Tributes 2009-06-19

Dahlia “Gram” (Catoline) Dota, 95

YOUNGSTOWN – Dahlia “Gram” (Catoline) Dota, 95 was born on Feb. 18, 1914. She passed into eternal life Wednesday afternoon, June 17, at Meridian Arms Living Center, surrounded by her family.

Her father, Michael Catoline and her mother, Bambina (Mashorda) Catoline were originally from Agnone, Italy. They came to America through Ellis Island.

Dahlia married the late Frank Dota Sr. in Youngstown in 1927, and they were married for 54 years. Her husband passed away in 1979.

Dahlia had three sons and a daughter, John Dota of Canfield and Richard Dota of California.

She was preceded in death by two of her children Frank Dota Jr. and Barbara Georges (Dota); daughter-in-law Katherine Dota; and son-in-law John Georges.

Dahlia was the last surviving sibling of nine children, Dr. Raymond “Doc” Catoline, Evelyn Marker, Alfred Catoline, Peggy Bozzecco, Lucy DeNiro, Felix Catoline, Joe Catoline and Helen (Lena) DeNiro. Dahlia was the unique Italian sibling out of the bunch with bright blue eyes and beautiful blonde hair.

She is survived by five grandchildren, Justine (David) Vagas, Johnny (Ieva) Georges, Jolia Georges, Chris (Michael) Engoian and Colleen (Vincent) Riccardo. She also has four great-grandchildren, Vincent and Rachael Riccardo and Anastasia and Jacqueline Cook.

Her family grew up on the East side of Youngstown. Dahlia worked at Cicero’s and the Colonial House in the 1950s. In the 60s, Dahlia moved to the West side of Youngstown on Schenley Avenue.

She was a member of St. Brendan’s Parish and volunteered much of her time to the church functions. Every holiday was a special occasion for Dahlia. She had the special touch when it came to celebrating them. She always had a huge spread, from wedding soup to cavatelli, cooking from morning to night. Her house was always decorated for every hoiliday. Dahlia opened her door to everyone from family to friends, at times feeding close to 100 people.

Dahlia enjoyed doing crafts, cooking, dancing, trips to the casino and entertaining family and friends. She particularly enjoyed traveling throughout Europe.

“She was the matriarch of our family, instilling traditions throughout the generations. We loved her very much: she touched everyone in a special way.” She devoted her entire life to her family and friends. She will be forever missed by all who knew her.

Family and friends may call today, June 19, from 5 to 8 p.m at Fabrizio Funeral Home. Calling hours will be on Saturday from 9 to 9:30 a.m at the funeral home, followed by a 10 a.m service at St. Brendan’s Church, located on Oakwood Avenue in Youngstown, with Father Daprile officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

A special thanks to the caring and devoted staff at Meridian Arms.

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Leonard Ferro, 87

“Together Again”

STRUTHERS – Leonard Ferro, 87, died Tuesday, June 16, 2009, at St. Elizabeth Boardman Health Center.

Mr. Ferro was born Dec. 6, 1921 in Youngstown, to the late Frank and Christina Amanda Ferro.

He retired from General Fireproofing, where he worked as a paint serviceman for 43 years, retiring in 1983.

He was a corporal in the U.S. Army, during World War II and was a member of St. Nicholas Church.

He is survived by two sons, Frank Ferro in Boardman and Leonard A. (Janine) Ferro of Struthers; daughters, Lucille Barbus of Boardman and Christina (Walter) Bolt of Struthers; and seven grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Delphina Valente Ferro, whom he married May 4, 1946, and who died Sept. 1, 1989; three sisters, Pauline Palumbo, Josephine Palumbo and Phyllis DeFrank; and a daughter-in-law, Patricia Ferro.

Visitation will be held today, June 19, 2009, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Kirila Funeral Home Inc., 258 Poland Ave. in Struthers.

Services will be on Saturday at 10 a.m. at the funeral home and at 10:30 a.m. at St. Nicholas Church.

Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery.

He was a loving and devoted husband, father and uncle. He loved baseball, especially the N.Y. Yankees. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

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

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Margaret Ivadell “Peg” Henninger

MINERAL RIDGE - Margaret Ivadell “Peg” Henninger was born in Niles on May 10, 1922 to Floyd J. and Eva E. (Utt) Lancaster and died Thursday morning, June 18, 2009.

She attended school in both Niles and Mineral Ridge, where she was known as Ivadell. She settled in Niles after her marriage to Bert R. Henninger Jr. on Oct. 11, 1941. She resided in Niles and Weathersfield Township most of her life. She was a resident in Meadowbrook Manor in Fowler at the time of her death.

Margaret was active in Niles City Schools PTA while her children were in school. She was a member and Past Worthy Matron of Ida McKinley Chapter of Eastern Star. She was a Past President of Women’s Association at the First Presbyterian Church in Niles where she also taught church school and attended the JOY class. She was ordained a deacon on Feb. 17, 1980. In later years she became a member of the Presbyterian Church in Mineral Ridge, where she had been baptized and married.

She retired in 1982, after 18 years at the Niles City Schools, where she was head cook at McKinley High School for the last three years of employment.

She will be greatly missed by her children, Laddie J. (Patti Jayne) Henninger of West Chester, Patricia J. (John Jr.) O’Malia of Mineral Ridge, with whom she made her home prior to moving to Meadowbrook Manor, Richard A. (Judi) Henninger of Austintown and Jeanine K. (Ransell, Jr.) Miller of Farmdale. She treasured the time she spent with her grandchildren, Bret J. (Kris) Henninger and daughter, Lauren; Melinda J. Henninger; Christian A. Henninger; John J. (Kristina) O’Malia III and son, Eric; Joan (Shawn) Phillips and children, Ella and Xavier; Jane (Tom) Staszak; Yvonne (Scott) Rentz and sons, Justin and Anthony; Jason (Lori) Henninger; David M. Lee and children, Christopher and Ariell; Brian M. (Rigel) and children, Alexander and Breann; her stepgrandchildren Ransell (Pamela) Miller and their children, Holly, Heather, Jessica and Randy (Amber) Louis and daughters, Hannah and Moriah and Kayleigh Louis; Angela Fogle and her children, Nathan and Elissia; and Shannon (David) Knowles and daughter, Samantha Sponsler. She also leaves many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Bert R. Henninger Jr., whom she married Oct. 11, 1947, and he died Dec. 23, 1989; her brothers, Albert Lancaster, Alfred “Ted” Lancaster, Donald Lancaster and Karl Lancaster; and her sister, Fayma Jones.

In lieu of flowers, Peg requested that material tributes be sent to the deacon’s fund at the Mineral Ridge Presbyterian Church.

The family is very grateful to the staff of Meadowbrook Manor and Southern Care Hospice for the care given to Peg and the emotional support given to the family during her illness.

Calling hours will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, June 22, 2009, at the Lane Funeral Home, Mineral Ridge Chapel with the services on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Mineral Ridge with calling hours from 10 to 11 a.m.

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

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D. Bruce Jamison, 67

COLUMBUS – D. Bruce Jamison, 67, passed away on April 26, 2009 in Columbus.

He worked in the Franklin County Clerk of Courts office for nearly 20 years. Prior to that, he had lived in the Niagara Falls, N.Y. and the East Coast of Florida areas.

Bruce was a standout performer in football and golf at The Rayen School and Hiram College, where he graduated in 1964.

He was predeceased by his parents, David and Erma Jamison and his sister, Nancy J. Goddard (Bob).

He is survived by his sister, Barbara J. Valot (Bo) and two generations of nieces and nephews in Texas, Wisconsin and Northeast Ohio. He also leaves behind two daughters, Pamela of Clarence, N.Y. and Karen of San Francisco. Surviving also is his friend, Leo Biscuso and dear companion, Kathleen Jarman, both of Columbus.

Bruce’s ashes will be interred at Tod Homestead Cemetery at 11:15 a.m. on Saturday, June 20, with a commemorative luncheon to follow.

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Philomena J. DePinto Lederman, 79

HUBBARD – “Our Angel, Philomena J. DePinto Lederman, 79, was taken to heaven on June 17, 2009 to watch over us.”

There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Hubbard.

Philomena was born March 1, 1930, a daughter of Maryann Rose Vitullo DePinto and Anthony Dominic DePinto and came to Hubbard in 1953.

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Charles Eugene Lederman, whom she married July 21, 1951. Philomena leaves her only daughter, Rosemary Joan Bulmer and her husband, Richard, with whom she made her home and who were her loving devoted caregivers. She will be sadly missed by her two granddaughters, Stacie Richelle Bulmer, who remained at her side throughout her illness and Jennifer Lynn Arnaut. She was known as “FuFu” by her only surviving sister, Josephine Zwicker of Canfield and many nieces and nephews.

Philomena was preceded in death by her brothers, Joseph, James and Dominic DePinto and sisters, Rose Brennan, Antoinette Yurchek, Nellie Rychlicki and Jennie Funge.

She was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church. She was an avid bingo player and loved to play slot machines. She worked at Arrowrad Corporation as a supervisor till its closing, Automatic Sprinkler Systems as an inspector for 20 years, and also worked for the Hubbard School System in the Maintenance Department until her retirement after 30 years of service.

Every life Phyllis touched was impacted with her radiant smile, readiness to help, unselfish generosity, kindness and loving ways. Her family will carry on the values of courage, strength, endurance, faith, and love forever in her memory.

There will be calling hours Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 to 9:30 a.m., with prayers at 9:30 a.m. at the Stewart-Kyle Funeral Home.

Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown.

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

Stewart-Kyle Funeral Home

Providing Funeral Service Since 1850

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Mary Lou McKee, 79

HUBBARD – Mary Lou McKee, 79, died Wednesday evening at Sharon Regional Hospital. She was born March 10, 1930 in Washburn, Ill., a daughter of William L. and Emma Heck Strauch and moved to Hubbard in 1960 coming from Illinois.

Mrs. McKee was a bookkeeper for Livingston Clothing Store for 18 years and was a business manager for Youngstown Country Club for 18 years. She was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church of Youngstown and the Ladies Aid Association of the church.

Her first husband, Elmer Flowers, whom she married in 1950, died July 24, 1965; her second husband, Kenneth McKee, whom she married Nov. 29, 1960, died March 17, 1977.

She leaves a son, William Oliver (Tracey) Flowers Sr. of Hubbard; a brother, Arthur W. Strauch of Washburn, Ill.; three grandchildren, William (Kelly) Flowers Jr., Mark (Nici) Flowers and Amber (Rob) Hetzel; and five great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother; and two sisters.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the Kelley-Robb Funeral Home.

Family and friends may call on Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Contributions may be made to the Immanuel Lutheran Church, 485 Redondo Road, Youngstown, OH 44504.

Please visit www.kelley-robb.com to view this obituary and to send condolences to the family.

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Lavonia “Vonie” M. Mills, 70

NEW SPRINGFIELD – Lavonia “Vonie” M. Mills, 70, passed away at 3:55 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, 2009, at Hospice of the Valley in Poland, from complications of pancreatic cancer.

She was born Sept. 1, 1938 in Salem, the daughter of the late Victor A. and Loduska (Matthews) May. Mrs. Mills was a lifelong resident of New Springfield.

She received her bachelors degree from Youngstown State University and her masters degree from Mt. St. Joseph of Cincinnati.

Vonie was employed as a school teacher at North Lima and Columbiana Elementary Schools. She retired in 1996, after teaching for more than 30 years.

Vonie was an avid bicyclist and until her retirement, she rode to work everyday.

Mrs. Mills was a member of the New Springfield Church of God and served as a Sunday school teacher, associate youth director for 25 years, chairperson on the building committee for five years and also served on various other boards in the church.

Vonie is survived by her husband, Jack H. Mills, whom she married on Sept. 6, 1958. She is also survived by one daughter, Victoria (Joseph) Hasenohr of Hudson; two sons, Todd (Cerise) Mills of Columbiana, James (Rhonda) Mills of New Middletown; and eight grandchildren, Matthew, Mamie, Jacob, Rachel, Victor, Meghan, Maisy and Emma.

A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 21, 2009, at the New Springfield Church of God, with the Rev. Alan Leach officiating.

Burial will be at Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Calling hours will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2009, and one hour prior to the service from 10 to 11 a.m. on Sunday, June 21, 2009, all at the New Springfield Church of God.

The family suggests that material contributions be made to the New Springfield Church of God building fund.

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

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Thomas Stephen Moylan, 77

YOUNGSTOWN – Prayers will begin at 10 a.m. Monday at the Fox Funeral Home in Boardman, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Dominic Church for Thomas Stephen Moylan, 77, who passed away Wednesday morning at Mahoning Valley Hospital.

Mr. Moylan was born Oct. 1, 1931, in Chicago, a son of Martin and Evelyn Thomas Moylan and came to Youngstown as a teenager.

Tom was a 1948 graduate of South High School and retired from Republic and LTV Steel in 1985.

He was a member of Saint Dominic Church and its Infant Jesus of Prague Guild.

Tom also bowled in the Holiday Bowl Bowling League.

He was a veteran of the Army, serving in the Korean War.

Besides his wife, the former Patricia A. Mentges, whom he married in 1960, he leaves two daughters, Patricia A. (Glynn) Karas of Austintown and Michele Marie Moylan of Twinsburg; a son, Stephen C. (Kara) Moylan of South Euclid; a brother, Richard (Irene) Moylan of Campbell; a sister, Jean (Howard) Greiner of Boardman; three grandchildren, Amy Schreffler, Michael Schreffler and Thomas E. Moylan.

Friends may call Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. at the funeral home.

Material contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 840 Southwestern Run, Poland, OH 44514.

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

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Jane Pavone, 83

NILES – Jane Pavone, 83, of Niles died at 2:40 a.m. Thursday, June 18, 2009, at the Windsor House of Champion.

She was born Sept. 9, 1925 in Capestrano, Italy, the daughter of Pietro and Santa Cucci Ottaviani.

Jane was employed as a housekeeper at Forum Health Trumbull Memorial Hospital. She was a member of the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Niles, and enjoyed cooking, baking, crochet, and gardening.

Her husband, Louis Pavone, whom she married Sept. 6, 1947, died Sept. 1, 1990.

She will be deeply missed by a son, Robert Pavone and his wife, Debbie of Niles; a daughter, Sandra Chadwick of Cortland; five grandchildren, Cullen and his wife, Michelle, Christopher and his wife, Ellen, Shellie, Aaron, and Kevin; and four great-grandchildren, Colton, Ella, Annie and Alex.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Guido Ottaviani; a sister, Nina Stella; and a son-in-law, James Chadwick.

Friends may call from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Niles.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at noon on Saturday at the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Niles with Father Carl Kish officiating, preceded by a 11:30 a.m. prayer service at the funeral home.

Burial will be at Niles City Cemetery.

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

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

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Father George Popovich, 83

POLAND – A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Most Reverend Bishop George Murray SJ, Monday at 11 a.m. at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Austintown for Father George Popovich, 83, who entered into eternal rest Thursday morning at the Hospice House surrounded by family, after a lengthy illness.

Fr. George was born June 4, 1926 in Youngstown, the son of Phillip and Anna Kvarta Popovich.

He was a graduate of Ursuline High School, St. Mary College in Kentucky and St. Mary Seminary in Cleveland and did post graduate study at the University of Notre Dame.

Father Popovich was ordained to the priesthood May 26, 1951, in Youngstown by Bishop Emmet M. Walsh. He served as associate pastor at St. John the Baptist Parish in Campbell. He has been pastor at, St. Ambrose in Garretsville, St. Bernadette in Masury, St. Paul in Salem and SS. Cyril and Methodius in Warren. He was named chaplain to St. Joseph Riverside Hospital in Warren in 1984, where he served until December of 2008.

Father Popovich has served as the first diocesan priests personnel director, on the Priests’ Senate, as chairman of the liturgy commission, judge on the marriage tribunal, a consultor to synod 76, as Knights of Columbus Chaplain for councils in Masury, Salem and Warren and a member of the ad hoc committee to study the need for a pastoral council.

Father Popovich served as a member of the Priests Council, as Director of Pastoral Council and as a diocesan consultor.

Father Popovich is survived by his sister, Dorothy Schraider; brothers, Frank (Jennie) Popovich and Thomas (Nancy) Popovich; and sister-in-law, Pauline Popovich. He is also survived by 15 nieces and nephews, including the Rev. Stephen Popovich, pastor of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Austintown; 28 grand-nieces and grand-nephews; and a great-great-niece and great-great-nephew.

Father Popovich was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Joseph (wife Pauline), Philip and Charles Popovich; his brother-in-law, William Schraider ; and nephew, William Schraider Jr.

Father George had a profound love for the University of Notre Dame and a deep interest in the sport teams. He was an avid fan of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Browns and Indians.

He especially enjoyed his last assignment as chaplain of St. Joseph Medical Center, where he was affectionately known as “Father Sunshine.” He also enjoyed living at St. James rectory in Warren for a number of those years.

The family of Father Popovich would like to offer thanks to the administrative staff, the sisters, nurses, and all connected with St. Joseph Medical Center for their loving concern and care and the staff of Hospice of the Valley for the excellent care, love and support during his illness.

The family has requested that material tributes take the form of contributions made in Father Popovich’s name to St. Joseph Medical Center or Hospice of the Valley.

Friends may call Sunday from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, where a prayer service will be held at 7 p.m.

Friends may also call from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Monday morning at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Most Reverend Bishop George Murray SJ, at 11 a.m. at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.

A service of committal will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown

Professional arrangements are by the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel.

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

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