Tributes 2009-10-19

Kelly J. Beck, 45

HUBBARD – Kelly J. Beck, 45, died Friday afternoon, Oct. 16, 2009, at his residence.

He was born Feb. 5, 1964 in Youngstown, a son of Donald M. and Joan E. O’Connell Beck and was a lifelong Hubbard resident and a self-employed master carpenter.

Kelly was a member of St. Patrick Church and attended grade school at St. Patrick School. He graduated from Hubbard High School in 1982, and from Youngstown State University, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology and did post graduate studies at Wright State University. While at YSU, he was president of the YSU Geological Society, served as an undergraduate assistant and was a limited service instructor.

Kelly had many varied interests including geology, hiking, golfing, mountain biking, playing softball, rock climbing and rappelling. His nieces and nephews were paramount in his life and he had a very deep and keen interest in their many activities. A giving person, Kelly was part of the Reading for the Blind for Goodwill Industries.

He leaves his adored mother, Joan E. Beck of Hubbard; two brothers, Brian J. (Mary) Beck of Boardman and Kerry S. (Lynne) Beck of Hubbard; two sisters, Donna Mahoney of Hubbard and Erin Mary (Joseph) Angelo of Canfield; 11 nieces and nephews, Tommy and Joe Mahoney, Julia and Brian Jr. “BJ” Beck, Katin, Sydney, Madison and Trey Angelo and Jenifer, David and Ian Haynes; and an aunt, C. Norene O’Connell of Girard, whom he was very close to.

He was preceded in death by his father and a sister, Ann Beck.

Funeral services will be held Thursday at 10:45 a.m. at the Kelley-Robb Funeral Home and at 11:30 a.m. at St. Patrick Church.

Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 4 to 7 pm.

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

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William G. Bodnar, 84

AUSTINTOWN – William G. Bodnar, 84, formerly of Girard, passed away peacefully Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009.

William was born Nov. 18, 1924, in Johnstown, Pa., a son of the late George and Josephine Hripko Bodnar, and came to the Youngstown area with his family as a child.

Bill lead an accomplished and full life. He was raised in Girard, was a graduate of Girard High School, and attended the West Point Military Academy before joining the Army and serving his country during World War II.

He owned and operated Bill’s Furniture and Appliance Stores in Girard and Cornersburg for more than 40 years. He was a certified counselor in alcohol and drug addiction for many years, and was honored for his service and commitment to AA by having the “Bodnar Home” on Market Street in Youngstown named after him, for people recovering from addictions. Bill remained an active participant in the fellowship of AA for more than 40 years.

Mr. Bodnar also played baseball for local minor league teams in his youth, and was later inducted into the Old-Timers Baseball Hall of Fame. He was active in local politics and served as Democratic Precinct Committeeman in Austintown for several years.

Bill was a member of St. Joseph Church in Austintown and was a member of the American Legion.

His beloved wife, Patricia Dunn Bodnar, whom he married Aug. 13, 1949, passed away March 9, 1999.

Mr. Bodnar leaves three children, Deborah (Paul) Palkovic of Youngstown, William Bodnar of Austintown, and Loraine Bodnar of Austintown; five grandchildren, Cindy (Mike) O’Keefe, Sean (Mary) Bodnar, Lyndsay (Dennis) Boseman, Anthony Bodnar, and Nicholas (fiancé Erika) Bodnar; and four great-grandchildren, Makayla and Sean Bodnar, and Dennis and Brooklyn Boseman.

Bill brought joy, laughter, and serenity to all who knew him, and he will forever be loved and remembered.

Besides his wife, Bill was preceded in death by a son, Donald Bodnar; a daughter-in-law, Lynette Bodnar; and four sisters, Agnes Pifer, Margaret Lavin, Eleanor Toth and Josephine Taylor.

Family and friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 20, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Rd., Youngstown.

Funeral services will begin at 9:15 a.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home, and continue at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Church.

Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

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

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Anthony S. Christopher

MANASSAS, VA. – Anthony S. Christopher passed away at Prince William County Hospital on Oct. 16, 2009.

Born in Niles, he was the son of the late Joseph and Theresa Christopher.

Mr. Christopher was a World War II veteran, who then relocated to the Northern Virginia area where he was a general contractor for 40 years.

He is survived by his wife, Anna; three children, Delores C. Ritz and husband, Anthony, Barbara Christopher and Diane C. Solomon and husband, Scott; three grandchildren, Toni, Skylar and Sydney; and one great- granddaughter, Veronica. He is also survived by family and friends in the Youngstown and Niles area.

There will be a private family prayer service and military interment at Quantico National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in memory of Anthony Christopher to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105.

Visit www.piercefh.com to send condolences.

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Leo P. Dunn, 81

STRUTHERS - Leo P. Dunn, 81, of Poland Avenue, died Saturday morning, Oct. 17, 2009, at St. Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown.

Leo was born March 15, 1928 in Struthers, a son of Leo and Mary Yasechko Dunn.

He worked for 27 years as a patrolman and traffic investigator for the Struthers Police Department, retiring in 1985. Leo was the recipient of numerous awards and citations for his excellence in traffic safety and traffic investigations. He was the only three time recipient of the “Ohio Patrolmen Council Traffic Safety Award” presented by Governor Rhodes and Governor Gilligan.

Leo was a lifelong member of the Holy Trinity Catholic church in Struthers. While in high school, he lettered in track, cross country, and basketball. He was a golden glove boxer and also belonged to numerous bowling leagues. He enjoyed watching the Cleveland Browns and Ohio State football. Leo was a proud man with an insatiable work ethic.

As a child of the Great Depression, he was known for being creative and resourceful. Leo took up weight training later in life and was devoted to cutting his lawn and working in his yard. He loved to paint and do auto body work. An avid listener to WKTL in Struthers, Leo loved polkas and ethnic music. He served as a disc jockey on the station and was the creator of his own radio show, “City Patrol.” His family is very proud of his accomplishments. He was a Korean War veteran serving in the Army infantry.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, the former Rita Yohman, whom he married April 28, 1951, and she died Sept. 16, 1998.

He is survived by two sons, Jerome Dunn of Struthers and Robert (Christine) Dunn of Boardman; three grandchildren, Ryan, Chelsea and Trevor Dunn, all of Boardman; a sister, Mary Lou Jurina of Youngstown; and two brothers-in-law, Tom (Agnes) Yohman and Robert (Rose) Yohman, both of Youngstown. He also leaves numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will be received Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Davidson-Becker Funeral Home in Struthers, where prayer services will be Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Struthers, with the Rev. William Petrunak officiating. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.

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Thomas J. Finn Jr., 85

LIBERTY – Services will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday at Szabo & Sons Funeral Home and at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony Church for Thomas John Finn Jr., 85, who passed away Friday evening at St. Elizabeth Health Center.

Thomas was born Aug. 16, 1924 in Youngstown, a son of Thomas Sr. and Agnes Odea Finn.

Thomas was an agent for the B&O Railroad at Lordstown for 39 years, retiring in 1985.

He married Mary Harasyn on March 27, 1942.

Thomas was a member of St. Anthony’s Church, Mahoning Valley Management Assoc., Youngstown Traffic Club, the Eagles, the American Legion and was a past member of the Jewish Community Center.

Mr. Finn was a WWII Navy veteran, serving on the aircraft carrier USS Chenango in the Pacific Theatre for three years.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; a son, Thomas III (Denise) of Poland; a daughter, Marilyn (Jeff) Leamer of Liberty; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends may call Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Szabo & Sons Funeral Home in Youngstown.

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Vincent J. Furrie Sr., 88

CANFIELD – There will be funeral services at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Anthony of Padua Church for Vincent J. Furrie Sr., 88, who died at 5:20 p.m. Saturday evening at his residence.

He was born Oct. 28, 1920 in Youngstown and graduated from Fowler High School in 1939.

He served in World War II as a Sergeant in the 95th Infantry Division of the 377th Infantry Company in General Patton’s U.S. Third Army and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He earned numerous medals, including three Bronze Service Stars and two Bronze Star Medals (one with Oak Leaf) for bravery and valor in combat.

After the war, he married Mary Louise Bruno on July 21, 1945 at St. Ann’s Church in the Brier Hill section of Youngstown. Together they started in the grocery business with a neighborhood store on Oakland Avenue in 1947. In 1962, he opened his first supermarket on Glenwood Avenue and joined Sparkle Markets. In 1978, he established the Village Plaza Sparkle Group with the opening of the Village Plaza Sparkle store in Columbiana. For the past 31 years, he was the managing partner and guided the company’s expansion of numerous stores through construction and acquisition.

He is survived by his four children, Dorajean (Ron) Havrilla of Canfield, John (Pam) Furrie of Tucson, Ariz. and Vincent Jr. (Jill) Furrie and Michael (Sonia) Furrie, both of Columbiana; 10 grandchildren, Brian Havrilla, Tod Havrilla, Morgan Havrilla Jacob, Stephen Havrilla, Kristen Furrie Owens, Vincent Furrie, Brent Furrie, David Furrie, Amy Furrie Canada and Nicole Furrie; and six great-grandchildren, Amanda and Allison Havrilla, Lucas Jacob, Alexandra West, Dominic Furrie and Alexander Havrilla.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Louise, in 2006 and his brother, Nicholas Furrie of Vienna in 2004.

Calling hours will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday and at 10 a.m. on Thursday at the Schiavone Funeral Home in Youngstown.

Entombment will be at Calvary Cemetery.

During the past three years, he was lovingly cared for by Veronica, Vicky, Renee, Gina, Angie and Rachel. We would like to thank MVI Hospice for assisting us in his final days.

“Dad, Thanks for everything. Say Hello to Mother for us. We love you both very much and we miss you both.”

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Glenn A. Mentzer, 86

NORTH JACKSON – Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Lane Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel for Glenn A. Mentzer, 86, who passed away Saturday at his home.

Glenn was born March 31, 1923 in Carlisle, Pa., a son of the late Herman and Cora (Barrick) Mentzer.

Glenn served in the United States Army during World War II in the Pacific Theatre.

He was a mechanic for the federal government, retiring in 1974. After retirement he was the sexton for Jackson Township.

He was a member of the Pricetown United Methodist Church and its Men’s Group, and was a member of Wally Byam Travel Club and served as chapter president. He was also a past member of North Jackson Kiwanis.

Glenn is survived by his wife, the former Mary Dunkleberger; three children, Gene (Debora) Mentzer of Crooksville, Carol Mentzer of Youngstown and Dennis Mentzer of North Jackson; two brothers, Lee (Hannah) Mentzer of Camp Hill, Pa. and Donald (Shirley) Mentzer of Middlesex, Pa.; four grandchildren, Kristen, Ashley, Matthew and Gregory; and two great-grandchildren, Kamren and Brailla.

Besides his parents, Glenn was preceded in death by a son, Timothy Mentzer; one brother, Robert Mentzer; and two sisters, Mary Grosz and Frieda Rasp.

Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Lane Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel.

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

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Katherine Onesti, 85

BOARDMAN – There will be a Mass of Christian Burial held on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009, at 10 a.m. at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Youngstown with Celebrant the Very Rev. Msgr. Michael J. Cariglio and Co-Celebrant the Rev. Gerald DeLucia, preceded by a 9:15 a.m. prayer service held at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4700 Market St. in Boardman for Katherine Onesti, 85, who went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009, with her loving family at her side.

Katherine will always be remembered and loved by her family and friends for her kind words, big heart, and the way she always tried to serve others. The two words that best describe Katherine would be humility and dignity throughout her life.

She was born March 20, 1924 in Youngstown, the daughter of John and Catherine (Klarich) Serblin, and was a lifelong area resident.

Katherine was a homemaker along with being employed at General Electric, Strouss’ Department Store as a clerk and model, Memory Lane Gift Shop in the Southern Park Mall, and Favor–It Hostess Shop in the Boardman Plaza.

She was a member of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Youngstown, and attended East High School.

Katherine was an animal lover and enjoyed gardening, cooking, along with baking her famous ginger cookies and kolachi. Her greatest love in life was watching her children and grandchildren grow up and spending time with them.

Her husband, Daniel C. Onesti, whom she married May 29, 1946, died Aug. 31, 1987.

She leaves behind to hold on to her precious memories her son, Thomas “Tom” (Tanya) Onesti of Canfield; a daughter, Dianne (Steven) Smetana of Fairlawn; two granddaughters, Tara and Dana Onesti; two step grandchildren, Adam and Rachel Smetana; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Caroline Scollen and Anne Balogh; and two brothers, John and Nicholas Orawitz.

Friends may call on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4700 Market St. in Boardman.

Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown.

Material contributions may be made in Katherine’s name to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Youngstown, OH 44512.

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Frances Jenny

Pregibon, 82

SALEM – Frances Jenny Pregibon, 82, of 1357 Fairview Ave., died at 5:55 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009, at Salem Community Hospital.

She was born May 21, 1927 in McKeesport, Pa., the daughter of the late Emmerich and Anna (Korenic) Burnett.

Mrs. Pregibon was a cook for Lisbon High School.

She was a member of Saint Paul Catholic Church, the Legion of Mary and attended Youngstown East High School.

Frances was a great cook, enjoyed baking, crochet and going out to eat.

Her husband, George Nicholas Pregibon Sr., whom she married June 5, 1948, preceded her in death on Oct. 13, 2000.

Survivors include a son, George Nicholas Pregibon, Jr. of Salem; a daughter, Nancy (Wayne) Kenmuir of Lisbon; a brother, Al Burnett of Williamsfield; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and her pal dog, Misty.

She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Colleen Ann Douglas in 1966; three brothers, John, Charles and Elmer Burnett; and a sister, Mary Markovich.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at Saint Paul Catholic Church with Father Thomas Eisweirth officiating.

Burial will be at Grandview Cemetery.

Calling hours will be held Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Stark Memorial Funeral Home.

A prayer service will be held at 7:45 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady’s Purse, 935 East State St., Salem, OH 44460.

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Rosada Garland Reid

COCOA, FLA. – Rosada Garland Reid, 86, died Friday, Oct. 16, 2009.

She was born in Niles to Oliver and Nellie Garland.

A retired Registered Nurse, she spent most of her life in South Florida and North Carolina.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy W. Reid Sr.

Her family includes her daughters, Sonya R. Clark and Karen Conway and her husband, Donald; sons, Roy W. Reid, Jr. and Kevin G. Reid and his wife, Kathy; and a brother, Thomas Jordan and his wife, Judy of Niles. She is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Memorial donations may be made to Vitas Hospice or to any Alzheimer’s organization.

Visit www.affuneral.com to share memories and sign the family guestbook.

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Glen T. Shevel, 78

AVON PARK, FLA. – Glen T. Shevel, 78, passed away, Friday, Oct. 16, 2009.

He was born June 18, 1931 to Clyde and Ruth (Webb) Shevel in Warren. He had been a resident of Avon Park since 1997 coming from Canfield.

He worked as a System Dispatcher for Ohio Edison in Youngstown. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy during the Korean War from 1951 to 1955 and was a member of the Crossroads Community Church in Avon Park. He was also a member of Chapter 53 of the Good Sam Club in Ohio and a member of the Ruritan Club for 15 years in Greenford.

He was very active over the years with many churches, taking part as a choir member, Elder, Usher, Greeter and participating in the Pleasant Timers, Cornerstones, and Keenagers. He loved photography, was an avid outdoorsman and his latest passion was his pontoon boat.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Helen L. Shevel of Avon Park; daughters, Glenda Lissimore of Bel Air, Md., Deborah Kowal of Middlefield and Ruthie Loar (William) of Canfield; sons, David Shevel (Linda) of Boardman and Tim Shevel (Kathy) of New Springfield; a sister, Charlotte Ventling of Lakeland, Fla.; brothers, Marvin Shevel of West Farmington and Don Shevel of Tennessee; 11 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Charles Wesley Shevel.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009, at 6 p.m. at the Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home Chapel in Avon Park, with Pastor John Dumas officiating.

The family will receive friends the hour preceding the service, beginning at 5 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Crossroads Community Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 57, Avon Park, FL 33826.

Arrangements entrusted to the Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home in Avon Park. (863) 453-3101.

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