Tributes 2009-07-08

Ray Clark, 65

LORAIN – Ray Clark, 65, died Sunday, July 5, 2009, at Community Regional Medical Center in Lorain following a long illness.

He was born April 7, 1944 in Youngstown. He came to Lorain in 1989.

He owned and operated Ray’s Memory Lane in South Lorain for the past five years. It was a neighborhood friendly tavern, where he hosted charitable fund raisers. Ray retired from the blast furnace at U. S. Steel in Lorain in 2007. He worked there for 15 years. He also worked for U. S. Steel in Youngstown for 15 years.

Ray served during the Vietnam War, serving in Germany. He was an avid Cleveland Browns fan. He enjoyed oldies and country music and dancing.

He is survived by his sons, Raymond Clark Jr. of Columbus, Glenn (Sara) Clark of Mt. Sterling, Ky. and Ron Clark of Elyria; a daughter, Lisa Holmes of Columbus; brother, John (Carol) Clark of Beaufort, S.C.; sister, Nancy (Herbert) Jones of Youngstown; grandchildren, Dillon Clark and Amber and Paul Berry; and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John P. and June L. (Errett) Clark and a sister, Sharyn Clark.

His family will receive friends Thursday, July 9 from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Richard J. Reidy Funeral Home, 1783 East 31st St. in South Lorain, (440) 277 8164.

His funeral service will be Friday, July 10 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.

Burial will follow at Resthaven Memory Gardens in Avon, where the Disabled American Veterans, Louis Paul Proy Chapter 20, Lorain will conduct military honors.

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Mary R. Cretella, 94

NILES – Mary R. Cretella, 94, of 1500 McKinley Ave., died at 3 p.m. Monday, July 6, 2009, at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Home in Niles.

She was born March 22, 1915 in Niles, the daughter of John and Jennie Malvasi Fasanelli.

She was a member of the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Niles and a homemaker

Her husband, Anthony Cretella, whom she married July 1, 1939, died Jan. 21, 2003.

She will be deeply missed by a daughter, Gloria Gumino and her husband, Robert, with whom she made her home; a sister, Angie Tisone of Niles; three grandchildren, Maria Naples and her husband, Michael, Robert Gumino and his wife, Leslie and Michael Gumino and his wife, Sheryl; and five great-grandchildren, Alicia Naples, Michael and Madeline Gumino and Robert and Alex Gumino.

She was preceded in death by three brothers, Frank, Joseph and Dominic Fasanelli and two sisters, Phyllis Latiano and Rose Fasanelli.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Joseph Rossi & Sons Funeral Home 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 Niles City Cemetery.

Arrangements are being handled by Joseph Rossi & Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Niles.

Visit www.josephrossifuneralhome.com to send condolences.

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Ralph Duplessis, 89

CAMPBELL – Ralph Duplessis, 89, died Sunday evening, July 5, at St. Elizabeth Health Center after a long illness.

Ralph was born Sept. 29, 1919 in New Orleans, a son of Edwin and Theresa Lambert Duplessis. He was raised in New Orleans and after retirement resided in Campbell.

Ralph was a U.S. Army veteran from 1941 to 1971. He served in World War II, the Korean conflict, and Vietnam and retired after 30 years of service with the rank of Sergeant First Class.

After making his home here in Campbell, he worked in the maintenance department of Youngstown State University for 10 years, retiring in 1982.

He was a member of the VFW Post No. 6488 and the AARP.

His wife, the former Alice Moore, whom he married Jan. 10, 1946, died Jan. 3, 2000.

He leaves one daughter, Premjai Duplessis, with whom he made his home; two grandchildren, John (Amber) Sewell Jr. and Andre’ Collier Jr.; and three great-grandchildren, Olivia, Ian and Tai Sewell.

Besides his parents and wife, Ralph was preceded in death by two sisters, Louise O’Conner and Theresa Jolibore; and two brothers, Joseph and Anthony Duplessis.

Services will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Davidson-Becker Funeral Home in Struthers with, Mr. Raymond Linebaugh officiating.

Interment will be scheduled at a later date at Arlington Cemetery.

Friends will be received Saturday from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. at the funeral home.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences

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Lester O. Gregg M.D., 93

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP – Lester O. Gregg M.D., 93, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2009 at his residence with his wife, Anne, at his side.

Dr. Gregg was born Nov. 6, 1915 in Windbur, Pa. He was the son of Lester Osborne and Mary Gilles Gregg.

He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh and Hahnemann University School of Medicine. Dr. Gregg was a Captain in the Medical Corps during World War II and served in England, Belgium, France and Germany. He then did post graduate training in ear, nose and throat in New York and moved to Youngstown in 1953 to join Dr. William Evans and Dr. Paul Ruth in practice. He was on the staff at St. Elizabeth Health Center, a member of the American Medical Association, the Ohio State Medical Association and the Mahoning County Medical Association. Dr. Gregg completed his career in a solo practice and retired in 1988.

Golf was a favorite hobby of Dr. Gregg's and he enjoyed playing throughout his retirement. He was a member of the Youngstown Country Club for almost 50 years. He was an avid reader, especially mysteries. He followed all Pittsburgh sports, and thoroughly enjoyed watching his Pitt Panthers and the Steelers.

Dr. Gregg is survived by his wife of 54 years, Anne; his daughters, Patricia Lyden, Deborah (Brad) Apple and Dr. Linda (Dr. Craig) Popp; and his son, Dr. Michael Gregg. “Papa” as he was known to his family, also leaves behind his grandchildren, Patrick Lyden, Lindsay (Dan) Niese, Colleen Lyden, Sean Lyden, Kelley Gregg, Michelle Gregg and Meagan Popp; and his brother, Joe Gregg.

Calling hours will be from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Shriver Allison Courtley Weller King Funeral Home today, July 8, 2009, and a funeral service will be held at the funeral home at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 9, 2009.

Burial will take place at Forest Lawn Memorial Park immediately after the service.

Contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

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Paul A. Hake, 86

BOARDMAN – Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 10, at the Davis Funeral Home for Paul A. Hake, 86, who passed away Monday, July 6, at St. Elizabeth Boardman Health Center.

Mr. Hake was born Aug. 2, 1922 in Youngstown, a son of George and Hilma (Nord) Hake.

He was a 1940 graduate of South High School in Youngstown and after completing his high school education, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943.

During his military service, Mr. Hake participated in the Normandy Invasion and also in the Ardennes and Rhineland Campaigns. For his efforts, he was awarded five Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart. He was honorably discharged from the service in November of 1945.

Following his military service to his country, Mr. Hake was hired by the Ohio Bell Company in Youngstown. He worked as a lineman for 41 years with Ohio Bell, retiring in 1983.

He was a member of the John Knox Presbyterian Church. He had a love for baseball and the outdoors. He also enjoyed watching westerns on TV, especially Bonanza and Gunsmoke.

Mr. Hake is survived by a son, Jeffrey A. (Mary) of Boardman; grandchildren, Holly (Luke) Watts and Scott Weimer, both of Boardman; son-in-law, Richard Weimer of Boardman; and a sister, Marilyn (Richard) Roumfort of Medina.

Preceding Mr. Hake in death were his parents; his wife, Marjorie L. (Breetz) Hake, who died March 18, 1998; and a daughter, Nancy L. Weimer.

Calling hours will be Thursday, July 9, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home and from 10 to 10:45 a.m. on Friday, July 10, prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made to The Nancy L. Weimer Scholarship Fund, c/o Holly Watts, Robinwood Lane Elementary School, 835 Indianola Road, Boardman, OH 44512.

The family would like to thank the staff of Hampton Woods and St. Elizabeth Boardman Health Center for their caring and concern during Paul’s illness.

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Theodore Humphrey and Marian Humphrey

LOUISVILLE, COLO. – There will be a memorial Mass to remember Theodore and Marian Humphrey at St. Patrick’s Church in Youngstown on Saturday, July 11, at 12:30 p.m.

Marian died on July 15, 2008, at her home in Louisville and Ted died a few weeks later, also at home, on Aug. 23, 2008. Both Ted and Marian died peacefully surrounded by family.

Mr. and Mrs. Humphrey are buried together at Sacred Heart of Mary Cemetery in Boulder, Colo.

A reception will follow the Mass.

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Edward V. Lepsik

BOARDMAN – There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 9, at the Immaculate Conception Church, 811 Oak St. in Youngstown with Rev. Msgr. John A. Zuraw celebrating for Edward V. Lepsik, 82, who passed away Monday morning, July 6, with his loving family by his side.

Edward was born Oct. 21, 1926 in North Jackson, the son of Steve and Mary Demiter Lepsik.

He attended Chaney High School and served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II in the Pacific Theater. He was a pilot for the LST No. 799.

Edward was an electrician for Jenkins Sign Company and belonged to the Local Post No. 64. Edward worked for the Youngstown Fire Department and retired as Captain after 33 years and was a member of the Local Post No. 312.

He especially enjoyed being with his family and grandchildren. Edward also enjoyed reading, woodworking, gardening and yard work.

Edward will always be remembered by his wife, the former Dorothy Gizzarelli, whom he married April 26, 1947; his son, Edward R. Lepsik (Kathy Suit) of Brecksville; a daughter, Suzanne (Richard) Teaberry of Canfield; three grandchildren, Vanessa Teaberry M.D. of Durham, N.C., Jeremy Teaberry Esq. of Canfield and Natalie (David) Lerman of Cleveland; and two sisters, Elizabeth (Richard) LoSasso of Liberty and Mary Zukerman of Atlantic City.

Edward was preceded in death by a sister, Genevieve Stash and four brothers, Robert, Steve, John and Al Lepsik.

Friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church on Thursday, July 9, 2009.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Rossi Brothers & Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave. in Boardman.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are requested to be made in Edward’s name to the Hospice House, 9803 Sharrott Road, Poland, OH 44514 or the Immaculate Conception Church, 811 Oak St., Youngstown, OH 44506.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to all of the doctors, nurses, and staff at St. Elizabeth Boardman Health Center and the Hospice House for their kind and compassionate care of Edward.

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Theresa McKnight, 70

YOUNGSTOWN – Funeral services will be at noon on Friday at the F.D. Mason Memorial Funeral Home for Mrs. Theresa McKnight, 70, who departed this life July 3, 2009, at St. Elizabeth Health Center.

Mrs. McKnight was born Nov. 21, 1938 in Eastman Hill, Ga., a daughter of the Rev. Stonewall J. Wright Sr. and Katie Mae Robinson.

She was a steelworker for LTV and a state tested nurses assistant in Rochester, N.Y.

A member of the New Zion Gospel Deliverence Church of God, mother of the church and also mother of Angels with Extra Blessings Outreach.

She leaves her husband, Ralph McKnight of Rochester; two daughters, Earlina (Richard) Weaver, with whom she made her home and Snetha Davis-Givens of Youngstown; four sisters, Lula Mae Ingram of Youngstown, Joann White of Baltimore, Peggy Bishop of Toledo and Patricia Dean of Liberty; four brothers, Arthur L. Wright of Washington D.C., Stonewall J. (Hasha) Wright of Capitol Hills, Md., Huey (Betty) Wright of Columbus, Ga. and Ricky (Pat) Wright, of Hinesville, Ga.; four stepsisters, Sharon, Priscilla, Shirley and Jean McMeans; a stepbrother, Hubba McMeans, all of Youngstown; a godchild, whom she reared, Sarah Henderson of Rochester; seven grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Her father; and a son, Curtis Wright; two brothers, John and Sam Wright; and a granddaughter, Stephanie Gilford, preceded her in death.

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

Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

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Mary Ann Pekarovic

“Together Forever”

AUSTINTOWN – Mary Ann Pekarovic passed to eternal rest at noon Monday, July 6, 2009 at Humility House.

She was born Jan. 22, 1923 in Youngstown, a daughter of the late Thomas and Agnes Paladinich Harmicar, was raised on Youngstown’s west side and was a January 1942 graduate of Chaney High School. She worked at the former Murphy’s 5 & 10 and Stanley Works in Niles.

She was a home maker, a member of St. Stephen Church, and was a volunteer at Shepherd of the Valley for 10 years. She enjoyed sewing, being a wife and mother and spending time with her grandchildren.

Her husband of 57 years, Rudolph Pekarovic Sr., whom she married April 14, 1951, died June 8, 2008.

Mary leaves two daughters, Kathy Schneider of Hilliard and Elaine Pekarovic of Austintown; a son, Rudolph Pekarovic Jr., and his wife, Becky of Champion; and three grandchildren, Rudolph Pekarovic III and his wife, Andrea, Richie Pekarovic and Chelsea Schneider.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Diana Sultan; and a granddaughter, Lindsey Schneider.

Friends may call from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 10, at the Joseph Rossi & Sons Funeral Home in Niles.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Niles with Fr. Thomas Kraszewski officiating, preceded by a 10:30 a.m. prayer service at the funeral home.

Burial will be at St. Stephen Cemetery.

The family expresses its gratitude to their many friends whose support and prayers have meant so much and to Humility House Skilled Nursing Care Center and staff.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests material contributions may be made to St. Stephen Church, 129 W. Park Ave., Niles, OH 44446 or the Alzheimer’s Association, 3695B Boardman-Canfield Rd., Suite 301, Canfield, OH 44406.

Arrangements are being handled by the Joseph Rossi & Sons Funeral Home in Niles.

Visit www.josephrossifuneralhome.com to send condolences.

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Phyllis Ann Petri, 81

MIAMI, FLA. – Phyllis Ann Petri, 81, formerly of McDonald, passed away Monday, July 6, 2009, at Aventura Hospital in Aventura, Fla.

Phyllis was born Nov. 7, 1927 in Youngstown.

She worked as a manicurist in Florida.

She is survived by her companion, Norbert Boisis of Miami; her sons, John (Gloria) Petri of Pembroke Fla. and David Petri of Sarasota, Fla.; sister, Rose Marie Deak of Vienna; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, William Durkin.

Graveside services will be held Friday at Girard City Cemetery where visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. prior to the service at the Blackstone Funeral Home.

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Martha R. Pogue, 94

YOUNGSTOWN – Martha R. Pogue, 94, formerly of Warren, died early Sunday, July 5, 2009, at Park Vista Retirement Center.

She was born Oct. 24, 1914 in Vandergrift, Pa., the daughter of the Rev. Andrew J. and Myrtle (Beitel) Randles, and had lived in the Warren area since 1941.

A graduate of Monmouth College in Illinois, Mrs. Pogue was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church of Warren, where she was a member of the Kirk Club and a past president of the Women’s Association. She had also belonged to the Fortnightly Study Club, the Book Club, the American Association of University Women, Pan-Hellenic, and was past-president of the Trumbull Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.

Surviving are three sons, William R. (Mary Anne) Pogue of Aurora, Attorney John L. (Marilyn) Pogue of Warren and Thomas G. (Pamela) Pogue of Winston-Salem, N.C.; six grandchildren, Douglas H. (Lynne) Pogue, Rebecca Pogue, Allison (David) Casey, Jeffrey (Kathryn) Pogue, Bradley G. (Amber) Pogue and Lauren (Aaron) Biek; and eight great-grandchildren.

Preceding her in death are her parents; her husband, Lawrence E. Pogue, whom she married Jan. 18, 1941 and who died Jan. 8, 2002; and two sisters, Janet Laxson and Elizabeth Randles.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 11, 2009, at the First Presbyterian Church of Warren, with the Rev. Alan Hutchison officiating.

The family will receive friends at the church after the service. Inurnment at the First Presbyterian Columbarium will follow.

Material contributions may be made either to the Park Vista Life Care Fund, 1216 Fifth Ave., Youngstown, OH 44504, or the First Presbyterian Church Endowment Fund, 256 Mahoning Ave. N.W., Warren, OH 44483.

Arrangements are entrusted to the McFarland & Son Funeral Services Co., 271 N. Park Ave., Warren, OH 44481.

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

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Beverly Smolevitz Polonsky

WALNUT CREEK, CALIF. – Beverly Smolevitz Polonsky, formerly of Warren and Youngstown, was born in 1924 in Pittsburgh, passed away June 29, 2009 in Walnut Creek.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harry Polonsky and son, Charles.

She is survived by daughter, Rhonda Povlak; grandchildren, David and Jamie Ann; and loving sister, Anita Smolevitz Gordon of Los Angeles.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Contra Costa Crisis Center, 307 Lennon Lane, Walnut Creek, CA 94598.

The family may be contacted at 1522 Piedra Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94597.

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Rozella Ruth (McCoy) Pritchard

GRAFTON – Rozella Ruth (McCoy) Pritchard, the beloved wife of the late Russell V., loving mother of Marilyn (Charles) Clements and Rusty (Gay), dear grandmother of seven, great-grandmother of five, sister of Harold McCoy, Glenn McCoy, Thelma Woodford and the late Margaret Sedwick and Lois Ellis.

A memorial service will be Saturday, July 11, at 4 p.m. at the United Methodist Church of Berea, 170 Seminary St. in Berea.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Hospice of the Cleveland Clinic, 6801 Brecksville Road, Suite No. 10, Independence, OH 44131.

Rozella a resident of Grafton, was born in Wampum, Pa., and a former resident of Westlake and Girard.

She was an administrator of Baldwin-Wallace College for 20 years.

As a 47 year member of the United Methodist Church of Berea, she sang in the Chancellor Choir, a member of the quilters group and was a Stephens Minister.

As a trained operatic singer, Rozella participated in the Summer Opera Sessions at the Chautauqua Institute, performed in concert halls, on the radio, in churches and many events in Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio.

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