Tributes 2009-10-26

Harold Martin

Anderson, 94

NILES – Harold Martin Anderson, 94, formerly of Hubbard, died Thursday evening, Oct. 22, 2009, at Trumbull Memorial Hospital.

He was born July 27, 1915, in Jamestown, N.Y., son of Rudolph and Alma Anderson.

Mr. Anderson came to the Youngstown area at the age of 18; he hitch-hiked from Jamestown, N.Y., to start his life there. Harold lived at the YMCA and Northside Rooming House, acquiring a job at the General Fireproofing Co.

Harold joined the United States Navy at the age of 21, serving during World War II and was in the Seabees Division. He was stationed in the Western Pacific, mainly Okinawa Islands from 1942 to 1945. While in the Navy, Harold was trained as a Construction Electrician. After returning home to Youngstown, he joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local No. 64 and served a four-year electrical apprenticeship and became a Licensed Master Electrician.

Harold met his true love, Mary Ann Harris on a double date and they married Jan. 31, 1941.

Harold worked for Carlson Electric of Youngstown from 1945 to 1960 in various capacities from electrician to superintendent. He then worked for Fishbach and Moore Electrical Contractors of New York as a superintendent, rebuilding the new multi-million dollar Hot Strip Mill at Youngstown Sheet and Tube Co. in Youngstown from 1960 to 1970. In 1969 he entered into the family business, Mid-States Electric Inc. and retired to his small farm in Hubbard in 1980.

Harold was known as “Mr. Fix-it” and enjoyed difficult repair projects, watching golf, playing cards, collecting coins and spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his wife Mary, who died June 12, 2005, his sister Gladys and brother Carl.

He leaves three sons, Donald Anderson of Howland, Ronald (Gayle) Anderson of Hermitage, Pa., and Harold Anderson of Austintown. He is also missed by his six grandchildren, Ashley and Stephanie Anderson, Melissa and Brian Anderson, and Donald and Margaret Ann Anderson, as well as six great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the Kelley-Robb Funeral Home, Hubbard.

Family and friends may call on Tuesday from 1 to 2 p.m. at Kelley-Robb Funeral Home in Hubbard.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Shepherd of the Valley Assisted Living, Second Floor, 1500 McKinley Ave., Niles, Ohio 44446.

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

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Vill Samuilavich Chernyak, 85

YOUNGSTOWN – Vill Samuilavich Chernyak, 85, passed away on October, 25, 2009.

He was born on April 17, 1924 in Siberia, Russia.

Vill spent the majority of his adult life serving as a U.S. Navy officer in St. Petersburg, Russia and immigrated to Youngstown with his family in 1991 by an invitation from the Burdman and Friedkin family.

 Vill was a graduate of the Russian Naval Academy in Vladivostok, Russia and was a World War II veteran, who received many honors and served his country admirably for over 40 years.

He was an outstanding athlete, an avid reader, a great storyteller, and a true survivor during his difficult and fascinating life. He was a brave and intelligent man, a loving son, brother, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, who will truly be missed.

He was preceded by his father, Samuil Chernyak; mother, Hannah Sadovich; a brother, Salamon; and his sister, Bella Chernyak.

He is survived by his loving wife and Doctor, Bella Davidovna Chernyak, with whom he shared a lifetime of happiness. Last September, they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

He is also survived by his son, Vladimir and his wife, Svetlana and their children, Dan of Columbus and his wife, Amanda Luntz Chernyak and granddaughter, Masha of Chicago. During his last two years of life his great-granddaughter, Molly Eliana Chernyak, brought him his last moments of joy and laughter. His passing away is being taken by his family as a reminder of how precious life is and how important it is to enjoy each moment to its fullest. L’chaim.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. today at El-Emeth Coitsville Cemetery Chapel

Calling hours today one half hour prior to the service from 12:30 to 1 p.m. at the El-Emeth Coitsville Cemetery Chapel.

Contributions may be made to Temple El-Emeth.

Arrangements are being handled by the Shriver-Allison-Courtley-Weller-King Funeral Home.

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Al Christides, 87

YOUNGSTOWN – Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Paul the Apostle Church in New Middletown for Al Christides, 87, who died Friday evening at St. Elizabeth Health Center in Boardman.

Al was born Feb. 1, 1922 in Youngstown, a son of Constantine and Mary Sarzyniak Christides and had been a lifelong area resident.

He had worked four years at Idora Park and had retired from General Fireproofing after 33 years. He had also worked for Gasser Chair for 20 years.

He had been a member of St. Columba in Youngstown and was a charter member of Catholic War Veterans, St. Stanislaus Post 1222.

His wife, Helen Holberson, whom he married June 11, 1955, died Dec. 27, 1999.

Al served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the European Theatre.

He leaves two sisters, Helen and Mary of Youngstown; as well as a niece and several nephews.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by a brother, Walter and a sister, Elizabeth Kobus.

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

Arrangements are being handled by the Clemente Funeral Home in New Middletown.

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Mary Ann (Texter) Fatolitis, 70

TARPON SPRINGS, FLA. – Services will be held on Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. at the Wasko Funeral Home and at 10 a.m. at St. John Catholic Church for Mary Ann (Texter) Fatolitis, 70, who passed away at her home on Friday afternoon.

Mrs. Fatolitis was born in Youngstown on Dec. 24, 1938, the daughter of John and Helen Goulas Texter and moved from Campbell to Tarpon Springs in August of 1970.

She was a 1956 graduate of Campbell Memorial High School Besides being a homemaker, she was a school cafeteria baker for the Pinellas County School System, retiring after 28 years of service.

Her husband, Pete G. Fatolitis, whom she married on Jan. 27, 1957 at St. John Catholic Church, died on Nov. 29, 2001.

She leaves to cherish her memory, two sons, George and John Fatolitis; two daughters, Helen Fatolitis and Katina Carmer, all of Florida; two sisters, Helen George of Struthers and Irene LaBanc of Youngstown; and two brothers, John Texter of Campbell and Ray Texter of Florida. She will also be missed by her 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a sister, Eleanor Hierro; and a brother, Edward Texter.

The Fatolitis and Texter families have entrusted their loved one to the care of the Wasko Funeral Home and will receive friends and family on Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Visit www.waskofamily.com to view this obituary.

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Aaron Grossman, 88

YOUNGSTOWN – Services will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at the Temple El-Emeth on Logan Way in Liberty Township for Aaron Grossman, 88, who died Saturday night at Heritage Manor.

Mr. Grossman was born April 22, 1921 in Youngstown, a son of Benjamin and Hannah Liebowitz Grossman.

Aaron was a graduate of South High School and served in the Army Air Force during World War II and received the Purple Heart.

He was executive vice-president of Consolidated Steel Company, as well as vice-president/treasurer of Kinray Industries, retiring in 1999.

As a teenager, Aaron was an active member of Youngstown AZA, rising to the office of President. He valued the lessons and experiences he learned as a member of AZA and it became his lifelong passion and as a result he became a major player in BBYO locally and nationally.

As an adult, Aaron became the advisor to Sigmund A. Nisenson AZA. It was in this position he became a direct role model and provided help and guidance to Youngstown teenage Jewish boys. His advice and counsel helped guide many hundreds of these boys to become active and involved leaders of their communities. Even today, they refer to themselves as “Aaron’s Boys.” For his many years of involvement, he was appointed Nisenson AZA’s Lifetime Advisor.

Aaron was active as a leader in many other community and organizational programs on the local, national and international levels as well. Local activities include, past President of Temple Emanu-el, past President of the Youngstown Jewish Community Center, past President of Mahoning Lodge No. 339 B’nai B’rith, recipient of the prestigious B’nai B’rith Guardian of the Menorah award, recipient of the coveted ZOA K’far Silver and Justice Louis D. Brandeis award from the Youngstown Zionist District and was elected Honorary Vice-President of the Greater Youngstown Area Jewish Federation. He also served as a member of the Youngstown Israel Bond Committee.

He was a volunteer reader for the blind on the Youngstown Radio Reading Service, past present of Girard-Liberty Kiwanis, recipient of the first “Esther Marks Community Service Award” established by the Greater Youngstown Area Jewish Federation, recipient of the Brotherhood Award bestowed jointly by the Knights of Columbus, Free and accepted Masons and B’nai B’rith. He was a board member of the B’nai B’rith International Board of Governors, served two terms as chairman of the International B’nai B’rith Youth Commission, received the Sam Beber Distinguished International Alumnus Award presented by the International AZA. Aaron was a member of an eight persons delegation of B’nai B’rith International to meet with the presidents of Argentina, Uruguay and Chile to seek the use of their good offices to secure a regional membership for Israel at the United Nations. He also had the honor of meeting personally with President Anwar Sadat of Egypt after the peace accord was signed.

On the state and regional arena, he served a four year term on the Ohio Youth Commission by the appointment of Governor James Rhodes and served as Chairman of the Kent State University Hillel Advisory Board. He served as a member of the Ohio-Kentucky Regional Anti-Defamation League Board.

Aaron is survived by his four loving children and their families, Dr. David (Karen) Grossman, Reuven (Patrae) Grossman, Atty. Kurt (Joanne) Grossman and Lori (Michael) Sobul; five grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Sam and Fred Grossman; and three sisters, Belle Elikan, Pauline Meister and Ceil Pear.

Friends may call one hour prior to the services at the Temple. The family will also be sitting Shiva Minyan at the Temple on Tuesday afternoon at 5:45 p.m.

Contributions may be made to B’nai B’rith Youth Organization, 26001 South Woodland Road, Cleveland, OH 44122 or Temple El-Emeth Chai Fund.

Arrangements are being handled by the Shriver-Allison-Courtley-Weller-King Funeral Home.

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Edmund R. Johns, 95

DAVIE, FLA. – Edmund Johns passed Wednesday evening, Oct. 21 2009.

He was born in Youngstown on Aug. 1, 1914, to Emil Johns and Rose Bernard. He moved to Florida in 1954.

Edmund was preceded in death by his loving wife of 65 years, Julia Gaul Johns.

A war veteran, golf and horse racing enthusiast, he lived a long, full life.

He is survived by his daughters, Janice Johns and Roseann Johns of Florida, and grandson, Jeffrey Thune of California. He will always and forever be cherished in their hearts.

Visit www.fredhunters.com to sign a guestbook.

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Bela (Bill) Kolosi, 91

YOUNGSTOWN – Bela (Bill) Kolosi, 91, passed away Friday at St. Elizabeth Health Center with his family at his side.

Bela was born Nov. 22, 1917, in Youngstown, a son of Jozsef and Maria Henscel Kolozsy.

Bela worked in the U.S. Postal Service in New York City and moved back to Youngstown in 1952. He then worked 18 years as a machine operator for National Gypsum Co. in Niles.

He served proudly in the civilian conservation corp. from 1939 to 1940, where he helped build the Boca Dam in California. In 1941, he entered the U.S. Army, serving with the 2nd Armored Division (Hell on Wheels) 702 Tank Destroyer Battallion 3rd Army. A survivor of the Normandy Invasion and the Battle of the Bulge were among the five awarded battle starts which he received. He was honorably discharged on Oct. 7, 1945.

Bela was a member of Our Lady of Hungary Church since 1952 and served on the church council, member of the Holy Name Society, a member of the Hungarian Senior Citizens, AARP and the steelworkers local No. 1405.

Bela will be long remembered for his love of home winemaking and his sincerity and caring nature, gift of storytelling, wisdom and being a man of integrity.

He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara, whom he married Feb. 17, 1946; a son, William (Mary Ann); a daughter, Mary (Peter) Djordjevich; grandchildren, Mary Elizabeth, Stephanie, William, Marianne, Katie and Peter; and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters.

Friends may call Tuesday from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Szabo & Sons Funeral Home.

Services will be held Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home and 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Hungary Church.

Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery.

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Eva S. Leskovec, 92

NILES – Eva S. Leskovec, 92, of 923 Cynthia Court, died at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 24, 20098 at Briarfield at the Ridge Nursing Home, following a short illness.

She was born in Elm Grove, W.Va. on Jan. 4, 1917 to Ladas and Susanna (Slovinsky) Platt and came to this area in 1924.

Eva was a member of Saint Stephen's Church, the morning prayer group, Amla Club of Cleveland, and enjoyed cooking and baking for her children and grandchildren, who all affectionately called her Mausie.

She is survived by her son, James Leskovec, with whom she lived; her daughter, Frances Gustovich of Niles; five granddaughters and two grandsons, Frances (Bruce) Simeone of Niles, Frank (Maryann) Bonder of Irvine, Calif., Susan (Jerry) Mollis of Niles, Christine (Thomas) Pallante of Niles, Thomas (Theresa) Bonder of Hubbard, Dorothy (Carlo) Ciccone of Howland and Mary (Thomas) Yeigh of Newberry; 11 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Bernadette Uzrak of Alliance.

Eva was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Rudy, whom she married July 8, 1933, and who died June 12, 2000; and two sisters and one brother, Stella Longo, Matilda Eizonas and Anthony W. Platt.

Family and friends may call at the Holeton-Yuhasz Funeral Home in Niles on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009, from 10 to 11:45 a.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009, at noon at St. Stephen’s Church with the Rev. Thomas Kraszewski officiating. Interment will follow at Saint Stephen's Cemetery.

Visit www.holetonyuhasz.com to send condolences.

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Thomas A. Linnen, 79

HUBBARD – Thomas A. Linnen, 79, died Saturday morning, Oct. 24, 2009, at Hospice House.

He was born Sept. 15, 1930, in Kent, a son of Thomas P. and Genevieve Shanley Linnen, and had lived in Hubbard for 42 years.

Mr. Linnen was a car foreman for Conrail Railroad for 40 years before retiring in 1989. He was a member of St. Patrick Church, Hubbard.

Thomas served with the United States Navy for one year and the Navy Reserves for four years. He was a member of the Mahoning Valley Management Association, the Railway Supervisors Association and the Conrail golf and bowling leagues. Thomas enjoyed golfing, gardening and spending time with family.

He leaves his wife, the former, Metta Jeanne Austin, whom he married, June 16, 1951; three sons, Stephen Linnen of Austintown, Thomas (Kathy) Linnen Jr. of Hubbard and William (Lynette) Linnen of Struthers; five daughters, Martha (Rich) Frazzini of Hubbard, Joan (David) Miller of Leavittsburg, Carol (Dan) Heckert of Brookfield, Jenny Linnen of Masury and Susan (Bill) Dunn of Cleveland; a brother, John (Peggy) Linnen of Ravenna; two sisters, Jean (Bill) Howard of Florida and Pat Zeller of Stow; 10 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Paul Linnen; and three sisters, Joanne Kordas, Louise Linnen and Dorothy Aldridge.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday 9:30 a.m. at the Kelley-Robb Funeral Home and 10 a.m. at St. Patrick Church.

Family and friends may call on Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

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

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Minnie C. Reese, 98

HUBBARD – There will be services at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at the Corner House Christian Church in Hubbard for Minnie C. Reese, 98, who passed away Friday, Oct. 23, at her residence.

Minnie was born Dec. 23, 1910, in La Follette, Tenn., a daughter of William Riley and Sarah Elizabeth Grey Gray, and came to this area as a young adult.

She was a homemaker and a representative for Sarah Coventry Jewelry. She was a member of the Corner House Christian Church and was an avid Avon collector. She enjoyed spending time with her family and caring for several of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Her husband, Ralph A. Reese, whom she married June 13, 1931, passed away May 19, 1990.

She is survived by her son, Jack R. (Jeannette) Reese of North Jackson; her daughter, Sara Jane Leggett of Hubbard; her brother, Esco Arthur Gray of La Follette; and her son-in-law, Edward L. Wittenauer of Winlock, Wash. She also leaves 16 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, her daughters, Dona Wittenauer and Shirley Reese; an infant son, Ralph Reese Jr.; a grandson; a great-grandson; a brother; and eight sisters.

There will be calling hours Tuesday, Oct. 27, one hour prior to service time from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Corner House Christian Church in Hubbard.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Corner House Christian Church, 6954 Chestnut Ridge Road S.E., Hubbard, OH 44425.

The Reese family would like to thank Dr. Slemons, MVI Hospice, and Valley Home Health Care for the kind and compassionate care given to Minnie.

Burial will be at Tod Homestead Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Stewart-Kyle Funeral Home.

Family and friends are invited to visit the funeral home’s website at www.stewart-kyle.com to share memories and condolences with the family.

Stewart-Kyle Funeral Home

Providing Funeral Service Since 1850

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Boyd “Smitty” G. Smith, 66

FARRELL, PA. – Boyd “Smitty” G. Smith, 66, of Indiana Avenue, passed away at 7:45 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009 at Hospitality Care after a courageous battle with cancer.

Mr. Smith was born July 12, 1943 in Erie to the late Boyd G. Smith and the late Florence (Pierce) Smith.

He married Beth (Root) Smith on June 15, 1987. She survives at home.

He attended Farrell Schools. He worked at Sharon Steel for 25 years in the storeroom as an inter-mill driver. After the mill closed, he worked at Bi State Storage of Wheatland for 10 years before retiring. Then Smitty delivered The Vindicator newspaper in the New Bedford area.

Smitty was a Dale Earnhardt and NASCAR fan and loved antique cars, especially his 1949 Ford, which he enjoyed taking to local car shows and Friday night cruises at Tic Toc in Hermitage, Pa.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by four daughters, Bobette Witry and her husband, George of Chicago, Barbara Smith of Sharon, Debra Pierson and her husband, Dennis of Port St. Lucie, Fla. and Diana Johnson of Erie; a son, Richard Smith of Sharon; two sisters, Barb and Sherry of Georgia; a sister-in-law, Candy Jordan and her husband, Jim of Hubbard, who helped so very much with his lengthy illness; his brothers, John Reeher and his wife, Deloras of Hermitage; Robert Moon and his wife, Stana of Fort Pierce, Fla., William Moon and his wife, Judy of West Middlesex, Pa., Douglas McFarland and his wife, Cheryl of Gilbert, Ariz. and Duane McFarland and his wife, Roberta of Wheatland; 12 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; many dear friends; and several nieces and nephews, which include Jamie and Elliott Jordan, who took care of him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepfather, Russell McFarland; and two brothers, James Reeher and Russel “Butch” McFarland.

There will be calling hours today from 5 to 8 p.m. at Flynn Funeral Home & Crematory Inc., 2630 East State St. in Hermitage.

Funeral services will be today at 8 p.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. George Franklin of the Apostolic Christian Church in Sharon, Pa. presiding.

Burial will be at Haywood Cemetery in West Middlesex.

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Jeffrey Michael Stevens, 31

BOARDMAN – There will be a Mass of Christian Burial held on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009, at 11 a.m. at St. Charles Church in Boardman, with the Rev. Maciej Mankowski officiating for Jeffrey Michael Stevens, 31, who passed away on Friday, Oct. 23, 2009.

Jeffery will always be remembered and loved by his family and friends for his big heart and generosity.

He was born March 6, 1978 in Youngstown, the son of Robert and Geri (Brahney) Stevens.

Jeffery was a partner and manager of Stonebridge Grille and Tavern.

He was a 1996 graduate of Boardman High School, attended Youngstown State University, majoring in Business Administration and then received his Bachelor’s Degree in recording arts from Full Sail College in Orlando, Fla.

Jeffery was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching all pro sports, along with playing golf, baseball and basketball.

He loved listening to music and socializing with his friends.

Jeffrey leaves behind to hold on to his memories his parents, Robert (Geri) Stevens of Boardman; a sister, Valerie Stevens of Sarasota, Fla.; his girlfriend, Melinda Giancola of Boardman; his beloved dog, Bella; two uncles, Michael (Laraine) Stevens of Westlake and James (Karen) Brahney of California; an aunt, Mary Ellen (Pat) Carney of Bay Village; and numerous cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, John (Agnes) Stevens; maternal grandparents, Jim (Christine) Brahney; and three aunts, Denise Brahney, Arlene Abraham and Patty Roncone.

Friends may call today from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4700 Market St. in Boardman and on Tuesday from 10 to 10:50 a.m. at St. Charles Church in Boardman.

Entombment will take place at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, material contributions can be made in Jeffery’s name to the John and Agnes Stevens Scholarship Fund, c/o Ursuline High School, 750 Wick Ave., Youngstown, OH 44505.

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