🩺 Heartfelt journey

Brenda J. Rexroad

Brenda Joyce Rexroad, known as "Meemaw," passed away at age 79 on June 4, 2025, in Portage Lakes, Ohio, surrounded by her family. Born in Kentucky, she moved to Ohio as a young adult and dedicated her life as a homemaker to her family. She enjoyed gardening, quilting, playing euchre, and enthusiastically supporting her grandchildren at community events. As requested, no public service will be held, and the family suggests memorial contributions to the Humane Society in her honor.

Arrealle "AJ" Comstock

Arrealle "AJ" Comstock, 78, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2025, surrounded by family. Born in Tennessee, she lived in Florida and Ohio throughout her adult life, retiring from Packard Delphi after 36 years and owning House of Comstock Novelties & Things. A standup comedian who was active in her church and the Java Shoppe SoberClub, AJ enjoyed ceramics, jewelry-making, movies, and spending time with her great-grandchildren. She is survived by three sons, seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and a sister, with a celebration of life to be announced at a later date.

Sara Jean Bertolini

Sara Jean Bertolini, a dedicated nurse anesthetist who passed away on June 4, 2025, at age 83, had a distinguished healthcare career spanning from St. Elizabeth's Hospital to Akron General Medical Center. Born in 1942 in Martins Ferry, Ohio, she earned her nursing degree in 1963 and her Certificate of Nurse Anesthetist in 1974, developing expertise in various specialized surgical procedures. She married Roland Bertolini in 1992 and is survived by her sister, nephew, great-nieces and nephews, and her dog Chip. Sara's legacy of care, strength, and grace will be remembered through a Mass of Christian Burial on June 16, 2025, at St. Hilary Catholic Church.

Mary E. Zorn

Mary E. Zorn, 105, of Akron, passed away on June 7, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, and family love. A devoted member and Deacon of New Horizons Christian Church, she was known for helping others, particularly through the Free Will Luncheon. After retiring from a 30-year career as a telephone and switchboard operator at Akron City Hospital, she enjoyed cooking for her family and cheering on the Indians/Guardians. Mary is survived by her daughter Deborah, five grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, 12 great-great-grandchildren, and numerous other family members and friends.

Judith Abrams

Judith "Judy" Abrams (née Pappano), born January 20, 1944, passed away on June 10, 2025, at the age of 81, joining her husband Dick Abrams after 34 years of marriage. Known for her adventurous spirit, love of travel, kindness, and welcoming nature, Judy was cherished by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, siblings, and two sons, but is survived by her daughter-in-law, daughter and son-in-law, two sons and their wives, as well as 16 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Services will be held on June 13, 2025, at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home in Akron, Ohio, followed by burial at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Boncil "Cindy" Stollar

Boncil "Cindy" Stollar, of Akron, Ohio, passed away on June 7, 2025, at age 90, just two days before her 91st birthday. Born in Huntington, West Virginia in 1934, she lived a spirited life that included singing, clog dancing, NASCAR fandom, and traveling to all 50 states. Preceded in death by her twin sister Bonnie, husband James, and son Joseph, she is survived by her daughter Linda and son-in-law Mark. Cindy will be remembered for her fun-loving spirit, love of family, and the joy she found in spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mary "Ruth" Knaus

Mary "Ruth" Knaus, who passed away on June 8, 2025, at her home in Akron, Ohio, was born in Kentucky in 1935 and later moved to Akron with her family. After graduating from St. Mary's High School in 1953, she worked as a secretary at Firestone and later as a transportation driver for special needs youth in Akron Public Schools. Ruth married Ernest Knaus in 1958, settled in the Ellet area of Akron, and was devoted to her Catholic faith, ensuring her four sons received Catholic education. She is survived by her husband Ernest, sister Elaine, four sons and their spouses, fifteen grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Boncil Stollar

Boncil "Cindy" Stollar of Akron, Ohio passed away on June 7, 2025, at age 90, just two days before her 91st birthday. Born in Huntington, West Virginia in 1934, she lived a spirited life filled with singing, dancing, NASCAR, and proudly traveled to all 50 states. Cindy was preceded in death by her twin sister Bonnie, husband James, and son Joseph, and is survived by her daughter Linda and son-in-law Mark. She will be remembered for her fun-loving spirit, devotion to family, and the joy she found in spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

James A. Stender

James A. Stender of Barberton, Ohio, passed away on June 8, 2025, at nearly 85 years old. After receiving degrees from the University of Akron and Case Western Reserve University, he finished his engineering career as Utilities Director for the City of Barberton. Jim is survived by his wife Sharman, two daughters, their husbands, six grandchildren, and all six of his siblings. Known for his love of family, travel, euchre, and lifelong learning, Jim will be remembered through a private ceremony, with donations and condolences directed to the Barberton Public Library in his honor.

Rosemary S. DiFrangia

Rosemary (Weiman) DiFrangia passed away on June 7, 2025, at home surrounded by family, just before her 83rd birthday. After graduating from Barberton High School in 1960 and earning her cosmetology license, she worked giving manicures at Ciraldo's Barbershop for over 30 years. She was married to Rudolph DiFrangia for 53 years until his death in 2017, and together they enjoyed traveling, especially to Italy, and socializing at the Carovillese Club. Rosemary maintained an active lifestyle, participating in various social groups and activities, and is survived by her two sons, four grandchildren, and extended family members.

Mary E. Davis

Mary E. Davis, an 84-year-old Akron native and East High School graduate, passed away on June 9, 2025. She worked as an award-winning Avon salesperson for 20 years and was also employed at Forest City Dillon. Mary was predeceased by her parents, husband George, daughter Theresa, and step-son Robert, but is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, step-children, step-grandchildren, and her sister Tina. The funeral service will be held on June 12, 2025, at the Eckard Baldwin Funeral Home and Chapel in Akron, with calling hours beforehand and burial at Northlawn Memorial Gardens.

Robert Hissner

Robert (RJ) Hissner, who was born on October 1, 2010, and passed away unexpectedly on June 5, 2025, at age 14, battled with Angelman Syndrome throughout his life. He was known for his radiant smile with deep dimples, infectious laugh, and sense of humor that brightened rooms and brought joy to those around him. RJ enjoyed spending time with family and dogs, making FaceTime calls, and playing with toys, sensory bins, and yard equipment. He is survived by his parents, Sarah and Timothy Hissner Jr., two brothers, grandparents, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.