William Charles "Bill" Miller William Charles "Bill" Miller, born April 13, 1937, in Chicago, passed away on May 17, 2025, in Akron, Ohio at the age of 88. Throughout his varied career, Bill taught English, worked as a newspaper editor, served as a sales and marketing manager at Clauss Cutlery Company, and even began a second career at Walmart at age 70. He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Dr. Kateri Miller, along with his children, stepson, grandchildren, siblings, and numerous nieces and nephews. Bill was a dedicated family man, gifted writer who authored a family history book, and a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus. |
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Susan Larue Craft Susan Larue Craft (Frech) passed away on May 6, 2025. She was a lifelong artist who graduated from Tallmadge High School in 1980 and enjoyed crocheting and gardening with her dog Buddy. She is survived by her three children, six grandchildren, one great-grandchild, her mother, and her siblings. A celebration of life will be announced later, and the family requests donations to Chihuahua Rescue in lieu of flowers. |  |
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Martha Lee Meconi Martha Lee Apple Meconi, 76, of Akron, Ohio, passed away on May 18, 2025, leaving behind her husband Tony, three daughters, and four grandchildren. She dedicated over 30 years to teaching mathematics at The University of Akron while also sharing her love of music as a harp instructor. Martha was a multi-talented individual who excelled as a calligrapher, harpist, puzzle enthusiast, and card maker. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, extraordinary talents, and the unwavering love she showed to family and friends throughout her life. |  |
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Norma Jean Criner Norma Jean Criner, born August 30, 1934, passed away on May 13, 2025, after a lifetime in Akron. She was an artist with a strong character and lively spirit who worked hard as a factory worker for Coke. Norma was preceded in death by her parents, two sons, two sisters, and a brother, but leaves behind a daughter, a son, six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. A visitation will be held on May 22, 2025, at Hecker-Patron Funeral Home, followed by a service and interment at Hillside Memorial Park. |  |
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James Allen Stefanko Jr. James A. Stefanko, Jr., 72, passed away on May 17th after a life spent as a truck driver for over 30 years. He is survived by his wife Wendie of 50 years, his son, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, and numerous other family members and friends. Jim enjoyed fishing and visiting the American Legion and Eagles in his spare time. The family expressed gratitude to Summa Hospice, Post Acute Care staff, and Pastor Mike for their care. A Celebration of Life service will be held on June 7th at the American Legion in Akron. |  |
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Thomas James Long Thomas James Long, 75, of Aurora and formerly Hudson, passed away on May 17, 2025, leaving behind his wife of 51 years, Kathleen, three children, and seven grandchildren. After growing up in Pennsylvania and graduating from Youngstown College, Tom worked in sales and lived in various cities, though he considered Hudson his true home. He had a profound love for baseball, attending the College World Series regularly and dedicating 13 years to managing the Kiwanis Summer Baseball program, which led to Field A at Barlow Farm Park being named in his honor. A memorial gathering will be held on May 22, 2025, at Busch-Romito Funeral Home in Hudson, with the family suggesting donations to the Hudson Kiwanis Club Baseball Program in lieu of flowers. |  |
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Jeffrey M Crowell Jeffrey M. Crowell, born in Amherst, Ohio in 1969, passed away on March 5, 2025, while residing in Uniontown, Ohio. A University of Michigan graduate, Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, Susan Meuser and James Crowell. He is survived by his daughter Sylvie Crowell and numerous friends and family across multiple states. His loved ones are spread throughout Ohio, Pennsylvania, California, and North Carolina. |  |
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John Cousins Sullivan John Cousins "Sully" Sullivan passed away at age 63 on May 14, 2025, in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Born in 1961, he grew up in Northfield and Copley before settling in Cuyahoga Falls and later retiring from his shipping job at Diebold. He is survived by his daughter Samantha and three siblings, while being preceded in death by his parents. A memorial will be announced soon, with donations requested to the Sons of the American Legion Post 281 rather than flowers. |  |
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John Robert Sauner John Robert Sauner, born on February 11, 1963, in Ravenna, Ohio, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2025. He was married to Christine for nearly 25 years after meeting on a blind date in 1997, and was known for his devotion to family, his 26-year career at Flagstar Bank, and his love of scuba diving, baking, and Ohio State football. A devoted Christian, John leaves behind his wife Christine, son David, daughter Natalie, his mother Betty, siblings, and five granddaughters who called him Papa. His legacy of faith, kindness, and family values will continue to inspire all who knew him. |  |
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Kathern T. Refi Kathern T. Refi, 83, passed away on May 18, 2025, after being born in Akron, Ohio in 1942. She worked for Goodrich for 20 years before retiring from the Summit County Juvenile Detention Center. Known for her warmth, cooking talents, love of animals, and outdoor activities, Kathern's greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren. She is survived by her daughters, grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, a niece, and her best friend, with cremation taking place according to her wishes. |  |
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Louise Ann Gaitan Louise Ann Gaitan, 83, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2025, after 59 years of marriage to Carmen Gaitan, with whom she raised four children. Known for her caring nature, Christian values, and quiet humor, she enjoyed activities like vacationing, swimming, puzzles, and especially family time. Louise worked as a bookkeeper at AmeriGas, later at Heinen's in Aurora, and was a devoted caregiver to many children. She is survived by her four children, eight grandchildren, two brothers, and a brother-in-law, with her family requesting donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in her memory. |  |
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Mary Lou Hayward-Brown Mary Lou Hayward-Brown passed away on May 17, 2025, at home with her daughter and daughter-in-law by her side. She is survived by her son Brett and daughter Lisa, their spouses, and her four beloved grandchildren. A proud 1966 graduate of North High, Mary Lou was dedicated to organizing class reunions and maintained many lifelong friendships spanning over 70 years. Her family has requested donations to Town Square Hospice in her memory, with a celebration of her life scheduled for May 27, 2025, at Newcomer Funeral Home. |
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Robert G. Knicely Robert G. Knicely, known as "Gunny," passed away peacefully on May 16, 2025, at age 73. He served 16 years in the United States Marine Corps, including during Vietnam and Desert Storm, maintaining his pride as a Marine throughout his life. Preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, he is survived by a sister, brother, two sons, two grandsons, and numerous nieces and nephews. The family expressed gratitude to Pleasant View Healthcare Center and Summa Barberton Hospital for their compassionate care during his final days, with visitation scheduled for May 22, 2025, at Cox-McNulty Funeral Home. |  |
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Thomas Joseph Coyne Thomas Joseph Coyne, Jr., a 91-year-old Korean War veteran with dual US-Irish citizenship, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2025. He had a distinguished career as both a tenured professor of finance and economics and as the founder of investment banking firm Coyne and Associates, Inc., while also serving as an arbitrator for the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. Coyne earned multiple advanced degrees, including a Ph.D. from Case Western Reserve University, while demonstrating remarkable determination by working full-time jobs during his educational pursuits. He is survived by his sister, three sons, one daughter, twelve grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, having been preceded in death by his daughter Karen, brother Donald, and sister Helen. |  |
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Loretto Jean Rees Loretto Jean Rees, born on April 2, 1943, in Barberton, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly on May 18, 2025, at age 82. A graduate of Barberton High School and Robert Fiance Beauty School, she spent her life as a beautician while pursuing passions for art, animal welfare, and travel. Loretto was known for being loving, funny, stubborn, faithful, and politically spirited, as well as a devoted Catholic, wife, mother, and grandmother. She is now reunited with her husband of 44 years, Richard J Rees, and is survived by her daughters, grandson, son-in-law, and "son-in-love," as well as extended family and friends. |  |
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