Tributes 2009-08-25

Tammy L. Antoun, 42

HUBBARD – There will be services at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Stewart-Kyle Funeral Home for Tammy L. Antoun, 42, who passed away Sunday at University Hospital in Cleveland.

Tammy was born April 9, 1967 in Youngstown, a daughter of Charles R. and Shirley A. Nicholson Vestal and was a lifelong area resident.

Tammy was a 1985 graduate of Hubbard High School and was a graduate of ITT Technical Institute, where she studied Business Management and majored in accounting.

She was a tax accountant/bookkeeper and partner of SAV Associates of Hubbard.

She was a member of the Four Mile Run Christian Church of Austintown and a member of Northland Ohio Cloggers Association.

She enjoyed gardening and camping.

She leaves her husband, Ronald R. Antoun, whom she married Sept. 5, 1998; her daughter, Amber L. Antoun at home; and her parents, Charles and Shirley Vestal of Hubbard. She is also survived by her siblings, Dennis C. (Cynthia) Vestal of Hubbard, Daniel J. Vestal of Reynolds, Pa., Charles J. (Maryannette) Vestal and Alan W. (Kimberly) Vestal, both of Hubbard; and five nieces and four nephews.

She was preceded in death by her nephew, Dennis R. Vestal.

There will be calling hours Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. and Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Stewart-Kyle Funeral Home.

Burial will be at Hubbard Union Cemetery.

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

Stewart-Kyle Funeral Home

Providing Funeral Service Since 1850

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James Cochran, 87

YOUNGSTOWN – James Cochran, 87, died Sunday evening at Forum Health Northside Medical Center.

Jim was born March 17, 1922 in Fairmont, W.Va., a son of James and Myrtle Prickett Cochran.

Music was always his big interest all his life and he played in bands, both at Fairmont High School and one year at Fairmont College.

A graduate of Fairmont High School, Jim began his education programs at Ohio State University, but was interrupted during World War II when he enlisted in the United States Army. He served in France and Germany in the 89th Division Artillery under General G. Patton.

On his return home, he continued his education at Ohio State University, where he joined the famous OSU Marching Band. Years later, he was a charter member of the Alumni OSU Marching Band. After graduation, he married his wife, the former Ila Emmitt, Jan. 2, 1948, in Bowling Green and they spent their honeymoon in Youngstown, where they came to reside.

Jim worked for Strauss Department Store for four years, and then he worked in sales for H.O. Zimmer Co., and retired in 1987.

Jim was a member of the Western Reserve United Methodist Church, where he sang in the choir. He was a member of Fairmont Lodge F.&A.M. No. 9 in Fairmont and the Aut Mori Grotto. He played in the Grotto Band and sang in the chorus. Jim was past Monarch and co-chairman of the Grotto Circus for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Ila; two sons, James E. Cochran and Donald and his wife, Carmella Cochran; and four grandchildren, Adrian, Ed, Nicole and Mikaela Cochran.

Services will be held on Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Western Reserve United Methodist Church with the Rev. Russell Adams officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Boardman.

Friends will be received Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home in Poland and Thursday from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at the church. Sulgrave Lodge F.&A.M. No. 696 will conduct a Masonic service at 7 p.m.

Contributions may be made to the Western Reserve United Methodist Church Memorial Fund or to the United Methodist Women, 4580 Canfield Road, Canfield, OH 44406.

Visit at www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.

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Helen Gross, 83

YOUNGSTOWN – Helen Gross, 83, passed away Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009, at St. Elizabeth Health Center.

She was born Dec. 23, 1925 in Youngstown, the daughter of the late Felix Celli and the late Alice (Zarlengo) Celli.

She was the wife of Thomas Gross Sr., who passed away in 1995.

She is survived by her son, Thomas Gross Jr. of Youngstown.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father; her husband; her daughter, Sandy Gross; her brothers, Albert Celli and Joe Celli; and her sister, Rose Celli.

She graduated from South High School. She was employed at Isaly’s, where she worked in the office. She was an avid bowler, she enjoyed golf and babysitting.

Calling hours will be at the Fabrizio Funeral Home, 619 East Indianola Ave. in Youngstown on Wednesday, Aug. 26, from 5 to 8 p.m. and Thursday from 9:30 to 10 a.m. Her services will follow at 10 a.m. at the Fabrizio Funeral Home on Thursday, Aug. 27.

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Ann M. Herrlich, 97

CENTERVILLE – Prayers will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Fox Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 1 p.m. on Thursday at St. Charles Church, both in Boardman, for Ann M. Herrlich, 97, formerly of Boardman, who passed away peacefully Sunday afternoon.

Ann was born Nov. 19, 1911 in Austria, Hungary, a daughter of John and Ann Stefan Kunder, and moved to the United States as a child.

She was a graduate of East High School, and had worked at L.F. Donnell Ford as a secretary before she was married.

Ann was a member of the church and was a former member of the St. Joseph Church on Rayen Avenue. She volunteered at the gift shop at St Elizabeth Health Center for over 30 years and was a member of the Ridgewood Garden Club, St. Charles  P.T.A. and the Altar & Rosary Society.

Her husband, John H. Herrlich, whom she married Nov. 8, 1941, died Aug. 31, 2001.

She leaves to cherish her memory a daughter, Diane (Jack R.) Wysong of Centerville; a sister, Theresa (Jerry) Weinstein of Boardman; three grandchildren, Lisa (Keith) Weaver, Mark (Jennifer) Wysong and Angela (Kevin) Smith; 14 great-grandchildren, Jonathan, Krista, Miranda, Nicholas, Victoria, Erika, Olivia, Benjamin and twins Julia and Jessica Weaver, Daniel Wysong and Owen, Alex and Andrew Smith.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a sister and brother-in-law, Mary Lou and James Leidy.

Friends may call from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday at the Fox Funeral Home in Boardman.

Material tributes can be made to St. Vincent DePaul Society, 208 West Front St., Youngstown, OH 44503 in her memory.

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

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Mary W. Jones, 81

YOUNGSTOWN – Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at Forest Lawn Cemetery for Mary W. Jones, 81, who passed away at her home.

Mary was born Aug. 3, 1928 in Ambridge, Pa., a daughter of the late Wasyl A. and Ksenia (Zubar) Woloszyn, coming to this area in 1955.

Prior to her marriage to Ralph T. Jones on June 25, 1955, Mary worked for the Department of Welfare in Pennsylvania. After marriage, she worked in sales for Central Mobile Homes.

She was a member of the Jehovah Witness West Congregation.

Her husband passed away July 12, 1998.

Mary is survived by three children, Jeffrey G. (Peg) Jones of Cortland, Debbie K. Jones of Raleigh, N.C. and Lawrence W. (Tina) Jones of Westport, Conn.; sister, Anne Marciniak of Conway, Pa.; six grandchildren, Benjamin, Samantha, Isaac, Kara, Kurt, and Kasey; and seven step grandchildren, Ashley, Danielle, April, Brandy, Mitchell, Hannah, and Grace.

Mary is also survived by her beloved dog, Sierra.

Besides her parents and husband, Mary was preceded in death by an infant brother.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Boardman, OH 44512 in Mary’s name.

Lane Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel has been entrusted to handle the arrangements.

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Alan “Matt” Mater, 65

HOUSTON – Mr. Alan “Matt” Mater, 65. passed away Aug. 15, 2009 in Houston after a short illness with cancer.

Matt was born June 7, 1944 in Melbourne, Australia, and carried dual citizenship.

He came to America as a 17 year old Merchant Marine. He then joined the Navy, where he spent two years followed by 20 years in the U.S. Air Force. He served three tours in Vietnam. He retired from the Air Force and joined the Boeing Aerospace team, where he worked and lived in Saudi Arabia, Germany, Hawaii, California, Seattle and finally, Houston.

He was a supervisor in charge of scheduling for the International Space Station.

Besides his wife of 29 years, Margaret “Pegg” Patterson Mater, Matt leaves a son, Lawrence (Michelle) Mater of Jacksonville, Fla.; a daughter, Christine Mater of Denver; a brother, Terrence (Christen) Mater of Roseville, Calif.; a sister, Elizabeth (Fred) Harbaugh of Medford, Ore.; as well as three grandchildren.

Matt leaves his beloved “Ohio Family,” Richard (Carol) Patterson of Austintown, Jerre (Patricia) Patterson of Boardman and Joanne (Marty) Wilhelm of Canfield; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Amanda.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2009, at St. Charles Parish in Boardman, followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery.

The family requests that any contributions be made to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Youngstown, OH 44512. 

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

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Thomas J. Rice, 71

AUSTINTOWN - Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday at the Lane Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel for Thomas J. Rice, 71, who died Sunday evening at Hospice House.

Tom was born March 14, 1938 in Youngstown, the son of Walter and Dolly Belle (Price) Rice.

Tom began his police career after his graduation from South High School with the Austintown Police Department. He left the department briefly working for the U.S. Marshall Special Operations Group for two years. He returned to the Austintown Police Department, where he worked for 32 years, retiring in February of 2000 as Lieutenant.

After retirement from Austintown, he worked for the Youngstown State Police Department and as a reserve for the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Department.

Tom was past president of Austintown FOP No. 126 and a member of Youngstown State FOP No. 200. He was a certified Firearms Instructor and a Master Marksman. Tom was an avid golfer and loved NASCAR.

Tom is survived by his wife, Michelle (Moody), whom he married Feb. 14, 1996; a daughter, Kelly Morocco of Austintown; and his brother, Dick (Marge) Rice of Canfield.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

The Rice family would like to give special thanks to the Roswell Park Cancer Institute for the care given to Tom and to the Hospice of the Valley for their compassionate care.

Family and friends may call from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

The family request that memorial contributions be made to the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, N.Y. or to Hospice of the Valley.

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

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William John Roberts Jr. 72

MCDONALD – William John Roberts Jr., 72, ended his courageous battle with cancer on Aug. 23, 2009 at his residence.

He was born in Youngstown on Jan. 30, 1937, on his father’s birthday, a son of the late William J. Roberts Sr. and Alberta K. (Emch) Roberts.

He attended McDonald High School. He served with the U.S. Navy Reserves from 1954 to 1962.

He began working for the RMI Company in Niles in 1966, as a machine operator in quality control, retiring in May of 1999. He owned and operated the Village Lock Shop for 25 years. He was a member of the Woodland Park United Methodist Church, where he served on the Board of Trustees, served as Sunday School Superintendent and was chairperson of the banner team. He was a member of the Trumbull County Rod and Gun Club, the Associated Locksmiths of America, and was a member of the McDonald Board of Zoning Appeals for nine years. He served as president of the RMI Credit Union for nine years. He was active in Boy Scouts, serving as an assistant Scout Master and Explorer Advisor, a charter member of the Western Reserve Coca-Cola Collectors Club, a charter member of the Griswold Cast Iron Cookware Association and also a charter member of the Wagner & Griswold Society.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Sharon (Samples) Roberts, whom he married on Sept. 4, 1962; children, Stacey Bulford of Niles, Shawn (Skip) Lovas of McDonald and Stephanie (Marc) Penrose of Fowler; grandchildren, Heather Bulford of Niles, Jeremy Menichelli of Niles and Alexa, Alena and Olivia Lovas of McDonald.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Kathryn Roberts.

He will be fondly remembered for his quick intelligence and sense of humor and missed by all whose lives he touched.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Woodland Park United Methodist Church, where visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church and also on Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Blackstone Funeral Home in Girard.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that material contributions be made to Hospice of the Valley, Humility of Mary Partners, 5190 Market St. Youngstown, OH 44512, or the Woodland Park United Methodist Church Memorial Fund.

Interment will take place at Dugan Cemetery.

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Lester Lee Robinson, 66

“Together Again”

YOUNGSTOWN – Services will be on Friday, Aug. 28, 2009, at 11 a.m. at the L.E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home for Mr. Lester Lee Robinson, 66, who departed this life Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009.

Mr. Robinson was born June 11, 1943 in Fairmont, W.Va., a son of Crosby and Rhoda Williams Robinson.

He had worked at General Motors Lordstown for 32 years, retiring in 2002. He was fascinated with airplanes and air shows. He loved to cook, enjoyed fishing and loved his children and grandchildren. He was a U.S. Navy veteran.

He leaves to cherish his memory, five daughters, Kimberly Robinson, Lisa Robinson, Marla Robinson and Leslie Robinson, all of Youngstown, and JoAnn Boyd of St. Louis, Mo.; three sons, Lester Robinson Jr. and James Robinson, both of Youngstown and Johnathan Robinson of Alabama; two sisters, Helen Randolph of Stone Mountain, Ga. and Mary Moody of Youngstown; five brothers, Raymond of Gulf Shore, Ala., Jack, Alphonso and Joseph, all of Youngstown and Theodore of Forrestville, Md.; 42 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and a host of family and friends.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, the former Faith Ann Burley, whom he married July 15, 1961 and who passed away Jan. 10, 2009; two daughters, Robin and Leslie; three sisters, Dorothy Warren, Mattie Mae Thompson and Betty Lou Dale; and two brothers, Ronald and Willie Herman Robinson.

The family wishes to extend to the Hospice House a very special thank you for your loving care and concern shown to our loved one during his illness and stay at your facility.

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

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Robert Lawrence Saylor, 95

COLUMBUS – Robert Lawrence Saylor, 95, of Willow Brook Christian Home, formerly residing at Trillium Place in Columbus, died Friday, Aug. 21, 2009, at his residence.

He was born June 18, 1914 in Youngstown, the son of Lawrence Austin Saylor and Hannah Davis Saylor.

He was a graduate of Miami University, a Navy veteran of World War II, and he retired from Home Savings and Loan Co. of Youngstown.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Grace Elizabeth (Sprinkle) Saylor and his brothers, Paul Saylor and Arthur Saylor.

He is survived by his sister, Audrey (Bill) Cossler; daughter, Carol (John) Duren of Savannah; and sons, Dale (Elaine) Saylor of Dublin and Lyle Saylor of Columbus. He is also survived by grandchildren, Jennifer Durren of Jackson Hole, Wyo., Katherine (Scott) Hazard of Raleigh, N.C., Ryan (Tara) Sylor of Tulsa, Okla. and Brady Saylor of Brooklyn, N.Y.; and great-granddaughter, Grace Hazard of Raleigh.

A special thank you for the outstanding care he received from the staff of Trillium Place, Willow Brook, HomeReach Hospice and ComForcare.

There will be a private family memorial service at a later date.

Memorial contributions can be made to Saylor Study Abroad Scholarship at Miami University or HomeReach Hospice.

Arrangements were handled by the Woodyard Northwest Chapel 2990 Bethel Road in Columbus.

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Joyce D. Zorek Stephens, 70

HUBBARD – Joyce D. Zorek Stephens, 70, of 7054 White Oak Drive, died Saturday evening at Hospice of the Valley in Youngstown, following a long illness.

Joyce was born in Sharon on July 26, 1939, the daughter of the late Victor and Ivy Watkins Zorek.

She was a 1957 graduate of Sharon High School. She also attended the former Shenango Valley Commercial Institute. Joyce loved animals and working in her vast flower gardens. She had been employed as a secretary for seven years for National Life & Accident Insurance Co. in Hermitage, Pa.

She is survived by her husband, Matthew C. “Matt” Stephens, whom she married Sept. 15, 1962, when they moved to Hubbard. They had been married for 47 years and he survives at the residence. She is also survived by a daughter, Dr. Stacey L. Stephens Novak, DVM and her husband, Dr. Mark G. Novak, PhD of Placerville, Calif; and several nieces and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Edward S. Zorek, who passed on June 23, 1999 and Gwynne H. Dunn, who passed on Dec. 13, 1978.

If desired, memorial tributes may be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church, Angels for Animals, 4750 S. Range Road in Youngstown or Hospice of the Valley.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the caring nurses and staff of Hospice of the Valley.

Memorial services will be on Thursday at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church with the Rev. Dennis A. Blauser, officiating.

At Joyce’s request, no calling hours will be observed, cremation has taken place.

Arrangements are being handled by the Joseph P. Brashen Funeral Service, 264 E, State St. in Sharon, Pa.

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