🎭 Civic treasures

Kenneth Samuel Deacon Jr.

Kenneth Samuel "Sam" Deacon, Jr., 79, passed away on March 2, 2025, after battling Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Born in Akron and raised in Stow, Sam served in the U.S. Air Force during Vietnam, worked for 33 years at General Motors, and dedicated his life to service through various roles including firefighter/EMT, school bus driver, and Mason. Throughout his busy life, he remained devoted to his family—his daughters Nancy and Wendy, grandchildren Keegan and Megan, and many friends. Sam is remembered for his mechanical skills, strong work ethic, and commitment to helping others, leaving behind a legacy of service and love.

Kyle Edwards Kendal Clauss Jr.

Kyle Edwards Kendal Clauss, Jr. was born January 9, 2025, and passed away just 18 days later on January 27, 2025. Though his life was brief, he was a loving baby who will be deeply missed by his family. He is survived by his parents Kyle Sr. and Alexis Clauss, his sister Sophia, and numerous extended family members including grandparents, aunts, uncles, and his godfather. A memorial service will be held on March 30, 2025, at Hope Church Akron in Ohio.

Zenaida Villa Perez

Zenaida Villa Perez, known as "Z," passed away on March 3, 2025, at age 95 after a brief illness. Born in Cuba in 1930, she courageously immigrated to the U.S. with her children in 1967, eventually becoming an American citizen. She was remembered for her extraordinary kindness, culinary talents, and remarkable wit, working in the foodservice industry while maintaining her Cuban cultural heritage. Zenaida is survived by her daughter Ana, grandson Brenan with whom she shared a special bond, two sisters, and extended family, while being preceded in death by her husband Luis, son Luis Jr., and other family members.

Carol Suzanne Feldman-Sparber

Carol Suzanne Feldman-Sparber, 63, passed away on February 27, 2025, after battling cancer for a decade. Born in Akron, Ohio in 1962, she was a dedicated educator with multiple degrees from Kent State University who married Albert J. Sparber, who preceded her in death in 2019. Carol was known for her hospitality, passion for gardening, and for always putting others first despite facing significant challenges in her life. She is survived by her two children, three step-children, mother, siblings, five grandchildren, and extended family, with a memorial service scheduled for March 7, 2025, at Christ Community Chapel in Hudson.

Tia Simone Carmona

Tia Simone Carmona, 57, of Akron, passed away on February 25, 2025, leaving behind two daughters, four grandchildren, and extended family. Born in 1967, she graduated from Central Hower High School and studied journalism at Kent State University. Tia was known for her writing talents, warm personality, and ability to make ordinary moments special for her children. Despite personal challenges, she maintained a positive attitude and resilient spirit that inspired those around her, living her life fully until her passing.

Darrell W. Gray

Darrell W. Gray passed away on February 28, 2025, after a life dedicated to family, faith, and service. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Connie, his two children, Nathan and Kristin, and two grandchildren, Eli and Emma, who were his motivation in his final years. As a CNC Machinist, Engineer, and business owner, Darrell balanced his professional life with his commitment to community service through Church in the Street ministry and his earlier service in the Marine Corps Reserves. Visitation and funeral services will be held on March 11, 2025, at Newcomer Funeral Home.

Earl Robert Kelly

Earl Robert Kelly, 95, passed away on March 1, 2025, after a life that included service in the U.S. Air Force from 1951-1955 and a 36-year career at Goodyear Research and Development. A 1948 graduate of Mount Gilead High School and former Ashland College student, Kelly was an athlete who played multiple sports in his youth and later became an avid golfer. He was active in his Cuyahoga Falls community as a member of the Eagles, where he served as trustee, and the VFW. Kelly is survived by his four children, twelve grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, his previous wife, and a favorite niece.

Arnold H. Jones

Arnold H. Jones, known as "Scat Man," passed away on February 25, 2025, at the age of 89. He worked as a crane operator at American Steel Foundry for 35 years and was an avid softball player and Cleveland sports fan who enjoyed cars and scenic drives. Arnold was preceded in death by his wife Eva Mae Jones, his parents Leonard and Retha M. Jones, and several siblings. He is survived by his special nephew Ron Douglin, stepson Robert Powell, special friend Sandra Patterson, and many other nieces, nephews, and friends.

Joanne S. Rinaldi

Joanne S. Rinaldi, 86, passed away on March 1, 2025, after living her entire life in North Akron, Ohio, where she was born in 1938. She graduated from North High School in 1956 and dedicated 55 years of service as an administrative secretary for the Akron Board of Education before retiring. Joanne is survived by her sister Rose, brother Donald, and two nephews, while being preceded in death by her parents. Following her wishes, there will be no services, and donations to Haven of Rest are suggested in lieu of flowers.

Marilyn Jo (Serbin) Blythe

Marilyn Blythe (née Serbin), born March 4, 1956, in Coldwater, Michigan, passed away on March 1, 2025, just days before her 69th birthday. Growing up in Ohio, she excelled academically as valedictorian while actively participating in music, drama, and church activities. After college, she married Bob Blythe, with whom she shared 40 years of marriage, and dedicated herself to raising their son Joe while serving faithfully in their church through various roles including choir, piano playing, and leadership positions. Marilyn is remembered for her kindness, selflessness, and dedication to her faith, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire service to God.

Richard Ray Wagner

Richard R. Wagner, Sr., 97, passed away on March 3, 2025, just weeks after his wife of 74 years, Mary. Born in Akron in 1927, he served in the US Army after WWII and later became a Vice President at FW Albrecht before retiring in 1993. After retirement, he played trumpet and golfed until age 85. He is survived by five children, fifteen grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren, with twins on the way.

Lisa King

Lisa Marie King, 62, passed away on January 16, 2025, following a brief battle with cancer. A native of Madison, Wisconsin, she spent most of her adult life in Green, Ohio, where she worked for many years at the Summit County Medical Examiner's Office after earning a degree in medical transcription. Lisa is survived by her daughter Ariana, siblings Kevin and Jennifer, and extended family, having been preceded in death by her brother David and friend Beth Ann. She was known for her love of dogs and her passion for gardening, particularly her flower gardens and well-maintained lawn.