
OBITUARIES
A Remembrance of Loved Ones
Giovanni Thomas Yaeger, "G"
Giovanni Thomas Yaeger, "G", age 23, of Willoughby, Ohio passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 11, 2019.
Born May 11, 1996 in Cleveland, Ohio, son of Thomas Orlando, Giovanni attended Willoughby South High School, was a member of Young Marines, and was known by family and friends as someone with a good heart, that was happy and enjoyed spending time with his nephew Blake and nieces Maria, Cecelia and Lena. Giovanni later moved to Midland, Michigan where he was employed at Vail House as an in-home personal assistant. “G” loved online gaming, music, and spending time with his girlfriend Sarah Nemeth and his dog, Mila.
He is survived by parents Robert and Maria Yaeger, siblings Michael Yaeger (Shanda), John Yaeger (Candace), Timothy Yaeger, Dominick Yaeger, Jenny Balazy (Paul), James Orlando (Allison), Alexis Antee, and Mariah L Coleman.
Friends and family can join in a celebration of Giovanni’s life Friday, May 17th from 5pm – 8pm at the Stadium Grille, 8330 Tyler Blvd, Mentor, OH 44060.
A private burial will be held for immediate family. In lieu of flowers we ask that you kindly donate to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in memory of Giovanni at https://tinyurl.com/kx869fs.
Dennis Andrew Panko
Dennis Andrew Panko, age 77, of Mentor, Ohio passed away Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at Lake West Medical Center in Willoughby, Ohio. Dennis was born August 14, 1941 in Cleveland, Ohio.
He was employed as a machinist for Picker International in Highland Heights, Ohio. He retired in 1989. Dennis loved to fish, hunt, and was an avid Cleveland Indians fan. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Mary Ann (Galinsky), daughter Christine (David), sons Dennis (Renee), Brian (Christine), seven grandchildren, sister Cheryl Nahrstedt, and brother David.
He is preceded in death by his parents Andrew and Louise (Meyer) Panko and his sister Linda Barta. He will forever hold a special place in our hearts and will be dearly missed.
To honor Dennis a Celebration of Life will be held Saturday June 8, 2019. For further details please contact the family directly via email at cctracker1@sbcglobal.net
Marc A. Wagner
Marc A. Wagner, 38, of Montville, Ohio passed away unexpectedly on 5-5-19. Marc was born in Painesville Ohio in 1980 and was the son of Diane (Butterfield) Wagner, and the husband of Terri (Hakli) Wagner. Marc was the proud father of Caleb and Alyssa Wagner.
Marc was a Lieutenant in the Painesville Police Department where he served honorably for 12 years. Marc was a Field Training Officer for many years and was a State certified range instructor. Marc served as a Tactical Team leader and was a friend and mentor to several generations of Police Officers.
Marc is described as an “amazing” father, husband and son. His love for his family was always on display as Marc would do anything to take care of his family. Marc simply loved to make his children smile. Words cannot adequately describe his love for his entire family. Marc was a hero to many people and he was a great friend to have.
Marc is survived by His mother Diane, wife Terri, children Caleb and Alyssa, Grandfather Jack Butterfield, mother-In-Law Carolyn Misosky, Step-brother Doug Wagner, and many nieces and nephews. Marc shared a special bond with his twin sister Mariah (Wagner) Kesepich.
Marc is preceded in death by his Grandmother Doris Butterfield and Father-in-law Thomas Hakli.
Marc’s impact in the lives of his children, fellow officers, and the world is immeasurable. His unique ability to talk to anyone and to make people smile will be talked about for a long time. Marc could be described as one of the most genuine men of all time. Marc was well respected and had a wonderful sense of humor; he gave as good as he got. Marc spoke often about his dear friends at Best Sand in Chardon Ohio, where he worked prior to becoming a police officer. He was also an avid bow-hunter and was willing to talk about bows for hours. Marc was a gentleman, and will be missed by all.
Marc’s family would like to thank F.O.P. Lodge 90 and to everyone who has helped the family through this difficult time.
Aileen Snell
Aileen (Smith) Snell, 89, of Mentor passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, and entered into the presence of her Lord Jesus Christ, on April 27, 2019.
She was born July 14, 1929 in Cleveland, to Clarence and Adeline (Crookshanks) Smith, and was a life long resident of Mentor.
After high school, Aileen studied in Cleveland to be a fashion designer/illustrator. She passed along her artistic abilities to her children and grandchildren.
Aileen married Ralph W. Snell on August 30, 1952. They were together until his death in 2004.
Ralph was an excellent welder/fabricator, He used his talents to create yard sculptures for Aileen,
Aileen liked being helpful in a variety of ways in her younger years. She enjoyed being a Girl Scout Leader and working at the preschool at the Painesville Church of the Nazarene, where she was a member.
She loved getting her hands dirty growing plants indoors and outside, especially those that attracted butterflies which became her trademark.
Aileen and Ralph both enjoyed caring for rescue animals. Most were dogs, however some were unusual such as crows, and a rooster.
She loved her family, and as a mother and grandmother, she was very insistent that kids learn by doing, playing and spending as much time outside as possible.
Aileen is survived by her daughters, LouAnn (Pat, deceased) Holleran of Mentor, Susan D. (Kerry) Ochaba , of Mentor and Fuzzy (Greg) Zielinski of Willoughby. She had four grandchildren, Jeanette Zielinski (Mauricio) Lanese of Lakewood, Crystal Zielinski, of Lakewood, Bryant (Kat) Ochaba of Eastlake, and Alexander Ochaba of Walton Hills.
Should friends desire, contributions may be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve, P.O. Box 72101, Cleveland, OH 44192.
Ivy Elaine Chandler Hardy
September 6, 1956 - April 22, 2019
Beloved mother of Ridge Hardy, and Aisha Chandler; wife of Charles Hardy Jr.; grandmother of Dwayne Gilcrease, Alaina Chandler, Annesha Chandler, Jayden hardy, and London Hardy; great-grandmother of Zion Robinson, Kylie Bui; daughter of Clois Chandler and Martha George (John) (all deceased); sister of Cheryl Chandler, Douglas Chandler (Rosalyn), Rodney Chandler, Jeffrey Chandler best friend of Eunice and Teola; dear aunt, great-aunt, and friend of many.
John M. Canter, Sr.
Memorial Services for John M. Canter Sr.,71, of Madison, Ohio, will be 11 a.m. Saturday May 11, 2019 at Cherry Valley Church of the Nazarene, 3410 US Route 6, Andover Ohio. Pastor Rich Meier will officiate the service.
John M. Canter Sr. passed away Monday, April 29th, 2019, at Tripoint Medical Center, Chardon, Ohio after a long battle with lung cancer and pneumonia. Born Feb. 16, 1948, in Baltimore, Md., he had been a resident of Lake and Cuyahoga counties most of his life.
John enjoyed making people laugh and making friends. He enjoyed meeting new people and talking at length to them about his children and grandchildren. On the weekends he enjoyed going to the Painesville speedway to interact with his large friend group. John was a jolly old man that could get down and party with any college kid. John loved his family, he especially loved caring for his wife Linda of 51 years. John also enjoyed working on vehicles with his son, John Jr, ridding 4 wheelers with his daughter Robin and her family when he was well enough to, and spending time at his grandson John III’s shop. He enjoyed spending time with all of his grandchildren when he could catch them. John worked many jobs; Over the road truck driver, automotive glass repair technician and tow truck operator, to name a few. Anything he did, he did with a smile and made it a better work environment for the people around him.
He was the beloved husband of 51 years to Linda J. Canter; loving father of John M. (Linda) Canter Jr; and Robin (Glenn) Deemer; cherished grandfather of Megan (John) Reilly, Marissa DeGennaro, Maranda DeGennaro, Johnny (Amy) Canter lll, Brandon Canter, and Meadow Canter; great-grandfather of Jeremiah Westmoreland, Leah Hovey, Jaden Perry, Greyson Perry, Ellie Reilly and Owen Reilly; and brother of Jack (Donna) Boggs, Richard (Patty) Canter; and uncle of many nieces and nephews.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Paul E. Canter and Margaret (Raymond, dec.) Jones; and brothers, Ronald (Mary, dec.) Boggs and Paul (Bunny, dec.) Canter, and his sister Sandee (Joseph) Gleason.
Family will receive friends directly following the memorial service at Cherry Valley Church of the Nazarene, fellowship hall.
The family will be taking his ashes to Portsmouth to be with his father.
Tracy Renee (Booker) Geizer
Tracy Renee (Booker) Geizer
Born April 29th 1983 (36)
Left this earth 4-28-2019.
To know Tracy was to love her. She loved being outside, making crafts and laughing but loved making people laugh even more. Tracy spent fifteen years as a medical biller at University Hospitals.
She leaves behind a beautiful daughter, Alyssa Geizer; Mother, Dorene Whitcomb; Father, Glenn Booker Jr (Julie); two sisters, Crystal Strauch and Rachel Estvanko (Richard); two nieces, Hailey Vitolo and Elizabeth Strauch; nephew, Tyler Vitolo; also many Aunts, Uncles and cousins.
Memorial services will be Friday, May 3rd at 6:00 p.m. at Perry Township Park 2815 Perry Park rd. Perry, OH 44081. Please bring your favorite memory with you.
Eric Liddington
Eric Liddington, age 41, of Eastlake, passed away unexpectedly Monday, April 15, 2019 at his home.
He was born June 15, 1977 in Eastlake, Ohio the son of James and Arleta (nee Lucas) Liddington.
Eric is survived by his Mother: Arleta Grenon / Stepfather Gary Grenon; Father: James Liddington/ Stepmother Pat Liddington; Daughter : Lexy Howard; Sisters: Stacey Liddington, Kristin Grenon, Ashley Liddington , and Felecia Duncan; Grandfather: James Liddington/ stepgrandmother Helen Liddington; Uncles: Doug Lucas, Rick Liddington, Dave Liddington, Danny Liddington, and Eddie Liddington; Aunt: Sue Liddington. Eric was an uncle to: Emily Reish, Laura Lewis, Paul M. Peterson, Monica M. Grenon, and Serenity Martin; Great Uncle to: Makaylee A. Reish, Myron J. Palinkas, Devin R. Gerhardt, Adam W. Reish; Silas P. Reish, and Logan M. Peterson. Eric had many more Step-Uncles, Step-Aunts, and Cousins.
He was preceded in death by his Grandmother: Emma C Lucas (Martin), Grandfather: Robert L Lucas, and Cousin: Donnie L. Lucas.
Eric loved to spend time with family and he would do anything to help family in anyway. Most recently he enjoyed helping the homeless, his knives, guns, working on cars, and fishing & hunting with his grandfather. He loved the outdoors. There were many wonderful aspects to Eric’s life.
And in many ways Eric touched our lives. My brother in all these ways and more, he made our lives richer and fuller.
Now that he has passed away, of course there is emptiness and pain, confusion and maybe even anger at death coming to a man of only 41 years, but in many ways, the gift of Eric’s life is still here with us.
He lives on in our memories and stories, and in what all of us have become because of him.
So I encourage you to share –today, tomorrow and in the years to come- your memories and stories,
and to share the pain of your loss as well. In this way we will keep the gift of Eric’s life alive.
He will be remembered as a Wonderful Father, Son, Grandson, Brother and a Great Friend to many, Uncle, Great Uncle, and Cousin.
We will be holding a Celebration of life for Eric for family and friends June 15, 2019 soon to be announced location.
James A. Van Schie
James A. Van Schie, 57, of Painesville Twp., passed away on April 28, 2019 at TriPoint Medical Center.
Jim was born May 30, 1961, the son of Henry and Aly Van Schie.
He was employed with Lincoln Electric as a Machinist for 38 years. In his spare time, Jim enjoyed working cars and doing yard work.
He is survived by his wife, Michelle; step-children, Nicole (Joe) Birli and John Hoback; brother, Patrick (Laurie) Van Schie; sisters, Amy (Terry) Hollingsworth, Sandra Walch; in-laws, John and Grace Nero, Mike and Grace Delillo, Kim and Mitch Vilcheck, Angela Nero, John and Vicki Nero; 11 nieces and nephews; 4 great-nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his parents and brother, Robert Van Schie.
Jim will be missed by all who knew and loved him in his family and his Lincoln family.
The family wishes to thank everyone at TriPoint Medical Center, Central Dialysis Center, and University Hospitals for all of the care and support they gave to Jim the past year.
A memorial visitation will be held Friday, May 3, 2019 from 3-5pm at McMahon-Coyne-Vitantonio Funeral Home, 6330 Center Street, Mentor, Ohio.
Thomas P. Neville
May 21, 1961-April 25, 2019
Tom Neville was born on May 21, 1961 in Evanston, IL to Jim and Judy Neville. A lifelong scholar, he studied history at Marquette University and the University of Cincinnati before a career in fundraising at Cincinnati and Case Western Reserve University. He had a passion for life and loved sports, cooking and eating, and reading. He passed after a long illness on April 25, 2019. He will be missed by his children Conor (Kerri), Danny, and Maria; his former wife, Mary, his sister Trish Goelz (Glenn) and his brother Pete (Linda); his parents, Jim and Judy, and his nieces and nephews. There will be a private memorial for his immediate family.
Linda D. Miller
Linda D. Miller, 67, of Painesville, OH passed away Tuesday, April 23, 2019. Born November 27, 1951 in Wichita Falls, TX, the daughter of Richard and Virginia (Brooks) Ramsay. She married Chris D Miller on December 3, 1977.
She was a proud graduate of Riverside High School (70). She was a loving mother and grandmother. She enjoyed painting, singing, crafting, and Star Wars. She was a member of Painesville Baptist Church and had a strong love of Jesus.
She is survived by her husband Chris, children Ian (Heather) and Rachael (Leon), two grand-children Eliot and Annie.
Her celebration service will be held on May 4 at 4:00 p.m. at Painesville Baptist Church, 140 Park Rd., Painesville, OH.
Linda volunteered for many years at Alternaterm Pregnancy Services. In leu of flowers, contributions can be made to alternaterm.org
Constance L. Raymond
January 26, 1941 - April 22, 2019
Constance L. Raymond, age 78, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on April 22, 2019.
Connie was the wife of Dwight Raymond, loving mother of Ann (Tom) Perry, Diane (Paul) Domanovics; beloved grandmother of Nycole (Tommy) DeFranco, Brian (Erin) Thompson, Destiny Dohm, Lauren Perry, Stevie Dohm; great grandmother to Layla and TJ DeFranco and Amelia Elizabeth Thompson.
Connie retired from Case Western Reserve University in 2009. She was a gifted woman who devoted her entire life to her family. She enjoyed spending time with her family, the beach and traveling.
She was preceded in death by her sons, Frankie Jr. and Steven.
The family will hold a private Celebration of Life, no public service will be held
Bridget Cull
Bridget Cull, 61, most recently of Willowick, Ohio — and formerly of Indianapolis, Indiana and Louisville, Kentucky — lost her battle with cancer on April 22, 2019, at Hospice of the Western Reserve.
Bridget was born in Louisville and attended Angela Merici High School before taking classes at University of Louisville and studying journalism at University of Kentucky. Bridget then worked as a technical writer for various employers, including Humana and Eli Lilly.
Bridget had many passions. She enjoyed travel, music, cooking, and especially sports, most notably NASCAR, Indianapolis Colts football and Cleveland Indians baseball.Bridget is now joyfully reunited with her mother, Doris Cull, and lifelong friend Olivia “Kit” Fahringer. She was also preceded in death by her father, Marvin Cull.
She is survived by her friend and roommate, Brenda Meskunas; extended family in Kentucky; good friends across the country; and her darling kitty, Marlowe.
Services will be held at Calvary Cemetery in Louisville at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Brenda Meskunas, 30808 Ronald Drive, Willowick, Ohio, or via PayPal, bmeskunas@aol.com.
Judy Knight
Judy Knight was born in Cleveland on April 17, 1948 to the late Lenore and Paul Muss. She passed away at University Hospitals in Cleveland on April 19, 2019.
She is survived by her sons, Eric Muss-Barnes and Aaron Knight, her daughter, Nicole Knight, her brother Jack Muss (and wife Shelley), and partner, Danny Tirabasso.
A memorial service will be held for Judy on Thursday, April 25th at 11 am at St. Helen’s Catholic Church, 12060 Kinsman Road, Newbury, Ohio 44065 with a reception to follow at Zeppy’s Tavern in Newbury.
Evelyn L. Svoboda
Evelyn L. Svoboda, 72, of Eastlake was born October 17, 1946 in Cleveland the daughter of the late James and Helen (nee Szabo) Svoboda. Loving sister, sister-in-law, aunt, cousin, and friend to many.
On this glorious Easter Sunday Evelyn left us to join Jesus and our family in Heaven. Her beautiful spirit that we all know is here, with us, to remember and celebrate. See you on the other side dear sister.
Private burial in All Souls Cemetery.
Zackary Czech Ratcliffe
Zackary Czech Ratcliffe, 23, passed away at Cleveland Clinic on April 9, 2019 surrounded by his loving family.
Zack was born on January 4, 1996 in Cleveland, Ohio. Despite being born with many medical and physical challenges, he conquered his adversities and became an integral part of his family and school community. He loved all animals and his Cookie Monster. His favorite things to do were listening to classical music and holding babies. He was a calm and loving influence on everyone who knew him. Zack was truly a perfect person.
Zack was a graduate of Broadmoor School and recently attended Broadening Abilities Adult Program.
Zackary is survived by his parents, Michael and Stephanie (Bressler) Ratcliffe, brothers and sisters, Timothy (Jamie) Ratcliffe, Mary (Joe) Doeing, Kathryn (Chawezi) Kumwenda, Amanda Ratcliffe, Donald Ratcliffe, Sylvia Ratcliffe, Dawanna Ratcliffe, Denise Ratcliffe, Robert Ratcliffe, Jay Ratcliffe, Tara Ratcliffe, Daniel Ratcliffe, and Kenneth Ratcliffe, grandfather Edward Ratcliffe, nieces and nephews Samantha Doeing, Haley Ratcliffe, Leo Ratcliffe, Leah Kumwenda, Elijah Kumwenda, Angel Ratcliffe, and Maranda McCumbers.
Zackary is resting in peace in the loving arms of his sister, Antoinette Ratcliffe, brother Charles Ratcliffe, grandmothers Mary Ratcliffe and Margie Bressler and grandfather Leo Bressler.
A celebration of Zackary's life will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2019 from 5:30pm - 7:30pm in the Woods Room, Mentor Ice Arena, 8600 Munson Rd., Mentor, Ohio.
Alice L. Lillich
Alice L. Lillich, 78, of Willoughby Hills, Ohio passed away on March 31, 2019 at University Hospitals Richmond Medical Center.
She was born in East Cleveland, Ohio on August 18, 1940, and the family moved to Willoughby Hills, in 1945. Alice graduated from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio with a degree in teaching. She taught Home Economics in Wellston, Ohio and retired in 1995 and moved back to Willoughby Hills.
Alice was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, Willoughby Women’s Club and the Lake County Retired Teachers Association.
She is survived by her brother John (Carol), sister Alberta Parker (Neil) of Las Vegas, and nephews Christopher Parks and Jeremy Parks of Las Vegas.
A memorial service for Alice will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Willoughby Hills United Methodist Church, 34201 Eddy Road, Willoughby Hills, Ohio.
The family requests contributions in Alice’s memory be made to Willoughby Hills United Methodist Church.
William "Bill" Thomson
In loving memory of William “Bill” Thomson, age 73; of Kirtland, Ohio. He left his earthly home at 8 A.M., on April 2nd, surrounded with love from friends and family.
Bill was the beloved husband of Karen (nee Shepherd); dearest father of Kathy, Brian, Jasen and Sara, amazing grandfather of Natalie, Jeffrey and Stephanie, joyous great grandfather to Silas. Beloved son of Mary D. “Doll” and James H. “Red Tommy” Thomson (Deceased); loving brother of Patricia Finneran of New Rochelle and Betty Lou Jack (William (Sandy) of Prescott, Arizona.
Bill was a U.S. Army Veteran, who served during Vietnam. Bill always loved music and was an avid guitar player throughout his life. Bill loved technology and always enjoyed keeping up with the latest technological advances. He eagerly made the switch from typewriter repair man into computer repair when the time came for technology to expand. He wrapped up his career at the Cleveland Federal Reserve before easing into retirement. He continued to help others for the rest of his earthly life. Bill loved his church dearly and always referred to the people of his church as extended family.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bill’s memory at Kirtland Christian Fellowship, where he attended church and his memorial services will be held on April 13th, at 4 P.M. Kirtland Christian Fellowship 1001 Chillicothe Rd., Kirtland, Ohio 44094
Daniel M. Murton (Danny)
Daniel M. Murton (Danny), 76, born in Cleveland, Ohio and resided in Mentor, Ohio died Sunday, April 7, 2019. "I hope I never looked down on anyone unless I was willing to help them up."
He was a 50+ year member of the Pipefitters Local 120 and a faithful friend to Bill and Bob for 41 years.
Beloved spouse of Marlene Ann Kloczko Murton; cherished father to Daniel Frank (Sandi), William Joseph, and Robert Thomas; grandfather to Lance, Krista, Andrew and Emilia Ann; brother to Sallie Kerman and Patricia Finestein. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mildred (Starec) and Samuel Murton; brothers, Fred and Al Penner, David, Michael and Sam Murton; sister, Millie Teuscher.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Noon on Thursday, April 11, 2019, St Gabriel's Church, 9925 Johnnycake Ridge, Mentor.
Melissa Lynn Munford
September 28, 1973 - March 31, 2019
Melissa Munford was welcomed into the arms of her mother, Mary Eighmey on March 31, 2019. Raised in Biloxi Mississippi, she spent most of her adult life in Ohio. She leaves to cherish her memory, her son Tyler, her loving husband Andrew, and her sister in law Darlene Parker, and a host of loving family members and friends. “The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with our hearts.” Cremation has taken place.
Memorial service will be Monday, April 8, 2019 from 5-7 p.m. at Vito-Nero Funeral Home 6130 Turney Rd. (2 Blocks South of Rockside) send regards to 3557 Radcliffe Cleveland Hts. OH 44121