Tributes 2009-10-28

Edward E. “Big Ed” Alexander, 50

YOUNGSTOWN – Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009, at the F.D. Mason Memorial Funeral Home for Edward E. “Big Ed” Alexander, 50, who went to be with the Lord, Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009, at his residence.

Mr. Alexander was born April 22, 1959, in Greenville, S.C., a son of Elijah and Zoralean Robinson Alexander, coming to this area in 1962.

He was self employed as a private caretaker and computer instructor. He attended East High School, and enjoyed cars and listening to jazz music.

He leaves to cherish his precious memory, a daughter, Latreena (Hector) Alexander of Florida; a brother, Cleophas (Tennis) Alexander; and three sisters, Janet Alexander, both of Youngstown and Theresa Harmon and Dorisena Alexander, both of Columbus; an uncle, John H. Robinson of Boardman; a niece and nephew, Tamarra Jackson and Tremaine Alexander of Youngstown, whom he loved dearly; and his special companion, Jacqueline Gray of Youngstown.

He was preceded in death by his parents and an uncle, Von Robinson.

Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

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Leonard Berry, 90

BEAVER TOWNSHIP – Leonard Berry, 90, entered into eternal rest on Monday, Oct. 26, 2009, at Salem Community Hospital.

Mr. Berry was born on March 3, 1919 in Dunkirk, N.Y., the son of John W. and Anna (Gurney) Berry. He had lived in Beaver Township since 1992, formerly of Newton Falls for over 40 years.

He married the love of his life, the former Roma A. White on Sept. 13, 1957 and they were married for 40 wonderful years, before her passing on Dec. 29, 1997.

Mr. Berry was employed in sales for 31 years with U.S. Gypsum Company in Warren, retiring in 1978. He was second lieutenant of the U.S. Army serving in World War II, receiving the Purple Heart on Feb. 25, 1945.

He was a member of the Newton Falls First Christian Church, A.A.R.P., and the 37^th and 70^th Infantry Association. Mr. Berry enjoyed traveling.

Mr. Berry is survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceeded in death by his wife, Roma; sisters, Viola Buchanan, Clara Spencer, Florence Hayden and Elizabeth Jones; and his brothers, Frank and Joseph Berry.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, Oct. 30, 2009, at the James Funeral Home from noon to 1 p.m., with the funeral service immediately following at 1 p.m. The Rev. Calvin Mason will be officiating.

Mr. Berry will be laid to rest next to his wife in Newton Falls Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the James Funeral Home, 8 East Broad St. in Newton Falls.

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Janet E. Colella, 79

EAST PALESTINE – Mrs. Janet E. Colella, 79, of 203 West Taggart St., passed away at 7:52 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009, at St. Mary’s Alzheimer’s Center, where she had been a patient for the past 21 months.

Janet was born March 13, 1930 in Warren, a daughter of the late Charles and Genevieve Hosack Allan. She had resided in East Palestine since 1950 coming from New Brighton, Pa.

After high school, she was employed with the Westinghouse Co. in Beaver, Pa. for four years. Later, she was employed as a secretary at the East Palestine High School, after which, she was with the former L.W. Nash Company for 12 years as an assistant personnel manager, retiring in the mid 1980s.

Janet was a member of the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, an honorary member of Gamma Omicron Sorority and volunteered 14 years for Meals on Wheels.

Janet is survived by her husband, (V.) James Colella, whom she married July 22, 1950. She is also survived by a son, James E. (Joanne) Colella of Poland; a daughter, Susan J. (Ray) Shattenberg of London; four grandchildren, Valerie Diorio, Julianna Colella, Frank Colella and David Colella; and four great-grandchildren. Two half brothers, Timothy and Dennis Allan, of Hamburg, N.Y., also survives.

A brother, Charles Allan, preceded her in death, as had two half brothers, Terry and Richard Allan.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the St. Mary’s Alzheimer’s Center and its staff.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Thursday at the Our Lady of Lourdes Church. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in East Palestine.

Friends will be received from 6 to 9 p.m. today (Wednesday ) at the Oliver-Linsley Funeral Home.

Please visit www.oliver-linsley.com to view this obituary and to send condolences.

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Margaret Durkin-Reali

YOUNGSTOWN – Margaret Durkin-Reali passed away peacefully at Forum Health Northside Medical Center on Oct. 26, 2009.

Margaret was predeceased by her husband, Fred Reali Jr.; her mother, Bridget Devaney Durkin of County Mayo, Ireland; her father, John Durkin of Youngstown; and her brother, Michael Durkin of Youngstown.

She is survived by her son, Law Director of Stow, Brian A. Reali and wife Laura; and her four grandchildren, Brendan, Maura, Brady and Megan.

Margaret is also survived by her sisters, Rosemary Durkin, with whom she shared a home that they built together in 2004 at Diehl Lake, Dorothy Durkin Walsh of Tallmadge and Sally Durkin of Columbiana; and her brothers, John Durkin (Anna Mae) of Boardman, James Durkin (Jane) of Avon and Rick Durkin (Patty) of Ellsworth.

Margaret was blessed with a beloved god child, Michelle, and nieces Kellie, Colleen, Bridget and nephew John. She also leaves numerous family in Ireland and England.

She was employed at the Dollar Bank’s Northside Branch, where she maintained lifelong friendships. She was on the Human Relations Committee under the administration of Mayor J. Philip Richley and was elected as precinct committee person for Mahoning County. She retired in 1999 as a deputy clerk for the Youngstown Municipal Courts.

Margaret was also a Ursuline Booster member and carried the shillelagh over with her mother from Ireland. This shillelagh is the one that Ursuline and Mooney use as their yearly trophy for football.

Her home parish was St. Edward’s of Youngstown and later when she moved to Ellsworth she also attended St. Paul’s Monestary. 

Her funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009, at St. Edward’s Church in Youngstown.

Calling hours will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services on Thursday at the church.

The family request that memorial tributes take the form of contributions to Ursuline Football Boosters and or Society of St. Paul of Canfield in her name.

Arrangements entrusted to the McVean, Hughes & McClurkin Funeral Home.

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John J. Fabijance, 84

NILES – A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Larry Frient on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009, at 9:30 a.m. at the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church for John J. Fabijance, 84, who died Sunday, Oct. 25, while attending the Cleveland Browns football game.

Mr. Fabijance was born Dec. 7, 1924 in McDonald, the son of Ivan and Caroline Razum Fabijance, spending his lifetime in Niles.

A member of the church, he had been employed by U.S. Steel as an inspector, retiring in 1980.

He was a U.S. Navy veteran and a lifetime member of the Croatian Fraternal Union No. 598.

He was an ardent supporter of the Cleveland Browns and Indians, enjoyed golf, card playing, bingo, fishing and gardening. His most treasured times were those spent with his family.

His wife, the former Irene A. Bardzel, whom he married May 14, 1955, preceded him in death on Jan. 4, 1999. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Anna Oleksa.

Survivors include his sons, Michael J. and his wife, Diane and John P. and his wife, Cindy, all of Niles; a sister, Katherine Ballentine of Columbus; and two grandchildren, Amanda and Josh.

Friends may call today, Oct. 28, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Robert P. McDermott Memorial Home, where the Bereavement Society of the Church will hold a prayer service at 7:30 p.m.

Burial will be at Niles City Cemetery, where Mr. Fabijance will be honored and recognized for his service to our country by the Trumbull County American Legion Honor Guard.

Arrangements and care has been entrusted to the Robert P. McDermott Memorial Home, 614 Warren Avenue in Niles.

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Dorothy Doughton Feeley, 84

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA. – Dorothy Doughton Feeley, 84, formerly of Youngstown, passed away Oct. 22, 2009 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the First Presbyterian Church in Youngstown.

Friends and family may call Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Davis Funeral Home in Boardman and on Saturday from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. at the church.

Dorothy was born Nov. 12, 1924 in Aberdare, South Wales, United Kingdom, to Jacob Owen and Lavinia Hopkins Doughton. She and her family immigrated to Youngstown, when she was a child.

Dorothy graduated from South High School in 1942. On Oct. 3, 1948, she married Frank Feeley, her devoted partner of 61 years. They had one daughter, Allison Feeley Edwards of Alpharetta, Ga.

Dorothy worked as an executive secretary for Works Auditor of U.S. Steel and later as secretary to the Vice President of General Fireproofing Company.

Dorothy was a well-known soprano soloist having studied under Mrs. Clara Weick and Mr. John Samuel of Cleveland.

She was a 45 year member of the First Presbyterian Church and sang in the Motet choir. Also, she was past Moderator of the First Presbyterian Women’s Association and held the position of FPW Treasurer for 35 years. She was thoroughly dedicated to her church and its missions.

Dorothy was a talented writer who wrote many skits and plays and loved her contribution to the FPW church bazaar and the women’s Workshop. She also served on the Board of the Protestant Family Service for several years.

Dorothy was Past National President of the Women’s Welsh Clubs of America having been twice President of Calon Lan Welsh Club. She used her musical talents to direct “Cymanfoeth Ganu” (Welsh Song Fest). She also served as secretary of the St. David’s Society of Youngstown for several years.

She and her husband, Frank, spent several years as visiting Chaplains at South Side Hospital.

Dorothy’s lifelong love of reading, lead her to volunteer at the Youngstown Society for the Blind Radio Station, YRRS. She read magazines and books on the radio to the blind for 16 years and loved every minute of it.

Dorothy leaves her husband, Frank, of Lawrenceville, formerly of Youngstown; her daughter, Allison Feeley Edwards and son-in-law, Thomas Joseph Edwards of Alpharetta; two grandchildren, Matthew Jacob Edwards (Amy) of Alpharetta and Megan Elizabeth Edwards Koch (Shawn) of Cummings, Ga.; and three great-grandchildren, Jacob McKain and Owen Thomas Edwards and Phoebe Doughton Kock.

In lieu of flowers, the family requested memorial contributions be sent to the Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries, Youngstown Radio Reading Service (YRRS), 2747 Belmont Ave., Youngstown, OH 44505.

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David Valentine Johnson, 85

MEADVILLE, PA – David Valentine Johnson, 85, formerly of Conneaut Lake, Pa., died peacefully at his home in Meadville, Oct. 25, 2009, and has been welcomed into the arms of God.

Born in Elgin, Ill. on Aug. 13, 1924, the older son of the late Isola Bell Valentine and Julius Johnson.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Jo Thorne Johnson, whom he married on Dec. 21, 1945; four children, Thomas Ray Johnson and wife Cathie of Sewickley, Pa., Steven Thorne Johnson and wife Maureen of Nashville, Tenn., Claire Johnson Glove and husband Ron of Canfield and Corinne Johnson Meeder of North East, Pa.; 13 grandchildren, Elizabeth Johnson Kindelberger and husband Walt of Delmont, Pa., Laurel Johnson Pantezzi of Germantown, Md., Christopher David Johnson of Brooklyn, N.Y., David N. Johnson and wife Valerie of London, Daniel Johnson of Cleveland, Jens P. Johnson of Cleveland, Robin Glove Mara and husband Ian of Westerville, Kirsten Glove of Brooklyn, Matthew Glove of Canfield, Erik Stureson of Cambridge Springs, Pa., Kaitlin Stureson of Meadville, Anders Stureson of North East and Linnea Stureson of North East; six great-grandchildren, Genna and Aly Kindelberger, Chase and Ellie Pantezzi, Caleb Daniel Green and Colin Mara; and also by Boel Jakobsson Johnson and Fredrik Stureson.

Dave was preceded in death by his brother, Raymond Julius Johnson and great-grandson, Trevor Alexander Pantezzi.

Dave also considered the family’s several foreign exchange students as his own, including Ian Ross of the United Kingdom, Per Svantesson, Jennie Svantesson Andreen and Matti Svantesson, all of Sweden, Adadu Yemane of Ethiopia, Cathy Levavasseur of France and Kris Gudjonsson of Iceland.

Calling hours will be Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home Inc., 581 Chestnut St. in Meadville.

A memorial service will be Saturday at 1 p.m. at the High Street Community Church, 9517 U.S. Highway 322 in Conneaut Lake, with the Rev. David M. Meckley, Pastor, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the High Street Community Church, P.O. Box 248, Conneaut Lake, PA 16316, Hospice of Crawford County, 464 Pine St., Meadville, PA 16335 or Wesbury Foundation Benevolence Fund, 31 N. Park Ave., Meadville, PA 16335.

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Irene Kuvakas, 82

YOUNGSTOWN – Services will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Lane Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel for Irene Kuvakas, 82, who passed away Sunday at St. Elizabeth Health Center.

Irene was born July 1, 1927 in Portsmouth, the daughter of James and Elizabeth (Proctor) Thomas and came to the area as a child.

She was a cosmetology teacher with the Youngstown Beauty Academy for three years and was also the owner/operator of the Beauty Box from 1971 to 1982. She was a member of the Christ Church Presbyterian and was active in five different church social clubs within the area, at St. Mary’s, St. Christine’s, St. Brendan’s, St. Joseph’s and Sts. Peter and Paul’s Churches. Irene was also a former member of the Amerath Justice Court No. 26.

Her husband, John Kuvakas, whom she married Oct. 15, 1949, passed away Feb. 7, 1990.

Irene leaves one son, the Rev. John Allen (Kelly) Kuvakas; two grandchildren, Ruth (Todd) Eaton of Rutland, Vt. and Jason Kuvakas of Warrenton, Va.; one great-grandchild, Sammi Eaton; one sister, Sylvia Tisone of Youngstown; one brother, George Thomas of Austintown, her caregiver and nephew, James Thomas of Youngstown; as well as several other nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call from 5 to 6 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

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

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Ruth Virginia Lindman, 99

SEBRING – Ruth Virginia Emch Lindman, 99, died Friday evening, Oct. 23, 2009, at Crandall Medical Center in Sebring, Ohio.

She was born Aug. 14, 1910, in Charleroi, Pa. to George Abraham and Gertrude Edith (Moyer) Emch.

The family lived first in Boardman, then after her mother’s death in 1914 and her father’s remarriage to Jane “Jenny” Henry, lived in Poland, Ohio.

Virginia graduated from Poland Seminary High School in 1928, where she was captain of the girls’ basketball team and participated in track and field sports. After graduation from The College of Wooster in 1933, she taught business education and coached the girls’ basketball teams at Petersburg High School and then at Poland High School, prior to her marriage to Ivar Sven Lindman, June 7, 1938. They resided in Boardman, where she taught business education at Boardman High from 1955 until retiring in 1970.

She was president of Emch Spring Service Inc. of Youngstown, the business her father began in 1916, following the death of her brother, William J. (Marjorie) Emch, from 1964 to 2004.

Virginia and her husband traveled in the United States and Europe after his retirement from the Poland School System until his death on June 16, 1981. She traveled extensively in Near Eastern and Asian countries until 1999 and gave travel talks to many groups in the Youngstown area until she moved to Copeland Oaks in Sebring, Ohio, in January of 2001.

She was among the original class of inductees to the Poland High School Athletes Hall of Fame. She was a member of the Mahoning Valley Historical Society and the Mahoning Valley Retired Teachers Association. She had been a faithful member of the Bethel Lutheran Church of Boardman, where she taught church school and participated in the women’s groups. Even from childhood, she embraced life and enjoyed all of her family and the many friends who became part of her family.

Survivors include her brother, George K. Emch of Hurley, N.Y.; daughter, Susanne E. (Richard) Campbell of Alliance; son, the Rev. (Lt. Col. Ret.) Donald I. (Kathleen) Lindman, of Ephrata, Pa.; granddaughters: Laurie J. Wood of Chatham, N.J.; Christen J. (Keith) Hall of Chagrin Falls; Marjorie L. (Christopher) Cojocar of Uniontown; Anne E. (Mark) Zerbe of York, Pa.; and Julie R. Lindman of Ephrata, Pa.; and 13 great-grandchildren: Campbell, Andrew, Jared and Ashley Wood; Elisabeth, Benjamin, Jonathan, Nathaniel and Olivia Hall; Emily and Craig Cojocar; and Victoria and Matthew Zerbe.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her sister, Edith C. Emch; her sister-in-law; and sisters and brothers-in-law, Georgia and Scott Leonard, Jeannette and Fred Hanley and Thelma and Raymond Lucas.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009, at the Bethel Lutheran Church, 425 Crestview Drive in Boardman, with Pastor Bret Rizzo officiating.

An hour of visitation will be held prior to the service at the church on Saturday.

Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, 2009, at Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home, 75 S. Union Ave. in Alliance.

Burial will be at Forrest Lawn Memorial Park in Boardman.

Memorial contributions in her name can be made to The Oaks Foundation of Copeland Oaks, 800 S. 15th St., Sebring, OH 44672, Bethel Lutheran Church, 425 Crestview Drive, Boardman, OH 44512 or the College of Wooster, 1189 Beall Ave., Wooster, OH 44691.

Arrangements are by the Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home.

Friends may visit www.ctcfuneral.com to register online.

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Michael Luciw, 63

RICHMOND, VA. – Michael Luciw, 63, passed away on Oct. 21, 2009 after a long illness.

He was born in Villach, Austria to Ukrainian parents and immigrated to the United States in 1951.

He was very proud of his Ukrainian heritage and participated in many Ukrainian cultural activities.

He is survived by his wife, Olga of 39 years; sons Michael and Gregory of Richmond; two sisters; and two brothers.

He worked for Baskervill & Sons, Hanover Engineers, and was a member of the American Society of Plumbing Engineers. He was one of the founding members of the Tidewater Ukrainian American Cultural Society and served as Humanitarian Aid Director. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church in Richmond.

Private services were held in Youngstown, Ohio.

Arrangements were by Kinnick Funeral Home in Youngstown.

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Ja’Braya Shanelle Merchant-Howell

YOUNGSTOWN – On Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009, God called for a new cheerleading angel to head his heavenly team. He saw a loving cheerleader, Ja’Braya Shanelle Merchant-Howell, who he thought would do an awesome job training his other angels.

Ja’Braya, lovingly known as “Bubba,” was born Oct. 22, 1992 in Youngstown, a daughter of Michael Edward Sr. and Crystal Derricka Merchant-Howell.

She was an 11th grade student at East High School, where she served on the cheerleading team. Her passion for cheerleading started with the New Bethel Little League Football team, two years at Chaney High School and presently at East High School.

She was a member of the Community Church of God. She loved dancing, was very outgoing, and most of all enjoyed being with her family.

Her memories will always be cherished by her parents, Michael and Crystal; two brothers, Johnathan (Kandy) Queener of Colorado Springs, Colo. and Michael Howell Jr. of Youngstown; four sisters, Shanelle Merchant of Delaware and Jerrine Merchant, Michelle Howell and Shanelle “Nellie” Howell, all of Youngstown; grandparents, Derrick “Ricky” Davis of Youngstown and Shirley J. (James) Howell and Richard C. (Cheryl) Howell Sr., both of Cleveland; great-grandmother, Ruth Davis Brown of Youngstown; an aunt, Cassandra Renee Bass of Cleveland; three uncles, Richard Howell Jr. of Cleveland, Bryant and (his fiance, Kim Anderson) Merchant of Columbus and Jerry and (his fiance, Stacy Woods) Merchant of Youngstown; one niece, Se’Niyha Howell; a close dear friend of the family, Nicole Rhodes; her influential cheerleading coach, Annie Terry; and a host of other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Jerrine Merchant; and great-grandparents, Eloise Davis, Julius Davis, Edward and Leatha Bratton and John and Ellen Howell.

Friends may call Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009, from 9 to 10 a.m. at the L. E. Black, Phillips and Holden Funeral Home, where funeral services will follow at 10 a.m.

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Dorothy L. Messer, 80

AUSTINTOWN – Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the Lane Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel for Dorothy L. Messer, 80, who died early Sunday morning at her home.

Dorothy was born Sept. 4, 1929 in Barberton, the daughter of the late Howard and Myrtle (Gaugler) Wellons.

She had formerly been a hostess at Dutch Pantry and Perkins Restaurant and had last been employed at Wal-Mart in the jewelry department. She had been a volunteer for the Salvation Army and enjoyed bingo.

Her husband, Robert O. Messer, whom she married June 1950, died June 25, 1973.

She is survived by a son, John R. Messer of Austintown; two brothers, Howard Wellons of Toledo and Robert (Betty) Wellons of Allentown, Pa.; six grandchildren, Amy (James) Spencer, Robert (Angela) Messer, Joseph Messer, Jennifer (Dan) Fu, Justin Messer and Joshua (Brandie) Messer; six great-grandchildren; and her companion, John Aquisto.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her son, Jack; and a sister, Carol Messer.

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

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

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Michael E. Miller, 61

OHIO TOWNSHIP, PA. – Michael E. Miller, 61, formerly of Youngstown, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009.

He was born on March 27, 1948, in Youngstown.

He was the beloved husband of Suzanne Garcia Miller; son of Sally and the late Harold Miller; father of Sean (Nakia) Miller of Cleveland; and brother of Kenneth Miller. Michael is also survived by a large extended family.

His triumph over paralysis and a stroke in 2000, inspired all who knew him. After the University of Detroit and B.A. from Youngstown State University, his diverse professional life focused mainly on information technology. He was a life long learner. His service to the community included coaching a soccer league, participation in the Knights of St. Peter Claver and awarding scholarships with the Bayer Foundation.

Friends will be received Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Friday from 10 to noon at the Schellhaas Funeral Home Inc., 388 Center Ave., West View, Pa.

Services will be held on Friday at noon at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to a Native American mission school-one of Michael’s favorites is St. Labre Indian School, Ashland, MT 59004-1001.

Visit www.schellhaasfh.com to pay tribute.

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Patricia A. Miller, 66

HUBBARD – Patricia A. Miller, 66, died Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009, at St. Elizabeth Health Center.

She was born Sept. 9, 1943 in Youngstown, a daughter of Thomas F. and Nellie R. Wilson Welton Sr. and was a lifelong area resident.

Mrs. Miller was a nurse’s aide for Orange Village Nursing Home for 17 years before retiring in 1997.

Patricia made award winning porcelain dolls and enjoyed gardening, sewing and quilting.

She leaves her husband, Nelson L. Miller, whom she married Oct. 14, 1967; a son, Roger A. Miller and his fiancée, Lisa of Hubbard; a brother, Robert Welton of Florida; three grandchildren, Alexis Ayres and Roger Miller Jr., both of Hubbard and Ashley Miller of Sharon, Pa.; and a great-grandson, Cameron Soles of Sharon.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Thomas Welton; and two sisters, Dorothy Doughton and Gladys Price.

Funeral services will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at the Kelley-Robb Funeral Home.

Family and friends may call on Thursday 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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Thelma Virginia Nommay, 82

CHAMPION – Private calling hours will be held Thursday for Thelma Virginia Nommay, 82, who passed away Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009, at Forum Health Northside Medical Center.

Thelma was born Dec. 28, 1926, in Roanoke, Ill., a daughter of the late Samuel E. and Corda P. (Orem) Mills.

A devoted mother, she was also one of the nation’s “Rosie the Riveter” during World War II, building airplanes in Akron.

Thelma is survived by three children, Marcia Shaffer of New Waterford, David Nommay of Clearwater, Fla. and Drake (Charlotte) Nommay of Girard; seven grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.

Thelma was preceded in death by a son, Mark Nommay; six brothers, Carl, James, Arthur, Edward, Eldon and Charles Mills; and an infant sister.

Memorial contributions may be made to Relay for Life in Warren, in Thelma’s name.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Lane Funeral Home, Canfield Chapel.

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

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Virginia Marie (Hritz) Petretich, 60

CANFIELD – Virginia Marie (Hritz) Petretich, 60, passed away peacefully at her home with close family at her side late Sunday evening, Oct. 25, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

She was born Feb. 28, 1949 in Youngstown to Joseph and Agnes (Oravec) Hritz, and grew up on Manor Avenue in Struthers/Poland.

She graduated from Cardinal Mooney High School in 1967, and obtained a bachelor’s degree in Social Work in 1973 from Youngstown State University. Virginia was employed by the State of Ohio at the Youngstown Developmental Center, where she served the families of those with developmental disabilities until the onset of her illness in 2003.

She was married to Frank Petretich on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1973.

Frank and Ginny lovingly raised two children, Jaime (Stephen) Pontius of Austintown and John (Mara) Petretich of Fayetteville, W.Va. She leaves four grandchildren, Catherine and Stephen Pontius and Kyle and Brin Nickolas; and a brother, Terrence (Dorothy) Hritz of Struthers and sister-in-law, Karen (Louis) Cannatti, who Virginia had always considered the sister she never had. She also leaves a niece, Nancy Hritz of Boardman; two nephews, Joseph Hritz of Boardman and Michael Cannatti of Youngstown; and many cousins and close friends.

She was a longtime devoted member of St. Michael’s Parish in Canfield, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister. She was a committee member for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Bowl-a-thon held annually in Warren to raise money for research and awareness. She was also a member of the Jednota Women’s Lodge in Struthers and the Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 66 in Youngstown. She annually volunteered her time for the American Cancer Society, American Lung Association, and other illness related charities.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her in-laws, Frank and Ann Petretich; brothers-in-law, John and Joseph Petretich; and several aunts and uncles.

Virginia touched countless lives with her empathy, love and quiet grace, and she will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

The family would like to thank the staff and volunteers at Hospice of the Valley for their compassionate care of Virginia at the Hospice House, and through visits to the family home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hospice of the Valley in memory of Virginia.

Friends may call on Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. and on Friday morning from 9 to 10 a.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Canfield, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m.

Vaschak-Kirila Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Please visit www.vaschak-kirilafh.com to view this obituary or to send condolences to the family.

Vaschak-Kirila Funeral Home, Dedicated To Caring Since 1907

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Ada A. Rosenbaum, 94

HASLETT, MICH. – Ada A. Rosenbaum, 94, passed away on Oct. 18, 2009, with her family present, in a Lansing, Mich. nursing home.

Born on Jan. 6, 1915, in New Castle, Pa., she was the daughter of the late William and Anna Markowitz.

Ada was a loving mother and wife to two families. She loved to travel with both her husbands, and was a dedicated volunteer in the Youngstown Jewish community, including the Rodef Sholom Temple.

She is survived by her two stepsons, Gerald (Doris) Rosenbaum and Frank (Patience) Rosenbaum; her grandson, Austin Louis Rosenbaum; her niece, Ginger (Arnie) Vance; her cousin, Cookie Spikell; and numerous other cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her son, Melvin Solomon and by two husbands, Isadore Solomon and Louis Rosenbaum.

A graveside service was held in New Castle at Tifereth Israel Cemetery on Oct. 22, 2009.

For those wishing, memorial contributions may be made to Rodef Sholom Temple in Youngstown or Hospice of Lansing, Stoneleigh Residence.

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Elberta J. (Bebe) Wallace, 79

NEW CASTLE, PA. – Elberta J. (Bebe) Wallace, 79, of 3031 Wallace Drive, passed away the evening of Oct. 26, 2009 at Jameson Care Center.

She was born Aug. 10, 1930 in New Castle, the daughter of the late Caleb and Leota Wickline Green.

She married Geo. Dean Wallace on Sept. 24, 1950. He survives in New Castle.

She was a graduate of Union High School in 1948 and Jameson School of Nursing in 1951. She enjoyed crocheting, playing cards, crossword puzzles, her family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bebe brought so much life and love to her family and was able to carry that over into the community as she was a night duty nurse in the maternity ward at Jameson Memorial Hospital for 40 years. She assisted in bringing so many new lives into our community.

She was a member of Challenges Fitness Program and Kings Chapel Church, although she attended the Shenango Presbyterian Church.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Debra E. (Jack) Phillipson of Austintown; two sons and daughters-in-law, Donald E. (Lynda) Wallace of Yorba Linda, Calif. and James D. (Monica) Wallace of New Galilee, Pa.; seven grandchildren; two step grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and two step great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Jeanne Morris, Janette Green and Mary Catherine Taylor; and an infant grandson.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today, Oct. 28, 2009 at the R. Cunningham Funeral Home and Crematory Inc., 2429 Wilmington Road in New Castle.

A service will be held at 11 a.m. on Oct. 29, 2009 at the funeral home. The Rev. Amy Na of the Shenango Presbyterian Church will officiate.

Burial will be at Kings Chapel Cemetery.

Visit www.cunninghamfh.com to offer online condolences.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the American Cancer Society Lawrence/Mercer Unit 3208B Wilmington Road, P.O. Box 5037, New Castle, PA 16105.

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Patrick Michael Williams, 42

LOWELLVILLE – Patrick Michael Williams, 42, died from complications due to leukemia, early Tuesday morning at his residence.

Patrick, affectionately known as Pat to many, was born Sept. 11, 1967 in Youngstown, a son of Benjamin and Maryann Olenick Williams. He was raised in Campbell and moved to Lowellville nine years ago.

He was a 1985 graduate of Campbell Memorial High School. After graduation, Pat enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served overseas in the Mediterranean and in the Persian Gulf. In 1989, he returned to the area and worked as a forklift operator for Indalex Aluminum for 15 years until its closing.

Pat was an avid sports fan and enjoyed coaching Campbell Girls’ Softball League. He loved the Pittsburgh Steelers and fishing with his family and friends.

Besides his mother, Maryann of Campbell, Pat leaves his wife, the former Teresa Keirsey, whom he married July 16, 1992; two daughters, Brittany Alexis and Shelby Lynn, both at home; one brother, Brian (Theresa) Williams of Enterprise, Ala.; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Michael and Dorothy Keirsey of Lowellville; one brother-in-law, Michael (Amber) Keirsey of Boardman; and four nieces, Karen, Andrea, Terry and Raven.

Pat was preceded in death by his father, Benjamin Williams.

Services will be held Friday at 10 a.m. at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home in Lowellville and 10:30 a.m. at the Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, with the Rev. G. David Weikart officiating. Interment will follow at St. John the Baptist Cemetery in Lowellville.

Friends will be received Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.

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Jewel J. Wrench, 91

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP – Private services were held for Jewel J. Wrench, 91, who died Friday, Oct. 23, 2009, at her home.

She was born on March 9, 1918 in Youngstown, the daughter of the late Joseph and Margaret (Wren) Herman.

She was a 1937 graduated of East High School and worked many years as a dental hygienist for Dr. Albert Kovic.

She married Robert Wrench in April of 1962, and he passed away March 11, 2004.

She is survived by a daughter, Patricia R. Price of Liberty Township; two grandchildren, Jewel (Frank) Benson and David (Sue) Price; seven great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Bill Wighton.

Arrangements were handled by the McClurkin Funeral Home in Girard.

Interment was at Churchill Cemetery in Liberty Township.

The family would like to thank the staff and volunteers of MVI Hospice for their care and support.

Donations may be made in Jewel’s name to MVI Hospice.

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