Tributes 2009-10-12

Stella C. Demsey, 95

BOARDMAN – Stella C. Demsey, 95, formerly of Stewart Road in Lowellville, passed away peacefully early Sunday morning, Oct. 11, 2009, at Hospice House in Poland.

Stella was born April 15, 1914 in Star Junction, Pa., a daughter of the late Samuel and Karoline Steliga Gunia, and came to Youngstown with her family on May 7, 1926.

She was a dedicated homemaker and also had worked for Republic Rubber Works during the 1930’s.

A woman of abiding faith, Stella was a founding member of the former Holy Cross Polish National Catholic Church on Stewart Avenue in Youngstown, and remained active in her church until it closed in the early 1990's. She served as a trustee and treasurer of the church, was a member of the church choir, and was a member and recording secretary of the Ladies Society of the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, being honored for her 50+ years of devoted service.

Stella also belonged to SPOJNIA, Krakusy Lodge No. 827 of the Polish National Alliance, and enjoyed cooking, sewing, gardening, and, most importantly, spending time with her family.

Her husband, John J. Demsey, whom she married Sept. 26, 1936, died Oct. 27, 1991.

Stella leaves a son, Dennis (Joyce) Demsey of Cortland; a daughter, Judith Neyman with whom she made her home; two grandsons, Brian (Traci) Demsey and Eric (Abigale) Demsey of Cortland; a granddaughter, Christina (Dr. Thomas) Sossong of Philadelphia; three great-grandchildren, Madyson Marie, Ella Joy and Luke Thomas Demsey; a sister, Helen Kurdys of Boardman; and many nieces and nephews.

Two brothers, Walter and Frank Gunia; a sister, Emily Krasinski; and a son-in-law, Rev. John Neyman, preceded her in death.

Family and friends may call on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009, from 3:30 to 7 p.m. at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Road, Youngstown, where funeral services will take place at 7 p.m.

A special thank you from the Demsey family is extended to the staff of Hospice House for the kindness shown and care given to Stella during her brief stay there.

Contributions may be made in Stella’s memory to Hospice House, 9803 Sharrott Road, Poland, OH 44514.

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

View Image

View Image

---

Emily June Garcia, 77

YOUNGSTOWN – There will be funeral services at noon on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009, at the Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home followed by a 1 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial at the Sacred Heart Church for Emily June Garcia, 77, who passed away Saturday morning, Oct. 10.

Emily was born June 7, 1932, in Canonsburg, Pa., the daughter of Emil H. and Mary Ann (Zednick) Cregut.

Emily was an Outreach Worker and interpreter for Community Action in West Palm Beach, Fla., was an American Family Service Committer with the West Palm Beach Health Department, was a Spanish Coordinator for Community Action in Ashtabula County, and taught English at O.C.C.H.A.

She has been reunited with her husband, Santo Garcia, whom she married Sept. 3, 1976 and he passed away Dec. 18, 2003.

She will always be remembered by her son, Michael J. Cregut of McDonald; her daughter, Mary Alice Gonzalez-Vera of Ashtabula; her caregiver, Edward Ealy; a stepdaughter, Evangelica Delgado of Youngstown; four stepsons, Angel Luis Garcia and Cruz Garcia, both of Puerto Rico, Edwin Garcia of Cleveland and Samuel Garcia of Boardman; five grandchildren; six stepgrandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; eight stepgreat-grandchildren; and three sisters, Rosella Pabian of Strabane, Pa., Julianne Parfenick of Mingo Junction and Mary Ann Russell of Boca Raton, Fla.

Besides her parents, Emily was preceded in death by two brothers and a sister.

Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. on Monday Oct. 12 at the Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave. in Boardman.

View Image

View Image

---

Darrik Morgan Hall Sr., 23

YOUNGSTOWN – Private services were held Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009, at the L.E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home for Mr. Darrik Morgan Hall Sr., 23, who departed this life Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009.

Mr. Hall was born Oct. 20, 1985 in Youngstown, a son of Eric Hall and Natarasha Gillam.

He attended Youngstown City Schools and had worked as a cook at various restaurants. He was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers Football fan. He enjoyed writing music and rapping, loved to shop and dress to impress. He loved his children and being with family.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his mother and stepfather, Natarasha Gillam and Robin Rutledge; and father and stepmother, Eric and Yvette Hall, all of Youngstown; three children, Darrik Hall Jr. of Warren and DaQualynn and Darrika Hall, both of Youngstown; grandparents, Bertha Gillam and Patricia Suttles, both of Youngstown and Juan Hall Sr. of Snellville, Ga.; three sisters, Jasmine Rutledge, Erica Moore and Tamika Moore, all of Youngstown; three brothers, Eric Hall Jr. and KeJuan Thomas, both of Youngstown and AA Andreous Gillam, with the U. S. Navy Stationed in Pensicola, Fla.; and a host of family and friends.

View Image

---

Barbara (Howe)

Hooks, 68

POLAND – Barbara (Howe) Hooks, 68, born Oct. 18, 1940, in Lock Haven, Pa., passed into her Saviors presence on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009.

Barbara and her husband, Pastor Michael Hooks, have lived in Poland since 1994. She worked for NCR (later AT&T) in Boardman. She also was very active in the Christian Education ministries at the Poland Village Baptist Church. She taught ladies Bible studies weekly for 16 years, as well as children’s classes.

Barbara attended Bob Jones University with a major in education. Barbara and Michael were married in 1967 and served churches in Ohio, Missouri and Michigan. Barbara was involved in children’s, women’s and youth ministries in all the churches where she and her husband served. She operated a child care service in Michigan for 10 years.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Michael; her children, Cherryl (Fred) Hewett, Joseph (Marian) Sorell, Charissa (Ron) Deuser, Jonathan (Bernadette) Hooks and Amanda (Brad) Smith; 11 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; her sister, Nancy Perkey; and her brother, John Howe.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Clyde Sorell; her parents, Raymond and Grace Howe; and her brother, Dick Howe.

Family and friends will be received Monday, Oct. 12 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home in Poland.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 1 p.m. at the Poland Village Baptist Church, where friends will be received from noon to 12:45 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made in Barbara’s name to the Children’s Ministries of Poland Village Baptist Church, 77 Hill Drive, Poland, OH 44514

Visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.

View Image

---

Michael “Mike” Hudak, 85

AUSTINTOWN – There will be a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 14, at St. George Byzantine Catholic Church with Father David Shortt officiating, for Michael “Mike” Hudak, 85, who passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009.

Mike was born on June 1, 1924 in Vajdacska, Hungary. He was the son of Paul and Elizabeth (Hoffman) Hudak. He came to the U.S. in 1928.

During World War II, he was a civilian employee of the U. S. Navy at Mare Island Naval Base in San Francisco. Thereafter, he worked 32 years at Areoquip Corporation and retired in 1990 from General Motors after 12 years of service.

He was a lifelong member of St. George Byzantine Catholic Church in Youngstown. He was also a member of UAW Local 1714.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Elizabeth and a brother, John Sarik.

Mike leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife Olga (Legany) Hudak, whom he married on May 15, 1948; two sons, Atty. Michael (Shelly) Hudak of Canfield and Robert (Ellen) Hudak of Mansfield; grandchildren, Noelle (Dr. Timothy) Domer of Beaver Falls, Pa., Katie (Dr. Tae) Jung of Canfield, Robert Hudak of Charlestown, S.C., Donald Hudak of Pittsburg, Mark, Kelly and Sean Hudak all of Mansfield, Taylor Hudak of Canfield; three great-grandchildren, Timmy, Juliana and Carson; two brothers, Larry (Mariko) Hudak of La Mirada, Calif. and Paul (Ingrid) Hudak of Mariposa, Calif.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 13, at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Boardman-Canfield Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any contributions be made to MVI Hospice in Mike’s memory.

The family would like to sincerely thank the members of MVI Hospice for the excellent care and emotional support given throughout Mike’s illness.

Visit www.higgins-reardon.com to view this obituary and to send condolences.

View Image

---

Henry G. “Hank”

Krut, Sr., 75

CANFIELD – Henry G. Krut, Sr., 75, passed away early Saturday afternoon, Oct. 10, 2009, at Greenbriar Healthcare Center in Boardman after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Henry was born April 24, 1934, in Hubbard, a son of the late Nick and Anna Swiderski Krut, and moved to Youngstown with his family as a child.

He was a 1952 graduate of East High School, and served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1953 to 1955.

Mr. Krut worked as Austintown’s road superintendent from 1976 until he retired in 1992. Previously, Henry owned and operated S&H Floors until 1960, and owned and operated Hank’s Floors until 1976.

Hank was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Austintown. He was a lifetime member of the Austintown Optimist Club, where he served for a time as its president, lieutenant governor, and was co-founder of its annual Christmas Show. He was also a member of the MACO Club.

After he retired, Hank founded Milton Lakeview, Inc., which built condominiums.

He enjoyed golf and fishing, and enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Mr. Krut leaves his wife, Dolores Miller Krut, whom he married in 1996; a son, Henry Jr. (Suzette) Krut of Youngstown; two brothers, Nick (Agnes) Krut of Campbell and Walter (Antoinette) Krut of Austintown; a sister, Anne Latone of Austintown; two stepsons, William (Christine) Hoelzel of Austintown and Robert (Michelle) Hoelzel of Canfield; a stepdaughter, Beth Ann Hoelzel of Youngstown; 15 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Hank will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara Krut; a daughter, Sheryl Krut; a granddaughter, Brooke Krut; two brothers, Steve and John Krut; and three sisters, Stella Metcalf, Catherine Dempsey and Olga English.

Family and friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 13, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Road, Youngstown.

Funeral services will begin on Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the funeral home, and continue at 10:30 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.

Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.

Visit kinnickfuneralhome.com to view this obituary and send condolences online.

View Image

---

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.

View Image

---

Patricia “Colleen” Olinger, 62

BERLIN CENTER – Patricia “Colleen” Olinger, 62, passed away early Sunday morning, Oct. 11, 2009, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital.

Patricia was born March 17, 1947, in Youngstown, the daughter of Patrick and Marjorie (Rakestraw) Ross.

She was a 1965 graduate of Western Reserve High School. Patricia’s most cherished moments was the time spent with her grandkids. She will always be cherished and loved by her husband, Frank Olinger, whom she married April 23, 1988; her four children, Richard (Jessica) Hartzell of Ellsworth, Wayne Olinger of Newton Falls, Heidi Olinger of Berlin Center and Fredrick (Amanda) Olinger of Austintown; her five precious grandchildren, Makenna, Cameron and Peyton Hartzell, Cassie Anderson and Madison Olinger; and her two brothers, Pat (Mary) Ross of Leetonia and Charlie Ross of North Carolina.

There are no calling hours.

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

View Image

---

Alma Mae Paris, 56

STRUTHERS – Alma Mae Paris, 56, of Knollwood Avenue, died Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009, at the Hospice House after a 10 month battle with cancer.

Mrs. Paris was born in Youngstown, a daughter of Russell and Dorothy Sanders Taggart, and was a lifelong area resident.

She was a 1971 graduate of Struthers High School, and attended Youngstown State University. Mrs. Paris was a member of the St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church. She worked for the Youngstown School System at Taft Elementary as a cafeteria worker. Mrs. Paris was known for her excellent cooking and home decorating. Known by her daughters friends as “Mama Alma,” she was known for giving good advice.

She is survived by her husband of 35 years, Paul J. Paris, Jr., whom she married April 27, 1974; two daughters, Jessica L. Paris and Kimberly D. Paris, both at home, along with the family dog, Boo; one sister, Jeannett Meredith of Struthers; her father and mother-in-law, Paul Sr. and Marian Paris of Boardman; a brother-in-law, Joe (Phyllis ) Paris of Poland; one sister-in-law, Sandy (Bob) Delquadri of Avon Lake; four nieces, Pamela (Tony) Mancini; Angela Paris, Dawn Meredith and Marianne (Lee) Rhoades.

Besides her parents, she is preceded in death by an infant daughter, Jamie Lee Paris.

Family and friends will be received Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home in Poland, where prayer services will be held Wednesday at 9:15 a.m.

A funeral mass will be Wednesday at 10 a.m. at St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Lake Park Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Alma’s name to the Hospice House, 9803 Sharrott Rd., Poland, OH 44514.

Visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.

View Image

---

Patricia J. Rolland, 56

“Together Again”

STRUTHERS – Funeral services will be held today, Oct. 12, 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; five grandchildren, Steven Jr., Ashley, David, Miranda and Ben; and many nieces and nephews.

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

Family and friends may call today 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.

View Image

---

Sarah E. “Sally” Watson, 93

YOUNGSTOWN – Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Schiavone Funeral Home for Sarah E. “Sally” Watson, 93, who died Saturday evening at Park Vista.

Sally was born Feb. 3, 1916, in Youngstown, a daughter of Dominic and Angeline Colonna Zorella.

She was a homemaker, did the cleaning of private residences and dog grooming. While at Park Vista, she participated in many activities and loved to crochet. She was a member of St. Columba Parish and the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Senior Citizen Club.

She is survived by four sons, Harold F. (Sandra) Watson Jr. of Akron, David C. (Jane) Watson of Largo, Fla., Donald A. (Karen) Watson and William J. (Dianne) Watson, both of Youngstown; 11 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harold F. Watson Sr., whom she married Nov. 11, 1932 and he died July 12, 1973; a sister, Rose Di Rocco; and three brothers, Anthony Zorella, Louis Zorella and James Zorella.

Family and friends may call Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. and Wednesday from 9 to 10 a.m. at the funeral home.

Family wishes to thank Park Vista and staff for the care given to their mom with a special thank you to the staff in nursing.

Contributions can be given to Hospice of the Valley in Sally’s name.

Burial will be at Hubbard Union Cemetery.

View Image

---

Joseph Yurich Sr., 84

YOUNGSTOWN – Joseph Yurich Sr., 84, died early Friday evening, Oct. 9 at Beeghly Oaks in Boardman.

Born Jan. 14, 1925 in Czechoslovakia, Joseph was the son of Pete and Mary Hovanes Yurich.

He came to the United States in 1930 and settled in Youngstown. He was a box car repairman for LTV Steel and retired in 1985 after 35 years of service.

Joseph is survived by his wife, the former Lucy J. Medved, who he married Nov. 24, 1942; his sons, Thomas Yurich of New Philadelphia and Joseph (Darlene) Yurich Jr. of Youngstown; his daughter, Jane (Andy) Lindsay of Austintown; his sisters, Delores Yurich of Austintown, Irene Bugno of Youngstown and Mary Opsitnik of Struthers; his seven grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his sisters, Ann Marinelli and Katie Giannios.

Calling hours are Wednesday from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Kubina-Yuhasz Funeral Home, 5925 Market St. in Boardman, where funeral services will follow immediately at 3 p.m.

View Image

---