obituaries

Jan 31, 2025

Jerry Robert Garber, 59, passed away on January 31, 2025 in Akron, Ohio. Born on March 14, 1965, Jerry spent his entire life in and around the Akron area, the community he loved and called home.

Jerry had an abiding love for music and was passionate about playing guitar. He found joy in cheering for the Cleveland...

Jan 29, 2025

Our dear mother, Sophie Byrd, 89, passed away on January 29, 2025.

She was a friend to many leaving behind a legacy of kindness and strength. She had a beautiful smile that will be forever in our hearts. Sophia cherished her family and friends. She was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Victory Church, and enjoyed...

Jan 27, 2025

Michael "Happy" Leroy Parks, 74, passed away January 27, 2025.

Born in Alliance, Michael had lived in the Alliance, Ohio and Beaver County, Pennsylvania areas for most of his life.  He retired in 2014 as a Construction Estimator with 30 plus years of service.  Michael was a member of Our Lady of Victory Church. He enjoyed watching...

Jan 26, 2025

Debra Jean Dolly, 74, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2025 surrounded by her family after fighting 10 long years of kidney disease. She was born in Akron, and lived in the Akron area all of her life.

Debra enjoyed taking drives and watching Steelers Football.  She dedicated her entire life to her children and grandchildren. Debra...

Jan 22, 2025

Audrey E. Peterson, 92, loving wife, mother, and friend, passed away on January 22, 2025. Audrey was born on April 3, 1932 in Cleveland, Ohio to Percy and Lillian (Marett) Godfray. She graduated from John Marshall H. S. with the love of her life, Alan. Audrey and Alan Peterson married on June 13, 1953 and had 4 wonderful children....

Jan 22, 2025

Merle J. Gerber, 90, passed away January 22, 2025. Born in Rew, Pennsylvania on February 19, 1934, she had lived in Akron since 1954.

Merle was a self-employed caretaker and a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Mabel Hilliman; daughter, Debbi Gerber; five brothers and...

Jan 18, 2025

Carol Anne Kraszewski, 86, died peacefully at the Village of St. Edward in Fairlawn surrounded by her family on January 18, 2025. She was born on October 22, 1938, in Akron to the late William & Bertha (Davis) Coburn and she lived all of her life in the area. Carol graduated from Akron Garfield High School in 1956.  She...

Jan 18, 2025

Billie JoAnn Davies was born on October 30, 1950, in Wise, Virginia, to Jackson and Norma Mullins. On January 18, 2025, she entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior.

A longtime resident of Uniontown, Ohio, Billie was a woman of deep compassion, unwavering dedication to others, and steadfast faith in Jesus Christ. She devoted many...

Jan 14, 2025

" With heavy hearts we say goodbye to our loving German Shepard lab Toby of 15 years, who was tragically taken from us on January 14, 2025. Toby was a loyal and beloved companion, adopted at 8 weeks by Scott and Stephanie. Born on March 10, 2010. Toby brought endless joy and smiles with his playful spirit, love for...

Jan 14, 2025

Marilyn passed away peacefully on January 14, in her home surrounded by loved ones.

She was preceded in death by her husband Lowell "Buzz" Starner who passed away in 2020.

She is survived by her beloved daughter, Allison Reeder, sister, Pat Henze (Pete); brother, Jim McCourtie (Janet) and a host of cousins and extended family....

Jan 12, 2025

Lee Malicoat, 77, passed away January 12, 2025.

Born in Akron, Lee had lived in Canada and returned to Akron ten years ago.  He served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam, where he was awarded two Purple Hearts.  Lee retired in 2006 from General Motors with 27 years of service.  He enjoyed playing corn hole and curling....

Jan 11, 2025

Paul David Miller Jr., 60, of Akron, Ohio, passed away January 11, 2025.

Born on June 8, 1964, Paul was the son of Paul and Marilyn Miller. He grew up in Tallmadge with his two brothers Kevin and Duane and was a 1982 graduate of Tallmadge High School. Paul began working for the City of Akron in...

Jan 7, 2025

Debra Ann Swingle, 70, passed away on Tuesday January 7, 2025, after a seven month battle with cancer.

She died six days shy of her 71st birthday, she was born on January 13, 1954 in Amarillo, Texas.  Debra graduated from Tallmadge High School and attended Ricks College in Idaho.  She was an active member of her church,...

Jan 6, 2025

Paul Denis McCort, 84, passed away January 6, 2025. He was born April 20, 1940 in Akron, where he spent his life residing.

He served in the National Guard and retired from F.W. Albrecht Company (Acme) as a meat cutter and manager with 46 years of service. Paul was a member of the Visitation of Mary Parish...

Jan 5, 2025

With heavy hearts we announce the death of the Matriarch of the Lombardo family, Mary (Dipane) Lombardo, who passed away on January 5, 2025, at the age of 96. Born on January 12, 1928, in Akron, Ohio, to Phillip and Natalie (Gianguzzi) Dipane, Mary was a 1945 graduate of South High School.  Upon graduation, Mary went to work at...

Jan 3, 2025

Earl Leslie Ertman, 92, passed away January 3, 2025. Born in Lakewood, he lived most of his life in the Tallmadge and Akron area.

Earl retired from the University of Akron as the head of the Art Department/professor. He served in the U.S. Navy/Air Force. Earl loved visiting flea markets and enjoyed traveling to Egypt and going...

Jan 1, 2025

Carolyn Suzanne Cioffi, 83, passed away January 1, 2025.

Born in Akron, Carolyn had lived in the Akron area for most of her life. Born a nurturer, Carolyn dedicated her life to being a devoted mother and grandmother. Her family was the center of her universe, and she thrived in the role of caring for them with...

Dec 30, 2024

Howard "Buck" Simmons, 88, passed away December 30, 2024.

Born in Akron, Buck had lived in the Akron area all of his life.  He served in the U.S. Army. He retired in 1997 from MetLife Insurance Company after 25 years of service and also worked for Lawsons Milk Company for 20 years.  He loved old classic cars;...

Dec 24, 2024

Our beloved John B. Scalia sadly passed away on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2024, at his home in Auburn Township. John was 63 when he died, having been born on March 22, 1961, at Green Cross Hospital in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. John graduated from Tallmadge High School in the class of 1979.

John is survived by his...

Dec 22, 2024

Alberta Mae Shanafelt, 91, of Springboro, Ohio passed peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, December 22, 2024.  She was born November 26, 1933 to James and Isabelle Hall in Akron, Ohio.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Edwin Lee Shanafelt; brothers, Harry Hall (Sandi) and James Hall (Sheila).

Alberta is survived by...