Tributes 2009-06-30

Mary A. Chiodey, 95

NILES – Mary A. Chiodey, 95, of 941 Mason St., died at 1:03 a.m. Sunday, June 28, 2009, at St. Joseph Health Center Eastland in Warren.

She was born June 1, 1914 in Niles, the daughter of Frank and Joann DeSalvo Mangino.

She was a 1932 graduate of Niles McKinley High School and was employed as a nurses aid at Trumbull Memorial Hospital for 20 years until 1979.

She was a member of the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Niles, Sacred Heart Prayer Group, and enjoyed playing cards and crocheting.

Her husband John A. Chiodey Sr., whom she married in 1938, died Sept. 18, 1968.

Mary, who was a loving person and never thought bad of anyone, will be deeply missed by her two sons, Carmen Chiody and his wife, Debbie of Weathersfield and John A. Chiody Jr. and his wife, Carla, who was her caregiver and with whom she made her home with; three sisters, Carol Curto of Austintown, Joann Jordon and her husband, Donald of Niles and Linda Browne and her husband, Travis of Mineral Ridge; 12 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, Sam Mangino and Angelo Mangino.

Friends may call Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Joseph Rossi & Sons Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Niles, where the Mt. Carmel Bereavement Ministry will conduct prayers at 7:30 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 a.m. Thursday at the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Niles, with Fr. Larry Frient officiating, preceded by a 9 a.m. prayer service at the funeral home.

Burial will be at St. Stephen 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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James S. Cholensky Jr., 68

DENVER – James S. Cholensky Jr., 68, passed away at his home in Broomfield, Colo. on June 26, 2009.

James was born in Youngstown, Ohio, the son of the late James S. and Irene (Myers) Cholensky Sr.

He graduated from East High School in 1959. Upon his graduation, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. James graduated with high honors from Youngstown State University in 1968 and continued his education at the University of Minnesota.

Mr. Cholensky worked for the Food and Drug Administration in Minneapolis, then retired from the Denver office in October of 2005, after more than 30 years of service as a microbiologist.

James will be remembered for his love of nature. He was an avid hunter and fishermen, who was always willing to spend a little more to buy American.

He was one of the most loving, kind and gentle men. All who knew him were blessed.

James leaves to proudly cherish his memory, two daughters, Ligeia Uker, who is an architect in Minneapolis, and Stephanie Cholensky of Minneapolis, following in her father’s footsteps to be a biochemist; two brothers, John M. (Judy) Cholensky of Chugwater, Wyo. and Michael Cholensky of Youngstown, Ohio; a sister, Irene M. (Gary) Fee of Boardman; and many nieces and nephews. He will be remembered fondly as “Uncle Jr.” by his great-niece and nephews and sadly missed by his dog, Dot.

Besides his parents, James was preceded in death by a nephew, Anthony Fee.

Calling hours will be Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Wiederspahan-Radomsky Chapel of the Chimes in Cheyenne, Wyo.

A funeral Mass will be Thursday at 10 a.m. at the Holy Trinity Church in Cheyenne. A memorial Mass will be held Sept. 27, 2009 at St. Stephen’s Church in Youngstown, Ohio.

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Ralph A. Chomor, 59

SHARON, PA. – Ralph A. Chomor, 59, of 470 Thornton St., passed away at 6:29 p.m. Sunday, June 28, 2009, at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Mr. Chomor was born in Sharon, Pa. on Oct. 21, 1949, a son of Albert J. and Norma J. McCurdy Chomor.

Ralph was the owner and operator of Blackies Billiards and Side Pocket Café. He provided full service billiard supplies and custom made cues. He was formerly employed at GATX and a supervisor at Sawhill Tubular Division.

He was a member of the North Sharon Fire Hall and the FH Buhl Club. Ralph was very active in his billiard leagues and he was a certified instructor for Valley National Eight Ball Association and Billiard Congress of America, where he played in both leagues. He also operated the Penn-Ohio BCA League. Mr. Chomor enjoyed hunting, fishing, and boating, but most of all he loved his family and friends.

Survivors include his wife, Jean Yaskulka Chomor, whom he married June 19, 1993; four daughters, Rachel and her husband, John Reichart of Nashville, Tenn., Greta Chomor and her significant other, William McLaughlin Jr. of Sharon and twin daughters, Rose Chomor of Mesa, Ariz. and Ramona Chomor of Gilbert, Ariz.; a stepson, Ed and his wife, Kimberly Lisowski of Canfield; three sisters, Sandy and her husband, Fred Shaffer of Farrell, Pa., Nancy Sheppard of Hermitage, Pa. and Beth and her husband, Randy Bottenfield of Hermitage; a brother, Alan W. Chomor of Seabrook, N.H.; four grandchildren, Katelyn, Kennedy, David and Karaline; and his chocolate Labrador Retriever, Hershey.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Calling hours will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2009, at the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon, PA 16146

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2009, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Church with the Rev. Glenn R. Whitman.

Family and friends may visit www.mcgoniglefuneralhomeandcrematory.com to send condolences online.

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Elmer Edwin Clark, 89

YOUNGSTOWN – Funeral services will be Thursday, July 2, at 9 a.m. at the Kubina-Yuhasz Funeral Home, 5925 Market St. in Boardman and at 9:30 a.m. at St. Matthias Church in Youngstown for Elmer Edwin Clark, 89, who died Saturday at his residence.

Mr. Clark was born in Bristol, Ohio on Dec. 8, 1919, the son of E. Glenn and Lelah Viola Smalley Clark.

Elmer graduated from Bristolville High School in 1939 and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He fought in a number of campaigns including the Northern France and Central Europe campaigns and received several medals, among them, the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with four Bronze Stars.

He was employed as an engineer for Conrail, retiring in 1981 after 40 years of service and was a member of St. Matthias Church.

Elmer is survived by his wife, the former Mary (Skokan) Swartz, whom he married Nov. 27, 1981; his son, Gregory (Mary Ann) Clark of Canton; his daughter, Kathleen (Joseph) Fowler of Columbus; his sister, Louise Durst of Bristolville; his granddaughters, Hilary (Gus) Dria and Melissa (Ryan) Lawrence, all of North Canton; his six great-grandchildren; his stepdaughter, Marilyn Amadio of Struthers; his stepson, William (Denise) Schwartz of Boardman; his stepgrandchildren, Brian Schwartz of Cincinnati, Brandon Schwartz of Columbus, Kristin (Todd) Stovall of Austintown and Michael (Nicole) Amadio of Toledo; and his three stepgreat-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, the former Marie Wantz, whom he married Oct. 17, 1946, and who died Sept. 14, 1976; his second wife, Elverna Neher, whom he married Sept. 1, 1979, and who died June 24, 1980; his son, Glenn A. Clark; and his daughter, Alison Clark.

Visiting hours are Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home, where a prayer service will be take place at 5:45 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Susan B. Coman Breast Cancer Foundation.

Interment will take place at Sager Cemetery in Bristolville.

Please visit kubinayhasz@sbcglobal.net to send condolences.

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Joseph Vincent Durig, 80

WORTHINGTON – Joseph Vincent Durig, 80, of 290 Kenbrook Drive, died at 5:08 a.m. on Monday, June 29, 2009, at Mount Carmel Saint Anne Hospital in Westerville, following a short illness.

He was born in Niles on Feb. 11, 1929 to John and Minnie (McNaughton) Durig. His childhood was in the Niles area and he previously lived in Andover and Sebring, Fla., before moving to the Columbus area several years ago.

Mr. Durig retired as a truck driver from Youngstown Building Materials Company, following 30 years of service.

He was a faithful member of Saint Catherine’s Church in Sebring, Our Lady of Victory Church in Andover and Saint Stephen’s Church in Niles.

He was a member of the Teamsters Local No. 377 in Youngstown and a 3^rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus No. 1681 in Niles.

He is survived by his wife, the former Loretta Jane Williamson, whom he married Sept. 20, 1952; two sons, Joseph (Janis) Durig of Niles and James (Megan) Durig of Georgia; one daughter, Theresa Ferrara of Worthington; two sisters, Anna Martin of Lexington, Ky. and Patricia Wolford of Mineral Ridge; two brothers, Charles Durig of Warren; and Brother Daniel Durig, Brothers of the Holy Cross of Austin, Texas; five grandchildren, Jennifer Simmons, Renee White, Janie Brown, Jill Durig and Stephen Durig; and six great-grandchildren.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers and five sisters, Adelbert, John and Robert Durig, Rita Berry, Marie O'Connell, Rosemary McElhaney and Kathleen Minnick; and an infant sister.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, July 2, 2009, at 10 a.m. at Saint Stephen’s Church in Niles, with the Rev. Thomas Kraszewski officiating.

Friends may call at the Holeton-Yuhasz Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 1, 2009, from 5 to 8 p.m. with the Knights of Columbus services at 7:30 p.m.

Burial will be at Greenhaven Memorial Park.

Material contributions may be made to Saint Stephen’s School Tuition Angel Fund.

Family and friends may visit www.holetonyuhasz.com to send condolences.

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Jack D. Eicher, 89

NORTH LIMA – Jack D. Eicher, 89, died peacefully in his sleep early morning on June 28, 2009 at Assumption Village.

Jack was born June 1, 1920 in Connellsville, Pa., the son of Orton and Elizabeth Eicher. He was raised by his aunt and uncle, Louise and Ira Eicher, after his mother’s early death.

He grew up in Connellsville, played football and high jumped on the track team in high school.

In 1942, he graduated from Penn State University and immediately entered the Army Air Corp, where he became a Link Fighter Pilot Trainer.

After World War II, he worked for West Penn Power Co. in a number of positions and in 1948, he married W. Gail Shipley. Except for an interruption to his career when he was called back to service during the Korean conflict, he was promoted often which required a number of moves throughout Western Pennsylvania, Connellsville to Masontown, to Waynesburg, to Monongahela, to Carroll Township, to Washington and Houston, Pa.

Jack retired in 1985 from the company now known as Allegheny Power Systems as Senior Commercial and Residential Representative. He held numerous positions including, President with the Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs and while in Washington, Pa was active in the interfaith dart-ball league.

Jack served as both an Elder and a Deacon with the Church of the Covenant Presbyterian Church in Washington and was an avid stamp collector.

In his retirement years, he enjoyed writing poetry and has a number of published poems to his credit.

Jack is survived by his wife, W. Gail Eicher of North Lima; and three sons, J. Daniel Eicher (Peggy) of Canfield, James Alan Eicher of Basking Ridge, N.J. and Thomas J. Eicher (Peggy) of Basking Ridge; along with eight grandchildren, Arli, Amanda, Courtney, Ahren, JD, Devin, Ingrid, and Haley Eicher; and two great-grandchildren, Sebastian and Sopia Tejada.

Family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Deaner Funeral Home, 765 Main St. Berlin, PA 15530 (814) 267-3933, with the Rev. Dr. John Harmon officiating.

Interment will be at Mt. Lebanon Cemetery in Glencoe, Pa.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to your local hospice.

“Don’t look back If you haven’t made a track Worthy of one to follow” (from the poem “Reminder,” Jack D. Eicher 12/23/06).

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Robert D. Fox, 66

NILES – Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Lane Funeral Home, Mineral Ridge Chapel for Robert D. Fox, 66, died early Sunday morning at White Oak Manor.

Robert was born Oct. 27, 1942 in Warren, the son of the late Richard E. and Eleanor M. (Reese) Fox.

He had worked for McDonald Steel for 16 years and also had worked for security at U.S. Security and Associates for 15 years.

He had attended church and had formerly coached football and basketball for Niles and Howland School Systems.

Robert had served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and liked to make fishing lures. He also enjoyed car shows, showing his El Cameno and winning numerous trophies.

Robert is survived by aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends may call at the funeral home from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday and one hour prior to services on Thursday.

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

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Mildred L. Hruska, 84

YOUNGSTOWN - Funeral services will be held Thursday at 10 a.m. at the Concordia Lutheran Church for Mildred Hruska, 84, who passed away at home early Monday morning surrounded by her family.

She was born Oct. 24, 1924 in Coalridge, a daughter of the late Andrew and Susie (Kirner) Gecelovsky.

Mildred was a graduate of Chaney High School in 1943. She was a dental assistant for Dr. James Westerfield and Dr. J.K. Davidson, a member of the Concordia Lutheran Church on Brockway Avenue in Youngstown, a member of the choir at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, and a volunteer at Northside Hospital Auxilliary.

She is survived by one son, John D. (Candy) Hruska of Austintown; two granddaughters, Allison L. and Melanie A. of Austintown; also many nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Hruska, whom she married Sept. 23, 1944, and who passed away Sept. 12,1995; and two sisters, Mary Kovach and Susie Kurtz.

Calling hours will be Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Vaschak-Kirila Funeral Home and Thursday from 9:30 to 10 a.m. at the Concordia Lutheran Church on Brockway Avenue with funeral services starting at 10 a.m. Thursday .

The family would like to thank all her caregivers who love and took wonderful care of her, Elaine Toney, Priscilla Switka, Fannie Stewart, Janet Smith, Patty Loswego and Irma Tate.

Please visit www.vaschak-kirilafh.com to view this obituary or to send condolences to the family.

Vaschak-Kirila Funeral Home, Dedicated To Caring Since 1907

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Mary Kuzma, 86

NEW BEDFORD, PA. – Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. James the Apostle Church in New Bedford for Mary Kuzma, 86, who passed away Sunday at Briarfield at the Ridge Nursing Home.

Mary was born Oct. 30, 1922 in Youngstown, the daughter of Michael and Julia Krivan Terek.

She was a 1941 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, a member of the church, the Christian Women’s Organization, Den Mother of Pack 23 and a 4-H Leader.

Her husband, George, whom she married Oct. 6, 1945, passed away on Jan. 28, 2002.

She leaves to cherish her memory a son, Ronald (Carol) of Austintown; a daughter, Mary Rose Nordquist of Boardman; one brother, Charles Terek of Campbell; grandchildren, Jennifer (Kevin) Maloney, Julie Kuzma and Daniel Kuzma; and one great-grandson, A.J. Maloney.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, George; and a sister, Rose Hurchik.

The Kuzma family has entrusted their loved one to the care of the Wasko Funeral Home and will receive friends today from 5 to 7 p.m. and on Wednesday from 9 to 10 a.m. at the church.

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William H. “Bill “ Lewis, 67

FOWLER TOWNSHIP – William H. “Bill “ Lewis, 67, died Sunday morning, June 28, 2009, at his home following a six month illness.

He was born Jan. 31, 1942 in Canonsburg, Pa., the son of the late Harry and Eleanor (Wills) Lewis.

Bill was a 1959 graduate of Canonsburg High School. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and served three tours of duty in Vietnam. He was a decorated veteran, serving from 1959 to 1965. Bill was a self employed independent truck driver for 40 years, owning his own truck and trailer and hauled steel locally. He also owned a bandmill sharpening business, a sawmill and worked as a blacksmith.

Bill was a champion bull rider with the Mesquite Rodeo and won four bull riding titles. He was a member of the Fowler Historical Society and the Ashtabula County Antique Engine Club.

He is survived by his wife, Catherine R. (Cover) Lewis, whom he married July 11, 1987; four sons, Tim (Michelle) Lewis of Greene, Ben (Kate) Lewis of Morgantown, W.Va., Dan (Goldie) Lewis and Jake Lewis, both of Fowler; and six grandchildren, Kayla, Dalton, Logan, Dakota, Danielle and Allen.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Kim; and a brother, Robert Lewis.

Arrangements are being handled by the Shafer-Winans Funeral Chapel in Cortland, where the family will receive friends for one hour prior to the memorial service at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 1, 2009, with Pastor William Rogers officiating.

Cremation was held and burial will be at Dugan Cemetery in Fowler.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Youngstown, OH 44512-2198.

Friends and family may visit www.shaferwinanschapel.com to view the obituary and send condolences.

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Blanche E. Loftus, 79

YOUNGSTOWN – There will be a memorial Mass at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday at Saint Christine Church for Blanche E. Loftus, 79, who passed away Sunday afternoon at Austinwoods Rehabilitation Center.

Mrs. Loftus was born Feb. 3, 1930 in New Castle, Pa., a daughter of James E. and Blanche Granfield Grady.

She was a 1947 graduate of Chaney High School and had worked at McKenzie Muffler.

Blanche was a member of the Bears’ Club and Sebring County Club.

She was of the Catholic faith.

Besides her husband, Frank P. “Buzzy” Loftus, whom she married Oct. 20, 1956, she leaves two sisters, Helen F. Golden and Dolores (Al) Koontz, both of Youngstown; several nieces and nephew; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

Friends may call an hour before Mass at the church.

Arrangements are by the Fox Funeral Home in Boardman.

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

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Evelyn M. Ogilvie, 87

BOARDMAN -- Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Bethel Lutheran Church with the Reverend Bret Rizzo officiating for Evelyn M. Ogilvie, 87, who died Monday morning at Assumption Village.

Evelyn was born July 31, 1921 in Youngstown, a daughter of Uno William and Betty Peterson Lundin and had been a lifelong area resident.

She was a 1939 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School.

Evelyn was a homemaker, belonged to the Bethel Lutheran Church, where she was also a member of their Ladies Society.

Her husband, Leroy F. Ogilvie, whom she married Aug. 29, 1940, died Nov. 12, 2008 after celebrating their 68th Wedding Anniversary.

 Evelyn will be sadly missed by a daughter-in-law, Jaclyn Ogilvie of Boardman; a sister, Sonya Guild of Glendale, Ariz.; two grandchildren, D.J. (Toni) Ogilvie and Gwen (Dan) Pallante, both of Boardman; and eight great-grandchildren.

Besides her husband and her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, David W. Ogilvie, who passed away May 23, 1988.

Friends may call 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Bethel Lutheran Church, 425 Crestview Drive in Boardman, one hour prior to the service.

 The family requests that memorial contributions be given to the “David Ogilvie Scholarship Fund” at Canfield Board of Education, 100 Wadsworth Road, Canfield, OH 44406.

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

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Jill Kathleen Patterson, 24

BOARDMAN – There will be funeral services at 9:15 a.m. Thursday, July 2, 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. Joseph Fata celebrating for Jill Kathleen Patterson, 24, who passed away Sunday evening, June 28.

Jill was born March 17, 1985 in Youngstown, the daughter of Kathleen Mahoney Briel and Jeffrey Allen Patterson.

She was a 2003 graduate of Poland Seminary High School.

Jill will always be remembered by her parents, Kathleen and Chuck Briel and Jeffrey Patterson; her brother and sister, Jay and Colleen Patterson; maternal grandparents, Edward and Gloria Mahoney; paternal grandmother, Jean Patterson; grandmother, Virginia Briel; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, at the Rossi Brothers & Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave. in Boardman.

Donations can be made in Jill’s memory to Animal Charity, 3722 South Ave., Boardman OH 44512.

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John J. Pizzuto, 86

FORT MYERS, FLA. – John J. Pizzuto, 86, died June 21, 2009 in Fort Myers, Fla., where he had been a resident for the past 20 years.

He was born in Youngstown, the son of Nicholas and Josephine (Mauro) Pizzuto on June 8, 1923.

He was retired from Schwebel’s Baking Co. after 38 years of dedicated service.

John served in the 453rd Amphibious Truck Co. in the 3rd Army. He was the driver of one of the first “Ducks” to land on Omaha Beach.

He received five Battle Stars and one Bronze Arrowhead Medal.

He was very active in bowling and shuffle boarding until his death.

He leaves a wife, Betty (Ealy) Pizzuto; a stepson, Paul Ealy of Butler, Pa.; two sisters, Lucy Cucchiaro of Ridgewood, N.J. and Ange (Angelo) Cercone of Liberty; three brothers, Louis (Dorothy) Pizzuto of Liberty, Michael (Pat) Pizzuto of Liberty, and Anthony (Mary Ann) Pizzuto of Austintown; also four daughters, Sandra Pizzuto of Boardman, Patricia Dickey of Austintown, Kathleen Pizzuto of Naples, Fla. and Christine Pizzuto of Houston, Texas; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-granddaughter.

John was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Joseph.

He will be sadly missed by his family and numerous friends.

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Lois J. Robenolt, 67

YOUNGSTOWN – Lois J. Robenolt, 67, died Friday, June 26, 2009, at St. Elizabeth Health Center.

She was born Aug. 10, 1941 in Punxsutawney, Pa., the daughter of the late James and Helen Harold Rush.

She was employed at the Poland Auction and Penn Plastics.

Lois loved pets, her angels, family and enjoyed bowling.

She is survived by two daughters, Carol Robenolt of Marietta and Patricia (Greg) Duffy of Struthers; a son, John Robenolt of Youngstown; a brother, Junior Harold of New Castle, Pa.; three sisters, Nancy Harold, Betty Harold and Elizabeth Parish, all of Youngstown; four grandchildren, Kenneth, Chad and Jeanne Penwell and Rachelle Ballenger; and two great-grandchildren, Darnelle Penwell and Tyler Ballenger.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Robenolt, who died in 1990; and a daughter, Tami Penwell.

Calling hours will be Wednesday, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Kirila Funeral Home, 258 Poland Ave. in Struthers.

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

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