Tributes 2009-12-17

Darrell Flynn Brandon, 50

YOUNGSTOWN – A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Christian Revival & Discipleship Center for Darrell Flynn Brandon, 50, who departed this life on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009.

Mr. Brandon was born Dec. 13, 1958 in Pittsburgh, a son of Flynn S. and Ella M. Powell Brandon.

He worked for Quaker Manufacturing and was a member of the Mt. Moriah Apostolic Church.

He leaves his wife, the former Ella Mae Peter, whom he married March 29, 2006; a son, Mr. and Mrs. Lamont Wilson of Warren; a daughter, Patricia Brandon; stepchildren, Charles Pete, Marsha Gilford and Sheena Pete, all of Youngstown; two sisters, Stacey A. Brandon of Columbus and Kimberly (Howard) of Carmicheal, N.C.; his mother-in-law, Margaret Pete of Youngstown; a sister-in-law, Eloise Spivey of Pittsburgh; 11 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

His parents and a stepson, Brandon Pete, preceded him in death.

Arrangements are being handled by the F.D. Mason Memorial Funeral Home.

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Frank Domenick DeCola, 75

BOARDMAN – Frank Domenick DeCola, 75, died Monday morning, Dec. 14, 2009, at his home surrounded by his family.

Mr. DeCola was born Feb. 12, 1934 in Villa Sant Angelo, L’Aquila, Italy, a son of Domenico and Pierina D’Ascenzo DiCola. At the age of 13, he moved from Italy to Hillsville, Pa. and to Boardman in 1958.

A graduate of Mohawk High School, Mr. DeCola worked as a machinist for Youngstown Sheet and Tube from 1956 until its closing. He then worked for J&L Specialty Steel in Louisville, retiring in 1999.

Mr. DeCola was a U.S. Army veteran and was a member of St. Luke Catholic Church. He took great pride in his vegetable and flower gardens and was a jack-of-all-trades. One of the highlights of Mr. DeCola’s life was visiting his hometown again in Italy in 2005 and his greatest joy was spending time with his five grandchildren.

In addition to his mother of Hillsville, he leaves his wife, the former Janet A. Babtist, whom he married Nov. 29, 1958; three daughters, Jean (George) Schidell of Boardman, Victoria (John) Thompson of Avon and Patty DeCola at home; two sons, Ron (Michele) DeCola of Poland and Frank R. DeCola of Matthews, N.C.; one brother, John (Charlyn) DeCola of Warren; five grandchildren, Michael Schidell, Michael and John Thompson and Anthony and Mia DeCola; and a nephew, Christopher DeCola of Chicago.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law and father-in-law, Domenick and Victoria Babtist.

Upon Frank’s wishes, there are no calling hours.

A private funeral Mass was held Wednesday at St. Luke Catholic Church with Fr. Joseph Fata officiating. Entombment followed at Green Haven Memorial Gardens in Canfield.

The family requests that memorial tributes take the form of contributions in Mr. DeCola’s name to University Hospitals Pancreatic Cancer Research, University Department of Development, MCC0-5062, 11100 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106 or by going to www.uhgiving.org or to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Boardman, OH 44512.

Mr. DeCola’s family would like to thank Dr. Jeffrey Hardacre at the University Hospitals of Cleveland, Dr. Christopher Knight at the Hope Center, Dr. Santuccio Ricciardi and all of their staff members.

Arrangements are being handled by the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home in Poland.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.

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Robert D. Goodrich, 73

PORT ORANGE, FLA. – Robert D. Goodrich, 73, formerly of Youngstown, passed away on Dec. 6, 2009.

 Robert Goodrich was born March 4, 1936 in Youngstown. 

He worked in Pennsylvania and Ohio for the Aluminum Company of America. He retired in 1993 after 30 years of service as a Technologist and Development Laboratory Manager. He then moved from Cleveland to Port Orange, with his beloved wife, Jean E. and daughter, Jane A.

 Mr. Goodrich was a veteran of the National Guard, an Amateur Radio Operator, including a Net Controller for over 30 years. For several years, he was an advocate for the Volusia County Sheriff’s office as a Citizens Law Enforcement Volunteer, where he helped families in crisis situations. He was a member of the local American Legion and Eagles Clubs. He had a background in carpentry, mechanics, photography, financial planning, and he was a fun and humorous friend to all who knew him. 

 Survivors include his former wife, Lucille; sons, William of Avon Lake and Robert II of Boardman; daughters, Roberta Kisiel of Upper Burrell, Pa., Barbara Pack of Brunswick, Beverly Sloan of Port Orange and Jane Goodrich of Port Orange; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a very dear friend and partner of 12 years, Maria Wagner. 

 Calling hours will be from 1 to 3 p.m. on Dec. 19, at the Rossi Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave. in Boardman.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Robert to God Cares Ministry, 33399 Walker Road, Suite A, Avon Lake, OH 44012. God Cares Ministry, www.GodCaresMinistry.com, helps to provide spiritual care for people who live in nursing homes.

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Shirley J. Horton. 72

AUSTINTOWN – Services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Lane Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel for Shirley J. Horton, 72, who passed away Wednesday morning at St. Elizabeth Boardman Health Center.

Shirley was born Aug. 11, 1937 in Youngstown, the daughter of Walter and Cecilia (Heffron) Bish.

She was a graduate of Ursuline High School, class of 1956 and was a homemaker and a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Shirley was a Catholic by faith.

She is the former wife of the late John C. Horton.

Her hobbies included crocheting, knitting and working on crossword puzzles.

Shirley leaves six children, Ralph (Denise) Horton of Kansas, Ray (Julie) Horton of Campbell, Ron (Jun Ann) Horton of Kansas, Robin (Pete) Finamore of Hubbard, Rhonda (Eddie Morris) Pesa of Austintown and Randy (Tonya) Horton of Canfield; one sisters, Mary Ann (Joseph) Spohn of Kansas and Fritz (Marion) Bish of Texas; as well as 19 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, and former husband, Shirley was preceded in death by her brother and sister-in-law; Jerry and Barbara Bish.

Family and friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday and from 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

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

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Theotis Jackson, 61

YOUNGSTOWN – Funeral services will be at noon on Saturday at the F.D. Mason Memorial Funeral Home for Theotis Jackson, 61, who departed this life at St. Elizabeth Health Center Friday, Dec. 10, 2009.

Mr. Jackson was born May 20, 1948 in Memphis, Tenn., a son of Edward and Mildred Jackson Morris.

He worked for Transcontinental Hardware and was a member of the Lily Grove Baptist Church.

He leaves his wife, the former Marguerite Johnson, whom he married Nov. 11, 1967; three daughters, M. Evette Jackson of Youngstown and Mylisa Howard and Delena L. Howard, both of Sacramento, Calif.; siblings, Walter Jackson of Memphis, Allen (Janet) Jackson of Fayetteville, N.C., Roberta (Otis) Seals and Spencer Morris, both of Youngstown and Stacey (Zelmer) Morris of Boardman; 10 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

His parents; twin daughters, Lisa and Liza Jackson; two brothers, Percy and Lester Jackson; and an aunt, Bertha Mae Anderson Lewis, who reared him, preceded him in death.

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

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Charlotte A. Bragalone Jorza, 62

AUSTINTOWN – A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Lucy Church in Campbell with Fr. Gerald DeLucia officiating for Charlotte A. Bragalone Jorza, 62, formerly of Campbell, who passed away Monday morning.

Charlotte was born April 21, 1947 in Youngstown, the daughter of Albert and Julia Testa Bragalone.

She was a 1965 graduate of Campbell Memorial High School, then went on to work as an administrative clerk for the Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. for 15 years, then for American Welding of Warren for the next 15 years, and then retired from Delphi Packard Electric Systems.

She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Austintown.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her daughter, Dena M. Jorza-Wright, along with her grandchildren, Hannah, Gavin and Maria, all with whom she shared a home. She will be sadly missed by her two sisters, Alberta (Frank) Gallo of Hillsville, Pa. and Brenda (Jim) Gioppo of Boardman, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that monetary donations be made to help defray the cost of the funeral.

The Jorza family has entrusted their loved one to the care of the Wasko Funeral Home in Campbell.

Visit www.waskofamily.com to view this obituary.

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Irene (Rema Beshara) Lansing, 90

BOARDMAN – There will be a funeral liturgy for Irene (Rema Beshara) Lansing, 90, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2009, at St. Maron Church, 1550 Meridian Road in Youngstown. Rema entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2009, surrounded by her loving and devoted family at the Hospice House, after a three month illness.

Rema was born June 26, 1919 to Michael and Saada Thomas Beshara in Youngstown, where she remained a lifelong area resident.

Rema attended East High School in Youngstown and was known in her youth as a great dance. She won many dance contests “in her day” and was also renowned for her Lebanese dancing at weddings and Haflis

Rema enjoyed playing poker in a “good game” throughout most of her lifetime until recent years. She worked in several manufacturing facilities, including the Ravenna Arsenal, Youngstown Sheet & Tube, and Harvell’s in Hubbard before she joined the Mahoning County Sheriffs Department in 1961 as a deputy and retired in 1986 at the rank of Sergeant.

Rema was a lifelong active member of St. Maron’s Parish in Youngstown. She was a member of the Saint Tobias Society and was a supporter of the National shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in North Jackson. She was a member of the Mahoning County Sheriffs Department Division of the Fraternal Order of Police and remained a member in retirement.

Rema leaves behind to mourn and to cherish her memory, her daughter, Loretta (David) States of Boardman; two brothers, Richard (Margo) Beshara of Canfield and Sam Beshara of Boardman; her sister, Aleda Bukovinsky of Boardman; four grandchildren, Fred States of Los Angeles, Davine States of Los Angeles, David States III of Boardman, and Valerie (Mike) Thrasher of Los Angeles; and two great-grandsons, Clyde and Walter Thrasher. Rema also leaves a legion of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends whose lives were enriched and blessed by the gift of her love, devotion, and care for them.

Rema was preceded in death by her husband, Fred, whom she married April 26, 1944 and who died Oct. 27, 1985; her young daughter, Aleda Linda, who died Dec. 30, 1952; her parents; and her brothers, Joseph and Harry Beshara.

Rema was known within her family and among others as “having a heart of gold.” She loved deeply and passionately. Her generosity of time, resources and willingness to help were limitless. She cared for and supported her family and friends at their most vulnerable moments and reached out to anyone she encountered who needed help. She celebrated with her family and friends their good fortune and successes with as much passion and joy. She leaves a void in several lives that can never be filled.

Calling hours will be held at St. Maron's Church, where friends may call on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2009, from 9 to 10:45 a.m.

Arrangements entrusted to the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Boardman-Canfield Chapel.

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

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Marjorie E. Roth, 80

HOWLAND – There will be services Saturday, Dec. 19, at 11 a.m. at the Stewart-Kyle Funeral Home for Marjorie E. Roth, 80, formerly of Youngstown, who passed away Tuesday, Dec. 15, at Shepherd of the Valley in Howland.

Marjorie was born Nov. 22, 1929 in Youngstown, a daughter of Harry and Ada Miller and was a lifelong area resident.

She was a beautician for many years, and was a member of the Fowler United Methodist Church.

Her husband, Michael Roth Jr., whom she married Jan. 9, 1960, died Oct. 12, 1993.

She is survived by her son, Daniel M. (Tammy) Roth of Fowler; her daughter, Joyce E. (James) Ritter of Independence, Mo.; five granddaughters, Kelly Ritter, Miranda Ritter, Kirby Ritter, Jennifer Roth and Emily Roth; and two great-granddaughters, Riley Ritter and Aurora Ritter.

Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death a brother, Edward Miller; and a sister, Marion Mauch.

There will be calling hours Saturday, Dec. 19, one hour prior to the service time from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Stewart-Kyle Funeral Home.

Burial will be at Crown Hill Burial Park in Vienna.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Vienna Food Pantry, c/o Georgia Haynie, 4981 Maple Drive S.E., Vienna, OH 44473 or Shepherd of the Valley - Shepherd’s Foundation, 4100 North River Road N.E., Warren, OH 44484, Attn: Sally.

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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Josephine Sylvia Vuletich, 82

AUSTINTOWN – A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Josephine Sylvia Vuletich, 82, will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at St. Christine Church. Josephine passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday morning.

Josephine was born on Jan. 3, 1927 in Portage, Pa., the daughter of Steve and Mary (Streber) Gonda.

Josephine was a graduate of Portage High School. On March 12, 1949, she married the love of her life, Sam Vuletich. She dedicated her life to her beloved husband and to raising her five children.

She retired in 1978 from her job as a clerk/cashier at West Side Merchants.

Josephine was an active member of St. Christine Church, as well as a member of the Renewal and Seniors. She also belonged to St. Brendan Seniors. Josephine participated in the Ursuline Motherhouse Arthritis Aquatics. She was a six year member of The Slovak American Cultural Association, and was proud of her Slovak heritage. She was a member of the Youngstown American Hungarian Club. Josephine was an active member of TOPS for eight years, and was the secretary and 2009 “Chapter Angel.” She was a member of the V.F.W. Lady’s Auxiliary No. 4237 for 40 years, and a member of Youngstown Solo Parents for 10 years.

Josephine loved traveling, dancing, music and gardening. She enjoyed watching figure skating and soccer, and she loved butterflies and birds, especially hummingbirds. She really enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and attended all of their sporting events.

She is survived by five children, Stan (Linda) Vuletich of Berlin Center, Marilyn Vuletich of Cornersburg, Karen (Willis) Vuletich Woods of Billings, Mont.; Sandra Vuletich of Youngstown and Sam (Tammie) Vuletich of Berlin Center. She also leaves behind six grandchildren, Michael Barahona of Cranberry, Pa., Melissa and Mark Barahona, both of Austintown, Willis Woods III of Billings and Sam Nathaniel and Joshua Vuletich of Berlin Center. Josephine also leaves one great-grandson, Aden Mehle. Josephine is also survived by three brothers, Eugene Gonda, Sylvester (Rose) Gonda of Boardman and Thomas (Fran) Gonda of Elizabethtown, N.C.

Besides her parents and her husband, Josephine was preceded in death by her two brothers, Steve and Edward Gonda.

Friends and family may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Lane Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel and also, 9 to 10 a.m. on Saturday at St. Christine Church.

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

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Kevin B. Williams, 54

CANTON – Kevin B. Williams, 54, formerly of Youngstown, died suddenly on Monday in Canton after suffering an apparent heart attack.

Born in Youngstown, he had lived in Canton the last 30 years.

Kevin was a graduate of South High School.

He was retired from Indian River Juvenile Correction Facility after 30 years of service. Kevin was an avid bowler. He bowled in two leagues, one at Park Center Lanes and the other at Eastbury Lanes.

He is survived by his wife, Therese M. (Bucklew) Williams and daughter, Tayler B. Williams, both of the home; brother, Markle Williams of Youngstown; sister-in-law, Cynthia Williams; five nieces and nephews, Mario (April), Marquis (Lauren), Monique, Dante (godson) and Domonique; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins in Youngstown.

His wife’s side survivors include his mother-in-law, Mary Bucklew; brother-in-law, Larry Bucklew; two sisters-in-law, Vivian (Paul) Miller and Sue (Craig) Phillips; four nieces and nephews, Courtney, Brent, Bethany and Ryan; aunts; uncles; and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Roberta Williams.

Services will be Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the Lamiell Funeral Home, (330)456-7375, in Canton with the Rev. Joseph Harkless officiating.

Burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Canton.

Friends may call Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home.

Please visit www.lamiellfuneralhome.com to make condolences.

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