With very heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Ruth Perkins, aged 93, of Dexter, Michigan and later Strongsville, Ohio on August 31st, 2022. She was preceded in death by her grandson, Christopher Perkins. Dearest mother of Carl (Cindy) Perkins and Heidi Meehan. She was cherished by her grandchildren: Michael (Angela) Perkins, Brigitte (William) Clark, Gregory (Madeline) Meehan, and Mary Meehan. She was much loved Nana to Gabriella, Johnny, Mara, Natalie and Tessa. A friend to everyone who knew her, including John "Remy" Remchick and the entire Meehan family. Ruth was incredibly charitable, and always offered unwavering support to her dear family. She was originally from Chur, Switzerland, went on to graduate from college in England, and later immigrated to Michigan. Her love of travel gave her many memorable stories from places like Sicily, Ireland, Turkey, Egypt, Columbia, Australia, New Zealand, Iceland, and many other places across Europe. Her beautiful, handmade greeting cards put smiles on the faces of all who were lucky enough to receive them. Ruth will be forever in our hearts. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation, or any charity of your choosing.
Kathleen Ann Donohue
1
Kathleen Ann Marie Donohue (Hamill) of Parma Hts. age 64 was called home by the lord Aug. 23, 2022. Daughter of Mary S. Hamill & the late William J. Hamill. Beloved companion to Christopher Murphy. Sister to William Hamill (Patricia) & Maryanna Matis (Michael). Loving Aunt to Joe (Rachel), Jacque & Patrick Hamill along with Devin Matis.
Kathy had a song in her heart & was always ready to share her voice with the world. She was steadfast in her love of the lord. Her generous nature brought joy to many. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
The family invites all who were touched by her to join in a celebration of her life. There will be a memorial gathering at St. John Bosco Aug. 30th at 10:30. Followed at 11:30 by a funeral mass. In lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital www.stjude.org
William Anthony Bir
William Anthony Bir age 89, of Cleveland, Ohio passed away August 10, 2022 after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Margaret (nee Racz) of 59 years, his parents Carl and Florence, and his twin brother Larry and his brother Jerry. Loving father of Jane (Richard) Gedeon, Susan (David) Lewis, Diane Knight and William Bir; dearest grandfather of Sam (Maggie) Gedeon, Audrey (Todd) Roth, Molly (Patrick) Hogan, Michael (Elle) Lewis, Stephen (Genny) Lewis, Lauren (Tim) Mann, David Lewis, Katelyn Lewis, Will Lewis, Brian (Rachel) Knight and Eric Knight and dearest great-grandfather (Sup) to Frannie, Patrick, Pete, Ally, Evie, Henry, Liam, Garrett, Griffin, Reese, River, Adrian, Bodi, Tripp, Miles, Kit, Harper and Olivia. Navy veteran, Korean War and member of United Food & Commercial Workers for Fisher Foods as a meat cutter for 44 years. Visitation will be held on Monday, August 29, 2022, from 10:00-11:00 am at St. Mel Catholic Church, 14436 Triskett Road, Cleveland, Ohio, 44111 followed by a funeral mass at 11:00 am. Private Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery.
Marie A Stankiewicz
Marie A. Stankiewicz (nee Chiappetta), beloved wife of the late Daniel J. Loving mother of David (Maureen), Patrick (Bunny), and Denise Jones(Ben). Dearest grandmother of Kristin, Jennifer, Colleen, Katie, Melissa, Justin, Brittany, Benjamin, and Danielle. Great-grandmother of 15. Sister of John Chiappetta and the late Gloria, Rosa, and Louis. Aunt, great-aunt and dear friend of many. Funeral Mass Monday August 15th at 10AM at St. Leo Catholic Church 4940 Broadview Rd.Interment Brooklyn Hts. Cemetery. VISITATION, SUNDAY, AUG. 14th 2-4 & 6-8 PM AT THE ZABOR FUNERAL HOME, 5680 PEARL RD. PARMA (BETW. SNOW & RIDGE RDS.). To offer condolences visit www.zaborfh.com.
Zachary D. Van Scyoc
Zachary David Van Scyoc (6/10/97–7/22/22), 25, of Avon Lake, OH,
died unexpectedly on Friday. Loving son of David and Lisa and brother
to Jessica (Joe), Rachel and Natalie. Nephew of Russell (Gail), Charlie,
Mark (Laura), Peter (Mary) and Mary and uncle to Caleb. Grandson of
Carol (Art). Preceded in death by his aunt, Julie, and grandparents,
Andrew, Delores, and Russell.
Zac is a graduate of Avon Lake High School where he participated in
choirs, drama club, and sports and grew close to his loyal best friends,
Matt Duskey and Nate Ahren. He then graduated from Kent State
University with a degree in Psychology. He dearly loved the family dog,
Bentley, and enjoyed walking him in the Metro parks. Zac is a kind-
hearted and gentle soul who enthusiastically loved to read, write, and
learn. He aimed to teach at the collegiate level with his passion for
academia. He enjoyed music, the outdoors, self-knowledge and
understanding, and gaming with his friends. He will live forever in our
hearts and in the hearts of those who had the privilege to know him.
Celebration of Life service will be held Sunday, July 31, 2022 at 2 p.m. at
Christ United Methodist Church, 3625 West 138 th Street, Cleveland. A
light reception will follow in the Emma Lang Lounge at the church.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the National Alliance of
Mental Illness (NAMI) in Zac’s memory or to the Memorial Fund at
Christ UMC.
Edward M. Panza Jr.
Born April 30, 2002
Entered into rest July 9, 2022
Born to parents Edward Panza & Angelina Artino
Raised by Aunt Missi and Uncle Will from the age of 8
Best friend and loving spouse of Brianna Sanabria
Amazing father of Edward M Panza III
He is survived by Siblings Joseph, Michelle, Neela & Bentley, and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Special brother/cousin to William, Cecil and Aaliyah
Preceded in death by Great Grandma Carol, Grandfather Basilio A. Artino and Grandmother Mary L. Gannon. Survived by Grandparents Edward and Vicki Farrell.
It takes a village, and Edward definitely had his village, with many people who contributed to his life, with a special thanks to his Aunt Toni, and Big Joe, along with his Aunt Rycki, Uncle Rob, and Uncle Ryan.
Edward was very passionate about music and basketball, he loved nothing more than spending time with his girlfriend and being a great father.
Private Service to be held
Robert J. Kirkpatrick
Robert James Kirkpatrick Jr, 79, of Olmsted Township, OH, died Saturday July 2nd, 2022 after battling brain cancer. He was born September 29th, 1942 to Robert and Betty (Coburn) Kirkpatrick, now deceased. Bob was preceded in death by his brother John.
Bob attended and graduated from John Marshall High School class of 1960. He attended Ohio University and graduated with a degree in Chemistry in 1965. He worked at Gibson-Homans for over 30 years as the Vice President of Research and Development. He then worked at Bay United Methodist Church as the Director of Care Ministry for another 10 years.
Bob was a lifelong member of Christ United Methodist Church in Cleveland where he was involved in all areas of the church which was one of his deepest passions.
While at Ohio University he met his wife of 57 years, Nanci (Bowling) Kirkpatrick. They have two children Robert James Kirkpatrick III, wife Heidi, Heather-Lynne (Shannon), husband Tim and grandchildren Amanda Killmeyer, husband Andrew, Benjamin Kirkpatrick, Mackenzie and Amber Shannon.
He loved to work in his yard, traveling, going out to dinner with friends, and spending time with family. He enjoyed connecting with people and make lasting friendships. His favorite expression - It’s all good!
Celebration of Life service will be held Sunday, July 10, 2022 from 2-3pm at Christ United Methodist Church, West 138th Street, Cleveland. A graveside service will be held Monday, July 11, 2022 at 11AM at Sunset Memorial. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name can be made to the Memorial Fund at Christ United Methodist Church on West 138th Street Cleveland.
Ned Shepard
Ned Shepard, 78, of Cleveland, OH, died Tuesday, June 7th, 2022, at the Sprenger Town Center in Avon Lake, OH, after suffering a heart attack following a lengthy struggle with Alzheimer’s. He was born December 9, 1943, to Joseph and Mary Gertrude (Wahl) Shepard, now deceased. Ned was preceded in death by his wife Doreen Frances (Sanker) Shepard, and his brothers Thomas (Barbara) Shepard and Father Timothy Shepard.
Ned attended and graduated from St. Edward High School, class of 1961. Ned served in the United States Air Force from 1962-1966. Ned had a lengthy career as a United States postal worker, until his retirement in 2004.
Through his brother William and his future brother-in-law Thomas Sanker, Ned met and fell in love with Doreen Frances Sanker, also of Cleveland, OH. They were married on February 3, 1968, and resided in Lakewood, OH, for twenty years before moving to the West Park neighborhood of Cleveland.
Ned was an active member of St. Mel’s Catholic Church, serving as an usher, assisting with treasurer responsibilities, and Lenten fish fries. Ned also enjoyed fishing, trips with Doreen to Las Vegas, Sunset Beach, NC, with his extended family, and watching Cleveland Indians baseball from his favorite chair.
Ned deeply loved his wife Doreen of fifty-one years. Ned and Doreen were both living at the Sprenger Town Center when Doreen passed away on December 31, 2019, and Ned was always by her side.
Ned is survived by his daughters Kim Shepard (Beth Blissman) of Cleveland, OH, Colleen (Shepard) Minnich (Chip) of Avon Lake, OH. Ned adored his grandchildren Olivia, Owen, and Quinn Minnich, all of Avon Lake, OH. Ned is also survived by his siblings Rita Hinkel (John; deceased), William (Del), Mary Bostwick (Roger), Ann Misconish (Ron), Eileen Meder (B.J.), and Julie Hummel (Joe), as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Wednesday, June 22, 2022, from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm in the chapel of Donlon Funeral Home, 15408 Triskett Rd., Cleveland. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, June 23rd, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mel's Catholic Church, 14436 Triskett Rd, Cleveland Interment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery in Brook Park, OH. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be made to: Hospice of the Western Reserve (www.hospicewr.org) or the Alzheimer's Association (www.act.alz.org/donate).
Michael L. Scanlon
On Tuesday, May 24, 2022 the Scanlon family lost their hero, Michael Louis Scanlon, 74, of Cleveland, Ohio. Mike was born on November 12, 1947 in Cleveland, Ohio. He married his wife, Donna of 55 years on November 4, 1967. Mike owned and operated DEMS Service for several decades and proudly retired as a truck driver for Scanlon Enterprises. Mike was a proud husband, father, brother, and friend. He is survived by his wife Donna Rae, daughter Dawn (Dan), son Bert (Therese), brother Patrick (Donna), sister-in-law Laura, and three nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bert and Eileen, step-father Walter, and brother-in-law Perry.
The family will honor Mike with a service at 1PM on June 11, 2022 at St. Mel Church, Cleveland, Ohio, followed by a celebration of life at the St. Mel Community Center.
Willie Louise Winters
Willie Louise Winters, age 87. Beloved wife of the late William. Loving mother of Judy Workman (Roy), Joann Fletcher (Gary), Barbara Wonkovich (John), and Gregory Winters. Grandmother of David and Chrissy Workman, Gary, Greg, Tiffany and Teresa Fletcher, Ashley Collier (Samuel) and Eric Wonkovich, Nicholas and Zachary Winters. Great-grandmother of many. Dear Aunt. Funeral Service Thursday May 26 at 10AM at DONLON FUNERAL HOME 15408 TRISKETT RD. CLEVE., Interment West Park Cemetery. Family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday 6-8PM.
Eleanore "Ellie" Walters
Joyce M. Granfors
JOYCE MCNULTY GRANFORS, age 86, passed away peacefully at home with her four favorite daughters at her bedside, beloved wife of the late Ernst, Sweet and Lovable mother of the late Marc, Julie Kiefer (Greg), Lisa, Katie, and Megan Nodge (David). Fun Loving grandma of Erika, Tim and Christina Kiefer, and Patrick Granfors. Devoted daughter of the late Philip and Irene McNulty, Dear sister of the late Phyllis, Don, Adele, John, Kathleen and her living brothers, Ed and Pat. Joyful sister-in-law, aunt and friend to many.
Joyce was raised in Parma on Thornton Drive. She attended Lourdes Academy and went to many reunions over the years with her friends. Her childhood friends knew her as Mac,...but never call her BIG Mac! She worked at the Chesapeake Railroad as a secretary. She met her husband and love of her life on a cruise to Europe and had five children, becoming a homemaker. After all the children were in school, she resumed secretarial work. She did different paper routes over the years for the Cleveland Plain Dealer and also served as a school crossing guard…but not just ANY crossing guard, she was known and loved by many as a singing school crossing guard. You may have known her as a lady in your golf league, bridge league or on your bowling team, a participant in the senior olympics, or in the pool at water aerobics. She was honored to be selected the “Woman of the Year” from the Our Lady of Angels Guild. Joyce was devoted to God, so many of you said the Rosary with her or saw her at daily mass (at a number of churches, as she was a “roamin’ Catholic.”) She was a minister of Communion at both Our Lady of Angels and St. Therese. Her daughters knew her as a beautiful, loving mother who was always there for them. She was playful and fun when they were little and just as fun and full of life when they grew up. She was ready at the drop of a hat to go to any event, game or to come over for or go out to dinner. She loved going on vacations with the whole family and was delighted to be invited everywhere. Her summer place was her beloved Apple Valley where she made many lifelong friends. One of her greatest joys was being a grandma. She was a wonderful babysitter, planning nothing on the days her grandchildren were with her, so she was available for walks, trips to the library, the park or just around the neighborhood. Most recently, she was a wonderful foster grandmother to the Jackson boys. She will be missed, but will always live in our hearts. The family would like to extend special appreciation to her caregivers from the Hospice of Western Reserve and suggest donations in her memory to Hospice of the Western Reserve~ PO Box 72101, Cleveland OH 44192 donate@hospicewr.org. Arrangements by Donlon Funeral Home. . For more information about funeral services please contact donlonfh.com/obituaries (216) 251-7300.
FUNERAL MASS THURSDAY MAY 12th AT 5pm AT ST CHARLES BORROMEO CHURCH 5891 RIDGE RD. PARMA . JOYCE’S FAMILY WILL RECEIVE FRIENDS ONE HOUR PRIOR MASS FROM 4-5pm AT THE CHURCH.
Joyce’s Funeral Mass will be livestreamed at
stcharlesonline.org
Barbara Harp
Barbara Ann Harp suddenly left us on 4-29-2022 at the age of 70. She was surrounded by her loved ones till her last breath.
She was preceded in death by her beloved son Samuel Binder. Wonderful Mother of Daniel Binder , Tammy Seton ( Nate ), and Renee Palka ( Greg ).
Beloved grandmother to Stephon , Taylor , Natalia , Sabastian, Tyler , Kayleigh and Jacob. Great grandmother to Little Sammy.
Our mother was the life of the party and always kept you laughing. She had requested to pass on a traditional funeral but, instead, have us come together to celebrate her life.
To Remember her wonderful life , we are holding a celebration of her life on 05-29-2022 at the Seton’s residence at 3:00 pm. We invite anyone who knew her to attend and remember her wonderful life. We ask attendees to wear bright colors. Please contact Tammy Seton or Renee Palka for information.
Eleanore " Ellie" Walters
Eleanore “Ellie” Walters (nee Abdallah) died peacefully on May 3, 2022, surrounded by loved ones. She is survived by her children Barbara, Nancy, Susan, Rick (Cindy Ramsey) as well as her beloved granddaughters Madison Heaton, Zoe Heaton (Charles Thompson), Sidney Heaton and a vast extended family of friends and relatives.
Born on January 9, 1927, in Cleveland Ohio to Ruth and Salim Abdallah. Her siblings Katherine Amato, Michael Abdallah (Mary), George Abdallah (Norma), are all deceased.
As a young woman, Ellie was a talented illustrator and seamstress with a sense of style she maintained for her entire life. Key to her long and socially active life are her twenty plus years at Great Lakes Brewing Company, where she came to know many of the patrons, workers, neighbors, and others connected to the Market Street area, maintaining friendships long after her retirement at the age of 82.
To her children she was their queen: participating in every school event and on every board, always supportive and always engaged and interested in their lives and careers. She loved to travel, spending many vacations in Mexico and the Caribbean, Europe, and Canada. She loved art, music, reading, cats, and was a staunch supporter of PBS and the Nature Conservatory.
She was a mother to many and a friend to all. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Eleanore Walters fund at BAYarts for a memorial to be announced at a later date.
Irene M. Geye
GEYE
Irene M. Geye (nee Kives), age 95, passed away on Wednesday April
13th. Beloved wife of the late Richard P. Dear mother of Ellen
(Jeffrey) Kolman, Richard E. (Maura), and David A. (Susan).
Grandmother of Kristen, Zachary, Aaron, Ruth, Jeremy and Ethan. Sister
of the late Stephan, Gilbert and Oscar. Longtime executive secretary
at NACA / NASA. Funeral Services Tuesday April 19th at 11AM at Bethany
English Lutheran Church 15460 Triskett Rd. The family will receive friends at DONLON FUNERAL HOME 15408 TRISKETT RD. on Monday 4-8PM. and on Tuesday morning 10-11AM (one hour prior to services). Interment Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial donations requested to Bethany English Lutheran Church.
Margaret M. Stack
Margaret Mary Gatton was born in Elizabethtown, Ky on January 17, 1923 to Thomas Otho and Mary Olive Gatton. During WWII she went into nurses training. She met a good looking soldier who had been stationed at nearby Fort Knox. They married in August of 1946 and moved to his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio.
Over the following years she had seven children and was kept quite busy raising them.
Once the children had grown and started their own lives Margaret looked for something to keep herself busy. She found the Seeds of Literary program at St. Colman’s and got busy helping adults to earn their GED as a tutor. She volunteered with them until the age of 87.
One of her favorite things was singing in the choir on Sundays. She especially liked the Easter and Christmas programs.
She liked to keep busy by crocheting baby afghans for ALL of her 27 great-grandchildren.
Margaret is preceded in death by her husband of 56yrs, Joseph E. Stack ;her parents, Thomas and Mary Gatton; her brothers, Robert Gatton, Harry Gatton and sisters, Louise Edlin and Ruth Ann Lee.
Margaret is the beloved mother of Michael (Dorothy) , Robert (Linda), David (Mary) (Colleen-deceased),Marilyn Logan (Patrick), Linda Helmink(John-deceased), Teresa England-deceased(Frank), and Joseph Jr. (Jennifer.
Proud grandmother of Meredith Roberts, Shane, Michael, Matthew, Megan Kay, Daniel, Rachael Weaver, Maripat Morrish, Teresa Logan, Brianna Logan, Caitlin Logan, Christopher Helmink, Jennifer Tome, Rebecca Shepka, J.T. England, Timothy England and Alexandra.
Great-grandmother of Ian, Brenna, Gavin, Addison, Henry, Micah, Noah, Samuel, Emma, Eli, Lael, Aria, Colin, Liam, Audrey, Emma, Thomas, Beau, Haley, Daniel, Emma, Nathan, Easton and Kalyn, Jonathan, Desiree, Amelia.
Margaret touched many, many lives along the way and will be missed by all of them.
Funeral Mass Wednesday April 6th at 11AM at St. Colman Church 2207 W. 65th.
Family will receive friends at DONLON FUNERAL HOME 15408 TRISKETT RD. CLEVELAND on Tuesday April 5TH 2-4 & 6-8pm.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to St. Colman Church 2207 W. 65th Cleveland, OH 44102. (Please reference in the name of Margaret Stack.)
Patricia Lynn Bishop
Patricia (Patty) Lynn Bishop May 15, 1962 – March 29, 2022 Patricia (Patty) Lynn Bishop was proudly born on a marine base in Camp Lejeune North Carolina. She spent most of her childhood years in Binghamton, NY before moving with her family to Lakewood, Ohio. Patty is survived by the love of her life, her son Drew, always by her side. She loved being a Mom and worked hard to give him the best life. She will be so very missed by her Mother Marilyn Bedard (nee Lennon) and brother Danny Bishop, as well as her nieces and nephews, Erin, Jimmy, Zack, Bobby, James Jr. and Sophie. Patty is leaving behind so many cherished cousins, and was so grateful for the special care from cousin Eileen Mauriello (nee Lennon) who shared the same birthday with her. Patty will miss her precious dachshund Greta who is now in the loving care of Patty’s lifelong friend Wally. Patty joins her father Robert Bishop in heaven, his arms no doubt were opened wide to her. Patty graduated in 1980 from Lakewood High School. She went on to KSU and graduated with a Pre Law degree from Lake Erie College. Patty immersed herself in studying The U.S. Constitution. She was a vocal patriot, never yielding her voice to protect our countries Freedom. Her favorite saying was Live free or die! She welcomed spirited civil debate. Patty had an infectious laugh. She opened her heart, always being her authentic self. She loved cooking, always had room for more and created many memories around her kitchen table. Patty was a friend of Bill W. for 27 years, she was so happy to receive her last coin at her bedside. She helped lift many out of their pain, and treasured the mentorship she received through those years. Patty was an advocate of showing up to help a cause.She would love each of us to volunteer time to veterans suffering from PTSD in any way you can, she was very passionate about learning more about their pain and finding ways to help. We would love a flood of cards, including Pattys name sent thanking the many caregivers on Seidman Cancer Center Floor 5 and 7, and the incredible caring soul soothers at Ames Hospice of the Western Reserve. A Celebration of Patty’s Life will be held in the spring, details to follow.
Private Arrangements by Donlon Funeral Home.
Martin P. Munshower
Martin P. Munshower age 58, passed away Wednesday, March 2 at Metro Health surrounded by his family. Martin was born August 14, 1963 in Cleveland, Ohio to Robert and Helen. He was formerly married to Mary Hornak Munshower. He is survived by his sons, Andrew (Rachel), Jeffery, and Ryan (Hannah Rodriguez), his grandchildren, Austin, Landon, Reagan and Beau Munshower. Siblings,Robert(Deborah)Patrick(Debbie),Maureen (Willard) Stanley, Laura (Bob) Smith, Lawrence (Nicki) Munshower, Brother-in-law Donald Yursa, many nieces and nephews, and good friend Ellen Wiktorowski.
In death he returns to the loving embrace of his father Robert and mother Helen. He is back in the company of his brother Gerald, and sisters Janice and Christine Munshower and Catherine Yursa.
Friends and family may pay their respects on Saturday, March 12 from 11AM-1 PM at Donlon Funeral Home 15408 Triskett Rd, Cleveland, OH 44111. A short service will follow at 1PM with interment at Riverside Cemetery.
Leonard J. Chrosniak
Leonard J Chrosniak Jr. passed away Friday February 25, 2022 after a brief illness.
Leonard was born May 14, 1942 in Cleveland Ohio
Preceded in death by his beloved wife Carol and their faithful companion Taco.
He is survived by his daugthers Tracy (Bruce)Smith and Shelli (Jason) Arbour, his grandchildren Bradley Chrosniak, Megan Loomis, Aaron Arbour, April Arbour and Gage Arbour as well as those whose lives he touched with his sense of humor and infectious smile.
Lenny was born in Cleveland and raised in Olmsted Falls. Right after graduating Olmsted Falls High School he joined the military after which he began his life long career at General Motors, Parma. He never hesitated to pick up a part time job to support the family He was devoted to. He was always available to coach his youngest daughters sports teams and was known to be a regular fixture at BrookPark Skate Land during both his daughters teenage years. He also enjoyed bowing and collecting model cars. Most of al even before retiring after 42 years of work He dedicated his life to his grandchildren, never missing a wrestling match or choir concert.
He will truly be remembered and missed by all who knew him.
Friends and family can pay their respects on Tuesday March 1 from 4-8 Pm at Donlon Funeral Home 15408 Triskett Rd Cleveland Ohio
Paul C. Roth
Paul Charles Roth, born in Norwalk, Ohio, November 13, 1942, died early Tuesday morning in his home in Cleveland. He was in the arms of his wife of 57 years, Jeanie, and surrounded by their six children, Rich, Jim, Marie, Kathy, Pete, and Dave, and grandsons Paul and Matthew.
Paul was a graduate of St. Paul’s High School in Norwalk where he played basketball. On the court, his long arms and legs earned him the nickname “Spider.” He graduated from Tiffin University with a B.A. in Business Administration.
Paul and Jeanie planted themselves in Cleveland’s West Park neighborhood where their family continues to grow and thrive. For over 40 years their home was a place where only strangers would think to knock. Everyone else; cousins, neighbors, friends, and kids from the neighborhood knew to just let themselves in. It is a large home made too small by the number of people who love them and who could find love, generosity, laughter, and an open fridge.
Paul made his living as a salesman and later as an independent contractor painting homes throughout West Park, but his life was his family. He and Jeanie worked together to teach their children a deep and abiding faith in the Church. He taught his children how to take pride in whatever work they do, to give generously of themselves to family, friends, and community, and how to sweep the kitchen floor PROPERLY.
He invested himself in the prosperity and joy of his children. Every year he took his family to a cottage at Chautauqua Lake, NY, a place where they could have fun, bond as brothers and sisters, make memories, and play games late into the night. He passed on his and Jeanie’s Catholic faith to their children putting them all through Catholic school. He encouraged his children to pursue their passions and interests and to complete their educations. He died knowing he’d succeeded in his life’s work; all of his children still close to each other, happy in their work, and following his example with loving spouses and families of their own.
He is survived by his loving wife Jeanie (ne. Gerhart); his older brother Donald; his son Richard, wife Linda, children Alison and Paul; his son James, wife Cathryn sons Robert, Nicholas, Charles and Philip; his daughter Marie Houghtling, husband Eric, children John Paul, Mark, Erin, and Julia; his daughter Kathryn Smith, husband Brian, children Angela and Matthew, son Peter, wife Olivia; son David, wife Kathleen, baby daughter Bridget Aoife; and countless nieces, nephews, and friends of his children who knew him and loved him like a second father.
In death he returns to the loving embrace of his father Richard and mother Florence (ne. Brengartner). He is back in the company of his brothers Robert and Charles whom he loved and missed very much. He is finally returned to his grandson Douglas, son of James and Catheryn, who left our family too early.
Visitation will be at Donlon Funeral Home 15408 Triskett Rd, Cleveland, OH 44111, Friday from 4:00 – 8:00. Funeral mass at Our Lady of Angels Church, Saturday at 11:30 am. Interment at Alger Cemetery.