🎸 Rock revival

Jessica Ann Lachowski

Jessica Ann Lachowski, 42, passed away on April 14, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and guidance. Known for her contagious laugh and bold personality, she touched many lives, treating children with special care, earning the nickname "GaGa." Jessica was dedicated to her work, most recently at FedEx, and enjoyed crafting, painting, astrology, and playing Euchre in her free time. She is survived by her pets, siblings, nieces, nephews, and many friends who were her chosen family, with no formal remembrance service requested as she preferred people celebrate her life in their own way.

Tanya Renee Benson

Tanya Renee Benson, 72, passed away on April 14, 2025, following a long illness. She worked as a hairdresser for many years and enjoyed numerous activities including supporting the homeless, attending concerts, dining out, and spending time with her family. Tanya is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandsons, brother, former spouse, and extended family members. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date, with memorial donations accepted for the Haven of Rest.

John Herbert Maharg

John Maharg, 75, of Akron, Ohio, passed away on April 6, 2025. Born in Cass City to Kenneth and Maxine Maharg, he was a standout athlete who later owned Rolling Hills Golf Course and made significant contributions to his community. John was devoted to his family, supporting his children after his first wife Kally's death from cancer, and later finding love again with Pam Jaroch, whom he married in 2004. He is survived by his wife, children, stepson, brothers, and extended family, and will be remembered for his warm personality and community investment at a memorial at Rolling Hills Golf Course on April 27.

Ronald Nicholas Santoro

Ronald Nicholas Santoro, Jr. passed away unexpectedly on April 13, 2025, at the age of 63. He is survived by his wife Katie of 26 years, three children, five grandchildren, and two sisters. Ron was a dedicated family man who particularly cherished being "Papa" to his grandchildren and sharing his lifelong passion for music with them. A drummer since age 6, he played in several bands throughout his life while working professionally at the Flood Company and later Diebold Nixdorf. Ron will be remembered for his personable nature and ability to connect with others, with funeral services scheduled for April 21st.

James Lester Vaughn Sr.

James Lester Vaughn Sr., 85, of Akron, Ohio, passed away on April 11, 2025. Calling hours will be held on Monday, April 28, 2025, from 5-7 PM at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel in Akron. The funeral service will take place the following day, Tuesday, April 29, at 11 AM at the same location. After the service, burial with funeral honors will be at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. The family is still preparing the complete obituary, which will be available on the Billow's website when finished.

Mark James Apana

Mark James Apana, 64, of Northfield, died unexpectedly on April 9, 2025. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Gretchen, his son Stanley "Stash" Apana, and siblings Henry, Ann Marie, and April, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Mark was preceded in death by his parents and sister Amber. A veteran of the U.S. Army, Mark will be honored in private family services arranged by Busch-Romito Funeral Home.

William Joseph Jones

William (Bill) Joseph Jones, 80, of Hudson, Ohio, passed away on April 13, 2025, leaving behind his wife of 56 years, Jacqueline, four children, and ten grandchildren. Born in Philadelphia and raised in New Jersey, Bill was a Rutgers graduate, Air Force captain, and had a successful career as an engineering and construction executive that took his family to several states. While he enjoyed sports, reading, traveling, and volunteering, his family was most important to him. Services will be held at Busch-Romito Funeral Home and St. Mary Catholic Church in Hudson, with memorial contributions requested for the church in lieu of flowers.

Marita Zupke

Marita Zupke, born on January 24, 1929, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2025, at the age of 96, with her husband Bob by her side. She and Bob were high school sweethearts who married in 1952, sharing 72 years together and raising five children as devout members of Saint Sebastian parish. Marita was an accomplished seamstress who enjoyed bowling, golf, card games, and spending winters in Florida. She is survived by her husband, four children, six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and one sister, with services to be held at Hummel Funeral Home and Saint Sebastian Church.

Alice M. Haas

Alice M. Haas, born on February 26, 1940, in Irondale, Ohio, passed away on April 13, 2025. A University of Akron graduate with a degree in Art and Dietician, she enjoyed vacationing, camping, gardening, and art. Alice was preceded in death by her parents, brother, husband, and three of her children. She is survived by her daughter Teresa, son Brian, six grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, who will deeply miss her.

Sheila Lynn Knotts

Sheila L. Knotts, 78, passed away on April 12, 2025, after being born in Dayton, Ohio in 1947 and spending her final years in Cuyahoga Falls with family. She graduated from Garfield High School, attended the University of Akron, and retired as a manager from Ameritech after a long career. Known for her kindness, generosity, and dedication to family, Sheila enjoyed family gatherings, vacations, boating, volunteer work, and had a passion for music and choir directing. She is survived by her daughter Elizabeth, granddaughter Tenley, siblings, in-laws, and extended family, with a celebration of life to be planned later.

Carl Heinz Ohnmeiss

Carl Heinz Ohnmeiss, 89, of Stow, passed away at home on April 13, 2025. A graduate of Ohio University, he worked at Terex until 1987 and was active in various organizations including the German Family Society and Stow Men's Garden Club. He enjoyed numerous hobbies including blind birding, camping, and listening to Cleveland baseball games. Carl is survived by his wife of nearly 58 years, Sharon, three children, and four grandchildren, with services to be held at St. Stephen Lutheran Church on April 18, 2025.

Helen Albert

Helen Albert, a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, has passed away, survived by her sons Jack and Paul, along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, she raised her four children in Independence and was actively involved in the community, serving as PTA president and volunteering for the Red Cross. Helen had a passion for travel, exploring destinations worldwide, and eventually retired to Florida where she lived for 45 years enjoying the coastal lifestyle. She will be deeply missed by family and friends who cherish memories of visiting her at her Florida homes.

Ida Rea

Ida Rea, born in 1928 in rural Italy, passed away on April 13, 2025, after a life marked by resilience through numerous hardships, including poverty, war, and health challenges. She was predeceased by her parents, siblings, and both husbands, Ambrosio Ranaldi and Riccardo Rea, after twenty and twenty-five years of marriage respectively. Ida worked diligently throughout her life, first co-owning Sabatini's Pizza with her first husband and later as a school cafeteria worker. She is survived by her sister, sister-in-law, her son, daughter, two stepsons, a niece, five step-grandchildren, and many other relatives in Italy and the United States.

Marjorie A. Potye

Marjorie "Marge" A. Potye, who died at age 101 on April 10, 2025, spent 23 years at Gorman-Rupp Company before retiring in 1981, the same year she married George Potye. Throughout her life, she was passionate about volunteering, helping create Hospice of Crawford County, serving in the Women's Auxiliary at Galion Hospital, and working with libraries even into her final years at Sanctuary Health Network. Marge was preceded in death by her husband George, infant daughter Annabelle, and her parents, and is survived by her step-daughter Connie and cousin Cheryl. Per her wishes, there will be no services, and her ashes will be interred in Ashland, Ohio.