Clarence Olsen Rafos
Clarence Olsen Rafos, devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, was granted his final wish and passed away peacefully Feb. 25, 1998, at Akron General Medical Center, where he spent many hours as a willing volunteer after his wife, Margaret, died in 1981.
Clarence was born Dec. 7, 1908, in Brooklyn, N. Y. He was the last member of a family of seven brothers and three sisters. From 1924 to 1933, he served in the National Guard in New York. In 1924 he secured a position as an office boy at American Hard Rubber Co. in New York City, and in 1947 the company transferred Clarence and his family to Ohio to manage the Akron sales office. He retired from the company n 1971.
Clarence and his wife lived in Cuyahoga Falls until 1976, when they moved to Akron. He stayed in Akron for 19 years, but as time started to catch up with him, he realized the need for an easier way of life and moved to the Stow Glen Retirement Center in 1995. He didn't ``retire'' from volunteer work at Akron General, however, until a year later.
Besides volunteering, Clarence's other passion was his church. He and Margaret joined the Pilgrim Church of Christ in 1948. He served as a trustee from 1968 until 1986. The day before he died, he was able to attend his Tuesday ``lunch'' with the boys, where the problems of the world get solved.
Clarence is survived by his son, Robert R. Rafos and his wife, Sandy; his daughter, Marjorie A. Rafos; his grandchildren, Kim, Sharon, and Robin, and their husbands; his great-grandchildren, Eric, Douglas, Justin and Emma; and his nieces and nephews in New York.
No calling hours; private interment at Chestnut Hill Memorial Park. A memorial service will be held Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Pilgrim United Church of Christ. Dr. Donald N. Nichols officiating. To celebrate his 89 years of life, we ask that memorials be made to the Pilgrim United Church of Christ, 130 Broad Blvd., Cuyahoga Falls 44221. (McGowan-Reid & Santos, 928-1313.)
Florence Reese
Florence Reese, 79, of Willoughby Hills, died Wednesday, Feb. 18, 1998, while residing at Copley Health Center.
An Akron native, Mrs. Reese had lived for a number of years in Florida before returning to Ohio in 1989.
Preceded in death by her husband, Charles A., and her sister, Ruth Niederlander, she is survived by sons and daughters-in-law, Richard and Theresa of Fairlawn, Jeffrey and Leadelle of Mentor; sister, Lillian Meltzer of Akron; brother, Bill Wyner of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; granddaughters, Valerie and Danielle Reese; grandson, Jason Reese.
Rev. Allen Looft will officiate at memorial services Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Dunn-Quigley, Ciriello & Carr Fairlawn Chapel (39 S. Miller Rd.), where friends may call one hour prior to service time. Memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Assoc. (Dunn-Quigley, Ciriello & Carr, Fairlawn, 867-7306.)
Mal Reilly
Mal Reilly, 71, died Tuesday, Feb. 17, 1998, after a brief illness.
An Akron native, Mr. Reilly retired in 1985 from the U. S. Postal Service, where he had 37 years of service. He belonged to St. Victor Parish and was a member of the Hudson Essex Terraplane Club. During World War II, he served with the U. S. Army.
Preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Mary Reilly; and his sister, Hope Reilly, he is survived by wife of 34 years, Rose M. (Mycka); brother and sister-in-law, Tim and Jan Reilly of Green; nephews, Jeffrey, Brian (Lori), and Shawn (Lori) Reilly; as well as many other relatives and friends.
Calling hours will be from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. TODAY at the Dunn-Quigley, Ciriello & Carr Fairlawn Chapel (39 S. Miller Rd.) Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. at St. Victor's Catholic Church in Richfield. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to St. Victor's Church Building Fund.
(Dunn-Quigley, Ciriello & Carr, Fairlawn, 867-7306.)
Britta L. Rickel
TALLMADGE -- Britta L. Rickel, 87, passed away February 20, 1998 after a lengthy illness.
Funeral services Tuesday 10:30 a.m. from the Hopkins Lawver MOGADORE Funeral Home, 34 S. Cleveland Avenue with Rev. Karen Graham officiating. Burial Hillside Memorial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home 5 to 8 p.m. TONIGHT. The family suggests memorials to her church. (Hopkins Lawver, Mogadore, 733-6271.)
Kermit I. Riffle
Kermit I. Riffle, 77, of Hot Springs, Ark., died Feb. 8, 1998.
Born Aug. 25, 1920, in West Virginia, he served in the Army and received a Purple Heart and Silver Star in World War II. He was a retired owner of Riffle's Garage at Ft. Lake. He was a deacon, trustee, and choir member at the Barcelona Road Baptist Church, and a member of the D.A.V. American Legion and the Barberton Masonic Lodge 750 F&AM 32 Mason.
He is survived by son, Kermit G. (DeeAnn) Riffle of Akron; daughter, Rose Mary (Harvey) Dauber of Hot Springs, Ark.; brothers, Marple W. Riffle, David Edward Riffle, George A. Riffle, and Robert P. Riffle; sisters, Delores Good, Leona P. Reed, and Alma Jane Riffle; grandchildren, Darren Dauber, Melinda Scott, Scott Riffle, Steve Dauber, and Hallie Riffle; and five great-grandchildren.
Services were held Wednesday, Feb. 11, 1998. Arrangements made by Caruth Village Funeral Home in Hot Springs, Ark.
Earl L. ``Poppie'' Ritchey
NORTON -- Earl L. ``Poppie'' Ritchey, 67, went home to be with the Lord on Feb. 26, 1998.
Mr. Ritchey was born in Greensburgh, Pa., on July 27, 1930. Mr. Ritchey served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged in 1952. He went to work at Babcox & Wilcox in the maintenance department until his retirement in 1993. He was a faithful and loving member of the Reimer Road Baptist Church, as well as husband, father, and grandfather.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Kay; son, Michael; daughter, Tina (Ed) Balash; brothers, Charles Ritchey of California and George Ritchey of Texas; sister, Emma Long of Florida; grandchildren, Jennie, Eddie, Joey, Jessica, Tommy, Sarah, Tiffany, and Amber.
Friends may call at the Bacher Funeral Home, 3250 Greenwich Rd., Norton, Sunday, 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., where services will be held Monday at 1:30 p.m., with Reverend Harold Swafford and Reverend John Powell officiating. Interment at Greenlawn Memorial Park where military services will be held by the V.F.W. Firestone Post 3383. In memory of ``Poppie,'' donations may be made to the Reimer Road Baptist Church Bus Ministry, 1055 Reimer Rd., Wadsworth 44281.
(Bacher, Norton, 330-825-3633.)
Edith A. Ritzman
MANCHESTER -- Edith A. Ritzman, 92, went home to be with the Lord on Feb. 19, 1998.
Edith was born November 26, 1905, in Gallipolis, Ohio.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph and daughter, Marilyn Chapman. She is survived by her granddaughter, Tammy (Bill) Ashley, and great-grandchildren, Amanda and Teri Ashley.
Services will be held TODAY, 10:30 a.m., at Greenlawn Memorial Park, Pastor Michael Hernandez officiating. (Bacher Funeral Home, 644-0024.)
Diane S. Rockwell
MARBLETOWN, N.Y. -- Diane S. Rockwell, 43, formerly of Akron, Ohio, died Wednesday at her home in the Town of Marbletown, NY.
She was born in Akron, Ohio on April 8, 1954, a daughter of Carl H. Smith and Josephine Britt Dantz. On June 17, 1978 she married Richard W. Rockwell. An avid quilter, Mrs. Rockwell was a member of the Hurley Reformed Quilters and the Wiltwyck Quilters Guild.
Surviving in addition to her father of Uniontown, Ohio and mother of Harrellesville, N.C., are her husband of 19 years, Richard W. Rockwell; two sons, Brad M. Rockwell or Kerhonkson, N.Y. and Craig W. Rockwell of Aurora, Colo.; one daughter, Callie B. Rockwell, at home; two sisters, Linda Donlan of Richmond, Va. and Vivian Frye of Akron, Ohio; three brothers, Michael Smith of Barberton, Ohio, Steve Smith of Evansville, Ind. and Tom Smith of Uniontown, Ohio; two grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.
Funeral and burial will be in Hurley, N.Y. on Saturday. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Ulster County, 106 Prince Street, Kingston, N.Y. 12401. Funeral arrangements by Simpson-Gaus Funeral Home, 411 Albany Ave., Kingston, N.Y. 12401 (914-331-0631).
James P. Rosenberger
James P. Rosenberger, 56, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Feb. 25, 1998, after a three-year battle with cancer. He was born in Akron and was a life resident of the area. He retired from Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. Stow Mold Plant after 26 1/2 years service. He was a member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church. He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend, Carolyn; loving mother, Beatrice; sister, Julia Rankin and family of Edwardsville, Ill.; brother, Jerry and family of Struthers, Ohio; children, Jim (Sara) Rosenberger, John (Sylvia) Rosenberger, Jackie (Mannie) Ecker, Jerri (Ted) Robb, Jason Rosenberger-Jordan, and Joe Jordan; 13 grandchildren, many other relatives and friends who loved him dearly. He worked with the Lord faithfully for the last eight years and was a testimony through his life and death that touched everyone who knew him. Satan may have taken his body but the Lord has his soul, and his pain is no more.
God saw that you were tired
and a cure was not to be
So he wrapped His arms around you
and whispered ``come with Me.''
A golden heart stopped beating;
Hard-working hands at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us,
He only takes the best.
Calling hours TODAY, 4 to 9 p.m., at Schermesser Funeral Home, 600 E. Turkeyfoot Lake Rd. Funeral services Saturday, 11 a.m., at the funeral home, with Rev. Bob Fleming officiating. Interment at Greenlawn Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to the Emmanuel Baptist Church, 651 Newton St., Tallmadge 44278. (Schermesser's City of Green Chapel, 724-9351.)
Virginia L. Ross
Virginia L. Ross, 75, of Copley, died Feb. 18, 1998, at Akron General Medical Center.
Born in Fayetteville, Tenn., Virginia was a resident of Copley for 49 years. She retired from Akron General Medical Center after 25 years of service.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Roy W. Ross, in 1995. Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Myrna and John Roysdon of Copley; sons and daughters-in-law, William and Joyce Ross of Orlando, Fla., Robert and Kathleen Ross of Arlington, Va.; five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; sister, Pearl Miller of Arlington, Texas.
Funeral services at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, at the Hummel Funeral Home West, 3475 Copley Rd., Copley, with Rev. Daniel C. Hanlon officiating. Interment at Greenlawn Memorial Park. Friends may call at Hummel Funeral Home West TODAY from 5 to 8 p.m. (Hummel West, Copley Fairlawn, a Golden Rule Funeral Home, 666-1138.)
James E. Rosser
James E. Rosser, passed away Feb. 22, 1998. Announcements later.
(Stewart & Calhoun, 535-1543.)
Marion (Madeo) Rossi
Marion (Madeo) Rossi, 69, died unexpectedly Friday, Feb. 20, 1998.
He was born in Akron. He retired from teaching in the Akron Public Schools in 1993 with 36 years service. He was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church, and a veteran of the Army, serving during the Korean War. He graduated from the University of Akron and received his master's from Kent State University. He was a member of the University of Akron Sports Hall of Fame, Garfield High School Sports Hall of Fame, and Summit County Baseball Hall of Fame. In his early years he played professional baseball in the Brooklyn Dodgers and Cincinnati Reds minor-league systems. He was in Life Magazine when he played bantamweight football. He was All City in football, basketball, and baseball, and played quarterback on Garfield's undefeated teams in 1945 and '46. He attended Bowling Green University on a football scholarship, finishing his college football at the University of Akron, where he set many team records. He spent many years coaching the kids that he loved. He was head football coach at Buchtel High School from 1964-1969, head baseball coach, assistant football, basketball, and wrestling coach, and was presently athletic director at Garfield High School. He touched many lives through his coaching. He was fond of saying, ``When you surround yourself with good people, good things happen to you.''
Mr. Rossi is survived by wife, Mary; daughters and sons-in-law, Michelle and Tom Freeman of Ontario, Canada, Melissa and Shannon Shinaberry of Canton; brothers, Fred of Akron, Joe of Reno, Nev.; grandchildren, Ashley, Patrick, Michael Marion, and Morgan. He loved his family and his grandchildren were very important to him.
Funeral services will be held Monday, 10:30 a.m., at the Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Funeral Home, 95 W. Waterloo Rd.; and at 11 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday, 3 to 7 p.m., at the funeral home. Donations may be made to Garfield High School Athletic Department in his name.
(Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz, 724-1281.)
Dorothy B. Roth
STOW -- Dorothy B. Roth, 95, died Feb. 26, 1998.
Born in Bellevue, Ohio, she was a lifetime area resident, a member of North Hill Christian Church, and retired from First National Bank in 1967 with 15 years service.
Preceded in death by husband, Bertrum, in 1969; son, Donald, in 1959; and son-in-law, Lt. Col. Thomas Morgan, in 1967, she is survived by daughters, Mary (Bill) Jacoby of Stow, Shirley Morgan of Cocoa Beach, Fla.; grandchildren, Susan (Mike) Shaffer of Uniontown, Sharon Parham of Tampa, Fla., Donald (Bobbie) Parham of City of Green, Thomas (Janice) Morgan of Florida; John (Nancy) Morgan of Albany, N. Y.; stepgranddaughter, Rebecca (Tom) Deyo of Charlotte, N. C.; great-grandchildren, Mike, Robin, and Daniel Shaffer, Crystal and Jackolyn Parham, Brad and Cristy Morgan, Rachel Deyo; brother, Donald Viall of Cleveland.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Redmon Funeral Home, where friends may call one hour prior to service. Rev. Al Boehlke will officiate. Burial at Greenlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Chapel CAPS Program, 135 Fir Hill, Akron 44304.
(Redmon, Stow, 688-6631.)
Judith E. Roth
Judith E. Roth, 56, died unexpectedly from a sudden illness, on Monday, Feb. 16, 1998.
She was born in Dayton, Ohio. She was employed by the Record Courier as an associate editor for the last eight years, and was owner of Portage Summit Secretarial Services. She was active in the Faith United Methodist Church. She was the executive secretary of the Brimfield Chamber of Commerce, and very active in many community services.
Mrs. Roth is survived by son, Albert M. of Brimfield; daughters and sons-in-law, Alisha and Trent Southworth of Dublin, Ohio, Tina and Jeff Taiclet of Randolph; daughter, Lexia Roth of Suffield; father, John Molnar of Columbus; brothers, James Molnar of Ashley, Ohio, Jonathan Molnar of Fairborn, Ohio, Jerrold Molnar of Lighthouse Point, Fla., Joseph Molnar of Whitehall, Ohio; sister, Janice Fitzgerald of Lynnwood, Wash.; grandchildren, Cole, Elaina, Paul, and Kara Nicole; and many other loving family members and friends.
Funeral services will be held Friday, 2 p.m., at Faith United Methodist Church, 1235 Tallmadge Rd., Brimfield, Rev. Richard D. Smith officiating. Interment at Restland Cemetery in Brimfield. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Faith United Methodist Church, 1235 Tallmadge Rd., Kent 44240; or Kent Free Library, 312 W. Main St., Kent 44240.
(Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz, 724-1281.)
