OBITUARIES
A Remembrance of Loved Ones
Sam R. Culotta
Sam R. Culotta
March 8, 1942 - April 7, 2020
Sam R. Culotta, age 78 of Mentor. Beloved father of Robert L. Culotta and Christopher J. Culotta; son of the late Sam and Angelina Culotta; brother of Gary Culotta and brother to the late Anthony Culotta and Vincent Culotta; cherished uncle of many. Sam worked as a shoe repairman and also in sales in the greeting card industry. He was a member of the US Army Reserve. In his free time he enjoyed reading, spending time with friends and family and ice skating with his son Christopher and other special needs children.
A Celebration of Life Service at Knollwood Cemetery, Mayfield Heights will be held at a later date and will be posted to the website.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Sam to:
The Deepwood Foundation
8121 Deepwood Blvd.
Mentor, OH 44060
Marybeth Kendig
Marybeth Kendig (nee: Kunkel) of Mentor, Ohio November 16, 1960 – April 4, 2020
Marybeth (age 59) passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on April 4, 2020.
Born on November 16, 1960 in Youngstown, Ohio she grew up in McDonald, Ohio and was a good friend to all that knew her. Her fondest memories growing up were of playing softball, swim club, and the many Kunkel parties and weddings throughout the years. Marybeth met her future husband Layne in 1983 and they were married in 1985. They were blessed with three amazing children, Ashley, Alexa, and Brandon and later with two grandchildren Julian and Jaxon. In 1992 they moved to the cul-de-sac in Mentor where she met the people that would become like a second family. Some of her fondest memories were spending time with her “Cul-de-Sac” kids.
She loved to decorate and travel. She insisted on creating and making all of the flower arrangements for her daughters wedding showers, weddings and baby showers to a level of perfection matched by few. She traveled many times to Disney World, her happiest place on earth, and was able to take her children and grandchildren there several times over the last three years. She loved to shop and even found a TJ Maxx on a trip to London. She was able to travel to London, Paris, New York City and Hilton Head. She enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren more than anything else. She loved family gatherings and family meant everything to her.
Marybeth was the wife of Layne E. Kendig Jr.; loving mother of Ashley E. (Michael) Burtscher, Alexa C. (Matthew) Krumpak, and Brandon D. Kendig; beloved daughter of Joseph F. and Carole Kunkel (deceased); sister of Christine (Paul) Monroe; Grandmother of Julian Burtscher & Jaxon Krumpak. She also leaves her brother-in-law Kurt Kendig and sister-in-law Michelle Stufflebeam and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
As Marybeth wished there will be a private celebration at a later date in lieu of a funeral.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Marybeth to:
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place
Memphis, TN 38105
https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html
1-800-822-6344
Hospice of the Western Reserve, Inc.,
17876 St. Clair Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44110-2602
(216)383-2222
Joseph F. Klemencic
August 31, 1926 - April 2, 2020
Joseph F Klemencic beloved husband of Frances (deceased) (nee Zalar), of 70 years; cherished father of Ronald (Melissa), Linda Grady, and Karen Penicka (Eric); loving grandfather of Christopher, Michael (Wendy), Melissa, Jason, and Ricky; dear great-grandfather of Mia, Evan, and Gabriel; dearest son of Joseph and Marie (Perusek) Klemencic (both deceased); stepson of Frank Dolinar (deceased); brother of Lillian (deceased). Joseph served in the Army during WWII. He retired from Parker Hannifin.
Services will be held at a later date.
Mark Alan Irvine
Mark Alan Irvine I was born on February 6, 1957. He passed away at his home on April 2, 2020 after a hard fought battle with cancer.
Mark was a 1975 graduate of Thomas W. Harvey High School. His greatest passion in life was his love for wrestling, which earned him and his team the highest honor at Harvey, State Runner Ups. Mark went on to wrestle for Tri-C. He later coached wrestling for many years at the YMCA. Mark coached softball, National Champions. He worked for Demeter’s Florist for over 25 years, Madison High School with special education students and a bus driver for Head Start. Mark had a huge heart and loved all people and people loved him.
Mark was the beloved husband of Cheryl R. (Martin) Irvine for over 34 years. He is survived by his daughters, Paulette (Marquis) Barnes of Chicago and Marcia Irvine of Painesville; sons, Mark II and Robert Seal Irvine both of Painesville; His other two sons by a special bond are Derrick (Danelle) Noble of Wisconsin and Gregory Noble of South Carolina; 17 grandchildren; sister, Debra (Francis) Sarosy; brothers, Donald and Robert (Joanne) Irvine and Kevin (Stacy) Lewis all of Painesville; stepmother, Joyce Irvine of Cleveland and numerous loved ones. He was preceded in death by his grandparents; parents, Bessie and Donald Lewis, Donald Irvine; nephew, Donnie Irvine and best friend, Robert Seal Jones.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date to be announced due to the coronavirus restrictions.
Thomas McHenry
Thomas McHenry, born November 10th, 1955, passed away peacefully in his sleep in Mentor, Ohio, surrounded by his many loved ones on the 2nd of April after fighting an uphill battle with pancreatic cancer. From a young age, Tom started his business from the ground up with a single truck and a passion for shaping nature. For over forty years, he built a company, with his foreman, Carl Mastrangelo, dedicated to providing the best in landscaping. However Tom was more than just a businessman, he was also a father to two sons, Matthew (Catherine) McHenry and Michael (Nicole) McHenry, and three stepchildren, Nicole Cefaratti, Danielle (Michael) Reilly, and Michael Cefaratti (Christina Pierko) through his partner, Lorraine Matuch. He was also an enthusiastic grandfather to Norah Konrad through stepdaughter, Nicole.
When he wasn't savoring the hum of a Mack truck on the job, he could be found at his dock at the Mentor Lagoons, always happy to host the best cookouts at the lake. Tom had the uncanny ability to make friends anywhere he went with a firm handshake and a sunny disposition, a trait needed for the businessman he became as well as the family man for which he will be remembered.
Along with his partner, children, and grandchild, Tom is survived by three of his four siblings, Edward (Patricia) McHenry, Clare (John) Green, and Betsy (John) Andrasik; brother-in-law, Niko Xanthopoulos, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Edward McHenry; mother, Mary McHenry, and his brother, Bill McHenry.
The celebration of life will be determined and announced at a later time and date. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to be made in Tom's honor to the Holden Arboretum (9550 Sperry Rd., Kirtland, OH 44084).
George A. Fisher
George A. Fisher, age 95. Beloved father of Robert and Nancy (Crum), grandfather of Maxwell and Wyatt. He was preceded in death by wife Margaret (nee MacLaren), parents Albert and Lyda, brothers Harold, Leonard and Clarence, sisters Margaret and Clara. George was born in East Cleveland, Ohio, served in the Navy during World War II, graduated from Case Institute and had a long career as an engineer. He died in his home in Mentor, Ohio. Final resting place will be Mentor Cemetery; services to be announced at a later date.
George Fisher passed away Saturday, March 28 in his home in Mentor, Ohio. George was the sixth and youngest child of Albert and Lyda Fisher. He grew up in East Cleveland during the depression. He graduated from Shaw High School in 1942 the joined the Navy during World War II pursuing training as a pilot. He never flew in combat, but almost did as he was about to ship out from San Francisco when VJ day occurred and the war ended.
Home after the war, he attended the Case Institute of Technology on the GI Bill, studying engineering. He married our Mom, Margaret MacLaren in 1950. They moved to Mentor-on-the-Lake in 1954 and then to Mentor in 1965 where they built the house that Dad lived in until he died.
He had a career as a mechanical engineer, working at Euclid Road Machinery, Terex (a subsidiary of General Motors), Baker Electric and Rose Metal Industries. His longest employment was with Terex, where as chief engineer of hydraulics, he was instrumental in the development of the first articulated front end loader design. With Terex, he had the opportunity to travel to Utah, Arizona, Colorado and other areas of the west while they were building and expanding dams, roads and bridges in the 1960s and ‘70s. On these trips he would bring back Mexican cooking ingredients for his wife who enjoyed making Mexican dishes. He retired from Terex/GM, but retirement didn’t suit him so he went to work at Baker Electric and then on to Rose Metal Industries where they needed his skills at “old school” mechanical drawing.
George became a prolific photographer and loved capturing images of his children, nieces and nephews and the neighborhood kids in their most natural, silly states – the goofier the better. He learned to sail, and enjoyed Lake Erie in his sailboat that he kept at Grand River Yacht Club and later Mentor Lagoons.
Once he fully retired, he tried his hand at a number of other hobbies including model railroading, model airplanes and stamp and coin collecting. He loved gardening and created a beautiful yard full of unusual trees, gorgeous perennials, flowering shrubs and large rocks. He enjoyed travel and took many cruises and trips around the US, Europe and Mexico. He loved music and had an extensive collection of jazz music with the artists of Arbors Records among his favorites. He loved his cars, all General Motors cars which sported Dads’ special license plates promoting America and GM: “US AYE” and “GO GM”.
George was fiercely independent, hard-working, and had a dry sense of humor. While his last few years weren’t always easy, he was able to maintain his independence and dignity and could stay in his home.
Valerie Rita Ciuprinskas
Valerie Rita Ciuprinskas, age 65 of Willoughby, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, March 25, 2020. She was born to the late Antanas and Ona Ciuprinskas on September 22, 1954 in Cleveland, OH. She was one of three children, including her late brothers Anthony and Ronald Ciuprinskas.
Valerie worked for over 30 years in the healthcare industry as a nurse’s aide throughout the Cleveland area caring for the sick and elderly. She enjoyed travelling and was actively involved in the Lithuanian community and enjoyed spending time with friends and family.
She is survived by her two children, Adrienne (Dan) Sommer of Pittsburgh, PA and Jason Ciuprinskas (Samantha Krause) of Willoughby, OH. She also leaves behind two grandchildren, Tyler Krause and Gabe Sommer.
The family wishes to thank all of those who have recently made donations to the GoFundMe account set up in her name. Final resting place will be at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon, OH. In light of the current pandemic social distancing restrictions, services to be announced at a later date.
Mary Lee Garrison
With son and daughter at her side, Mary Lee (Dishman) Garrison, age 86, went home to be with her Lord on March 15, 2020 after passing, at the David Simpson Hospice House in Euclid, Ohio
She was born October 22, 1933 in Moundsville, WV and was the daughter of the late John and Bertha (Dalrymple) Dishman. Mary lived in Wickliffe, Ohio for 30 years before relocating to Concord twp., Ohio.
Upon retiring from Parker Hannifin, Mary went on to care for children in her home. She enjoyed a simple life mantaining her home, keeping up with family and friends, cooking, worshipping at the Mentor church of Christ, and enjoying time outdoors with her dog Holly. Year-round, she delighted in nature and observing the wildlife around her home.
Mary was the loving mother of Bernie J Garrison and Kim A. Dodick (Dan); devoted grandmother to grandsons Brad A. Dodick (Becca) and Cameron D. Dodick. Surviving siblings include, John Dishman, Sarah Anderson West, and Ron Dishman; sister-in-law, Betty (Guthrie) Dishman; many nieces and nephews.
Mary was preceded in death by siblings, James Dishman (Vivian), Delores Martin (Keith), Fredrick Dishman, Phyllis Houston (Patrick), Peg Mason (Gene), and Betty Strait (Tom); sister-in-law, Sharon Dishman; brother-in-laws, Richard Anderson and Jim West.
The family wish to express their deepest and most sincere appreciation to the staff of Precious Care Assisted Living and the wonderful "angels" that are the support team from Hospice of the Western Reserve. May God continue to bless you and your work.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Contributions can be made to Mentor Church of Christ's Food Pantry Program, 7201 Burridge, Mentor, Ohio 44060 or the Hospice of the Western Reserve, 5786 Heisley Rd., Mentor, OH 44060.
Arrangements by Blessing Cremation Center, 9340 Pinecone Drive, Mentor, OH 44060.
Laura Skinner
On Wednesday March 19, 2020 Laura Skinner passed away at the age of 64. Laura was born June 16, 1955 to Walt and Dorothy Hendrickson. Laura loved music and was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Painesville. Laura was preceded in death by her parents and her son Joey Skinner. She is survived by her Ex-Husband Joseph Skinner, and her Aunt Laura and Several Cousins.
Jerry Brown
Jerry Brown " Not the Governor of California." age 61 of Hiram, Ohio. passed away peacefully on March 19, 2020. Loving father of Nick Brown, Gabe (Nicole) Brown, and Bianca Brown. Cherished grandfather of Emma Brown. Devoted brother of Lucy, Kim, Jack, and Roy (deceased). Jerry loved to ride outdoors on his motorcycle, enjoyed eagle watching, taking his puppy Jazz with him riding on his four wheeler. He will be missed by many. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Raymond P. DeSantis
Raymond P. DeSantis age 73 of Chardon, Passed away on March 18, 2020. Loving father of Lisa DeSantis and Margaret Peters (Ronald). Cherished grandfather of Joseph Kotrba, Jonathan Magyar, and E.J. Kovacs, and the following deceased: Douglas Yon Jr., and Dawn Yon. Great-grandfather of Brooklyn Armontrout, and great-granddaughter of Skylar Magyar, and Ivan Magyar. Brother of Pete, Mary Hamby, Mark, and William (deceased). Son of the late Mary Ann Tench and Peter DeSantis. A Celebration of Life Service at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery will be held at a later date.
Jonathan "John" Frank Stevens
Jonathan (“John”) Frank Stevens 6/26/1956 Cleveland, Ohio– 3/12/2020 (45th Wedding Anniversary) in Cleveland, Ohio.
John was married 45 years to his beloved wife Michele aka Micki (father of special son Joseph ( wife Hellen Stevens) grandfather of Adrijana, Aleksander, Angelina Stevens.) Brother of Jeff (wife Joyce Stevens, son Kevin), Jimmy Harrison (deceased) and family.
John’s father Joseph and mother Julie Stevens (both deceased.)
John’s daughter Miley (his dog.)
Loving in-laws Dolly Ward and (Jimmy “Pops” Ward, deceased). (Dean and Tina Ward, Ben/David/Char,) (Tina and John Hummel/Halle), (Della and Allen Schaefer) Lucas/Sawyer Laurenty), (Kim and Frank Burke (Sean/Angie, Cameron, Tara Schaefer). A special thank you to Doug.
John was a 27 and a half year employee of Ohio Living, Willoughby, Ohio, an avid golfer, bowler, enjoyed yardwork, watching westerns on television, a sports enthusiast. Loved spending time with family and friends. He will be sorely missed by everyone whoever knew or loved him. No services.
Barbara E. Kinsella
Barbara E. Kinsella (nee Samsa), of Euclid. Passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, March 7, 2020. Barbara was born March 5, 1950. Beloved wife of Michael (deceased); daughter of August Samsa (deceased) and Evelyn (nee Henry, deceased); cherished mother of Stacy and Kevin (Michelle); loving grandmother of Maggie, Abigail, Ryan and grand dogs Shelby Lu and Ace; sister of Beverlee Brooks (deceased) (John, deceased) and Thomas Samsa (deceased) (Sandy). A private memorial service and celebration of Barb’s life will be announced on a later date.
Scott Edward Britton
Scott Edward Britton, age 52 of Painesville Township, passed away March 3, 2020 at TriPoint Hospital surrounded by his children and close family. Scott was born in Cleveland, Ohio March 20, 1967, grew up in Mentor-on-the-Lake, and graduated from Mentor High School, class of 1985.
Scott recently retired from Lake County Job and Family Services. He took pride in his position as a MIS Manager and his 32-year-career with the Lake County Commissioners.
Besides enjoying his job, he loved spending time lost among his tomato and pepper plants. He was an unforgettable Dad and the sky was the limit for the people he loved. He enjoyed his garden, giving away vegetables, and making the hottest hot sauce no one could consume. He had a love for creating meals and memories with his kids that will last a lifetime. Scott relished the days filled with fishing, football, and his family. His family and friends will deeply miss the fun memories, his jokes, and their dear friendship.
Scott is survived by his four children: Tara Genzen (Michael), Taylor Britton (Danny), Nicole Britton (Alex), Garrett Britton, and his three grandchildren: Ava, Harper, and Scarlett. He is also survived by his loving mother, Marjorie Walker, his brother, Daniel Britton (Celeste), and his sister, Jessica Kelly (Rob). Scott leaves behind many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Gerald Ptak, and his niece, Heather White.
Please join the Family to celebrate the life of Scott Britton from 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Saturday, March 7, 2020 at the Steele Mansion, 348 Mentor Ave., Painesville, Ohio. There will be a prayer service held at 3:00 p.m.
Arthur F. Smith
Arthur F. Smith age 87, of Akron, OH. Passed away peacefully at home on March 2, 2020. Born June 30, 1932. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years Laverne S. Smith, his children Sue R. Walder, Kelly Shaw (Scott Boyce), Scott (Michelle) Smith. Arthur had 6 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his faithful cat of 21 years Nicky. Arthur served in the Navy and Korean War. He then went on to become a printer for BF Goodrich for 32 years. He enjoyed many things in life, but mostly his family. Services for Arthur will be at a later date and time.
Viola Wilfong
Viola Wilfong passed on March 1, 2020 and was born on February 20, 1925. Viola is survived by her sister Leola Fenstermaker and her children Lonna Kuntz (Fred), Dianna Zalar, Johanna Bush (Larry), and son
Clarence Wilfong (Janene). Viola also has several nieces and nephews. There are 16
grandchildren 37 great grandchildren, and 5 great, great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Everett, George and John,her husband Duane, daughter Donna and son Duane. They are now
together again. In accordance with Viola's wishes, there will be no services or calling hours.
Carol Jane Hunley
Carol Jane Hunley passed away peacefully on March 1, 2020 at the age of 82. She was born May 19, 1937 in Youngstown, OH to Russell and Etta (Vincent) Chubb. She graduated from South High School in Youngstown. She was dedicated to her work and taking care of her family. She also enjoyed having a dog and several cats to care for. She enjoyed summers spent with family at the family cottage on Lake Erie.
Carol married her second husband Timothy Hunley on April 15, 1978. They moved from Youngstown, OH in 2003 to Conneaut, OH to be near family that had previously moved to Kingsville, OH. Carol is survived by her husband, Tim, her son, Kurt (Laura) Butler, her grandchildren, Amanda (Steven) Ott, Sean (Marissa) Butler, Lance (Allison) Butler, and Garrik Butler, and her great granddaughter, Arianna Ott.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents.
Memorial will be private with immediate family.
Emma H. Kovach
Emma H. Kovach, born May 4, 1926, passed away peacefully on February 28,
2020 at the age of 93 at the Continuing Health Nursing Home in Mentor,
Ohio. Emma was a lifelong resident of Fairport Harbor, Ohio where she
attended St. Anthony's School and Harding High School. She worked for 35
years in her beauty shop called "Emmy's Beauty Salon". She loved to
travel and was always ready to go with family and friends. She was a fun
loving and adventurous person and was loved by all of her nieces and
nephews.
Emma is survived by her brother John (Irene) Kovach and her sisters
Margaret (Jack) Hietanen and Betty Ann (Arthur) Miller. She was preceded
in death by her brother Robert Kovach.
A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Anthony's Church in Fairport Harbor
on March 14, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.
Robert B. Madill
Robert B. Madill, 78, of Mentor on the Lake, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 28, 2020, at home.
Robert was born December 5, 1941, in Johnstown, PA, to Robert L. and Ellen (Learn) Madill. Preceded in death by his parents, Robert is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Ruth (Altimus) Madill; children Shawn (Danielle), Madison, OH; Brian (Stacie), Aurora, OH; grandchildren Molly, Benjamin, Danica, Jadyn, Taylor, Tyler, and Trent.
After being raised in Nanty Glo, PA, Robert spent 52 years in Mentor on the Lake. He retired in 2000 after 36 years as a machinist at Reliance Electric. He was a member of the Lake County Cruisers and Mentor Eagles Club. He enjoyed restoring classic cars and going to the gym. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather and will be missed greatly.
Service will take place Sunday, March 8, 2020, at Mentor Plains Methodist Church at 3:00 pm.
Alan Delisio
Alan Delisio, 62, passed away on February 28th. He was the husband of Wendy Delisio. They shared 35 years of marriage together. Born in Concord Township,he was the son of Albert and Mary Ann Delisio. He graduated from Riverside High School. He was an extruder operator for 33 years.
He is survived by his wife, Wendy;daughters Crystal Pinter,Maria Delisio, and Alanna (John) Stadtler ;grandchildren, Maddeline Pinter, Marlo Delisio, and Alan Stadtler; sister Carol Reed. Also many cousins, nieces,nephews,and friends. www.blessingcremation.com