Tributes 2009-11-21

Thelma B. Baker, 78

WILLINGBORO, N.J. – Thelma B. Baker, 78, died on Nov. 18, 2009.

Thelma leaves to mourn her children, Marva Jernigan (Jonathan) of Willingboro, N.J., Charles Baldwin (Joyce) of Youngstown and stepson Roy Baker (Shirley) of North Carolina; four sisters, Andrea and Yvette Adams of Youngstown, Lisa Johnson of Columbus and Geraldine Thomas of Macon, Ga.; a brother, Roy Baldwin Jr. of Atlanta; five grandchildren, Carla (Paul) Fields, Eric Baldwin and Jonathan, Cheyna and Tyler Jernigan; one great-grand daughter, Logan Joy Baldwin; along with a host of cousins, nieces and friends.

The service will be at 11 a.m.. Monday at the Light House Tabernacle Church, 716 Main St. in Lumberton, with viewing from 9 to 11 a.m.

Interment will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Cinnaminson Township.

Ministry of comfort entrusted to the May Funeral Homes, Camden, Pennsauken, Vineland and Willingboro.

Please visit www.mayfuneralhomes.com to view the obituary and send condolences.

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Betty Lee Filimon, 89

“Together Forever”

YOUNGSTOWN – Betty Lee Filimon 89, passed away Thursday evening at her home.

Betty was born on June 9, 1920 in Martins Ferry, the daughter of Roy and Nellie (Shaw) Jarvis.

She attended Martins Ferry High School, where she played basketball. Betty moved to Youngstown in 1938, where she worked at Truscon Steel During World War II as a welder.

On March 17, 1945, Betty married her husband, Joseph in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Betty retired from Packard Electric in 1986, she worked there for 33 years as a molder.

She is survived by her two sons, Terry (Sandy) Filimon of Hubbard and Tim Filimon of Youngstown, with whom she made her home; one daughter, Betsy (David) Wilson of Youngstown; seven grandchildren, Stephanie Filimon, Shannon (Michael) Antenucci, Steven and Samantha Filimon and Lindsay, Casey and Tara Wilson; and one great-granddaughter, Ava Antenucci.

She also leaves a sister, Jackie Blinco of North Carolina; a brother, Robert Blinco of Girard; a sister-in-law, Ann Filimon; and a brother-in-law, Eli Moga, both of Hubbard.

She was preceded in death by four brothers, William Jarvis, Bud Jarvis, Jack Blinco and Jim Blinco; and two sisters, Nell Fox and Katherine Kalaher.

Calling hours will be on Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the McClurkin Funeral Home in Girard.

Funeral services will be Monday at 10 a.m. at the McClurkin Funeral Home and burial will be at Belmont Park Cemetery.

The family of Betty would like to thank Hospice of the Valley.

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William E. James Sr., 83

STRUTHERS – William E. James, Sr., 83, of Struthers, died Friday, Nov. 20, 2009, at his residence surrounded by his family.

Mr. James was born July 29, 1926 in Youngstown, a son of Joseph and Edna James, and was raised in Smokey Hollow

Mr. James proudly served in the United States Navy aboard the USS John W. Weeks, during World War II. He had worked for over 30 years for Conrail as a Yard Conductor, retiring in 1991. He was a member of St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church.

Mr. James was an avid reader, enjoyed gardening, spending time outdoors and most of all spending time with his family and grandchildren.  

He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, the former Dolores Buchanan, whom he married Nov. 26, 1949; two daughters, Debra James-Chacón and her husband, Dr. Marco of Baltimore, Janis James-Rubin and her husband, Dr. Jeffrey of Birmingham, Mich.; one son, William E. James Jr. and his wife, Suzanne of Boardman; two sisters, Ruth Zins of Poland and June (Lee) Cornell of Madison; seven grandchildren, Erica Chacón of Baltimore, Mark Chacón of San Francisco, William James of Boardman, Ryan James of Boardman, Ryan (Dr. Kasia) Rubin of Cleveland, Kimberly Rubin of Cleveland and Lindsey Rubin of Cleveland; and two great-grandchildren, Nicholas Massengill of Baltimore and Claire Rubin of Cleveland.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Justin James; two sisters, Mary Lou Byrne and Ann Terpac; and six brothers, Raymond, Joseph Jr., David, Stephen, Gomer and Richard James.

There will be a memorial service on Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009 at 2 p.m. at Saint Teresa’s, 1810 Volney Road in Youngstown.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Davidson-Becker Funeral Home in Struthers.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Mr. James’ name to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Boardman, OH 44514.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send email condolences.

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Palmer P. Loro, 86

NILES – Palmer P. Loro, 86, entered peacefully into eternal rest Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Palmer was born March 5, 1923 in Niles, a son of Gene “Smitty” and Mary Simeone Loro.

He was a graduate of Niles McKinley High School, class of 1941, attended Youngstown College for two years as a Business Administration major and deferred to draft status 2F unit until the conclusion of his second year. He was drafed into U.S. Army for duty. He served with the 29th infantry division and participated in The D-Day invasion of Omaha Beach at Normandy France. In addition, he continued his frontline duty until wounded in action on Aug. 29, 1944.

Upon his return to duty from England, Palmer was a member of a 5-man patrol that crossed the Elbe River in Germany, established the second allied forces “link-up” of allied forces with the Russian “Cossacks”, and was awarded “The Red Star of Russia” by the Commanding General of the Allied Forces. This link-up signaled the approaching end of the war.

For his service, he was awarded the following medals, four campaign ribbons with four battle stars; one Bronze Arrowhead for the invasion of Omaha Beach, one Purple Heart for wounded in action, one Bronze Star for combat duty in France and Germany, one Combat Rifleman Infantry Badge for achieving the expert classification in the use of the Browning Automatic Rifle, M-1 Rifle, and automatic machine gun, one Red Star of “Grodsnicky” of Russia, World War II Victory Medal and the Honorable Discharge Medal.

Upon his honorable discharge from the United States Army, he worked as a Department of the Army Civilian(DAC), as a supply officer, Commissary and Clothing Sales Store Manager and Property Administrator for over 34 years. His duties covered serving at Lordstown Ordinance Depot, Lordstown Military Reservation, Cleveland Support Detachment and Ravenna Arsenal Army Ammunition Plant.

He was a member of AARP, NARFE, a lifetime member of the Veterans of Disabled American Veterans(DAV), Niles Scope and Golden Agers and the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Niles.

Palmer retired in 1978 and enjoyed a full life as an avid golfer, who spent many happy hours as a ranger/starter for 14 years at Avalon South Golf Courses. He enjoyed frequent golf outings and trips with friends. He will be remembered for his competitive spirit, his friendly disposition and his love of family. He enjoyed the lyrics, songs of the 1940s playing the mandolin with recordings when younger, and he was a faithful follower of the Cleveland Indians.

Palmer is survived by his loving wife, Mary Sicuro Loro, whom he married Oct. 30, 1948; his caring daughters, Linda Fletcher Stull of Niles and Debra Ann Senary and her husband, James of Boardman; a sister, Jeanne Yamsek and her husband, Pete of Brecksville; six grandchildren, Michael Fletcher and his wife, Theresa of McDonald, Aaron Stull and his wife, Jenny of Pittsburgh, Sarah Stull of Cleveland, Danielle Connolly and her husband, Mike of Austintown and Ashley and Brittany Senary of Boardman; and last is the newest addition of the family, great-grand baby, Isabella Marie Stull, daughter of Jenny and Aaron Stull, which made Palmer a very proud, great-grandpa.

Friends may call from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday at the Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles, where the Mt. Carmel Bereavement Ministry will conduct prayers at 4:30 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Monday at Mt. Carmel Church in Niles, with Fr. Larry Frient officiating, preceded by a 9 a.m. prayer service at the funeral home.

Burial will be at Niles City Cemetery, where Palmer will we honored for his military service by the Trumbull County American Legion Honor Guard.

Arrangements are being handled by the Joseph Rossi & Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Niles.

Please visit www.josephrossifuneralhome.com to email condolences.

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James F. Ruse, 86

CAMPBELL – Private family services were held Friday at the Wasko Funeral Home and then at St. John Cemetery for James F. Ruse, 86, who passed away Wednesday afternoon after a short illness.

Jim was born Oct. 16, 1923 in Youngstown, the son of Peter and Isabell McNally Ruse.

He was a member of St. Patrick Church in Youngstown, where he was an altar server for many years there while attending school.

He was a 1942 graduate of South High School, where he became a football standout playing fullback. After graduation, he received numerous offers from colleges around the country but was called to serve his country in the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Germany in World War II, in the 564th Corporal Field Artillery Battalion, 71st Infantry Division in Europe.

Jim continued his love for football and played quarterback for the military team in Europe. He also coached and won various boxing titles for the Army.

He received a Victory Medal for World War II and was awarded the American Theatre Ribbon and the E.A.M.E. Ribbon with two Bronze Stars, and was honorably discharged on April 29, 1946.

After coming home, Jim played football for Youngstown College. He worked for Republic Rubber Aeroquip Division for 32 years and later retired from Truscon LTV Steel Company.

While employed at Aeroquip, he met his wife, the former Stephanie Prus and they married on Oct. 13, 1962 in Sts. Peter and Paul Church. They made there home in Campbell, where they raised their three children, James Jr. of Campbell, Kimberly (Jim) Schrieber of New Middletown and Terri (Joe) Larubina of Campbell. He also leaves his four grandchildren to cherish his memory, Brittany and Brooke Schrieber and Joey and Courtney Larubina.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Stephanie, who passed away May 2, 2002; a sister, Wilma June; and a brother, Clarence.

He will be remembered by family and friends for his strength in overcoming many obstacles in his life and for those who knew him, knew he lived his life by his own rules.

“May he rest in peace.”

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

Please visit www.waskofamily.com to view this obituary.

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Timothy J. “Tim” Smaldino, 49

AUSTINTOWN – Services will begin with closing prayers at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 23, 2009, at the Lane Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel and continue with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church with Fr. Stephen Popovich officiating for Timothy J. “Tim” Smaldino, 49, who passed away at 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009, at his home with his family by his side after loosing a courageous two year battle with ALS Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

Tim was born July 27, 1960 in Youngstown, the son of Dominic J. and Julia C. (Vernell) Smaldino, and was a 1978 graduate of Chaney High School.

Tim retired in February of 2009 after working for 22 years at the Main Post Office Downtown Youngstown as a Postal Clerk, and before working there, Tim worked for his father’s business Smaldino Heating and Air Conditioning.

Tim was a coach to his son and daughter. He was a member of the the church and the Fitch Falcon Football Boosters Club. Tim was an avid sports fan, and most of all, Tim was a loving and caring husband and father, whose biggest joy, was spending time with his family.

Tim is survived by his wife of 24 years, the former Pamela J. Kalenits, whom he married on Oct. 26, 1985; his mother, Julia C. Smaldino of Youngstown; two children, Nicole Christine Smaldino and Christopher James Smaldino, both at home; two brothers, Michael (Donna) Smaldino of Youngstown and Donald (Cynthia) Smaldino of Austintown; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Donald and JoAnn (Maluso) Kalenits of Youngstown; several nieces and nephews; a great-niece and two great-nephews; and by a host of friends.

Tim was preceded in death by his father.

Family will receive friends on Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Lane Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel.

Burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery.

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

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Emery E. Stanchin, 93

“Together Forever”

YOUNGSTOWN – Emery E. Stanchin, 93, of the city’s south side, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009, at his home.

Emery was born Oct. 21, 1916 in Campbell, a son of the late John and Frances Kostarich Stanchin, and was a lifelong area resident.

He was a 1935 graduate of Campbell Memorial High School, and worked at Youngstown Sheet & Tube for 45 years, retiring in 1982 as a supervisor in the seamless mill.

Mr. Stanchin was a member of Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church in Youngstown, where he belonged to the Cy Me Club, was a church usher, and was active in a variety of church projects. He was a member of the Youngstown Eagles Club No. 213, a member of Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge No. 85, and was a volunteer with his wife, Kay, at the former Woodside Receiving Hospital. He was also a volunteer at various nursing homes in the area.

His first wife, Kay C. Fajos Stanchin, whom he married July 29, 1939, passed away Oct. 15, 1988. His second wife, Irene Schultz Stanchin, whom he married in 1992, passed away in 2002.

He leaves twin sons, Emery J. (Sue) Stanchin of Louisville, Ky. and John E. (Judith) Stanchin of Struthers; four grandchildren, John William, Kimberly, Carrie and John; eight great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandson.

Emery will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Besides his wives, four brothers, John, Joseph, Steve, and Thomas Stanchin, are deceased.

Family and friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 22, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Road, Youngstown.

Funeral services will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Monday at the funeral home, and continue at 10 a.m. at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church.

Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown, where Emery will be laid to rest next to his wife, Kay.

Visit kinnickfuneralhome.com to view this obituary and to send condolences on-line.

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F. Florene Van Meter, 95

POLAND – F. Florene Van Meter, 95, died Wednesday afternoon at her residence.

Florene was born Feb. 13, 1914 in Youngstown, a daughter of Dr. Nile D. and Frances Carson Blackmer, and resided in the area all of her life.

She was a 1932 graduate of Struthers High School and a 1936 graduate of the Ohio State University, where she was a member of Alpha Xi Delta Sorority.

She embarked on a career in education, teaching at Struthers schools, until her marriage to R. Howard Van Meter on Dec. 31, 1937. She later returned to the classroom, teaching full time in the Poland schools for two years and later substitute teaching in the Mahoning County schools for three years.

She was a member of the Struthers Presbyterian Church, and she and her husband belonged to various couples bowling leagues and bridge clubs, until his death on Jan. 4, 1993.

She is survived by four children, Richard (Janice) Van Meter of Troy, Ill., Donald (Suzanne) Van Meter of Poland, Frances (William) Agnew of New Middletown and Karen (Andrew) Laurie of Newbury; her sister, Barbara Blackmer Williams of Youngstown; eight grandchildren, Richard Van Meter Jr., Megan (Brian Mitchell) Van Meter, Thomas Agnew, Linda (Stephen) Molnar, Christopher (Eleanor) Owen, Caroline “Carrie” (Robert) Klimeczko, Andrew Laurie II and Kimberly Laurie; eight great-grandchildren; seven nieces; and one nephew.

In addition to her parents and husband, Florene was preceded in death by her sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Ludwig.

Services will be today at 11 a.m. at the Davidson-Becker Funeral Home with the Rev. Richard Ferris officiating. Interment will follow at Lake Park Cemetery.

Friends will be received today from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be given in her name to Hospice of the Valley or the Struthers Presbyterian Church.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.

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