James A. Zampella
Sebring - James A. Zampella, 88, passed away peacefully on Thursday August 27, 2020. James was born on February 4, 1932 to Michael Zampella and Mary Felix in Mahoningtown, PA. On May 9, 1955 he married Joan F. Butchelle and they shared 39 years. Together they had Valerie, Michael, Jeff, Craig, and Lori. Jim was employed by General Motors and retired after 25 years. During this time, Jim and his family owned and operated the Italian Villa Restaurant in downtown Warren, Ohio. Jim's Italian heritage and passion for baking resulted in his famous greens and sausage pizza that was a favorite by many. Jim was dedicated to his catholic faith and prayed the rosary daily and expressed his love reciting devotional Novenas. Jim's joyful presence and laughter will be missed by his children Jeff Zampella, Craig (Valerie) Zampella and Lori (Steve) Lukco; and his grandchildren Natalie Zampella of Warren, Michael, Anthony, and Andrew Zampella all of Phoenix, AZ, and Sydney Lukco of Warren. Jim could brighten a room with his fun - loving sense of humor, and it will be missed by his loyal companion, Mary Wilson of Sebring, OH, and family where Jim resided.
Besides his parents, Jim is preceded in death by his wife Joan; his son Michael; his infant daughter Valerie; and his granddaughter Sasha. Visitation for Jim will be held on Friday September 4, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with the service beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Lane Funeral Homes, Roberts - Clark Chapel. Father Francis Katrinak will be officiating. Jim will be laid to rest at All Souls Cemetery in Bazetta Township. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to All About the Pawz dog rescue, 87 South Four Mile Run Rd., Austintown, OH 44515, in his memory.
James A. Swaney
James A. Swaney, 92, of Youngstown passed away Tuesday morning, August 11, 2020 at Briarfield Manor. James was born September 6, 1927 in Columbiana County, the son of Andrew and Stella (Meister) Swaney.
He was a retired truck driver. His wife the former Janet Caulfield, whom he married February 26, 1953, passed away August 20, 2018. Jim leaves two children, Edward (Bonnie) Swaney of Miamisburg, Ohio and Elaina (Steve) Rusnak of Dundee, MI, six grandchildren, Jolene, Rebecca, Steven, Regina, Jimmy, and Paula, as well as great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents and wife, Jim was preceded in death by his son Paul and four brothers, Martin, Norman, Norbert, and John and one sister Marge. Jim will be laid to rest in the family cemetery at St. John Catholic Church in his hometown of Summitville, Ohio.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Lane Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel.
Kathryne T. 'Kitty' Moore
BOARDMAN - Kathryne T. 'Kitty' Moore passed away Saturday, August 29, 2020 at her daughter's Canfield residence surrounded by family. Kitty was born November 30, 1930 in Philadelphia, PA, the only child of the late Kelvin and Kathryne Trenner. The family moved to Youngstown when she was 12 years old. She graduated from South High School, attended Kent State University and went on to receive a Bachelors degree in Education from Youngstown State University.
She was a member of the Phi Lambda Delta Sorority. Kitty was a pre - school and kindergarten teacher at Paul C. Bunn and Robinwood schools for several years. She spent the rest of her working years as a substitute teacher for the Boardman Local School District. Kitty has been a member of Greenford Lutheran Church for many years. Prior to that she was a member of The First Covenant Church in Boardman, Ohio where the family attended as their church home. Kitty was very involved and loved being on the go.
She was in many social clubs, including Garden Club, Bridge Club, and Sorority club as well as others in Florida when she and Chuck wintered there for many years.
She loved to stay active and was a member of several golf leagues, bowling, and bocce leagues. She also volunteered at South Range Elementary for several years. Most important to her heart was her family and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She loved going to sporting events and watching her grandchildren play and was their biggest cheerleader. She had a large circle of friends that she stayed in touch with throughout her life. Kitty and her husband Chuck, whom she met at Youngstown State, had 52 wonderful years together. They were married September 13, 1952, until his passing on October 2, 2004. They raised their three children in Boardman and were very active members in the community. She is survived by one son, Chuck Moore of Sarasota, FL; two daughters, Janie Moore of Houston, TX and Joanie (Matt) Brooks of Canfield; grandchildren, Scott (Erin) Moore of Columbus, Jeff (Morgan) Moore of Chandler, AZ, and Chris (Kassi) Moore of Scottsdale, AZ; Brandon Vasquez of Houston; Anna and Sam Brooks of Canfield; and great-grandchildren, Cameron, Charlotte, Scarlett and Eli. A funeral service will be held Saturday, September 5, 2020 at 12:00 noon at Greenford Lutheran Church (7450 W. South Range Rd., Greenford, Ohio), with Pastor Mike Knauff officiating. Friends and family will be received Saturday prior to service from 10:00 - 11:50 a.m. Burial will be at Calla Cemetery. Greenford Lutheran Church will be practicing social distancing and proper health protocol. If you are unable to attend, the family understands and acknowledges your thoughts and prayers.
Arrangements are being handled by Stark Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
Mary Ann Kester, 63
Mary Ann Kester, 63 of Youngstown died Thursday morning at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Youngstown. Mary Ann was born October 10, 1956 in Youngstown, a daughter of William Thomas and Norma Jean (Bailey) Casey and was a lifelong area resident. She graduated from Girard High School in 1975 and was a homemaker. Mary Ann enjoyed shooting pool, shopping trips and trying her luck at the casino.
She loved vacations, especially her trips to St. Pete, Florida; but most importantly was spending time with her grandchildren. Her husband, Jeffrey Kester, whom she married December 14, 2002, died September 14, 2019. Mary Ann leaves her mother, Norma Jean Wagner of Girard; her children, Eric (Andrea Harcar) Davis, Mandy (Mike Wick) Davis both of Youngstown and Jeremy (Tabitha) Davis of Las Vegas; two sisters, Janet Kissack of Girard, Linda Matvey of Pennsylvania; three brothers, William Thomas Casy, Jr., Brian Wagner and Jim Wagner all of Girard and many grandchildren.
Besides her husband, Mary Ann was preceded in death by her father; her steop - father, James Wagner and a son, Albert 'Spanky' Davis, Jr. Friends may call on Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at Lane Family Funeral Home, Mineral Ridge Chapel. Due to COVID - 19, the 6 - foot rule will be honored, and we ask that all guests, whose health allows, please wear a mask. For the safety of everyone, we ask that visitors not linger at the funeral home after seeing the family. Private services will be held.
Michael Bellish
Michael Bellish, 85, of Canfield, passed away on Monday afternoon, August 17, 2020 at St. Elizabeth Hospital. Michael was born February 8, 1935 in Colver, PA the son of the late Michael Bellish and Mary Wahna.
He was a graduate of Ebensburg High School. Michael was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Michael retired in 1997 from General Motors Lordstown where he was a tool and die maker.
He was a member of St. Michael Church, the Canfield Baseball Club and the Cambria Softball League. His hobbies included golfing and woodworking. His wife of more than 63 years, the former Dorothy Louise Kirsch, whom he married June 30, 1956 passed away January 26, 2020. Michael leaves seven children, George (Lynne) Bellish of Canfield, Lisa (Chris) Hanna of Las Vegas, NV, Michelle (Gary) Wadman of Canfield, Diane (Wayne) Hageman of North Jackson, Michael (Pam) Bellish of Pickerington, OH, Thomas (Debbie) Bellish of Hudson, OH, and David (John Bryant) Bellish of Florence, KY; as well as 19 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Michael also leaves his aunt Helen Ball of Uniontown, OH, who was like a second mother to him and his cousin Thomas (Linda) Ball of Canfield.
Besides his parents, and wife Dorothy, Michael was preceded in death by a brother, Frank Wahna.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 AM Tuesday, August 25, 2020, at St. Michael Church where friends may call from 10 to 11 AM at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Michael Church in Michael's name.
Brian P. Sexton
Youngstown - Brian P. Sexton, 65, passed away Sunday, August 16, 2020 at his home. Brian was born October 25, 1954 in Cleveland, a son of Frank and the late Lois Metzung Sexton. He worked in Lordstown and the GM plant for 30 years and served in US Navy. He is survived by his father, Frank (Kay) Sexton.
He was the third of five children, survived by Greg Sexton of Boardman, Susan (Richard) Elerick of Leetonia, Leo (Nancy) Sexton of New Middletown and Lori (Bob) Foerster of Greenford. He is also survived by his children, Jason Sexton of Niles, Brianne (Bob) Lane of Youngstown and Shane Blosser of Sebring; four grandchildren, Anthony Sexton, Austin Lane, Brooke Lane and Makayla Breneman; one great-grandchild, Lyam Wade; and his longtime girlfriend of ten years, Wendy Alexander. Visitation will be held from 10am - 12 pm Saturday, August 22, 2020 at the Woods - Rettig Funeral Home, Leetonia. To protect the families that we serve, our staff, and you, our neighbors and friends, we ask that visitors use face masks and follow the social distancing protocol.
Burial will follow in Washingtonville Cemetery where military honors will be accorded by the Salem Honor Guard.
Karen J. Wilhelm
Karen J. Wilhelm passed away at home on August 16, 2020. Karen was born on April 15, 1958 in Youngstown, Ohio the daughter of the late Clarence and Olga Ruth Thomas Yeany. Growing up together Karen was in the 8th grade when she met her future husband Dave, an 7th grader who presented her with a bouquet of flowers. They were united in marriage on January 1, 1978. Dave spoke of Karen as the love of his life. They enjoyed spending time together and were not only husband and wife but best friends. A 1976 graduate of Austintown Fitch High School, Karen was employed as a cashier for twenty - two years at Giant Eagle. She also worked as a cashier at Kmart for many years. Karen was the best mom (Ma), granny, sister, aunt, best friend and wife.
She loved swimming, cooking and gardening, especially sunflowers. She enjoyed going to Rogers Flea Market, sitting by an outdoor fire and watching drive - in movies. Karen loved spending time and spoiling all the grandkids, nieces and nephews. Karen is survived by her husband David, her children Davey Wilhelm, Rachel (Brian) Caron, Jason (April) Wilhelm, Sara Wilhelm and Danny Wilhelm; her grandchildren Christopher, Tara, Jason and Skylin and siblings Betty Manns, Mary Dutton and Butchie Yeany. 'Dave called her my love and honey'. Waiting at Heavens gates for her are her parents Clarence and Ruth and Dave's parents Chuck and Helen. Per Karen's request there will be no services.
John P. Jones
John P. Jones, 83, of Canfield, passed away Thursday, August 20, 2020 at Mercy Health Hospital in Youngstown, Ohio. Born June 3, 1937 in Canfield, Ohio, John was the son of Adam and Marie (Sereg) Jones. John served his country in the United States Army Infantry in Korea. Prior to retirement in 2001, John was a brick mason for over 50 years.
He married the former Sandra Wilson on February 24, 1962 and and together they raised a family. He attended Mahoning Avenue Methodist Church.
He was a member of Bricklayers Local 8 and a former bowler with the Sportsman League at Camelot.
He loved reading and bus rides to the casino.
He was also an avid Notre Dame fan. But even more than that, he especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in various sporting activities.
Besides his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers Edward, Robert, and Thomas Jones, his sister Norma Saffron, and his nephews Robert and Larry Jones. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Sandra; his children Michael (Julie) Jones and Kristin Kalna; his grandchildren Michael Jones, Brittany Jones, Savanna Kalna, Jaycie Kalna, and Ricky Kalna; and his great-grandsons Michael and Carter. Per John's wishes there will be a private service and he will be laid to rest at North Jackson Cemetery.
Donald E. Skeebo
AUSTINTOWN - Donald E. Skeebo, 86, passed away Monday morning, August 17, 2020 at Briarfield Manor.
He was born October 5, 1933 in Youngstown, the son of Michael and Anna (Litwin) Skeebo. Don was owner and operator of Don Skeebo Carpet Service for many years and retired as an estimator with the Don Booth Company.
He was a graduate of South High School. Don was of the Protestant Faith. He enjoyed being with his family, going to the beach and Disney World and especially spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and attending their events. Don was an avid bowler and enjoyed playing both fast and later slow pitch softball over the years. A long time Cleveland Browns (whom he never gave up on!) and Cleveland Indians fan and also The Ohio State Buckeyes. Don is survived by his wife of 64 years, the former Peggy Smith, whom he married January 7, 1956; his daughters, Penny Jo (Gary) Shields of Austintown and Donna (Brett) Hendricks of Austintown; his grandchildren, Sara (Tom) Platz, Mallory (Adam) Capretta, Corey (Tracy) Hendricks, Josh Hendricks, Halle (Daniel) Chepke and his great-grandchildren, Maxton, Amelia, Bryson, Callen and Avery.
Besides his parents, Don was preceded in death by his sister, Josephine Skeebo. Private family Services were held. The family would like to thank the staff of Briarfield Manor for their compassionate care and concern for Don. Memorial contributions in Don's name may be given to the American Cancer Society, 525 N. Broad St., Canfield, OH 44406.
Arrangements were by the Lane Family Funeral Homes - Austintown Chapel.
Bonita M. Smith
MECCA - Bonita M. Smith, age 92, Went home to be with the Lord surrounded by her family on August 19, 2020. Bonita was born on December 1, 1927 in Jefferson, Ohio, daughter of the late Earl Horton and Dorothy Pearce. Bonita spent most of her life as a homemaker, canning, baking breads, pies and cookies.
She loved dancing, especially square dancing. She enjoyed working on jigsaw puzzles, playing cards, and a great love for bingo.
She loved spending time with all her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her last year she found great pleasure and peace in feeding and watching the birds, she even named a few of them. She is joined in death with her husband, the late Richard L. Smith; three sons, Phillip Wilcox, Kevin Smith, and Stephan Smith; a daughter Faye Beach; two sisters Virginia Wildman and Beatrice Smith; three brothers Clifford, Charles, and Carl Horton, and four grandchildren. She will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by her sons Joseph (Gay) Wilcox, Bryon Wilcox, Jeffery (Cindy) Smith; her daughters Carolyn Shehab, Linda (Martin) Perkins, Patti (Al) Romain, Sharon (Ed) Horodyski, Debra O'Rourke, Tammy Pruski, and Kimberly (Jim) Morris. Her sisters Erma Dean, Ruth Barnard, Lorena Joy, Doris Hyde, and Darlene Fry, a brother Sonny, 31 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great-grandchildren. Bonita loved the color purple, please wear something purple to her services in her honor. Friends may call 6 - 8PM Sunday or 10 - 11AM Monday at the Lane Funeral Homes, Shafer - Winans Chapel 164 N. High St. in Cortland. Funeral services will be 11AM Monday at the funeral home with Pastor David Luther, officiant. Interment in Greenlawn Cemetery. Due to Covid - 19 social distancing will be expected and observed, please wear a mask as well.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made in her memory to Harbor Light Hospice, 4531 Belmont Ave. Unit 9, Youngstown, Ohio 44505
