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Tributes 2009-09-14
James H. Brahney
PITTSBURGH, PA. – Retired Air Force Lt. Colonel James H. Brahney died Friday, Sept. 11, 2009.
He was born in Youngstown on Nov. 7, 1939.
Brahney was a 1962 graduate of Youngstown State University, where he earned a B.S. in mechanical engineering. He was also a graduate of Ursuline High School and Immaculate Conception Grade School. Brahney served a one-year tour in Vietnam, where he was credited with saving nine lives. He was decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, and another Distinguished Flying Cross, and seven Air Medals for meritorious achievement in flight. Brahney also earned an M.S. in systems management from the University of Southern California and a Ph.D. in higher education from the University of Pittsburgh. After retirement from the Air Force in 1982, Brahney worked at the Society of Automotive Engineers. A published author, Brahney also taught organization and management courses at the University of Maryland, Youngstown State University, and the University of Pittsburgh.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn A. (Peluso) Brahney; daughter, Mary Frances Roche; sons, James Eric Brahney and Scott Mitchell Brahney, all North Allegheny graduates, Pittsburgh; sisters, Ellen McQuade, Kathleen Dragoman and Nancy Varley, all of Youngstown; and grandchildren, Joy, Samuel, Connor, Emily, Caleb, Aidan and Joshua.
Friends will be received today from 1 to 3 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Simons Funeral Home Inc., 7720 Perry Highway, Pittsburgh, PA 15237.
A Mass of Christian Burial at St. Sebastian Church in Pittsburgh on Tuesday at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.
Contributions may be made to the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society, River Walk Corporate Center, Suite 441, 333 East Carson St., Pittsburgh, PA 15237.
Gary Lee “Papa” Fritch, 70
CHAMPION – Gary Lee “Papa” Fritch, 70, passed into eternal life on Sept. 12, 2009, at his residence with his loving family at his bedside.
He had suffered for two years from a blood cancer and liver cancer.
Born June 17, 1939, in Warren, he was the only child of Merwin Marvin (Ted) and Ava Marie Wainfor Fritch. He resided in the Warren area most of his life.
He lived a fruitful life devoted to family and church, and will be greatly missed by all who knew him as a gentle, loving and generous man. He loved making people smile, though he was a shy person, and brought much sunshine into the lives of everyone he touched.
On June 21, 1963, he married the love of his life, Marilyn Harriet Kay Fritch. That union produced three wonderful children and nine beautiful grandchildren, they were his pride and joy.
He enjoyed traveling, attending his grandchildren’s school and sports activities, and spent the last three winters in Casa Grande, Ariz., with his wife. He was a fan of the Cleveland Indians and enjoyed watching football. His hobbies were doing jigsaw puzzles, electronics, travel and being the “grill meister” for family cookouts. The family spent many years camping and he instilled a love of this family activity in his children, which they continue enjoying. He had a special interest in collector autos and his “baby” was his 1953 Buick Roadmaster, which he called Black Beauty. He was a longtime member of Youngstown Buicks of Yesteryear. He and his wife loved cruising and celebrated the millennium in the Caribbean on a cruise ship.
Gary graduated from Harding High School in 1957 and Youngstown University in 1963 with a degree in Business and Accounting. He was a member of ROTC while in college, and upon graduation entered active duty with the U.S. Army. He served at Ft. Gordon, Ga., Ft. Lee, Va., Korea, and Naha, Okinawa, advancing to the rank of Captain before entering civilian life. He was employed with Marine Midland Bank in New York City and Middletown, N.Y. Upon returning to Ohio, he worked briefly for a bank in Windham and then became an accountant with Republic Steel, LTV Steel and WCI Steel. He retired in 2006 as the senior inventory analyst.
He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Warren, where he served as a Sunday School teacher and a member of the grounds committee. He was active for many years with the “Two-Sum Forum” group there, and served as an usher and chair of the Greeters. He was always available for whatever chore he could perform for his church family until his health failed. He attended the Sunscape RV Resort chapel when in Arizona, also serving as an usher there.
He and Marilyn served as co-chairs of the raffle committee for the annual Park Party at the Sunscape RV Resort in Casa Grande. Gary was treasurer of the Statler Ridge Condo Association for several years, retiring in 2009 for health reasons.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years; a son, Michael Scott Fritch (Susan) of Champion; daughters Heidi Kay Holk (William) and Jennifer Marie Hudak (John), both of Southington; his grandchildren, Kristen Lynn Fritch of Washington, D.C., Amanda Rose Shay of New York City, John Hudak III, Emilie Maree Fritch, Jesse Alexander Hudak, Jacob Michael Fritch, Jason Cameron Hudak, Brandon William Holk and Jarrett Michael Hudak; sisters-in-law, Cynthia (Roger) Shafer of Mecca, Anita (Paul) Easter of Lombard, Ill. and Kathleen Kay of Bazetta; and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Services to celebrate his life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church on Friday, Sept. 18, 2009, at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Russell Cowden officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow at Meadow Brook Memorial Park.
Calling hours will be held at the McFarland & Son Funeral Home on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009, from 6 to 8 p.m. and one hour prior to the services at the First Presbyterian Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to S.O.P.H.I.A. (Stop One Place Help Is Available, Inc.), which his wife founded and directs, c/o First Presbyterian Church, 256 Mahoning Ave. NW, Warren, OH 44483, or to the Celtic Healthcare of Northeast Ohio, 3530 Belmont Ave., Suite 7, Youngstown, OH 44505.
Arrangements are entrusted to McFarland & Son Funeral Services, 271 N. Park Ave., Warren, OH 44481.
Please visit www.mcfarlandfuneral.com to view this obituary and send condolences.
Lawrence Francis Gallagher Jr., 65
CANFIELD - A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday at 10 a.m. in The Cathedral of St. Columba, and prayers will be offered at 9:15 a.m. in the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Boardman-Canfield Chapel for Lawrence Francis Gallagher Jr., 65, who died Friday at his residence.
Lawrence was born Dec. 9, 1943, in Youngstown to the late Lawrence F. and Margaret E. (Taiclet) Gallagher. He was the eldest of six children.
He was a 1958 graduate of St. Columba School and a 1962 graduate of Ursuline High School. He received his bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University, majoring in English and Philosophy. He continued his education with Allegheny Community College, receiving an associate’s degree. He attended St. Gregory Seminary and the Athenaeum of Ohio and later taught at Vanderbilt University and Youngstown State University.
Lawrence was a Licensed Respiratory Therapist for 34 years, serving patients at St. Elizabeth Health Center and Salem Community Hospital, where he retired at in 2000.
He was a member of St. Luke Parish and the Knights of Columbus No. 4224 in Poland where he achieved his 3rd. degree.
He served in the U.S. Army as a Medical Corpsman during the Vietnam War, serving with the 5th Calvary and 9th. Infantry Division.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Jessica Sedmak.
He is survived by his wife, the former Joanne Brajkovich, whom he married Sept. 3, 1998; two daughters, Mikaela Gallagher Whitman of New York and Jennifer (Pete) Craig-Ostapiak of Salem; two sons, Donald (Lisa) Craig Jr. of Troy and John (Sara) Craig of Ashburn, Va.; six grandchildren, Eric, Chelsea, Anna, Lauren, Devon and Gabriel. He also leaves two sisters, Mary Ann Gallagher and Margaret (Kittiphon) Prayong; three brothers, Michael (Prudence) Gallagher, Patrick (Renee') Gallagher and Timothy (Karen) Gallagher; nieces and nephews Jennifer, Michael Sean, Brendan, Erin, Megan, Shawna, Kathleen, Shane, and Daniel; and great-nephews Dominic and Cormac.
Friends may call today from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Catholic Charities.
Visit www.higgins-reardon.com to view the obituary and to send condolences.
Tracey Lynn Husk, 42
CORTLAND – Tracey Lynn Husk, 42, passed away, Friday, Sept. 11, 2009, at Trumbull Memorial Hospital.
She was born Nov. 24, 1966 in Warren, the daughter of the late Rodney E. Husk and Connie K.(Orndoff) Husk.
Tracey was a 1985 graduate of Lakeview High School and received a Bachelor’s degree in education from the Youngstown State University. She continued her education and received a Master’s degree in reading and also a Master’s degree in special education.
Tracey was employed as a 4th grade teacher for the gifted for the Lakeview Local Schools, where she worked for the past 18 years.
She had a passion for teaching and always challenged her students. She loved to see her students excel and held a special place in her heart for each and every one of them.
Tracey also enjoyed flower gardens, music, plays and spending time with her friends. She was a wonderful daughter, sister and aunt. Tracey will be deeply missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing her.
She is survived by her mother, Connie K. Husk of Cortland; a brother, Scott (Jennifer) Husk of Liberty Township; and two nephews, Camden and Zaiden Husk.
She was preceded in death by her father, Rodney Husk.
Services will be held at the Carl W. Hall Funeral Home in Warren on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009, at 11 a.m., where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
Friends may call today from 4 to 7 p.m. and Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Carl W. Hall Funeral Home, 533 North Park Ave. in Warren.
Interment will be at Hillside Cemetery on West Main Street in Cortland.
In lieu of flowers, material contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society in Tracey’s memory.
Manuel Snyder, 92
BOARDMAN – Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday at the Shriver Allison Courtley Weller King Funeral Home for Manuel Snyder, 92, who died early Saturday morning.
Mr. Snyder was born Feb. 9, 1917 in Youngstown, a son of Meyer and Anna Garrett Snyder.
He was a graduate of East High School and Indiana Tech.
In 1942, Dr. Snyder began his career with the U.S. Defense Department attached to the U.S. Navy. He started as a Naval Aircraft Inspector at Wright Patterson and progressed to work on many Navy programs. His projects included deployment devices for nuclear subs, development of the F-15 fighter plane and the early age space program, including the Gemini and Apollo projects. In commeration of his work as project manager for the Lunar Rover, his name is engraved on a plaque that remains on the moon.
His wife, the former Beatrice Louise Faber, whom he married in 1945, died Nov. 5, 2005.
Manuel is survived by his three daughters, Rochelle (Larry) Marks of Boardman, Lauren Tillman (Sewickley, Pa. and Denise Ehrenberg of Boardman; four grandchildren, Jessica and Jason Ehrenberg and Bradley and Jamie Marks; and two sisters-in-law, Roberta Aronoff and Matilda Faber.
Besides his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by two sisters and a brother.
Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the funeral home and may also visit at the Marks residence.
Contributions may be made to Ohev Tzedek, 5245 Glenwood Ave., Youngstown, OH 44512.
Arrangement are being handled by the Shriver Allison Courtley Weller King Funeral Home in Youngstown.
Doris L. Padgitt, 87
YOUNGSTOWN – Doris L. Padgitt, 87, formerly of Liberty Township, passed away Saturday Sept. 12, 2009, at Park Vista.
Doris was born Feb. 17, 1922, to the late Roy and Nannie Sprankle Dilts in Youngstown.
She worked for General Fireproofing and Isaly’s Dairy in Youngstown, and was a homemaker most of her life.
She was a member of the Church Hill United Methodist Church, Eastern Star Sunrise Chapter No. 458, and the garden club. She enjoyed doing ceramics.
She is survived by her children, William A. (Carol) Padgitt of Hudson, Fla. and Gary (Bobbie) Padgitt of Boardman; a companion, Bob Halstead; a sister, Bonnie Pusser of Texas; five grandchildren, Eric, Allan, Douglas, Shelly and Lizzie Padgitt; and 11 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William L. Padgitt, whom she married May 14, 1943, and who died Nov. 25, 1979; stepsisters, Hazel Winyard and Monabell Schaefer; and a brother, William Dilts.
Services will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Blackstone Funeral Home, where visitation will be held on Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m., with an Eastern Star service at 6:45 p.m..
Interment will be at Belmont Park Cemetery.
The family requests that material contributions can be made to Hospice of the Valley or the Beatitude House.
Mary Elaine Robinson, 86
STRUTHERS – Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at the Kirila Funeral Home Inc. and at 11 a.m. at St Nicholas Church for Mary E. Robinson, 86, who died Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009.
She was born May 13, 1923 in Struthers, the daughter of the late George D. and Florence Kelly Robinson.
She was a member of St Nicholas Church in Struthers.
She is survived by her sister, Grace Root of Struthers; a nephew, Thomas E. (Corie) Root Sr. of Ypsilanti, Mich.; a great-nephew, Thomas E. (Toni) Root Jr. and their son, Ian of Ann Arbor, Mich.; and a very good friend, Lisa Payne.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Sarah J. Robinson.
Visiting hours will be today, Monday, Sept. 14, 2009, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Kirila Funeral Home Inc., 258 Poland Ave. in Struthers.
Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Omni Manor Health Care Center.
Please visit please visit www.kirilafh.com to view this obituary or to send condolences to the family.
Kirila Funeral Home Inc.
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Claire L. Sferra, 69
YOUNGSTOWN – There will be a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009, at 10 a.m. at St. Christine Church, Youngstown, with Rev. Kevin Peters and Rev. G. David Weikart officiating, preceded by a 9:15 a.m. prayer service held at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4700 Market St., Boardman, for Claire L. Sferra, 69, of Youngstown, who passed away on Saturday evening, Sept. 12, 2009, with her loving family by her side after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer.
Claire will always be remembered and loved by her family and friends.
She was born April 22, 1940, in Youngstown, the daughter of Dominic and Catherine (Santo) Figlia, and was a lifelong area resident.
Claire retired in 2006 from St. Elizabeth Hospital where she was employed in the accounting department for 39 years along with being a homemaker. She was a 1958 graduate of East High School, where she was a cheerleader and a member of the National Honor Society.
Claire was a member of St. Christine Church. Prior to that, she and her family were members of Saint Brendan Parish, where her children attended the parish school and she participated on school and parish committees. She was a Brownie Troop Leader. She also provided administrative support for the Mahoning Valley Umpire Association.
After she was diagnosed with cancer, Claire chose to share what she learned and offered support for others diagnosed by volunteering with the American Cancer Society. She gave outreach to others in the Reach to Recovery for Cancer program.
Claire was a wonderful cook (everyone loved her pasta fagiole) and was hospitable with her food and friendship. Her life’s passion was spending time with her family and watching her grandchildren at their sporting events. She cherished her family, her Italian heritage and her Roman Catholic faith.
She leaves to cherish her memories her husband, William R. Sferra, whom she married October 8, 1960, two daughters Linda (Patrick) Files of Canfield and Lisa (Mark) Morelli of Cuyahoga Falls; four beloved grandchildren, Dominic and Will Files and Julia and Olivia Morelli; and numerous friends. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Friends may call on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4700 Market St., Boardman.
Entombment will take place at Calvary Cemetery.
The family deeply appreciates the caring services of Dr. Ravi, Dr. Garg and Dr. Niranjan Patel and their staffs for excellent care given to Claire during her illness. The family would also like thank the countless friends that have done so much to help and give support during this difficult time.
Jill M. Logue (Cappitte) Thurston, 44
YOUNGSTOWN – Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Wasko Funeral Home and at 1:30 p.m. at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Struthers for Jill M. Logue (Cappitte) Thurston, 44, who passed away Sunday morning at her home, after a courageous battle with lung cancer.
Jill was born March 9, 1965, in Youngstown, the daughter of Ronald Logue and Geraldine M. (Crippa) Radivich and was a lifelong area resident.
She was a 1983 graduate of Ursuline High School, and was a server at Perkins Restaurant in Boardman until November of 2007.
Jill was a very generous person, a loving and caring mother, and she will be forever missed in our hearts, souls and in our memories until we all meet again.
She leaves to cherish her memory her mother and stepfather, Geraldine and Radomir Radivich of Dublin; her father, Ronald Logue of Austintown; two sons, Matthew T. Cappitte and Eric A. Cappitte at home; her partner and father of her sons, Sam Cappitte, with whom she made her home; a sister and brother-in-law, Lori and John Krakowski of North Ridgeville; a nephew, Alex Krakowski of North Ridgeville; step-grandmother, Lillian Radivich of Campbell; and an aunt and uncle, Carol and Bob Crowell of Mojave, Calif.
She was preceded in death by her loving grandparents, Helen and William Crippa.
The Radivich and Cappitte families have entrusted their loved one to the care of the Wasko Funeral Home and will receive friends Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Argiro Tzagournis, 92
COLUMBUS – Argiro Tzagournis, 92, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, with her entire family at her side.
She was born June 23, 1917 in Youngstown, the daughter of George and Maria Maropoulakis of Hania, Crete, Greece, where Argiro spent much of her youth. She was the beloved matriarch of the Tzagournis family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Adam and her sisters, Mary Denney, Liyeri Maropoulakis and Helen Saridakis.
She is survived by her sons, Manuel (Madeline), George (Tula), William (Barbara), Charles (Glenna) and Louis (Marie) Argiro; 31 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews from the Denney and Saridakis families.
Calling hours will be held today from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., with the Trisagion Service at 7:30 p.m. at Schoedinger Northwest Chapel, 1740 Zollinger Road in Upper Arlington.
The funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009, at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 555 N. High St. in Columbus, with Father Michael Kontos and Father Joseph DiStefano officiating.
Family and friends will also be received prior to the funeral at the Cathedral at 10:30 a.m.
Interment will be in Youngstown.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral or to The Greek Orthodox Cathedral Foundation.
Friends may visit www.schoedinger.com to sign her online guestbook.
Robert A. “Bob”
Young Sr., 63
HOWLAND TWP. – Robert A. “Bob” Young Sr., 63, passed away peacefully at his home at 4:10 p.m. Friday, Sept.11, 2009, following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
He was born March 11, 1946, in Warren, the son of Harold and Katherine (Jones) Young.
A lifetime area resident, Bob was a 1964 graduate of Howland High School and was a United States Navy Veteran of the Vietnam War, serving aboard the USS Forrestal.
After being discharged from the navy, he returned to Warren and was employed by Thomas Steel Strip for 40 years as a gas operator, retiring in 2006.
Bob was a member of the Howland Community Church and was an avid golfer. He was a member of the Sponsors Golf Association, the Avalon Players Association, and the Thomas Steel Golf League. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, and woodworking. He loved horses and horseback riding and had won many awards and trophies for his riding ability. He was a member of the Country Riders 4-H Club. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family, especially with his grandchildren, who called him “Grampy.”
He will be sadly missed by his mother, Katherine of Howland; wife of 40 years, Karen (Lee) Young, whom he married Dec.14, 1968; a daughter, Christina (Richard) Nichols of Hartford; a son, Robert A. Young Jr. of Vienna; and two grandchildren, Taylor and Autumn Nichols. He also leaves a sister, Judy (Thomas) Jordan of Warren.
He was preceded in death by his father.
Services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept.15, 2009, at the Roberts-Clark Chapel, where friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. today. The Rev. Myron Daum will officiate.
Interment will be at Crown Hill Burial Park, where military honors will be observed.
Material contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Youngstown, OH 44512-2198 or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 2141 Rosecrans Ave. Suite 7000, El Segundo, CA 90245.
Please visit www.robertsclarkchapel.com to view this obituary online or send condolences.
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