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Tributes 2009-09-12
Cynthia H. “Cindy” Balasko, 49
YOUNGSTOWN – Cynthia H. “Cindy” Balasko, 49, of the city’s west side, passed away peacefully Monday evening, Sept. 7, 2009, at her home with her family by her side.
Cynthia was born Jan. 30, 1960 in Youngstown, a daughter of John and Rosemary Witko Balasko, and was a lifelong area resident.
She was a 1981 graduate of The Rayen School and was a member of St. Brendan Church and the Croatian Fraternal Union, St. George Lodge, No. 66.
Cindy enjoyed playing games on her computer, polka music, working jigsaw puzzles, and snacking on Oreo cookies.
Cindy leaves her father, John Balasko, with whom she made her home; two sisters, Donna Jones of Youngstown and Rita (Tom) Fiumara of New Middletown; and her nieces and nephews, Tiffany, Joshua and Adam Jones, and Jeannie and Joanne Fiumara.
Cindy will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Her mother, Rosemary Balasko, passed away in 2006.
Funeral services were held for Cindy on Friday, Sept. 11, at St. Brendan Church.
Interment was at Resurrection Cemetery in Austintown.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Kinnick Funeral Home in Youngstown.
Cindy’s family expresses its gratitude to the staff of Hospice of the Valley, and to the staff at St. Elizabeth Health Center for the care given and kindness shown to Cindy during her illness.
Memorial contributions may be made in Cindy’s name to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Youngstown, OH 44512.
Visit kinnickfuneralhome.com to view this obituary and send condolences on-line.
Gertrude Guilford Banks, 83
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the Ward A.M.E. Church in Washington, D.C. for Gertrude Guilford Banks, 83.
Gert was the daughter of the late William Sim and Gertrude Donatto Guilford.
The Guilford household comprised of four boys and one girl, was well known to many, as the home and center for adult education classes taught by “Pop” Guilford and Girl Scout Troop meetings led by Mrs. Guilford.
Members of “Old Oak Hill” and St. Andrew’s A.M.E. Church, the family served as a role model in the community for over 50 years.
Gert graduated from South High School, received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Wilberforce College and a Masters in Early Childhood Education from Bowie State College. She earned recognition as a well respected orator, topping area debaters in the 1940s.
In addition to being one of the earliest African-American educators in the Youngstown School District, she also taught voice and piano. Her teaching career spanned classrooms from Ohio and Virginia to Washington, D.C.
Mrs. Banks was a charter member of Epsilon Mu Omega Graduate Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., established in 1949 on the campus of Youngstown College and a Golden Soror of the XI Omega Chapter in Washington.
She was a Legacy Life Member of the National Council of Negro Women and past president of the Washington, D.C. Section 2, as well as an active member of AARP Chapter No. 3473.
Mrs. Banks was preceded in death by her parents; husband, James Henry Banks Sr.; and brothers, William “Bill”, Jerome and Ira Guilford.
She is survived by sons, James Jr. and William of Washington, D.C.; brother, Louis Guilford Sr. of Reynoldsburg; sister-in-law, Claudette Guilford of Rockville, Md.; and a host of nephews and nieces.
Arrangements are being handled by the Marshall’s Funeral Home, 4217 9th St. N.W., Washington, DC 20011.
Thomas J. Barkett, 92
BOARDMAN – There will be a funeral service at 11 a.m. Monday at St. Maron Church for Thomas J. Barkett, 92, who passed away Thursday morning at his residence.
Tommy was born Jan. 5, 1917 in Youngstown, a son of Nakalie and Esther Barkett and was an area resident most of his life.
He was a graduate of East High School and enlisted in the U.S. Army. During World War II, he was a surgical technical sergeant and was assistant to surgeons at the 110th Station Hospital throughout England, France and Belgium in the European Theatre of Operation. During D-Day, 4500 casualties were processed by his hospital and Tommy was proud to be awarded the Meritorious Service Unit Plaque for superior execution of duty. He loved being in the medical field.
After the war, he owned and operated Barkett Brothers Coal Yard, with his own trucks. He later joined the O.P. Engineer Union Local No. 66, working heavy equipment for contractors.
Tommy was a past member and usher at St. Dominic Parish and the American Legion. He enjoyed many sports, golfing, bowling and was a member of a poker club for many years with his good friends.
Tommy met and married his wife, Eileen Stemp at St. Patrick’s Church in Southampton, England on July 2, 1945, while he was serving in he U.S. Army. They had 64 years of more than a happily married life.
Besides his wife, he is survived by his son, Michael (Lynda) Barkett of Boardman; a granddaughter, Nycole Barkett of Boardman; a grandson, Michael Barkett of Poland; his sisters, Isabelle Alexander of Youngstown and Josephine Johns of Detroit; a brother, Johnny Barkett of Youngstown; and many nieces and nephews, both in the United States and England.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Alec, Steve and George; a sister, Mary Mousie; his in-laws, Peter (Florence) Stemp; and a brother-in-law, Vernor Stemp.
Tommy’s grandchildren were the pride of his life, beloved his church, and spent his life helping others. He was loved by all who knew him.
A viewing will be held Sunday, Sept. 13, at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home in Boardman from 4 to 7 p.m. and Monday at St. Maron Church on South Meridian Avenue in Youngstown, one hour prior to the Resurrection Mass.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at MVI Hospice for their kindness and special care they gave to Tommy.
Francis Brednick, 68
TORRANCE, CALIF. – Francis Brednick, 68, died Aug. 30, 2009 after a short illness.
He was born on May 14, 1941, the son of James and Susan Tarr Brednick.
Francis graduated from Hubbard High School and served with the U.S. Marine Corps.
He leaves behind three sons, Sean (Julie) of Parma and David (Kimberly) and Eric of California. He also leaves his sister, Patricia Mazei of Youngstown.
Arrangements were handled by the Accu Care Cremation Center in California.
Thomas J. Deluco, 80
YOUNGSTOWN – A funeral service will be held today, Sept. 12, 2009, at noon at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4700 Market St. in Boardman for Thomas J. Deluco, 80, who passed away Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009, with his loving family by his side.
Thomas J. Deluco was born Feb. 7, 1929 in Youngstown, the son of Italian born immigrants Joseph and Josephine Nigro Deluco from Rio G De Calbria, Italy.
He attended East High School from 1945 to 1946.
He was a lithographer with the Youngstown Printing Company, where he retired from in 1991.
Thomas was a member of Saint Dominic’s Church.
He was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving in the Koran Conflict. He received the Navy Occupation Medal with European Clasp, the National Service Medal, the Navy Good Conduct Medal and one Bronze Star Medal. His U.S. Navy service to his country ended in 1955, with his last duty assignment at District Staff Headquarters, 12 Division in San Francisco.
Thomas enjoyed the holidays and being around the supper table with his family and friends, the good Italian food and the hearty laughter of all.
He also enjoyed a round of golf and fishing on Lake Erie with his family. He loved to be outdoors doing yard work and working with his hands.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of over 58 years, the former Gina Larocca “His Sweetheart”; his sons, Michael (Connie-Rae) of Houston, David T. (Elaine) of Monaca, Pa., and Ricky A. (Shellie) of Acworth, Ga.; and a daughter, Gina Marie Heck-Deluco of Dayton. His brother, Anthony “Tony” (Ann) Deluco of Tennessee; his sisters, Dee (Dom) Hespeca of Youngstown, Marie Delphry of Austintown; sister-in-law, Elnor Deluco; along with 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Arthur, Vince and Antonio Deluco; grandson, Phillip Farinacci; along with beloved dog, Duke.
Friends may call today, Sept. 12, 2009, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home in Boardman.
Rosemary Fleming, 91
BOARDMAN - Prayers will begin today at 11 a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Poland Chapel followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 11:30 a.m. at the Holy Family Catholic Church for Rosemary Fleming, 91, who died Wednesday evening at her home.
Rosemary was born Oct. 18, 1917 in Youngstown, the daughter of J.V. and Mary Carney McNicholas.
She was a 1934 graduate of Ursuline High School and later graduated from Youngstown College. She had worked as an administrative assistant at the Charles F. Owsley Architectural firm before getting married and raising her family.
Rosemary was a member of St. Charles Church and its Altar & Rosary Society for over 60 years. As part of her service to her faith and our community, Mrs. Fleming was a member of Junior Seton, served as a board member and treasurer of Birth Right, board member and former president of Assumption Nursing Home, was a member of the first board of the Millcreek Children’s Center and was later named a lifetime board member for her service. She also served on the board of the Catholic Service League, the Advisory Board of the Ursuline Sisters, where she was a member of its Century Club in support of many of its ministries, including Beatitude House, and for over 25 years she organized over 40 volunteers weekly to distribute Meals on Wheels. In recognition of her service to our community, she was nominated the “YWCA Woman of the Year.”
Her husband, Donald Joseph Fleming, whom she married Jan. 25, 1947, died Nov. 22, 1974.
She is survived by her children, Catherine “Murphy” (Dick) Urmann of Tampa, Fla.; D. Joseph (Mary Ellen) Fleming of Poland, Thomas (Mary) Fleming of Canfield and James Motters of Pittsburgh; seven grandchildren, Daniel, Michael and Kevin Fleming, Lori Constantini, Scott Fleming, Julie Gay and Geoffrey Fleming; 10 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews, including her niece, Mary Rita (Tom) Carney of Boardman.
Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Jack, Henry and Paul McNicholas.
Friends may call today from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Poland Chapel.
The family has requested that material tributes take the form of donations to the Beatitude House in Rosemary’s memory.
Please visit www.higgins-reardon.com to view this tribute and send condolences.
Robert A. Jones, 87
NORTH LIMA – Robert A. Jones, 87, of Glenellen Senior Living in North Lima, died Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009, at Hospice House.
Mr. Jones was born Jan. 18, 1922 in Youngstown, a son of Maurice and Leanna Sodeman Jones. He was a lifelong area resident, residing mainly in Struthers.
Mr. Jones worked as an engineer and chief engineer for WKBN, retiring in 1986 after 30 years.
A U.S. Army veteran, Mr. Jones served as a Sergeant in World War II with the 304th Signal Operations Battalion in New Guinea and the Philippines. He was a member of the New Springfield VFW Post 2799.
Mr. Jones enjoyed golfing with friends and was a member of numerous leagues.
He leaves his brother, Edward B. Jones of Palm Coast, Fla.; nephew, Kenneth (Toni) Jones of Poland; niece, Lynn Ann (James) Moran of Cranberry, Pa.; and numerous great-nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Gerald D. Jones; and a nephew, Edward Jones.
There will be no calling hours or services.
Contributions may be made in Mr. Jones’ name to the Hospice House, 9803 Sharrott Road, Poland, OH 44514.
Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.
Steve G. Kochamba, 92
“Together Again”
POLAND – A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 10 a.m. in St. Paul the Apostle Church in New Middletown for Steve G. Kochamba, 92, who passed away Thursday, Sept. 10, at Hampton Woods Nursing Center.
Steve, also known as “Dete” to family and friends, was born April 25, 1917 in Coitsville, a son of Steve and Maria Hajduchek Kochamba.
He was a graduate of Science Hill High School and a lifelong resident of Youngstown. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U. S. Navy. Upon his graduation from the Naval Training Service School, he served as an instructor of recruits in Mississippi. Following his service, Steve returned to Youngstown and worked for 40 years at Youngstown Sheet and Tube Company. During his tenure at Sheet and Tube, he also worked for Pete’s Music Company. After retiring, he spent the next two decades working for area auto dealerships, delivering vehicles. He finally retired fully in 2007 at the age of 90.
Steve was a member of St. Dominic Church and was also active in Slovak heritage organizations, participating in numerous local Slovak events. He and his beloved wife enjoyed traveling and visited many foreign countries.
He was preceded in death by his wife, the former Lucille V. Krivan of Coitsville, whom he married June 23, 1945. Lucille had been his high school sweetheart and they were married for 50 years when she died on Nov. 17, 1995. His passing also follows the death of his sister, Julia Klapac.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his son, Joseph (Patricia) Kochamba of Poland; his daughter, Loretta (Nick) Peters of Scottsdale, Ariz.; his granddaughter, Kelly (Aaron) Kochamba Hayes of Pittsburgh; his sister, Barbara Yavorsky of Boardman; and numerous nieces and nephews as well as great-nieces and great-nephews
Friends may call at the Kubina-Yuhasz Funeral Home, 5925 Market St. in Boardman Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. and on Tuesday at the church from 9:30 to 10 a.m. prior to Mass.
Interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery.
Visit kubinayuhasz@sbcglobal.net to send condolences.
John Kwiecien, 79
YOUNGSTOWN – Funeral services will be held on Monday at 9:30 a.m. at the Kubina-Yuhasz Funeral Home, 5925 Market St. in Boardman and at 10 a.m. at St. Stanislaus Church in Youngstown for John Kwiecien, 79, who died at home late Thursday evening.
John was born in Youngstown on July 13, 1930, a son of John and Sophie Kusmierczyk Kwiecien.
He was a self-employed truck driver for 43 years, retiring in 1995. He was also a member of St. Stanislaus Church, Polish National Alliance Group 827 and the Krakusky Society.
John is survived by his wife, the former Audrey Streb, whom he married Aug. 27, 1955; his daughters, Judy Pavlich of Youngstown and Luann McCurdy of Palm Harbor, Fla.; his sisters, Mary Kwiecien and Henrietta Carelly, both of Youngstown, Stella Zayac of Boardman and Dolly Varone of Austintown; his brother, Henry Kwiecien of Boardman; and by grandsons, David Pavlich of Youngstown and John Mike and Danny McCurdy of Palm Harbor.
John was preceded in death by his sister, Anna Kucharski and his brothers, Edward and Walter Kwiecien.
Calling hours are Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. at the funeral home.
Interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery.
Visit kubinayuhasz@sbcglobal.net to send condolences.
Marvin Patterson, 72
CAMPBELL – A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 14, 2009, at the F.D. Mason Memorial Funeral Home for Marvin Patterson, 72, who departed this life on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009, at Camelot Arms Health Care Center.
Mr. Patterson was born Jan. 17, 1937 in Campbell, a son of John Sr. and Ruth Stewart Patterson.
He was machinist for Chrysler-Daimler Motors. He attended the Shiloh Baptist Church and was a veteran in the U.S. Army, servind during the Korean War.
He leaves a son, Marvin Carey Sr. of Toledo; a daughter, Marshelle Patterson and two stepdaughters, Tamika and Tasha, all of Detroit; a brother, Wilbert Patterson Sr. of Hartford, Conn.; and three nephews, including David Patterson of Youngstown, whom was his caregiver.
The family will receive friends and guest at the home of Sheila Patterson, 545 Parkcliffe Ave. in Youngstown.
Janet Russell, 74
AUSTINTOWN – Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the Lane Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel for Janet Russell, 74, who died Thursday afternoon at St. Elizabeth Health Center.
She was born Dec. 14, 1934 in Youngstown, a daughter of Myron and Esther (Francis) DeHoff, and she resided in this area all of her life.
She was a 1952 graduate of Austintown Fitch High School and she spent her adult life as a homemaker raising and caring for her family.
She was a longtime member of the Wedgewood Park Evangelical Congregational Church, where she taught Sunday school, hosted the Friendly Circle each month, and did anything else she could to serve the Lord.
She was a baby sitter for the Christian Women’s Organization for 35 years and a volunteer at the Rescue Mission for 20 years. She also belonged to her monthly high school girls 500 card club since 1950. Janet worked tirelessly when it came to helping others. She was a kind and loving wife, mother, and grandmother and will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Carl F. Russell, whom she married July 28, 1956. She also leaves behind three children, James (Sue) Russell of Canfield, Larry (Aprile) Russell of Canfield and Cyndi (Bernie) Grilli of Boardman; and seven grandchildren; Kristen, Tina, Allison, Domenic, Mackenzie, Mason, and Andy.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Frances King.
Friends may call from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Wedgewood Park Evangelical Congregational Church in Janet’s memory.
Family and friends may visit www.lanefuneralhomes.com to view this obituary and send condolences.
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