund, Girard High School Scholarship Fund, and several Nursing Scholarship Funds, including the Jameson Memorial Nursing School and Youngstown State University School of Nursing. He was a Fourth Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus, and was very active in the Cursillo movement. He was the only non-member to receive the Paul Harris Fellow from the Girard-Liberty Rotary, as well as many other awards.

Besides his wife of 59 years, the former Dorothy Fritz Masternick, whom he married on June 25, 1949, he leaves two sons, Jeffrey (Terry) and Attorney John J. (Melissa); two daughters, Maria Masternick and Theresa (Leo) Grimes; and eight grandchildren, John Colby, Daniel, Ken, John Michael, Christopher, Alyssa, Kevin and Amy.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Santa Macchione and Eleanor Shelton and seven brothers, Frank, James, Louis, Nicholas Joseph, Sam and Larry.

Calling hours will be Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the McClurkin Funeral Home in Girard.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at St. Rose Church with prayers at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home.

Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery in Austintown.

Donations may be made in John’s name to the St. Rose School Trust Fund, St. Mary’s Alzheimer’s Foundation or the Beatitude House.

View Image

Leonard Eugene McDaniel, 76

LOWELLVILLE – There will be funeral services Friday at 11 a.m. at the New Life Christian Fellowship in Girard for Leonard Eugene McDaniel, 76, formerly of Bell Wick Road in Hubbard, who passed away Monday at his residence.

Leonard was born April 2, 1933 in Barbour County, W.Va., a son of Charles and Mora Schaffer McDaniel, and attended Philippi High School.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1951, and was a member of the 82nd Airborne and served during the Korean War. During his enlistment, he earned the Korean and United Nation Service Medals and also the National Defense Medal. The highlight of Leonard’s military career was when he was an honor guard for President Dwight D. Eisenhower's Inauguration in 1952.

He worked at Republic Steel in Warren in the Transportation Department for 10 years and later was the owner and operator of McDaniel Trucking for 50 years. He was an avid race car builder and driver.

He was a loving husband and father and will always be remembered by his family; his wife, the former Lydia Bowmar, his high school sweetheart, whom he married Nov. 6, 1951 in West Virginia; his sons, Charles (Darcie) McDaniel and Greg (Peggy) McDaniel, both of Erie, Pa.; a daughter, Marcia “Reese” (Al) Bagoly of Austintown; two brothers, Curtis McDaniel and Richard McDaniel; two sisters, Colleen Robinson and Doletta McFarland; eight grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Charles McDaniel Jr.

There will be calling hours Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. and Friday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the New Life Christian Fellowship, 2008 Tibbetts Wick Road, Liberty Township, OH 44420.

Burial will be at Hubbard Union Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Stewart-Kyle Funeral Home in Hubbard.

Memorial contributions may be made to MVI Hospice Care, 4891 Belmont Ave., Youngstown, OH 44505.

Friends and family 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

Arthur Tyrone Triplett Mitchell, 31

YOUNGSTOWN – Funeral services will be at noon on Thursday at the Phillips Chapel CME Church on Albert Street, for Arthur Tyrone Triplett Mitchell, 31, who departed this life Thursday, May 21, 2009, at St. Elizabeth Health Center.

Mr. Triplett was born Aug. 16, 1977 in Youngstown, a son of Arthur (Terri Lynn) Tyrone Triplett and Michelle Poindexter Mitchell and Lonzo (Dawn) Mitchell.

He was a personal trainer. He was a member of the church. His hobbies included working out, being a sports advocate, especially in football, and enjoyed being with his family.

He leaves three sons, Tequan Scott, Arthur Tyrone Mitchell III and Tylin Cooper; two daughters, Ashaunte’ Mitchell and Nicole Hester; siblings, Janero S. Mitchell, Clinton Jones, Keith Jones, Wesley Triplett, Tina L. Triplett-Mitchell, Janay G. Mitchell, Cherron Triplett and Cherrell Triplett; grandparents, Lee Sr. and Mabel Poindexter and Willie Mitchell; fiancee, Brandy Grant; and an uncle, a host of aunts, nephews, nieces and cousins.

An uncle, Lee Poindexter Jr. and grandparents, Bernice Mitchell and Alfonso and Willie Triplett, preceded him in death.

Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the church.

Arrangements are being handled by the Sibley-Murray Funeral Home in Alliance.

View Image

Anthony Morelli, 89

CANFIELD – There will be a funeral service at noon Friday at the Lane Funeral Home, Canfield Chapel for Anthony Morelli, 89, who passed away Monday evening at St. Elizabeth Health Center.

Anthony was born Nov. 8, 1919 in Youngstown, a son of the late Santo and Rose (Porino) Morelli.

He was a crane man for General Fireproofing and a member of the Bethel Lutheran Church. He enjoyed golfing and bowling.

Anthony served in the U.S. Army Air Corps.

His wife, the former Eleanor Schrom, whom he married June 5, 1943, passed away in 1987.

Anthony is survived by three children, Carol (David) Creps of Hudson, Jeanine (Dave) Yosua of Centerville and Ronald Morelli of Austintown; two brothers, John Morelli of Struthers and Sam Morelli of Colorado; seven grandchildren, Jerry (Lisa) Morelli, Stacey (Chuck) Zaranec, Todd (Rochelle) Morelli, Carrie (Brian) Lagas, Hilary Yosua, Tyler Yosua and Holly Yosua; and five great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels, 1806 Market St., Youngstown, OH 44507, Cardinal Joint Fire District, Canfield Fire Department, 104 Lisbon St., Canfield, OH 44406 or the Bethel Lutheran Church, 425 Crestview Drive, Boardman, OH 44512 in Anthony’s name.

Friends may call from 11 a.m. to noon Friday at the funeral home.

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

View Image

Tracie M. Rich Nicolaou, 44

CAMPBELL – There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Hubbard for Tracie M. Rich Nicolaou, 44. While visiting friends in Connecticut with her husband, Tracie suffered a heart attack and passed away Monday with her family by her side at Bristol Hospital in Bristol, Conn.

Tracie was born Oct. 31, 1964 in Youngstown, a daughter of Patrick L. Rich and Donna J. Gabrish and was a lifelong area resident.

She was a 1983 graduate of Hubbard High School and graduated in 1988 from Youngstown State University, Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. degree in nursing.

She was pediatric nurse for 21 years for Forum Health Northside Medical Center, Tod Children’s Hospital, and later as a nurse supervisor. She was a member of Youngstown Nurses Association and Ohio Nurses Association. She was also a member of Children International Summer Village and had served as its president.

She enjoyed camping, traveling the world to many different countries, riding motorcycles with her husband, and spending time with her family, friends, and her two dachshunds, Dixie and Autumn.

She will be sadly missed by her family; her husband, Costas (Gus) Nicolaou, whom she married Sept. 8, 1988; her sons, Anthony P. Nicolaou and Christopher A. Nicolaou, both at home; her mother, Donna J. Rich of Hubbard; and her father, Patrick L. (Linda) Rich of Hubbard. She is also survived by her sisters, Dr. Terrie Rich (David Kyle) and Trina Rich, all of Hubbard; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Petros and Maro Nicolaou of Campbell; her brother-in-law, Nick (Lisa) Nicolaou of Niles; her sisters-in-law, Kathy (Randy) Rogensky of Hubbard and Stella (Nick) Opencar of Campbell; and several nieces and nephews. She also leaves her stepbrothers, Jeff (Angela) Wiscott of Sharon, Pa. and Joseph (Kami) Wiscott of Hubbard.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents and most recently by her Grandma Mary Gabrish, who was very involved in Tracie’s life and cared for her sons, Anthony and Christopher, while they were growing up.

There will be calling hours Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. and Friday prayers at 9:15 a.m. at the Stewart-Kyle Funeral Home in Hubbard.

Burial will be at Hubbard Union Cemetery.

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 Services Since 1850

View Image

Nora Renee Rogers, 60

YOUNGSTOWN – Nora Renee Rogers, 60, of 11 N. Forest St., departed this life Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 8:20 a.m. at her residence after an extended illness.

She was born Nov. 2, 1948 in Youngstown, the daughter of Calvin Williams and Lucille Smart.

Mrs. Rogers was employed with Brink’s Armoured Car Co. for 2 years as a clerk and was a former teller at Mahoning National, Sky and Huntington National Banks from 1995 to 2007.

She was a member of the Youngstown Central Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses and enjoyed gardening and traveling. She was a 1966 graduate of East High School.

She married Ronald Rogers Sr. Aug. 8, 1970.

Besides her husband of Youngstown, she leaves to mourn, three sons, Shawn (Eileen) Rogers of Liberty Township, James “Ziggy” (Susan) Rogers of Youngstown and Ronald (Rosemaria) Rogers Jr. of Campbell; a daughter, Ms. Krystal Rogers of Youngstown; 14 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a host of relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Family will receive friends at 11 N. Forest Ave.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 30, 2009, at 11 a.m. at the Sterling-McCullough Williams Youngstown Funeral Chapel.

Calling Hours will be one hour prior to service from 10 to 11 a.m.

Burial at Tod Homestead Cemetery.

View Image

Veronica “Ronnie” (Hudran) Russ, 64

YOUNGSTOWN – Veronica “Ronnie” (Hudran) Russ, 64, died Monday afternoon after a seven-year illness at her residence.

A lifelong Youngstown resident, Ronnie was born Feb. 8, 1945, to John and Ruby Cyphert Hudran.

She was a 1964 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, where she was a classmate of her future husband, Richard A. Russ. Ronnie and Richard married on July 10, 1976.

After high school, Ronnie had worked at G.M. McKelvey Department Store in Youngstown and later for Leisure Homes, a local modular home manufacturer. An avid Notre Dame, Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Browns and the Cleveland Indians fan, Ronnie could be found cheering on her teams daily. While her children were in high school, she could be found on the sidelines rooting for the Lowellville Rockets. football and baseball were her passions.

Besides being a good cook, Ronnie and Richard loved to visit new restaurants, and, over the years, they made many friends in the restaurant industry.

Besides her husband, Richard, she is survived by her mother of Youngstown; a son, Atty. Adam J. Russ of Westlake; a daughter, Regin K Russ of Youngstown; two sisters, Olive (Dave) Garver of New Springfield and Ronnie’s twin, Virginia Bakes of Youngstown; a brother, John (Karen) Hudran of New Middletown; three brothers-in-law, John (Sherry) Russ of Montgomery, AL, Donald (Delores) Smith of Parma, and Ernest (Sandra) Smith of Poland; and 13 nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be conducted at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 28, at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home in Poland.

Friends will be received Thursday from 6 p.m. until time of service at the funeral home.

The family wishes to thank their many friends and family, including her niece, Monica Bakes, for their care and support.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the American Lung Association of Ohio, Northeast Division.

Visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.

View Image

Joseph Sokol, 87

YOUNGSTOWN – Funeral services will be Friday at 11:30 a.m. at the Kubina-Yuhasz Funeral Home, 5925 Market St. and at noon at St. Christine Church for Joseph Sokol, 87, who died the evening of May 25 at his residence.

Mr. Sokol was born in Weirton, W.Va. on Sept. 10, 1921, a son of George and Pauline Gorczynski Sokol.

He was a graduate of Hubbard High School and served with the U.S. Army during Word War II, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. While in the service, he participated in the following campaigns, Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno, Southern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. Joseph was awarded six Bronze Stars and numerous other medals in recognition of his outstanding service.

He was employed in the Maintenance Department of Republic Hose, which later became the Aeroquip Company, and retired in 1984 with more than 40 years of service. He was a member of St. Christine Church, V.F.W. Post 412, the Polish National Alliance Group 827 and the Elks.

Joseph was preceded in death by his wife, the former Alberta Sutula, whom he married July 7, 1956, and who passed away Dec. 25, 1998; his brothers, Henry and Edward Sokol; and his sisters, Ann McDermott, Agnes Habuda and Frances Kaliney.

He is survived by his sons, Joseph Sokol of Warren and Lawrence Sokol of Boardman.

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

Please visit kubinayuhas@sbcglobal.net to send condolences.

Acquinas H. Zawistowski

YOUNGSTOWN – Services will be held Saturday, May 30, at 2 p.m. at the Schiavone Funeral Home for Acquinas H. Zawistowski, who passed away May 25.

Acquinas is survived by one sister.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister.

Calling hours will be Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home.

Elma Zebosky, 86

YOUNGSTOWN – Elma Zebosky, 86, of the city’s westside, passed away early Tuesday morning, May 26, 2009, at Salem Community Hospital after becoming ill while in Lisbon.

Elma was born Oct. 20,1922 in Niles, the daughter of the late Ignatz and Sadie Raseta Sikusha and was a lifelong area resident.

She was a homemaker and a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church, where she was active in many church functions. Elma was a member of the St. Mary Sisterhood, the Ukrainian Orthodox League, the Croatian Club Senior Citizens, and the Sixty-Plus Club at St. Brendan Church.

Mrs. Zebosky enjoyed going to bingo and loved going dancing with her late husband. She also greatly enjoyed the time she spent with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Her husband, John Zebosky, whom she married Feb. 8, 1942, passed away Oct. 20, 1980.

Mrs. Zebosky leaves her son, Michael John (Sherry) Zebosky of Orlando, Fla.; her daughter, Kathleen (David) Freeman of Lisbon; two sisters, Ann Russo of Youngstown and Ruby Infante of Niles; six grandchildren, Michael Zebosky Jr., Matthew Zebosky, Armand Domina, JoAnn Domina, Joilyn Freeman, and Frankie Bennett Jr.; and two great-grandchildren.

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

Besides her husband, a sister Veronica Ferraro, is deceased.

Family and friends may call on Thursday, May 28, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Road in Youngstown, where a prayer service will be held at 6:30 p.m.

Funeral services will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home, and continue at 10 a.m. at Sts. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church on Salt Springs Road in Youngstown.

Interment will follow at the parish cemetery.

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