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Tributes 2009-12-03

Richard P. “Rick” Baker, 57

HUBBARD - Richard P. “Rick” Baker, 57, died Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 2, 2009, at Washington Square Nursing Home.

He was born July 15, 1952 in Sharon, Pa., a son of Charles “Red” and Dolores I. Miller Baker and was a lifelong Hubbard resident.

Mr. Baker worked for the City of Hubbard Street Department for 17 years. He was a 1970 graduate of Ursuline High School and served with the U.S. Army.

Rick enjoyed all kinds of sports, especially fishing, swimming, scuba diving and skiing and loved spending time with his 20 nieces and nephews.

He leaves his parents, Red and Dolores Baker of Hubbard; a brother, Michael (Barb) Baker of Hubbard; and seven sisters, Charlotte (Jim) Lanz of Hubbard, Nance (Bill) Hoza of Columbus, Paula (Mike) Lynch of Marysville, Jennifer Skowron of Boardman, Karen (Dan) Carioti of Cortland, Lisa (David) Hill of Cuyahoga Falls and Lori (Chuck) Hillman of Boardman.

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

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

Contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Boardman, OH 44512.

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

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Mark Anthony “Packy” Barnhouse, 22

HUBBARD – Mark Anthony “Packy” Barnhouse, 22, of 251 ^1/2 Clingan St., lost his life Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009, in the Emergency Room at St. Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown, as a result of an electrical fire in his home earlier that evening.

Mark was born in Youngstown on Jan. 21, 1987, a son to Danny L. and Carla J. (Matas) Barnhouse.

He worked as a grinder at Warren Fabrication in Masury and had previously been employed at Dart Trucking in 0Lisbon.

In his spare time, he enjoyed cooking, riding his dirt bike and hanging with his friends.

Most of all, Mark loved spending time with his son, Marky.

Survivors include, his son, Mark A. “Marky” Barnhouse Jr.; his girlfriend, Sarah Schuster; his sister, Jamie L. Barnhouse; his maternal grandfather, Carl Matas; his uncle, Tom Matas, all of Hubbard; his aunts and uncles, Bernie and Carol Thomas of Warren, Allen and Barbara Long of West Middlesex, Pa., Tim and Tina Matas of Brandon, Fla. and Marty and Tina Gavalier of Masury; his cousins, Shannon Long, Brooke, Spencer, Myah and Jaydan Gavalier, Denise and Marina Matas and Justin and Jared Matas; plus, his many friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother and his maternal grandmother, Shirley Matas.

Calling hours for Mark will be Friday, Dec. 4, 2009, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Chestnut Ridge Church of God, 7215 Chestnut Ridge Road in Hubbard.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009, at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Rob McFarland, officiating.

A private burial will be at Hubbard Union Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

Coordination of this tribute for Mark will be presented by Daniel Briceland of Briceland Funeral Service, LLC. (330)-509-3135.

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James I. Billman, 84

BOARDMAN – There will be funeral services at noon on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009, at the Rossi Brothers & Lellio Funeral Home in Boardman for James I. Billman, 84, who passed away peacefully Tuesday morning, Dec. 1.

James was born June 2, 1925, in Lewistown, the son of Fred and Vida (Ogg) Billman.

He attended Lewisville High School, near Marietta and attended Ohio University. He was employed as an insurance agent for over 40 years. During World War II, James honorably served his country as a radioman-gunner on a torpedo bomber aboard the U.S.S. Lexington, with distinction.

He was a member of the Poland United Methodist Church. Living in Boardman since 1971 with his family, he was a devoted, loving and caring husband, father and grandfather.

James’s wife, the former Florence Lorene Carpenter, whom he married Aug. 23, 1952, passed away May 2, 2006.

He will always be remembered by his sons, Bruce (Janet) Billman of Uniontown and James R. (LuAnne) Billman of Illinois; daughter Joyce (Robert) Kissinger of Lisbon; grandchildren, Christopher, Amanda, Benjamin, Derek and Mary; and a brother, Charles (Myrtie) Billman.

Besides his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his brother, John; and sisters, Clara and Mary.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4, at the Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave. in Boardman and from 11 a.m. until time of services Saturday at the funeral home.

Internment will follow at Lake Park Cemetery with full military honors provided by the great men from V.F.W. Post 9571 of Ellsworth.

The family would like to especially thank the nurses and doctors of Northside Intensive Care Unit, for their very compassionate support and care of James.

Burt H. Butcher, 87

YOUNGSTOWN – Services will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Pleasant Grove Presbyterian Church for Burt H. Butcher, 87. He passed away Wednesday morning at Caprice Health Care Center.

Mr. Butcher was born July 12, 1922 in Youngstown, a son of Howard Walter and Henrietta Moherman Butcher.

He was a 1941 South High School graduate and had worked for Youngstown & Southern Railroad as a Transportation Supervisor between his times in the Marines. He retired July 12, 1987, after 24 years on the railroad.

Burt was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, serving in World War II and the Korean conflict. He was awarded and entitled to wear the following ribbons or medals: World War II Victory Medal with one Bronze Star, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Stars, United Nations Service Medal, Presidential Unit Commendation Ribbon with two Bronze Stars and Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, with one Bronze Star.

Burt was sponsored by Ernie Hudak and joined the Tri County Marine Corps League on Oct. 14, 1981. Since joining the league, he had served as Jr. Vice, St. Vice and Commandant. He was also a member of the Chosen Few and VFW.

His first wife, the former Shirley E. Leach, whom he married Nov. 30, 1946, died April 19, 2002.

Surviving him is his wife, the former Hermine Wolfe Slind, whom he married Nov. 27, 2004; two sons, Robert Lyle (Rebecca) Butcher and Burt Howard (Deborah) Butcher, both of Poland; a daughter, Lori Ann (John) Gilbert of Streetsboro; two stepdaughters, Laura (Chuck) Johnson and Edith (Gary) Seward; a stepson, David Slind; a sister, Elpha Oakley of Youngstown; nine grandchildren, Tim, Jim, Erin, Brian, Katie, Jason, David, Sara and Gregory; and two great-granddaughters.

Friends may call Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Davis Funeral Home and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday at the church.

The family requests that material tributes take the form of contributions to the Church Memorial Fund, Pleasant Grove Presbyterian Church, 3919 Southern Blvd., Youngstown, OH 44512.

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Geraldine “Jeri” Pierce Hoyle, 91

BOARDMAN – There will be a memorial service held on Friday, Dec. 4, 2009, at 6 p.m. at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4700 Market St. in Boardman for Geraldine “Jeri” Pierce Hoyle, 91, formerly of Warren, who passed away on Monday morning, Nov. 30, 2009, with her loving family by her side.

Jeri will always be remembered and loved by her family and friends.

Geraldine’s nickname was Jeri. She was born April 8, 1918 in Muncie, Ind. Her father, Charles Pierce lived in Toledo, and passed away in 1948. Her mother, Zella Suttelle was born in France, and was one of 15 children. She was brought over to the states and raised in Muncie.

Jeri was born during World War I. Growing up she learned to sew and was an excellent seamstress. For years she used this talent to make ends meet along with giving perms, cleaning homes, and waitressing at Barretts Restaurant on South Avenue in Youngstown. Then when Jeri was 38 years old, she began working at Packard Electric. She was a Quality Control Worker. With only a 10th grade education at Woodrow Wilson High School, she proved to management that she was an excellent worker and excelled in the tasks given to her. Jeri self taught herself the metric system when Packard converted over to it. She also taught herself how to read blueprints.

Jeri had a heart of gold and had an insatiable desire to help those in need. If a stranger or someone she knew needed food, their bills that needed to be paid, gifts for their children, a ride to the doctors or some other need, Jeri was there to provide all that she could. She always put herself last. She never was one to join clubs, or travel. Her main hobby was helping others and enjoying her grandchildren, family and friends who were very important to her and came first in her life.

In the year 2000, one day before Easter, Jeri had a massive stroke. It left her paralyzed on the left side of her body. She went blind in one eye and lost a significant amount of her hearing in the left ear. Through all of it, through all the pain, she never gave up. Mostly everyday she would try to exercise in her own way, and did everything she possibly could do in order to get well again. She was a fighter, and she proved that well. Jeri loved the Lord with all her heart. She enjoyed reading the bible, watching Billy Graham and Charles Stanley. She loved to sing God’s praises and was grateful when others would pray with her.

Preceded in death were Geraldine Hoyle’s parents, Zella, and Charles Pierce; her four sisters and three brothers, Muriel (Peggy) Rogers of Youngstown, Sally Costello of Toledo, Garnet Pierce of Muncie, Clova Pierce of Chillicothe and Evan, Charles, and Robert Pierce, all of Florida.

She is survived by her children, Mary Colleen Cefalu of Youngstown, with whom Jeri lived with, and Sarah Elizabeth Dutton of Lowellville. She leaves behind, five grandchildren, Jeri (Kevin) Kriebel, Colleen Marie Cefalu, Jami (John) Novak, Francine (Ray) Boggs and Tony (Maureen) Cefalu; seven great-grandchildren, Raymond (Danielle) Boggs Jr., Anthony (Amanda) Boggs, Kevin (Angela) Kriebel Jr., Kristopher Kriebel, Theresa (Frank) Lehman, Lindsay Cefalu and Tony Cefalu Jr.; and four great-great-grandchildren, Raymond M. Boggs III, Anthony R.T. Boggs, Haylee Boggs and Kaitlyn Kriebel.

“Our mother Jeri was our best friend and a wonderful grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend. We love you mom. All of us miss you so very much and all the days of our lives. We were immensely blessed to have you in our lives as long as we did.”

Friends may call on Friday, Dec. 4, 2009, from 4 to 5:55 p.m. at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4700 Market St. in Boardman.

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David K. Keller, 74

BOARDMAN – There will be a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial held on Friday, Dec. 4, 2009, at 10 a.m. at St. Charles Church with the Rev. Philip Rogers officiating for David K. Keller, 74, of Boardman and Naples, Fla., who passed away Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 1, 2009.

David was born Dec. 10, 1934, in Brady’s Ben, Pa., the son of Samuel and Ester (Harmon) Keller.

He was a member of St. Charles Church and was a U.S. Army veteran.

He leaves his wife, the former Jean Stefanic, whom she married April 30, 1960; three children, Chris (Ken) Wilson of Solon, David K. Jr. (Elaine) Keller of Stow and Matthew (Andrea) Keller of Canfield; and four grandchildren, Stephanie and Daniel Wilson and Kayley and Samuel Keller.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Homer and Earl Keller.

Friends may call on Friday, Dec. 4, 2009, from 9 to 9:55 a.m. at St. Charles Church, Boardman.

Arrangements were entrusted to the professional care of the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4700 Market St., Boardman.

The Keller family would like to the Vitas Hospice in Naples, Fla. and the Hospice House in North Lima for all the excellent and compassionate care given to David during his illness.

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Mary Krompegel, 91

CAMPBELL – A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday at 10 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Church for Mary Krompegel, 91, who passed away Tuesday evening at Assumption Village Nursing Home.

Mary was born Oct. 27, 1918, in Youngstown, the daughter of John and Anna Ruzila Macupa.

Besides being a homemaker, Mary worked for Weatherbee Coats and as a seamstress.

She was a member of the church, where she was involved in many organizations throughout the years and was the PTO president of St. Elizabeth School.

Her great love was Jesus our Lord, her great love in life was her husband, Joseph, whom she married on Aug. 31, 1940, and he passed away May 9, 2005.

Mary leaves to cherish her memory, her children, Joseph T. of Campbell, Robert (Martha) of Boardman and Nancy (Richard) Douglass of Unity; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; Greg Macupa, whom she raised for the last 43 years; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one brother, Joseph Macupa; and a nephew, Dr. Larry Macupa.

The Krompegel family wishes to thank the employees of Assumption Village for the wonderful care they gave to their mother. And many thanks to Hospice for all their kindness and care.

The family wishes that any donations be made in Mary’s name to Hospice House/Hospice of the Valley.

The Krompegel family has entrusted their loved one to the care of the Wasko Funeral Home and will receive friends Friday from 9:30 to 10 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Church.

Visit www.waskofamily.com to view this obituary.

Marvaline (Ware) Marrow

RICHMOND HEIGHTS – Marvaline (Ware) Marrow, beloved wife of Harold; loving mother of Darrell, devoted grandmother of Isaiah and D’Angelo, passed away.

There will be a Wake at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009, at the Temple Baptist Church, 7500 Cedar Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103, where the funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday.

Public viewing is Friday, Dec. 4, 2009, from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Purnell Jones Funeral Home, 7120 Cedar Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103.

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Mary M. “Ann” Mathew, 78

GIRARD – Mary M. “Ann” Mathew, 78, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009, at Briarfield Manor.

Mary was born Jan. 18, 1931 to the late Jesse and Cora Slatter Rayl in Cadiz.

She was a homemaker, a member of the Hope Baptist Church, a Sunday school teacher at the United Brothern Christ Church in Youngstown, was a day care teacher, a cook and helped set up the library at the Howland Baptist Church.

She is survived by her husband, Clifford Lee Mathew, whom she married June 12, 1948; her son, Frederick Lee Mathew of Sharon, Pa.; two grandchildren, Mark Louis Mathew and Tracy Lynn Mahan; and one great-granddaughter, Delaney.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, Thelbert, Albert and Ransel and a sister, Dorothy Gaydos.

Services will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Blackstone Funeral Home, where visitation will be one hour prior to the service and on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. Interment will be at Crown Hill Cemetery.

Visit www.blackstonesfh.com to view this obituary.

Alex “Al” Sabo, 95

YOUNGSTOWN – A memorial service will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Hungarian Presbyterian Church for Alex “Al” Sabo, 95, who passed away Monday evening.

Mr. Sabo was born Aug. 11, 1914 in Youngstown, a son of Stephen and Sophia Szabo Sabo.

Al was a World War II veteran, serving in the Army in the Pacific Theatre. He worked for the U.S. Post Office as a postal carrier for 30 years, retiring in 1975.

He was a member of the Postal Union No. 385, the Hungarian Presbyterian Church, and the Youngstown American Hungarian Club.

Al is survived by his wife, the former Helen Yancsurak, whom he married on June 7, 1947 and a daughter, Dr. Susan J. Sabo of Avon.

He was preceded in death by a son, Alex Robert; a brother, Steve Sabo; and a sister, Eleanor Ague.

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

Arrangements are being handled by the Szabo & Sons Funeral Home.

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Col. Donald Edwin Schwartz, DDS USA (Ret.), 86

WINDCREST, TEXAS – Col. Donald Edwin Schwartz, DDS USA (Ret.), 86, passed away on Monday, Nov. 30, 2009, in Windcrest.

Donald was born in Youngstown, to parents Paul Schwartz and Alta Albright Schwartz.

He graduated from North Lima High School in 1941. He went to Dental School at The Ohio State University and completed his Prosthodontic training at UCLA. He was in the Army for over 30 years, and proudly served his country during World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. He was in private practice in Shaker Heights from 1952 to 1953 and again in San Antonio from 1973 to 1975. His last assignment was at Fort Sam Houston as Chief of the Rhodes Dental Clinic. He retired in 1973 and became a Professor and Chairman of Crown and Bridge at the UTHSC Dental School from 1975 to 1986 and received multiple teaching awards.

Dr. Schwartz was an avid cyclist and was a member of the San Antonio Wheelman for 40 years. He helped organize the Trail Blazers and participated in the Senior Bicycle Olympics, where he won state and national recognition. He was also a General Class Amateur Ham Radio Operator.

Dr. Schwartz was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann “Toddie” Schwartz and brother, Robert Schwartz.

He is survived by his children, Roberta Kernan and husband, Michael of San Antonio, Dr. Jeffrey C. Schwartz and wife, Brenda of Greeley, Colo., Dr. Ivy Schwartz of San Antonio, and Donald Schwartz and wife, Vikie of Boerne, Texas; grandchildren, Patrick and Kelly Kernan and Katherine, Nathan and Trent Hannibal; sibling, Melvin Schwartz and wife, Nancy; niece, Heidi Wintsch, nephew, Eric Schwartz of San Mateo, Calif., Margery Stackhouse Johnson and nephews, Richard, David and Philip, all of Boardman, Roger Stackhouse of Detroit, and a special niece, Gymee Lynn Sills of Windsor, Conn.

Service will be at noon today, Dec. 3, 2009, at the Porter Loring Chapel.

Interment with full military honors will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the USO, the American Legion or any military support organization of your choice.

You are invited to visit at www.porterloring.com to sign the guest book.

Arrangements are being handled by the Porter Loring Mortuary, 1101 McCullough, San Antonio, TX 78212, (210) 227-8221.

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M’Kenzie A. Strozier, 4 Months

BOARDMAN – Our beloved M’Kenzie A. Strozier, 4 months old, was called home to be with the Lord to rest Saturday at Akron’s Childrens Hospital.

M’Kenzie entered into our lives on July 31, 2009, in Youngstown, the daughter of Mr. Michael Strozier Jr. and Ms. Jonna Kimla of Boardman.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her parents and older sister, Ms. Lanaya Strozier; great-grandmother, Mrs. Judy O’Malley of Campbell; great-grandfather, Mr. Cornelius Sherman Sr. of Youngstown; grandmothers, Ms. Esther O’Malley of Campbell and Mrs. Loenda Kimla of Columbiana; grandfathers, Mr. Michael (Ruth) Strozier Sr. of Idaho and Mr. John Kimla of Las Vegas; aunts, Mrs. Brittney (William) Walter and Ms. Shawnte O’Malley, both of Campbell and Ms. Callie Kimla of Las Vegas and Ms. Rasheeda and Ms. Olivia, both of Boardman; great aunts, Ms. JoAnn Bussey of Campbell, Ms. Christina Johnson of Columbus, Mrs. Alenia (Dale) Moor of Florida, Mrs. Deborah (Chris) Waller and Mrs. Angela Williams of N.C.; godmother, Ms. Kalauna Will of Campbell; uncles, Mr. Martest O’Malley (godfather) and Mr. Mathew O’Malley, both of Campbell; great-uncles, Mr. Sidney O’Malley of Youngstown and Mr. Joseph (Rebecca) Strozier Sr., Mr. Rosco Pierce Sr., Mr. Lamont Strozier, all of N.C. and Mr. Milas Strozier Jr of Youngstown and Mr. Cornelius Strozier of Austintown; and a host of 45 cousins, family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her great-grandparents, Mrs. Roberta Strozier, Mr. Jerry McWhorter and Mr. O’Malley and two great-uncles, O’Malley.

The Strozier family has entrusted their loved one to the care of the Wasko Funeral Home and will receive friends Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a 1 p.m. service with the Pastor Ron Royal officiating.

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Steve J. Tkalec, 86

YOUNGSTOWN – Prayers will be held Friday at 9:15 a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Columba Cathedral for Steve J. Tkalec, 86, who passed away at St. Elizabeth Health Center Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 1, 2009.

Steve was born Oct. 9, 1923 in Youngstown, a son of Anthony and Elizabeth (Jakubec) Tkalec.

Steve served his country honorably during World War II in the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Europe from 1944 to 1946. He was a member of the 282nd Field Artillery Battalion. Steve received the EAME Theathre Service Medal with three Bronze Stars, as well as the Good Conduct and Victory Medals. He worked for LTV Steel as a boilermaker for 37 years, retiring in 1985. He was a member of St. Columba Cathedral.

Throughout his life, Steve enjoyed riding his bicycle, shopping for great bargains, fishing, walking in the park, playing cards, watching sports, caring for his dogs and graciously hosting many parties. He also loved reminiscing of the “good old days.” He was loved and cherished by all who know him.

His beloved wife, Nancy (Schreiber) Tkalec, whom he married Sept. 17, 1949, passed away Jan. 15 1988.

Steve leaves his three daughters, Evelyn Tkalec, Janet Tkalec, with whom he made his home with and Shirley Tkalec, all of Youngstown; his granddaughter, Kristy Rummel of Youngstown, who he raised as his own child; and his two sisters, Francis Vadjunec of Boardman and Eva (Paul) Briya of Youngstown.

Steve was preceded in death by his four sisters, Julia Komenak, Mary Gleason, Katherine "Kay" Gora and infant, Rose Tkalec; and three brothers, John Tkalec, George Tkalec and Anthony Tkalec, who was killed in World War II.

The family will be receiving friends today from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery with Military Honors.

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Philip “Spare” Tomasino, 88

YOUNGSTOWN – Prayers will begin at 9:15 a.m. Saturday at the Fox Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Christine Church, celebrated by Msgr. David Rhodes for Philip “Spare” Tomasino, 88, who passed away Tuesday morning at St. Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown.

Mr. Tomasino was born June 27, 1921, in Lowellville, a son of Michael and Rose Bellanca Tomasino and was a lifelong area resident.

He was a graduate of Lowellville High School with the Class of 1939 and the Cleveland Institute of Art.

Philip served his country with the U.S. Army during World War II. He worked as a commercial artist with; Arc Engraving, The Vindicator, and Firestone Tire and Rubber Co. (Akron), where he retired in 1982. He was a member of the church, Youngstown Water Color Society, St. Christine Golf League, Firestone Golf League and volunteered at St. Elizabeth Health Center in the Accounting Department for over 10 years.

Spare loved spending time with his grandchildren, enjoyed gardening, wine making and continued to paint throughout his retirement.

His wife, Beatrice Scocca, whom he married Aug. 4, 1951, died in July of 2001.

He will be sadly missed by his two daughters, Maryann (Don) Malleske of Boardman and AnnMarie (Tom) Fitzgerald of East Lake; three grandchildren, Ginamarie and Marc Malleske and Maria R. Fitzgerald; a brother, Charles (Marge) Tomasino of Boardman; a sister-in-law, Carmel Scocca of Boardman; and many nieces and nephews. (that new him as Uncle Dave).

He was preceded in death by his three sisters, Lena Muscatello, Josephine Marriott and Annie Bellanca; three brothers, Guy Tomasino, Frank Tomasino and Anthony Tomasino; and a brother-in-law, Mike Scocca.

The family wishes to thank the staff and residents at The Inn at Christine Valley for the loving care and friendship that they extended to Philip.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Fox Funeral Home in Boardman.

Family and friends visit at www.foxfuneralhome.org to view this obituary and send condolences.

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Evelynn M. Washington, 49

CLEVELAND – A funeral service celebrating the life of Mrs. Evelynn M. Washington, 49, formerly of Youngstown, who departed this life Nov. 26, 2009, will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at the Washington Funeral Home.

Mrs. Washington was born Jan. 31, 1960 in Wooster, a daughter of Everett and Lynn Howell Johnson II, coming to the valley many years ago.

She was a 1978 graduate of Ursuline High School, where she sang in the choir and played the flute in the band. She studied music at Youngstown Sate University and she was an accomplished pianist. She often dedicated her talents to teaching others to play and she played the piano at the Berean Fellowship Church in Youngstown. She was formerly employed with the Cleveland Clinic.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her father of Youngstown; her mother, Elizabeth Saunders of Columbus; her loving son, Everett Johnson III of Youngstown; her loving daughters, Jennifer Sherman of Akron and Jeanette Parker of Columbus; six grandchildren, Malik and Trinity Johnson both of New York City, N.Y., Elijah and Justice Johnson, both of Youngstown, and Makayla and Jeremiah Reid, both of Columbus; and a host of other relatives and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her adoptive mother, Lynn Johnson and her biological father, Hurbert Hambrick.

The family will receive friends Friday one hour prior to services at the funeral home.

Please visit jewashton@aol.com to email condolences or fax to (330) 782-8500.

Ministry of comfort provided by J.E. Washington Funeral Services Inc.

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Ruth (Kreitzburg) Wean

YOUNGSTOWN – Ruth (Kreitzburg) Wean was born Christmas Day in 1923, and died Nov. 30, 2009, following long illnesses.

She taught English at Chaney and Canfield High Schools and college English at Youngstown State University. She also was an administrator for the Ohio Bureau of Employment Services, where her Niles office placed many people in jobs for area employers.

She attended the New York Academy of Fine Arts in New York City, where she was a professional dancer with the New York Arthur Murray Dance Studios. She moved back to Youngstown to raise a family and graduated from Youngstown State University. She received her post graduate degree from Kent State University.

She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority for Educators, as well as a member of the Board of Directors of Youngstown Playhouse. She was also a member of the Saxon Club and a lifelong member of St. Paul and the Bethel Lutheran Churches.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John; her beloved youngest son, Randy; and her sister, Marie McLean.

She is survived by her brother, Harry Kreitzburg (wife, Elaine) of Dayton; son, Reverend Ronald Wean (wife, Kay) of Dayton; granddaughters, Kandis Wean and Megan Wean, both of New York City; and daughter-in-law, Kyoko Wean of Youngstown.

Visitation will be at the Anstrom-Velker Funeral Home on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m., prior to the funeral service at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Boardman on Saturday at 11 a.m. The presiding pastor will be the Reverent Brett Rizzo.

The family requests that any memorials be directed to the Bethel Lutheran Church.

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A’Niyah Jerri-Denise Williams, Infant

YOUNGSTOWN – Private services were held on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009, at Belmont Park Cemetery for baby A’Niyah Jerri-Denise Williams, who the Angels took to heaven on Nov. 26, 2009.

A’Niyah was born on Nov. 26, 2009 in Youngstown to the proud parents of Cassandra Walker of Campbell and Christopher Williams of Youngstown.

She leaves her grandparents, Jerri Butler of Campbell and Terrence Walker, Peggy Williams and Andrew Madison, all of Youngstown; great-grandparents, Angeline Tinsley of Warren, Karen Harvey of Las Vegas and Oscar Williams of Youngstown; and a host of family and friends.

Arrangements entrusted to the L.E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home.

Thomas J. Zavodni, 88

NEW MIDDLETOWN – A memorial Mass will be held at a later date for Thomas J. Zavodni, 88, who passed away on Wednesday morning at St. Elizabeth Boardman Campus.

Thomas was born on Sept. 8, 1921, in Frugality, Pa., a son of John and Anna Estok Zavodni. He came to this area in 1951.

He worked for the Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. and LTV. He served in the Army Air Corp during World War II as a radio operator in North Africa in the Battle of Kasserine Pass.

He was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Church in New Middletown. He was a member of the DAV and the Catholic War Vets. He was a former member and vice-commander of the VFW Post in Gallitzin, Pa. He was also an avid left handed-golfer, who won numerous amateur golf tournaments and had three holes in ones over his lifetime.

Thomas married the former Gilda H. Joseph on June 26, 1946.

Besides his wife, he leaves one daughter, Renee (Charles) Bero of New Middletown; one sister, Mary Lesniewski of Canton; two grandchildren, Heather (Jordan) Troggio and Elizabeth (Michael) Jorge; six great-grandchildren, Jay, Charley, Hunter, Santino, Alex and Noah.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers John Zavodni Jr. and Andrew Zavodni.

There will be no calling hours.

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

Pleas visit www.clementefuneralhomes.com to view this obituary and to send condolences.