Rosalie Aldene Ukrainiec Jacob (82) and Rosalie (80) Ukrainiec passed away minutes apart on May 11-12, 2025, exemplifying their lifelong love and devotion to each other. Born in Buffalo, NY and Akron, OH respectively, they were dedicated members of Grace Baptist Church and cherished outdoor activities like fishing and camping. The couple leaves behind three daughters, eight grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren who carry on their legacy of faith and family values. Their remarkable journey together will be celebrated at a funeral service on May 16th at Grace Baptist Church, with burial at East Liberty Cemetery. |  |
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Fred Layton Fred Layton, 88, passed away on May 11, 2025, at Wadsworth Pointe Nursing Home after living his entire life in Akron and Barberton. A retired Metro Transit employee, Fred is survived by his wife of 70 years, Julie, as well as his four children, numerous grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and other extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, many siblings, and his grandson Bret Bailey. Fred will be remembered for his humor, love of family and friends, and the way he endeared himself to everyone he met, with visitation scheduled for June 7, 2025, at Campfield-Hickman-Collier Funeral Home. |  |
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John & Kathryn "Pete" Mihelick John Lewis "Pete" Mihelick and Kathryn Elizabeth (Dengler) Mihelick, both 93, passed away in December 2024 and January 2025 respectively, after more than 70 years of marriage that began at Ohio University in 1954. Pete worked for Roadway Express for 36 years while being active in community service, and Kathy was a dancer, professor, and founder of both a dance school and the Leaven Dance Company. The couple was deeply devoted to the Catholic faith, serving Holy Family Church in Stow, Ohio for over 60 years in numerous ministries. Despite their busy careers, they prioritized their family of six children, 19 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren, organizing biennial family vacations since 1996. |  |
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Edward N. Phillips Sr. Edward Nick Phillips Sr. passed away at age 89 on May 11, 2025, after being born in Edinboro, Pennsylvania in 1936. He was a devoted family man who worked at Ford Motor Company for 42 years and served in the U.S. Army. Known for his humor, kindness, and love of sports, Ed was an active Cleveland sports fan and youth coach who enjoyed fishing. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mary Ann, along with his children, grandchildren, a great-grandchild, and other family members, leaving behind a legacy of love and strong work ethic. |  |
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Ena I. Swain Ena I. Swain, 102, of Cuyahoga Falls, died peacefully on May 12, 2025, at Altercare Post Acute Rehabilitation Center after being born in England on April 16, 1923. She is survived by her children Roy Withrow and Carol Ann McCann, 12 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, and special friend Kathy Williams. Ena was preceded in death by her husband Bill, two sons, and three siblings. Known for deeply loving and caring for her family, Ena's memorial service will be held on June 10, 2025, at Newcomer Funeral Home in Akron, with burial at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery at a later date. |  |
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Loretta F. Clancy Loretta F. Clancy, age 85, passed away on May 12, 2025, in Northfield. She was the mother of three children (with one deceased), grandmother of six (with one deceased), and great-grandmother of five. Before developing dementia, Loretta enjoyed cooking, baking, reading, plants, and spending time with her dog Skippy. A celebration of her life will be held on May 23, 2025, at Hillcrest Cemetery Mausoleum in Bedford Heights, Ohio, with arrangements by Busch-Romito Funeral Home. |  |
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Jacob William Ukrainiec Jr. Jacob (82) and Rosalie (80) Ukrainiec passed away minutes apart on May 11-12, 2025, embodying the profound love they shared throughout their lives. The couple, born in Buffalo, NY and Akron, OH respectively, were dedicated members of Grace Baptist Church and found joy in family gatherings, fishing, and camping. They leave behind a legacy carried on by their three daughters—Deanne, Donna, and Denise—as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family members. Their remarkable journey together will be celebrated at Grace Baptist Church on May 16th, with final resting place at East Liberty Cemetery. |  |
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Frances Starcher Frances Starcher, born on November 4, 1941, passed away on May 7, 2025, in Cuyahoga Falls. She was known as the backbone of her family—a loving, strong woman with a heart of gold who enjoyed cooking, gardening, word search puzzles, and spending time with her grandchildren. Frances is preceded in death by her husband Arnold, two children, and several siblings, while she is survived by two sons, six grandchildren, three sisters, one brother, and many great-grandchildren. A funeral service will be held on May 16, 2025, at Newcomer, Akron Chapel, followed by interment at Crown Hill Cemetery in Twinsburg. |  |
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Dolores Dorothy Shirey (Fatica) Dolores Shirey, 86, passed away on May 9, 2025, at Vista Veranda Assisted Living after battling Alzheimer's disease. A devoted mother to four children and grandmother who enjoyed nature walks and visits to Amish Country, she was married to Rex Shirey for many years until his death approximately four years ago. Dolores is survived by her children Dave, Dan, Steve, and Brenda, as well as six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on May 27th at Victory Baptist Temple in Kent, Ohio, with calling hours from 5-6pm followed by the service. |  |
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Zorica Dilber Zorica Dilber, 88, of Akron, passed away on May 13, 2025, after being born in Serbia on March 26, 1937. She was known for her love of cooking for her family, watching professional tennis, and spending time with her grandchildren. Zorica is survived by her husband Uros, her children Lela and Zoran with their spouses, and five grandchildren. A graveside service will be held on Friday, May 16 at Rose Hill Burial Park in Akron, with memorial donations requested to a charity of choice in lieu of flowers. |  |
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Vincent Eugene Tassiello Vincent Eugene Tassiello, 88, passed away on May 11, 2025, following a short illness. A lifelong resident of North Hill, Vincent was a devoted family man survived by his wife Jeanne, four children, eleven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He dedicated 32 years to teaching at North High and Jennings, while also coaching basketball, soccer, and track. Beyond his educational career, Vincent was passionate about sports, particularly as a member of the Polish American Club fast pitch softball team and as an avid golfer. |  |
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