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Tributes 2009-10-11

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Dr. Robert A. Ameduri, 88

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. – Dr. Robert A. Ameduri, 88, died at his home on Sept. 27, 2009, from complications of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Bob was born in Youngstown on Nov. 18, 1920, to Marie and Anthony Ameduri, the eighth of 10 children.

After obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry from Youngstown College, and a Master’s Degree in Chemistry from what is now Case Western Reserve University, Bob worked as a metallurgical engineer. He later earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Westminster College in Pennsylvania and a Ph.D. from Kent State University. Bob was hired as a professor at Youngstown State University in 1962, first teaching Chemistry and Physics, and later Science Education until he retired in 1992 and moved to Scottsdale with his wife, Judy. In Arizona, Bob volunteered with the Central Arizona Regional Science and Engineering Fair and enjoyed gardening, woodworking, and time with his grandchildren.

Bob is survived by his wife of 46 years, Judith; his children, Christine, James, Michael and Robert G. Ameduri; and grandchildren.

Memorial donations may be made to Youngstown State University College of Education (please note “In memory of Dr. Robert Ameduri”), and mailed to Youngstown State University Development Office, One University Plaza, Youngstown, OH 44555.

Condolences may be sent via e-mail at rememberingbob@live.com to the family.

Kenneth M. Bright Sr., 76

LORDSTOWN – Kenneth M. Bright Sr., 76, entered into eternal rest Thursday, Oct. 8, 2009, at his residence.

Kenneth was born April 12, 1933, in Lordstown, the son of Milo Findley and Margaret (Cowden) Bright, and had lived in Lordstown his entire life.

Kenneth married the former Jeannine I. Giard on Feb. 27, 1954, and together they have celebrated 55 years of marriage.

Kenneth was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and was employed as a bricklayer for Republic Steel, which later became LTV Steel. After leaving LTV Steel, he was a bricklayer for Copperweld. During this time, Kenneth was also a vegetable farmer and owned and operated Bright’s Produce in Lordstown.

He was a member of Bricklayers Union Local No. 43 and enjoyed going to breakfast with his fellow union members. He enjoyed hunting, woodworking, farming, horse races and cards and was an avid fan of all the Cleveland sports teams: the Indians, Cavaliers and the Browns.

Kenneth is survived by his wife, Jeannine Bright of Lordstown; his daughters, Charleen Fluharty of Fort Bliss, Texas, Cindy Clonch of Newton Falls, Cathleen Bright of Southington, his daughter and son-in-law, Lori and Lee Blodgett of Lordstown, and Kelley Bright of Niles; sons and daughters-in-law, Timothy and Betsy Bright of Columbus, Gary and Cynthia Bright of Wilton, Maine, Kenneth and Tiffany Bright Jr. of Crestwood, Ky., and son Michael Bright of Canfield; sister Dorothy Robison of Howland; sister and brother-in-law Joyce and Gary McQuaid of Naples, Fla.; 23 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren.

Kenneth was preceded in death by a son, Terry; a daughter, Kimberly and a brother, Robert.

Calling hours will be today, Oct. 11 2009, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the James Funeral Home, where funeral services will be held on Monday, Oct. 12, 2009, at 9:30 a.m., with Father James Walker officiating.

Burial will be at Lordstown Cemetery with full military honors provided by the Newton Falls Veterans.

The family requests that donations be made to Hospice of The Valley, 5190 Market Street, Youngstown, OH 44512-2198.

Arrangements are being entrusted to James Funeral Home, 8 East Broad Street in Newton Falls.

Angele Cleckner, 86

AUSTINTOWN – Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009, at Brunstetters Cemetery for Angele Cleckner, 86, who passed away Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009, at St. Elizabeth Health Center.

Angele was born July 13, 1923, in Antwerp, Belgium, the daughter of James Petrus and Maria Elizabeth Byl. She was a homemaker and loving wife.

Angele worked for the Red Cross during World War II, where she met her husband of more than 60 years.

Angele leaves her husband, George Cleckner, whom she married Sept. 4, 1948. She also leaves one sister, Bernadette Byl DeLathoward of Belgium.

The family will receive family and friends prior to the services at the cemetery.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Lane Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel.

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

Ann D. Corrigan, 93

YOUNGSTOWN - Private family services were held Friday at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel for Ann D. Corrigan, 93, who died Tuesday.

Ann was born in Akron and had worked for the Stambaugh Thompson Hardware Co. in Youngstown, and O’Neils Department Store in Akron before retiring in 1967.

She had been a member of St. Joseph Church in Cuyahoga Falls.

She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents. she was preceded in death by a sister, Vera Kovalchik; and two brothers, Daniel and Edward Sekulich.

Burial followed at Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown.

Doris J. Crum, 80

“Together Again”

NEW SPRINGFIELD – Doris J. Crum, 80, passed away at 3:50 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009, at the Blossom Nursing Home in Salem.

She was born Aug. 19, 1929, in , Salem, the daughter of Francis and Alta Elser Oesch.

Mrs. Crum was a graduate of Columbiana High School. She worked for 25 years at Swope’s Value King of North Lima, retiring in 1989. Doris also worked at Giant Eagle as a cashier. She was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in New Springfield and a member of the V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary Post No. 2799 of New Springfield.

Doris was preceded in death on Aug. 24, 2003, by her husband, Denis O. Crum, whom she married Nov. 24, 1951.

She is survived by two daughters, Denise (Don ) Feren of Canfield and Sandy (Dave) Best of New Springfield; three sisters, Marge Ellison of New Springfield, Charlotte Greene of Chagrin Falls and Dorothy Eckhardt of Florida; four brothers, James (Carolyn) Oesch of Michigan, Harold (Karen) Oesch of Columbiana, Randall (Donna) Oesch of New Springfield and Donald (Jean) Oesch of Washington; one grandson and two great-granddaughters.

Mrs. Crum was preceded in death by one sister, Leila Crum; and by three brothers, Clayton Oesch, Robert Oesch and Gene Oesch.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009, at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in New Springfield, with the Rev. Steve Fortenberry officiating.

Friends may call one hour prior to the service, from 10 to 11 a.m., at the church.

Burial will be in New Springfield Cemetery.

The family suggests in lieu of flowers that material tributes be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Friends may visit www.seederly-mongandbeck.com to view this obituary, sign the guest register of send private condolences online.

Maria Franceschelli, 93

“Together Again”

BOARDMAN – There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Youngstown for Maria Franceschelli, 93, who passed away Friday afternoon, Oct. 9, 2009.

Maria was born Sept. 11, 1916, in Miranda (Isernia) Italy, the daughter of Angelo and Antonia (Pizzi) Ferrante.

She was a proud homemaker, taking care of her family. She was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church.

She has been lovingly reunited with her husband, Victor R. Franceschelli, whom she married Feb. 19, 1939, and who passed away April 3, 2007.

She has three children who will cherish the beautiful memories, Lisa (Mario) Petrino of Boardman, Lou (Charlene) Franceschelli of Poland, and Al (Carol) Franceschelli of Boardman; eight grandchildren, Anna (Mark) Kuzma, Mario (Miracle) Petrino, Michael (Maureen) Petrino, Louis (Heather) Franceschelli, Mark (Danielle) Franceschelli, Victor, Vincent and Anthony Franceschelli; seven great-grandchildren, Dominic, Nicholas, Ava, Andrew, Corinne, Brian, and Eric; and her special caregiver, Michelle.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant daughter; a great-granddaughter, Tressa Maria; a sister, Philomena Ferrante; and two brothers, Dominic and Gaetano Ferrante.

The family would like to express a special thank-you to the staff at Assumption Village for the support and care given to Maria.

Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, 2009, at the Rossi Brothers & Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Avenue in Boardman.

Everyone is invited to meet directly at the church Tuesday morning for Mass with the interment to follow at Lake Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions will be donated to various charities in Maria’s name.

Betty (Tulipano) Frederick

NAPLES, FLA. – Betty (Tulipano) Frederick, formerly of Youngstown, passed away Sunday, Sept. 6, 2009.

Born in Youngstown, she was the daughter of Thomas and Mary Thompson. Betty moved to Naples in 1979 and leaves behind many friends in both Naples and Youngstown.

She was a member of the Naples Moose Lodge and the Elks and loved to play cards with her friends and family.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Russell Frederick; her mother, Mary Thompson; her father, Thomas Thompson; her brothers, Ross and James Thompson; sisters Eileen Porter, Dorothy Smith and Rosemary Burns; grandsons Curtis Hilton and Bryan Tulipano; and her stepdaughter, Mary Ann Capezzutti.

She is survived by her children, Frank “Bill” Hanley and Karen Donnadio of Naples, Deborah Tulipano and Tom Tulipano of Virginia and Tony (Susie) Tulipano of Youngstown; grandchildren Gayle Hilton, April Donnadio, Sean Hanley, Stacey Tulipano and Tommy, David and Michael Vincent Tulipano; great-grandchildren Karalynne Battista, Chris, Mike, Tony and Zach Rossi, Jessica and Sean William Hanley and Taylor (Tulipano) Young; one great-great-granddaughter, Vivianna Battista; her stepdaughter, Bridget McGinnis; nieces Kathy McLaughlin and Pam and Maureen Thompson; and nephews Bruce Burns and Jamie Thompson.

Betty was a loving mother, sister, grandmother and friend who was deeply loved and will be forever missed.

A memorial service celebrating Betty’s life was held at 2064 Canfield Road on Sept. 17, 2009 at 3 p.m.

Robert “Bob” R. Gerzel

CRYSTAL RIVER, FLA. – Robert ”Bob” R. Gerzel, of Crystal River and Franklin, N.C., formerly of Youngstown, died Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009, two days before his 68th birthday. He passed away of a heart attack playing golf, a sport he truly loved.

He is survived by his parents, Walter and Freda of Savannah, Ga.; his loving wife, Sue; five children, Bob Jr., Rhett, Holly, Gregg and Gavin; and two sisters, Sandy Benson of Savannah and Janyce Gillen of Youngstown.

Bob graduated from South High School, class of 1959, and attended Youngstown State University. He was also a former member of the Christ United Presbyterian Church.

A military service was held in Franklin prior to the memorial service on Sept. 26 in Winter Park, Fla.

Allen C. Gillam, 71

YOUNGSTOWN - Allen C. Gillam, 71, of Bears Den Road, died Friday, Oct. 9, 2009, at his residence.

Mr. Gillam was born Dec. 24, 1937, in Petersburg, a son of Myron and Ruth Brick Gillam, and was a lifelong area resident.

He was a graduate of Springfield Local High School and worked as a salesman for the Schwebel Baking Company for 26 years, retiring in 2000.

Mr. Gillam was avid coin collector. He loved gardening, and bird watching, walking in Mill Creek Park with his wife. He was a Cleveland Browns and Indians fan, and loved to spend time with his children and grandchildren and especially his wife, June

Mr. Gillam is survived by his wife of 41 years, the former June Billett, whom he married Sept. 8, 1968; two daughters, Kim Fussnecker of Struthers and Debbie (Dan) Beniston of Canfield; three sons, Donnie VanMeter of Columbus, Charles Gillam of Youngstown and Richard Gillam of Boardman; one brother, William (Leonor) Gillam of Woodbridge, Va.; one sister, June (Harold) Bell of Poland; one sister-in-law, Lola Nagle of Austintown; and eight grandchildren, Ashley Fussnecker, Kristin VanMeter, Paige Riccardi, Donnie VanMeter, Christian Billett, Trisha VanMeter, Allie Beniston, Gavin Beniston; and he was soon to be the grandfather of Landon Allen Gillam.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Richard Gillam.

Family and friends will be received Tuesday from 5 to 7:45 p.m. at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home in Poland, where funeral services will be held at 8 p.m. Private interment will be at Petersburg Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to the Huntington’s Disease Society of America, 505 Eighth Avenue, Suite 902, New York, NY 10018.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.

June Hazel Hamerik, 79

“Together Forever”

AUSTINTOWN - June Hazel Hamerik, 79, passed away Friday morning, Oct. 9, 2009, at Briarfield Manor.

June was born June 13, 1930 in Somerset, Pa., a daughter of the late Howard and Laura Stern Williams, and came to this area in the mid 1950s.

She was a graduate of Stony Creek High School in Pennsylvania, was a homemaker, and worked for a time at Thornton Laundry and the Penn-Ohio Towel Company.

Mrs. Hamerik was of the Lutheran faith.

Her husband, Elmer A. Hamerik, whom she married Nov. 24, 1956, passed away Dec. 23, 1993.

June leaves three sons, Andrew H. Hamerik of Youngstown, Ronald J. (Arlene) Hamerik of Girard and Stephen M. Hamerik of Newton Falls; a daughter, Laura M. (Raymond) Brandenburg of Indianapolis; 14 grandchildren, Natasha Stewart, Matthew Roth, Tyler Brandenburg, Madeleine Brandenburg, Ashley (Christopher) Mackes, Justin Hamerik, Rondalynn Hamerik, Tracey (Michelle) Titus, Shawn Titus, Brandy (Paul) Starkey, Chelsea Macovitz, Mitchell Glay, Erin Holiday and Ryan Lammerding; eight great-grandchildren; two sisters, Patricia Smith of Youngstown and Betty (Clayton) Huey of Berlin, Pa.; and a brother, Kenneth (Janice) Williams of Somerset.

June will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Besides her husband, a son, Brian L. Hamerik; a grandson, Stephen Kilcoyne; and five brothers, Richard, Elwood, Howard, Paul and Charles Williams, are deceased.

Family and friends may call on Monday, Oct. 12, from noon to 2 p.m. at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Road in Youngstown, where funeral services will take place at 2 p.m.

Interment will follow at Tod Homestead Cemetery in Youngstown.

Visit kinnickfuneralhome.com to view this obituary and send condolences on-line.

Michael “Mike” Hudak, 85

AUSTINTOWN – A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. George Byzantine Catholic Church and prayers offered at 9:30 a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Boardman-Canfield Chapel for Michael "Mike" Hudak, 85, who died Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009, at his residence surrounded by his family.

Friends may call Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Full obituary to appear in Monday’s edition.

Please visit www.higgins-reardon.com to view the obituary or to send condolences.

Grace Stambaugh Keagy, 87

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Broadway and film actress Grace Stambaugh Keagy, 87, died Oct. 4, 2009, from ovarian cancer.

She was predeceased by her husband, Robert B. Keagy, and brother William Stambaugh.

She is survived by her children, Katherine (John) Nananosky of Arizona, Michael (Michele) Keagy of Austintown, Elizabeth (Kim) Kowalke of New York, Claudia Brewington of Minnesota and David (Kelly) Keagy of California; 12 grandchildren, including Courtney Keagy of Austintown, Shaddick (Brandy) Keagy of Texas and Carla (Don) Ferree of Austintown; 11 great-grandchildren; a sister, Adelaide Love of Nevada; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

After eventually settling in Minneopolis, she returned to the stage in character roles with Center Opera Company, Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, and then in 1967 with the Tyrone Guthrie Theatre, where she worked with Sir Guthrie himself.

In 1973, after moving to New York, she immediately landed the Ethel Merman role in the production of “Call Me Madam.” She made her Broadway debut in 1975 in “Goodtime Charley” with Joel Grey and Ann Reinking. In 1996, she came out of retirement at Jerry Herman’s request to play a featured part in the Christmas television special “Mrs. Santa Claus,” starring Angela Lansburry. Grace had an extensive career on Broadway, which included feature roles with Lauren Bacall, Debbie Reynolds, Patrick Swayze, Joel Grey, Lonnie Anderson, Raquel Welch and Liv Ullman. Her career included Broadway, several films, commercials and soap operas.

She was a classical pianist and graduated from New England Conservatory of Music, where she received training as an opera singer. Keagy made a number of national commercials, including a Cleo-winning one for Dunkin Dounuts.

Grace was born in Youngstown, and is a descendent of the Stambaugh family.

She performed her first piano concert at the age of 12 at the Stambaugh Auditorium.

There will be no calling hours.

Service and interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice.

Please visit, www.newcomerrochester.com to share a special memory.

Mary George Kerola, 104

HUBBARD – Mary George Kerola, 104, died peacefully in her sleep at home early Wednesday morning, Oct. 7, on the feast of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Mrs. Kerola was born on Dec. 25, 1904, the last of five children of Shanini and Thomas George Wahabe in Feghal, Jbeil, Lebanon. Because she was born on Christmas, her mother used to say her name came with her, so she named her Mary.

She emigrated to the United States in 1907. Her mother made several transatlantic trips between the United States and Lebanon, and in 1912, she was a survivor of the Titanic. Mrs. Kerola was interviewed many times over the years for her recollections of the stories her mother told her.

As a young girl, she packed ice-cream cones for the family business, George & Thomas Cone Company, which is now the Joy Cone Co. in Hermitage, Pa. In Sharon, Pa., she worked at an original Isaly’s Dairy Store on State Street. While her children were in college, she co-owned a grocery store in Youngstown. In the 1950s, she and her husband fulfilled their lifelong dream when they founded P I & I Motor Express in Masury.

She married Joseph J. Kerola in Sharon on Feb. 24, 1927. They lived in Buffalo, N.Y., Sharon and Youngstown. They moved to Hubbard in 1953. He passed away on Nov. 13, 1965.

Their only son, John J. Kerola, died on June 19, 1996 and his wife, Lauretta A. (Jones), died Jan. 8, 1999. Besides her parents, her husband, and their son, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Thomas, Joseph and Albert; and a sister, Rose George Thomas.

Mrs. Kerola leaves her daughter, Joann Kerola Knuth, with whom she made her home, and grandchildren Richard L. Knuth Jr. and wife, Lynn of Charlotte, N.C., and Mary Jo Knuth of Liberty Township. She also leaves grandsons, Joseph J. Kerola and wife Pamela of Hubbard and William J. Kerola and wife Carrie of Greenville, Pa.; and seven great-grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and numerous other relatives and friends.

As she aged, she maintained many close relationships. Throughout the years, she was especially close to her nephew, Peter Feghali of Ramona, Calif., and Dr. and Mrs. Fred W. Dunlea of Youngstown. She was grateful that she had such a supportive and loving extended family.

Friends and family may pay their respects on Monday, Oct. 12, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Queen of the Holy Rosary Church. A rosary will be said at 3:45 p.m. and the funeral Mass will follow at 4 p.m.

The family requests that any material tributes be made to Millcreek Children’s Center, c/o Sister Jerome Corcoran OSU, 44 Essex St., Youngstown, OH 44502 or Queen of the Holy Rosary Education Fund, 291 Scoville Road, Vienna, OH 44473.

Arrangements are being handled by the McClurkin Funeral Home in Girard.

Mary Ann DeMain Martin, 56

POWELL – “My Mom went home to Heaven on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2009.”

She was born Aug. 1, 1953, in Youngstown. She was the fourth of five children to Anthony and Mary Catherine DeMain. She was the only girl in the family of older brothers, Eddie, Henry (Karen), Tommy, and younger brother, Bobby (Lisa).

She was a highly educated graduate of Youngstown East High School, who received an Associate degree in Nursing from Youngstown State, a Bachelor’s degree from Otterbein College and a Master’s degree in Nursing from Wright State.

This year was to mark her 33^rd Wedding Anniversary to my Dad, Bob Martin.

Mom lived every day to its fullest, touching countless lives along the way.

She was Director of Nursing, as well as a Clinical Professor at Ohio State. She loved teaching and interacting with her students. Mom was a rabid sports fan, especially cheering on her Atlanta Braves.

“Words can’t possibly begin to express how wonderful a Mom she was to me and how loving a wife she was to my Dad. Her greatest joy was that she got to meet her first grandchild, Jack, who always has a special smile reserved just for her. I hope everyone that knew my Mom will help me share stories about his Grandma, so Jack will always remember her.”

Mom was preceded in death by her father, Tony, who is no doubt getting to hear all about his great-grandson.

She is survived by her mother, Mary Catherine; her brothers; as well as their children. Also by her loving husband Bob; son Bobby; daughter-in-law Emily; grandson Jack; and her loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

“She left far too soon but we will see you again. I love you, Mom....Bobby.”

The family will receive friends today from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Rutherford Funeral Home at Powell, 450 West Olentangy St., Powell, OH 43065 (614)-792-1471). (The funeral home is located on West Olentangy St./Powell Road/SR 750 mile east of Sawmill Parkway).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 12, 2009, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 10700 Liberty Road, Powell, OH 43065 with the Reverend Raymond Larussa, Celebrant.

Private burial services will be observed by the family.

If they choose, friends are asked to consider memorial contributions to the Multiple Sclerosis Society-National, 651 Lakeview Plaza Blvd., Worthington, OH 43085, in Mary Ann’s memory.

Visit www.rutherfordfuneralhomes.com to send condolences to the family.

Audrey Alice Matthews, 66

YOUNGSTOWN – Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at the Lane Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel for Audrey Alice Matthews, 66, who passed away Friday morning at Mahoning Valley Hospital.

Audrey was born April 1, 1943, in Grafton W.Va., the daughter of Truman and Janith (Parsons) Grim.

She was a homemaker, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Audrey’s hobbies included quilting, crocheting, jewelry making, gardening, and traveling.

She leaves her husband of 48 years, Frank D. Matthews Sr., whom she married Feb. 8, 1961. Audrey also leaves three children, Frank D. Matthews Jr. of Rogers, Wendy Sipe of New Castle and Lori DeMello of Campbell; two sisters, Jan (Joe) Hubert of New Middletown and Mary (Jack) Maravola of Boardman; and one brother, John (Patty) Grim of Youngstown. She also leaves 10 grandchildren, Megan, Monica, Richard, Mandy, Merradith, Andrea, Joshua, Kristin, April and Christopher, as well as 10 great-grandchildren.

Besides her parents, Audrey was preceded in death by a daughter, Karen Davison, and one brother, Ralph Grim.

Family and friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday and again from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.

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

Lonzo L. McPeters, 92

YOUNGSTOWN – Lonzo L. McPeters, 92, of 1139 Katherine Ave., departed this life Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009, at 11:45 p.m. at Forum Health Northside Medical Center following heart failure.

He was born June 29, 1917, in Ripley, Miss., the son of Reese and Lillian Garrett McPeters, and came to the area 70 years ago.

Mr. McPeters was employed as a laborer for 35 years with the Labors and Contractors Union, before retiring in 1983. He enjoyed gardening.

He married Mattie Mae (Vance) McPeters on Dec. 7, 1935, and she died Feb. 10, 2009.

He leaves to mourn one son, Anthony Lonzo (Angela) McPeters of Indianapolis, Ind.; one daughter, Ms. Thelma Dudley of Youngstown; two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and host of relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Joseph Booker (JB) McPeters and Albert Leon McPeters and three sisters, Mrs. Rosie Monroe, Mrs. Minnie Williams and Mrs. Vera Gibbs.

Funeral services will be held Monday, Oct. 12, 2009, at 11 a.m. at the New Hope Baptist Church (437 Albert St.)

Calling hours will be one hour prior to the service from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church.

Burial will be at Tod Homestead Cemetery.

Arrangements of comfort were handled by the Sterling-McCullough Williams Funeral Home.

Mary Lou Natoli, 75

MARIN COUNTY, CALIF. – On April 24, 2009, at a hospital in Marin County, California, our mother, Mary Lou Natoli, formerly Mary Lou Piersante of Youngstown, passed away of sudden complications.

She was born and raised in Youngstown by her mother, the late Josephine Caruso Piersante, her father, the late Pete Piersante and her siblings, Carmen Piersante, James Piersante, Loretta Delpha, Anna Zizzo, Nellie Hendrick, and her only surviving sibling, Josephine D’Agostino of Poland.

She has left behind her husband of 49 years, Phillip J. Natoli; her children, Debbie Ostrander of Rohnert Park, Calif., Maria Saltzer of Santa Rosa, Calif. and Phillip Natoli Jr. of Santa Rosa; and her grandchildren, Jessica Saltzer, Jennifer Saltzer, Anthony Saltzer, Andrea Natoli, and Andrew Natoli.

Mary Lou, was born on Feb. 3, 1934, in Youngstown, and as a young girl loved to draw and paint, which is no wonder, that as a young woman, she accepted the position as Window Dresser at Straus’s Department Store in Youngstown, where she was able to display her creative and artistic talents. She worked there until she was introduced to Phillip Natoli, a young aspiring lawyer, through a mutual friend. It didn’t take long for Phillip and Mary Lou to realize that they were meant to be together, and married soon after their short engagement. They later moved to Southern California to start their new life together and soon became new parents, welcoming their daughter Debbie, then a few years later, their daughter Maria was born, and lastly, their son Phillip Jr. They moved a couple of times landing in Chicago for a few short years, then back to California where they remained, settling first in the city of Greenbrae, then Novato. Not long after their children were married, the grandchildren came along and opened up a whole new world for them as they enjoyed watching their five grandchildren grow up spending quality time with them and faithfully attending school functions and special events as their biggest fans.

“Mom enjoyed attending services and was a member of St. Anthony’s of Padua Church in Novato, California, and in previous years with her family, attended St. Sebastian’s Church in Greenbrae, California.”

She was full of life and always full of surprises. At one holiday gathering, she even surprised us by performing for the family her rendition of Michael Jackson’s, “Moon Walk.” She was always the one to keep us up-to-date on current events and newsworthy topics, and could be counted upon to keep the conversations going.

“Our mother was a graceful hostess to all of those who would merely stop by for a visit.” She gladly would whip up a full Italian meal consisting of her simply delicious pasta sauce, or share some freshly baked dessert from the recipes she kept safely in her memory, such as her famous holiday favorites, Nut bread, Easter Bread, Apple Strudel and Rice pie. “Sadly, one of us, who has been chosen to carry on the tradition and make the desserts using mom’s secret recipes, (which was not a tough decision as only one of us can bake), has attempted to recreate one of these delicious treats, and has come to the conclusion that I’ve definitely got my work cut out for me.”

“There is not one day that goes by that we do not think of her. She is our beloved and adored wife, mother, and grandmother, who will be cherished in our hearts forever.”

Services were held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Novato, Calif., on May 1, 2009, and she was laid to rest at Valley Memorial Park Cemetery, in Novato, Calif.

Jack Lloyd Pratt, 63

HUBBARD – Jack Lloyd Pratt, 63, died Thursday morning at his residence.

He was born May 9, 1946, in Lost Creek, W.Va., a son of Wesley and Mary Sandy Pratt, and was a lifelong area resident.

Mr. Pratt was a heavy equipment mechanic with the U.S. Army for 30 years having served during the Vietnam War before retiring in 1993. He was a member of the Hubbard VFW Post No. 3767.

He leaves three sons, Shane Allen (Vicki) Pratt of Port Angeles, Wash., Brandon Lloyd (Thelma) Pratt of Port Angeles and Ryan Pratt of Hubbard; a daughter, Gabrielle (Kelley) Rutherford of Tacoma, Wash.; a brother, John Wesley Pratt of Girard; and eight grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a half brother, Thomas Richard Donahue.

Memorial services will be held Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Kelley-Robb Funeral Home.

There are no calling hours.

Please visit www.kelley-robb.com to view this obituary and send condolences to the family.

Patricia J. Rolland, 56

“Together Again”

STRUTHERS – Funeral services will be Monday, Oct. 11, 2009, at 7 p.m. at the McVean, Hughes and McClurkin Funeral Home for Patricia J. Rolland, 56, who died Friday afternoon at home.

Patricia was born Feb. 3, 1953, in Youngstown, the daughter of Dorothy Kulikowsky.

She was employed by the Ohio One Corporation for 17 years.

Patricia is survived by her husband, Donald R. Rolland, whom she married Dec. 24, 1969; a son, Sydney (Gretta) Rolland of Boardman; a daughter, Sheryl (Todd) Allen of Struthers; and five grandchildren, Steven Jr., Ashley, David, Miranda and Ben.

She was preceded in death by her son, Steven J. Rolland; and her sister, Marion Boerio.

Family and friends may call on Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

The family would like to thank Hospice of the Valley for the care and compassion during Patricia’s illness.

Sherrie L. Varga, 54

CAMPBELL – Sherrie L. Varga, 54, of Piccadilly Street, died Friday morning, Oct. 9, 2009, at her residence, from unknown causes.

Mrs. Varga was born July 26, 1955, in Newport, R.I., the daughter of Robert and Joanne Boughner Flannery.

She was a member of the Rockview Christian Church, and was a full-time, wife, mother, grandmother and sister. She enjoyed working on her computer, facebook, vacationing in Florida, and most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

Besides her parents of Campbell, she is survived by her husband of 35 years, Jerry Varga, whom she married April 26, 1975; three daughters, Stacie (Jimmy) Kavouras of Struthers, Tiffany (Raul II) Ortiz of Campbell and Stephanie (Bob) Benson of Struthers; one son, Jerry (Jessica) Varga of Struthers; one sister, Jackie (Butch) Brown of New Middletown; one brother, John Flannery of Boardman; and seven grandchildren, Jerry Varga, Alexis Kavouras, Jordan Varga, Sophia Kavouras, Oliver Ortiz, Andonia Kavouras and Elliana Benson. She is also survived by her mother-in-law, Helen Varga of Struthers; two brothers-in-law, Jim (Linda) Varga of Struthers and Steve Varga of Struthers; one sister-in-law, Sandra Varga of Struthers; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by one brother, Bobby Flannery; her father-in-law, John Varga; and one brother-in-law, Frank Varga.

Memorial services will be held Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Davidson-Becker Funeral Home in Struthers, where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the memorial service.

The family suggest that no flowers be sent. They would like memorial contributions to be made to the Davidson-Becker Funeral Home, 11 Spring St., Struthers, OH 44471, to help to defray funeral expenses.

Visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.

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