Tributes 2009-06-28

Mary L. Aubel

DAYTON – We mourn the passing and celebrate the life of Mary L. Aubel.

Mary Bane was born and raised in Niagara Falls, N.Y., one of eight children of Harriet and Joseph Bane.

She married Carl L. Aubel, the love of her life on June 23, 1945. After completing his service in the U.S. Army, the couple moved to Niles, where Carl became a truck driver.

Mary and Carl had two children of their own and then opened their hearts and family by helping raise two sets of nieces and nephews for a decade. Her “can do” attitude overcame any and all obstacles she encountered. Her ability to nurture while providing structure to her expanded family energized and encouraged all those around her.

In the late 60s, Carl and Mary moved to Canfield, which was the site of many family gatherings, engineered by Mary. After Carl died, Mary moved to Dayton, to live with her son, David, and his family.

Mary’s primary occupation was that of homemaker extraordinaire, but she also found time to be a daycare provider for several children to whom she was not related. Additionally, she worked in a local nursery, was a clerk in Strouss’ Department store, and was a cleaner at Wedgewood Apartments in Austintown.

She was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church of Niles and then later a member of The Presbyterian Church in Canfield. Her steadfast belief in God was deeply entwined with her love of nature. She incorporated the joy that gave her into the yard at her house.

Mary was a voracious reader. She also loved to play cards and word games, always to win. She was forever ready to have fun with friends and family and was rather inventive in some of the jokes and projects she would instigate. She was an excellent baker and was locally known for her doughnut sales to help raise money for church or scouts. She decorated cakes and made a wide variety of cookies to help family and friends with weddings, Christmas celebrations and graduations. When the children were young, she sewed clothes for them and then later in life took up counted cross stitch. Those projects are now a legacy for her family.

She is survived by one sister, Kathryn Newton of Chester, N.J.; three brothers, Joseph Bane of Lewes, Del., Paul Bane of Niagara Falls, N.Y., and Raymond Bane of Shreveport, La. She is survived by her two children, David Aubel of Centerville and Jo Anne Bond of Colorado Springs, CO; and the four other children she helped raise, Susan Bane-Trued of Absecon, N.J., Jimmy Barr of Niles, Janet Pumphrey of Austintown, and Tim Bane of Media, Pa. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

May memories of her live on in your heart.

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Larry Dean Blakeman, 52

LEETONIA – Larry Dean Blakeman, 52, went home to be with his Lord and Savior following an automobile accident on Thursday.

Mr. Blakeman was born Nov. 18, 1956, in Salem, a son of the Rev. Carl and Palma Dinsio Blakeman Jr. of Columbiana and lived in this area all his life.

Larry had worked for Witmers Implement. He attended the Zion Hill Church of the Brethren in his youth and was a member of Victory at Columbiana.

Larry enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, trapping and taking photos. He was a skilled craftsman and loved helping others. He enjoyed playing the guitar, writing songs and especially playing with his grandchildren who were his pride and joy.

Besides his parents of Columbiana, he is survived by his wife, the former Cyndi Baum, whom he married March 29, 1975; a daughter, Brooke (Chris) Stewart of Salem; a son, Travis (Amy) Blakeman of Leetonia; two sisters, Teresa (George) Hippo of Austintown and Denise (Roger) Scott of Roseville, Calif.; three brothers, Steve (Kathy) Blakeman of Columbiana, Jim (Sharon) Blakeman of Sacramento, Calif. and Dan (Julie) Blakeman of Youngstown; and five grandchildren, Carter, Natalie and Kaylie Blakeman and Ezra and Gwenna Stewart.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the Zion Hill Church of the Brethren in Columbiana with the Reverend John Bartholomew and Steve Blakeman officiating.

Burial will follow at Zion Hill Cemetery.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Warrick-Kummer-Rettig Funeral Home in Columbiana and one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.

Material tributes may be made to Blakeman Ministry, 13884 Jane St., Columbiana, OH 44408

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

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Marie A Bydo, 86

BOARDMAN – There will be services Monday, June 29, at 9:15 a.m. at the Rossi Brothers & Lellio Funeral Home in Boardman, followed by a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St Luke Church, with the Rev. Kenneth Miller celebrating, for Marie A. Bydo, 86, who passed away Friday morning, June 26, at the Mahoning Valley Hospital.

Marie was born Nov. 5, 1922, in Youngstown, the daughter of James and Angela Moore Bebackwa. She graduated from East High School in 1941.

Her husband, Frank B. Bydo, whom she married, Oct. 16, 1948, died Sept. 1, 1990.

Marie worked as an interviewer for the Ohio Bureau of Unemployment Compensation, retiring after 30 years of dedication in 1984. She was a member of St. Luke Church. Marie loved spending time with her daughter, Christine, and having family gatherings.

Marie will be sadly missed by her daughter, Christine of Boardman; sisters, Rita Kozak of Youngstown, Kathryn (Edward) Sekula of Boardman, Delores (Chris) Baharis of Michigan and Gloria (Edward) Mahoney of Boardman; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by sisters, Phyllis Nigro, Josephine Griffith and Mary Olguin.

Friends may call today, June 28, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Rossi Brothers & Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave. in Boardman.

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Anthony J. Capezzuto

BUENA PARK, CALIF. – Anthony J. Capezzuto, formerly of Youngstown, passed away Monday.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Camille Capezzuto; son, Tony Capezzuto of Buena Park; daughter, Lauren Capezzuto of Las Vegas; grandchildren, Brittney Capezzuto and Joey Capezzuto, both of Buena Park; two brothers; and one sister.

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Janice Carol Davis, 79

AUSTINTOWN – Funeral Services will be held Tuesday at 10 a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel for Janice Carol Davis, 79, who passed away early Saturday morning at St. Mary’s Alzheimer’s Center.

Janice was born Jan. 26, 1930, in Worthington, W.Va., the daughter of the late Basil and Anna Lorraine (Tetrick) Wilson.

Janice was a payroll supervisor at General Motors Lordstown for 20 years, retiring in 1986. She was a member of the Mahoning United Methodist Church.

Her husband, Ray T. Davis, whom she married Nov. 23, 1984 passed away Nov. 17, 2003.

Janice leaves four sons, James C. (Christine) McIntyre of Michigan, Edward L. (Eve) McIntyre of Hawaii, William H. (Debra) McIntyre of Warren and David A. McIntyre of Youngstown; 10 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Besides her parents and her husband, Janice was preceded in death by a brother who died at birth, James Carl Wilson.

The family will receive friends Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

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Winifred I. DeToro, 91

POLAND – Funeral services will be Monday at 9 a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Poland Chapel, followed by a Mass at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church for Winifred I. DeToro, 91, who passed away Monday at Greenbriar Nursing Home.

Winnie was born June 21, 1918, in Oil City, Pa., the daughter of William and Alice August Wetzel.

She graduated from Canfield High School, attended Youngstown Business College, welded tank treads at Truscon Steel during World War II and was a lifelong area resident.

Her husband, Ralph DeToro Sr., whom she married Sept. 23, 1943, passed away May 2, 1996.

Winnie leaves to cherish her memory her sons, Ralph (Theresa) DeToro of Poland, Nick DiToro of Minneapolis and William (Emily) DeToro of Poland; a daughter, Marian (Dan) Shelton of Houston; 12 grandchildren, Ralph, Christopher (Lori), Jonathan, Joseph (Christie) and Nicole DeToro, Adriana and Margaret DiToro, William (Christine), Andrea and Lindsey DeToro and Lauren and Taylor Shelton; 13 great-grandchildren, Giana, Kara, Sam, Alexandra, Anna, Theresa, Stephanie, Krista, Alexis, Olivia, Vincent, Dominic and William DeToro; nephews, James and Robert Greier and Wayne Wetzel; and nieces, Alice Trull, Katherine Cromley, Winnie Waithman and Judy Seyler.

Winnie loved to sing, cook, and bake with the best of them. She loved to play cards, do crossword puzzles and read.

“Our mother provided loving care for our father in his declining years.”

In her later years at Greenbriar Nursing Home, she loved to play frackle and bingo and really loved to win. The family would like to thank the staff at Greenbriar for all the love and care they provided “mom.”

Friends may call today from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Poland Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that you consider making a donation to the St. Vincent DePaul Food Kitchen, 208 W. Front St., Youngstown, OH 44503.

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Kenneth M. Fehr, 82

SALEM – Kenneth M. Fehr, 82, passed away at 10 p.m. Thursday at his home.

He was born on Feb. 21, 1927, in Schuylkill Haven, Pa., a son of the late Theodore E. and Eva (Manbeck) Fehr.

As a teenager, he worked on an ice truck for his father, which formulated his business/finance career. He was active in the Boy Scouts and attained the rank of Eagle Scout before his 15th birthday. His trumpet lessons proved to be a good investment, for in his high school years, he organized a group called the “Four Trumpeteers” and they played throughout the eastern Pennsylvania area and won numerous awards. He also played in a jazz band during this period.

As World War II progressed, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and became his company’s bugler. Upon discharge 26 months later, he entered Penn State where he joined the Blue Band and the Concert Band. Upon graduation, he was recruited by U.S. Steel, which began his career in finance. He also taught classes at the University of Pittsburgh while working on his MBA. He later attended Stanford University on scholarships, continuing his studies in finance.

In the 1970s, Gulf and Western convinced him to be the chief financial officer for the E.W. Bliss Company. When Gulf and Western moved the Bliss offices to Detroit, he accepted a position as vice-president of finance of Alliance Machine Co. in Alliance.

He was a charter member and former president of the Salem Preservation Society and past-president of the Salem Kiwanis Club. He was a trustee for the Penn State Alumni Club of Greater Youngstown. He was a member of the Salem Golf Club, the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, and a former Boy Scout leader. He was also a member for more than 50 years of the Masonic Lodge of Eastern Pennsylvania. He was honored by the Financial Executives Institute and the National Association of Accountants for his work in finance. He was listed in the Who’s Who in America.

He is survived by his wife, Jean Alice (Greenawalt) Fehr, whom he married June 28, 1952. He is also survived by a daughter, Karen Jean (Scott) Krammes of Purcellville, Va.; two sons, K. Craig (Dorothy) Fehr of Seminole, Fla., and Kevin (Danielle) Fehr of Canyon, Texas; four grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; and two step great-granddaughters.

He was preceded in death by a brother, John Fehr.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

No calling hours will be held.

Memorial gifts can be made to the Salem Shade Tree Fund in care of Salem Community Foundation, P.O. Box 553, Salem, OH 44460.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Arbaugh-Pearce-Greenisen Funeral Home.

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John H. “Jack” Kerins, 97

HERMITAGE, PA. – John H. “Jack” Kerins passed away peacefully at 10:15 a.m. on Friday, June 26, 2009, in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System of natural causes. He was 97

He was born in Farrell, Pa., March 30, 1912, to Thomas H. and Kathryn M. Kerins.

Jack graduated from Farrell High School in 1929 and gained employment at the Former Gulf Gas Station in Farrell. Eventually he ended up owning the station and managed two other stations for the Gulf Company.

He met his future wife on the front steps of Our Lady of Fatima Church, and after his stint in World War II, he returned to marry Mary Louise Hickey on Oct. 23, 1947, in Clarendon, Pa.

Jack served three years in WWII in the U.S. Army, 22 months of that time in the European Theater with the 63rd Infantry Division and the 1st Military Government Battalion. He was awarded the Silver Star, the highest award for bravery, the Purple Heart and a battlefield commission to a Lieutenant. He participated as an infantryman in the Rhineland, Central Europe and the Ardennes-Alsace Campaigns and received the American Campaign Medal, the EAME medal with three bronze stars, and the Army of Occupation Medal/German Clasp. He was instrumental in liberating the Landsburg concentration camp.

Jack was very proud of his military service, and in 1966 took his family on a tour of the old battlegrounds of France and Germany, at which time he located the exact position of a foxhole that he took cover in for 14 days in the countryside of a small town in Germany.

After his honeymoon to the Grand Canyon and a trip to California, Jack decided he was still a small-town person and returned to Farrell with his new bride. They had heard the local golf course was for sale, but found out that no bank would loan them any money to buy a golf course because there was no future in golf. George Sawhill sold Tam O’Shanter Golf Course to Jack and Mary Lou in November 1947 and loaned them the money himself. After struggling for two years to make expenses, they took the risk on the advice of friend Johnny Pepe, longtime sports editor of The Sharon Herald, and hired Sam Snead to put on an 18-hole exhibition at the course. It proved successful and encouraged new golfers to take up the game. Snead returned two years later for an encore. Jack also had may other famous golfers of the time to promote the game and the course. He was very proud and encouraged women and juniors to play with special programs. He started one of the oldest junior tournaments in the country, now known as the Herald Tam O’Shanter Junior Championship that is 62 years old and still running.

In honor of his 90th birthday, his family started the Jack Kerins Scholarship Fund that honors local student/golfers with college scholarships.

Jack was a Life member of the PGA and the second oldest living PGA member. He was a PGA Quarter Century Club member and was elected to the Tri-State PGA Hall of Fame. He was also honored to be elected into the American Golf Hall of Fame at Foxburg in 1994. The Mercer County Hall of Fame enshrined him in 1987.

He was a charter member and founder and former President of the Northwest PA Golf Course Superintendents Association.

In 1968, he was named the “Man of the Year” by the Shenango Valley Jaycees and the Professional of the Year by the YDAIGA.

Jack was honored as Irishman of the Year in 2002 by the Ancient Order of the Hibernians.

He was a member and one of the founders of the Church of the Good Shepherd in West Middlesex, where he served on the parish council and finance council and was a past President of the Holy Name Society.

He was a former Boy Scout Chairman of Troop 60 and was recipient of the Boy Scout Award and the St. George Boy Scout Award.

Jack was a member of VFW Post No. 5286 and American Legion Post No. 160, both of Farrell; Life member of the Disabled American Veterans Post No. 55; the National Order of Battlefield Commissions; Sharon Elks Lodge 103; and Knights of Columbus 684, Sharon. He was a charter member of the former Shenango Valley Jaycees, the Shenango Valley Chamber of Commerce, former member of the Hermitage Businessmen Assoc., former member of the McDowell Bank Advisory Board, former Vice President of the Catholic Charities Board, and the Mercer County Historical Society.

Jack loved to travel with his family and enjoyed every day of his life. His trips to Ireland and Scotland with his family to sightsee and golf were very special to him. He enjoyed telling stories of his rounds on the “Old Course” at St. Andrews.

Jack will be sadly missed by his family, friends and employees. He will be making his 1 p.m. tee time with all his old friends every day. He certainly was a part of the “Greatest Generation.”

Surviving are his wife, Mary Louise, at home; two sons, John M. Kerins and wife Kimberly Patterson Kerins, and Richard T. Kerins and wife Paula Conti Kerins; and his three grandchildren, Colleen, Christen and Joseph Kerins, all of Hermitage. He also leaves many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Mary Ann Kerins; a brother, Tom Kerins; and his three sisters, Betty Costar, Helen Caven and Alyce Mueller Cheiffo.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to the Jack Kerins Scholarship Fund C/O Shenango Valley Foundation, 33 Chestnut St., Sharon, PA 16146 or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Calling hours will be from 3 to 8 p.m. on Monday, June 29, 2009, in the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. 1090 E. State Street in Sharon.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 30, 2009, at 11 a.m. in Church of the Good Shepherd in West Middlesex, with Rev. Robert Malene, pastor, as celebrant. A procession will leave the funeral home at 10:15 a.m.

Interment will be in St. Rose Cemetery in Hermitage, with full military honors provided by the honor guard from the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 5286 in Farrell, Pa.

Friends and family may visit the web site at www.McGonigleFuneralHome.com to send condolences.

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Josephine Liste, 87

NILES – Josephine Liste, 87, died at 5:15 p.m. Friday, June 26, 2009, at Hospice of The Valley Hospice House in Youngstown.

She was born Jan. 27, 1922, in Farrell, Pa., the daughter of Salvator and Filomena Scarpello Aquino.

Josephine attended school in Italy, where she lived as a child, was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Niles, and enjoyed cooking.

Her husband, Louis J. Liste, whom she married May 10, 1947, died Dec. 29, 1997.

Josephine, who enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, will be deeply missed by two sons, Louis S. Liste and wife Linda of Gambrills, Md., and David Liste and wife Diane of Niles; and four grandchildren, David, Nicholas, Jeff, and Steve.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Radichevich

There are no calling hours. Private services will be held. Burial will be in Niles City Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by The Joseph Rossi & Sons Funeral Home and Cremation Service Inc., in Niles.

Condolences can be e-mailed at www.josephrossifuneralhome.com.

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Carolyn Nevada (Snyder) Menelle, 85

AUSTINTOWN – Services will be on Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel for Carolyn Nevada (Snyder) Menelle, 85, who died Tuesday evening at her home.

Carolyn was born May 27, 1924 in Scottdale, Pa, the daughter of Paul T.D. and Edna “Gertrude” Shivley Snyder.

She grew up and worked on her family’s farm and graduated from East Huntington Township High School in 1942.

She began her career in the hospitality industry at the Tod Hotel in Youngstown in its Walnut Room, where she had the opportunity to serve lunch to President John F. Kennedy during a visit to Youngstown in 1963. She later began a second career at the GM Lordstown Plant, where she had worked for over 20 years, retiring in 1989. Since her retirement, she enjoyed her home, family, neighbors and fellow retirees.

In addition to being a dedicated wife and mother, she had taught herself how to play the piano and organ. She loved playing the organ for her family and friends, continuing to play through most of this year until the time of her illness. One of her fondest memories was playing the piano most of the night with JoAnn Castle of the Lawrence Welk Show at Carolyn’s home on the Northside of Youngstown during the 1970s.

She also enjoyed bowling, cooking, baking and maintaining her 1984 Buick Electra.

She is survived by her two sons, Frank R. Robbins Jr. of Austintown, Paul R. “Rick” Robbins of Melbourne, Fla.; a stepdaughter, Carol Jean (Joe) Bednarcik; a sister, Laverne (Wayne) Weaver of Daytona, Fla.; a niece, Carol Tylecki; three grandchildren, Donna “Michelle” (Bill) Wilcox of Columbus, Sgt. Charles R. “Charlie” Robbins of Ft. Bragg, N.C., and Lisa Renee Robbins of Austintown; and two great-grandchildren, Gage and Jessie.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John J. Menelle and an infant brother.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday and from noon to 1 p.m Tuesday at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel.

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Eugene Raymond “Pops” Mitchell, 74

POLAND – Eugene Raymond “Pops” Mitchell, 74, of Lyon Boulevard, died Friday, June 26, 2009, at his residence.

Mr. Mitchell was born Nov. 21, 1934, in Coitsville, son of Helen Berkinyi, and was a lifelong area resident

He worked as an Iron Worker for local no. 207 of Youngstown for 40 years, where he was a lifelong member, before his retirement in late 1990s. He was a member of the Hungarian Presbyterian Church, a scuba instructor at the YMCA in Youngstown and an avid coin collector. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather, and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, the former Virginia Bees; one daughter, Cheron (Bill) German of North Lima; four sons, Eugene (Debra Lowe) Mitchell of North Lima, Herbert Mitchell of Lowellville, Stuart Mitchell of Poland, and Karl (Joan) Mitchell of Austintown; 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Besides his mother, he was preceded in death by one son, Michael Mitchell.

Family and friends will be received Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. and Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home in Poland, where funeral services will be held Tuesday at 10:30 am.

Interment will follow at Lake Park Cemetery.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.

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Dolly Marie (Kerr) Nicholson, 77

LISBON – Dolly Marie (Kerr) Nicholson was born Dec. 12, 1931, and went home to be with the Lord on June 27, 2009, at the age of 77.

She passed away at home in Lisbon due to complications from kidney disease, surrounded by her family.

Dolly was preceded in death by her husband, Russell F. Nicholson, whom she married Nov. 8, 1947; her son, Russell Lee Nicholson; and her parents, Joseph and Nellie (Price) Kerr.

Dolly was kind, loving and giving and will be sadly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing and loving her.

She worked in sales and was a homemaker who was a valued member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

She leaves behind her brother, Don Kerr of Youngstown; son Gary (Sue) Nicholson of Missouri; daughter Cynthia of Texas; daughter-in-law Lonny Nicholson of Poland; son-in-law James Moon of Youngstown; her granddaughters, Nicole Hamilton of Lisbon, whom Dolly raised and resided with the last three years, Robin Trenary of Canfield, Heather Trenary of Cincinnati, Amanda Eckhoff of Missouri and Melissa Moon; grandsons Michael Nicholson of Missouri and Levi Trenary of Poland; and 11 great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Caitlyn, Justin, Madison, Seth, Makenna, Kaleb, Matthew, Raylynn, Lori and Danni.

Funeral Services will be held at Green Haven Memorial Gardens Cemetery Chapel, 3495 S. Canfield-Niles Road in Canfield on Tuesday, June 30 at 11 a.m.

Family and friends may call on Monday evening, June 29, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Rossi Brothers & Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave. in Boardman.

The family would like to thank all who have helped during her illness, including the staff at Salem Kidney Center, KLG Ambulance & EMT for transportation, Home Care Advantage, Senior Independence Homecare and Hospice services.

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Edna Delores Pincham, 72

YOUNGSTOWN – Edna Delores Pincham, 72, of 536 Clearmount Drive, died of cancer at Hospice of the Valley on June 24, 2009.

Edna was born in Quitman, Ga., on Sept. 4, 1936, to Deacon Will Miller and Effie Jackson Miller.

A proud product of the Brooks County Georgia Public School System, Edna moved to Youngstown to study Medical Technology at Youngstown College in 1951, and began a career as a lab technician, phlebotomist and clinical technology instructor at Youngstown Hospital Association.

Edna married Houston Howard Pincham, a Korean War veteran and steel worker on June 1, 1957, at the church where they met and courted, the Third Baptist Church of Youngstown. Together, they served actively in many capacities in the church. Edna, gifted by God to speak and teach, would serve as a bible teacher and ministry leader for the rest of her life. Her dedication to Jesus Christ directed all that she did, both inside and outside of the church.

The couple started the H.H. Pincham Moving Company in 1960, which has moved countless Youngstown residents around the world and back for close to 50 years. Edna gave birth to two children, H. Howard Jr. and Cynthia. Edna became a housewife immediately after the birth of her children and began to serve as an elementary school parent-volunteer almost immediately after enrolling the children there. Edna was elevated to leadership positions in the local and state Parent Teacher Association entities. In 1983, her love for children and education led to successfully campaigning four times to serve on the Youngstown Board of Education, including multiple terms as school board president.

Edna served on many boards including the YWCA Trustee Board, Mahoning County Children Services Board of Trustees, St. Elizabeth Health Center Board of Trustees, Youngstown Playhouse Board of Directors, Youngstown Arts Council Board of Directors, Park Vista Community Retirement Center Board of Trustees, Green Lake Conference Center Board of Directors, American Baptist Churches USA National General Board of Directors and Executive Committee, Youngstown Rescue Mission Board of Directors, Youngstown Area Community Action Council Board of Trustees and the Ohio Presbyterian Retirement Services Board of Directors.

A trailblazer, she set milestones as the first black member and first black president of many of these boards. At the same time, she served continuously in numerous religious and community organizations. A professional volunteer, her associations and accomplishments in local, regional and national groups could fill library volumes. Each group received her special attention and unfailing dedication.

In 1986, Edna accepted an invitation to serve as the Assistant to the Mayor of Youngstown. A Youngstown resident for the majority of her life, she was able to bring the city’s executive branch relate much closer to the people. Most noteworthy was her organizing the Mayor’s Crime and Violence Prevention Task Force in 1989 with the vision that “Expectations Create Results.” After 14 years in the Mayor’s office, she led an aggressive grassroots campaign for the Mayor in 1997, but failed to become the first black mayor of her beloved city. Always the optimist, Edna converted her campaign headquarters into a free learning center and the hub for her professional consulting service. She specified that this organization would operate without the aid of government funding. Edna funded operations and purchased materials with her own money and with gifts from family and generous friends. Staffed with dedicated volunteers within this community, its successes have been recognized by the Ohio Department of Education. Most noteworthy was the accomplishment of preparing scores of high school students to pass the Ohio Graduation Test with an incredible 99.8 percent success rate. Refusing to charge these students or their parents, Edna only asked that each would go forward and perform similar acts of service.

Edna received much recognition for service to the community including the Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame by then Governor George Voinovich in 1983, and as recently as May 2009 was inducted into the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame. One of her proudest recognitions was the inclusion of her life story in a 2001 Mahoning Valley Historical Society exhibit that described the immigration of children to the Mahoning Valley. This exhibit described the challenge of being a black child in the segregated South and similar challenges of being a young adult black woman in Youngstown. Edna’s mother’s instructions: “use what you got” led her.

Despite her notoriety, Edna found the most enjoyment in simpler things. Serving her husband’s favorite onion salad, reading books, spoiling her grandchildren and watching C-SPAN and sports were relaxing for her. She was a budding computer and internet user, despite her famous “no technology” policy at the learning center. She encouraged all that she met to “praise God” despite fear and anxiety, and to serve others in His strength. She was truly an “AWESOME” woman.

Edna is survived by her husband of 52 years, Houston Howard Pincham Sr.; her children, H. Howard (Wendy) Pincham Jr. of Cleveland and Cynthia L. Mason of Warren; two grandchildren, Brandon L. Pincham and Corena M. Pincham; a sister-in-law, Betty J. (Lorans) Jones; and a host relatives and friends.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Cora Lee Miles and brother, James H. Miller.

Family and friends will be received at the home of Cynthia L. Mason, 1320 Arthur Drive NW in Warren.

Calling hours will be held at the Third Baptist Church, 1177 Park Hill Drive in Youngstown on June 30, between 4 and 8 p.m. An additional calling hour is scheduled for 10 a.m. on July 1, one hour before the 11 a.m. funeral service.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family asks that donations be made to Hospice of the Valley, the Third Baptist Church or the Pincham Initiative Resource Center.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to F.D Mason Memorial Funeral Home.

“We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.”

I Thessalonians 4:15-17 NLT

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Mary Lou Quinn, 88

ROUND ROCK, TEXAS - Mary Lou Quinn, 88, passed away June 4, 2009, in Round Rock, where she made her home with her daughter.

She was born Sept. 25, 1920, to Stephen J. Friedman and Mary Repasky Friedman.

She graduated from Chaney High School and worked for the Ohio Bell Co. from 1940 to 1946.

She married Frank L. Quinn Jr. Oct. 6, 1945.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Frank, who passed July 23, 1983; a son, Tim; and a brother, Leonard Friedman.

She is survived by her son, Frank III of Dayton; a daughter, Noreen (Jim) Brock of Round Rock; two granddaughters, Christe (Brian) Luis of San Francisco and Katie Brock of Reading, Pa.; and two great-granddaughters, Ashlyn and Addison Luis of San Francisco.

A funeral service was held at St. Williams Catholic Church in Round Rock on June 9, 2009.

A memorial mass will be held at 11 a.m. on July 2, 2009 at St. Charles Catholic Church, followed by interment at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials may be sent to St. Charles Church in Boardman, St. Williams Church Building Fund in Round Rock, Texas Home Health Hospice or the American Cancer Society.

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

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Donis Sloan, 74

WARREN – Donis Sloan, 74, passed away Friday, June 26, 2009, at Trumbull Memorial Hospital.

Ms. Sloan was born May 11, 1935, to the late Harry and Mildred Wells McFarland in Fairmont, W.Va.

She worked for LeRoys Jewelers at the Eastwood Mall.

She is survived by her children, Donis Atwood of Hubbard, A. Robert (Nancy ) Sloan of McDonald and Jeffery Wayne (Shelley) Sloan of DeLand, Fla.; a sister, Patricia Gower of Tallmadge; a brother, Clyde; and seven grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Bob, and sister, Maryann Cooper.

Services will be held Monday at 3 p.m. at the Blackstone Funeral Home, where visitation will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. prior to the service.

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Marie A. (DePaul) Thomas, 82

“Together Again”

STOW – Marie A. (DePaul) Thomas, 82, formerly of Hudson and Boardman, passed away quietly Thursday, June 25, 2009, at Stow Glen Health Care Center.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Louis, to whom she was married for 57 years in 2008, and brothers Peter LaPolla, Nick and James DePaul.

Marie is survived by her daughter, Patricia (John) Niemczura; grandchildren Colin Thomas and Clay Christian Niemczura; sister Eleanor DePaul; brothers Joseph (Tippi) DePaul and Donald DePaul; and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105-1942.

A Memorial Gathering will be held at a later date.

Arrangements by JOHNSON-ROMITO, A GOLDEN RULE FUNERAL HOME, HUDSON, OHIO (330) 650-4181.

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