Obituaries
WISANDER
Leonard Wisander, age 90, beloved husband of Patricia (nee Biros); brother of Virginia Holcomb; brother -in-law of Judy Schulte(Roger); uncle of Craig, Megan and Rachel. Funeral Mass Thursday November 3rd at 10AM at St. Wendelin Parish 2281 Columbus Rd. at W.25thSt. Arrangements by DONLON FUNERAL HOME 216-251-7300.
Ernest P. “Ernesto” Petti, age 102, passed away on October 20, 2022. Beloved husband of 55 yrs. to Martha (nee Petrus). Dearest father of Matthew (deceased), Anne (Iris Rosado), Susan (Todd Lutes), and Ernest John (Aidess Domagas). Loving grandfather of Chiara; Imre, Leandro, and Ilaria. Uncle, great uncle, and great granduncle to many.Ernesto grew up in Cleveland’s Little Italy. He joined the army in WWII and was the last living member of the 202nd Combat Engineers Battalion. This group fought at Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. After the war he had his own TV repair business in the early days of television. Later while working at NASA he took part in various telemetry and satellite projects. He was also a backyard mechanic and could be found crawling under cars well into his 90s. All who knew Ernesto will remember his kind heart, his great stories and sense of humor, his adventurous spirit, and his charm.
Funeral Mass Saturday October 29th at 10AM at St Mel Church 14436 Triskett Rd. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. Family will receive friends at DONLON FUNERAL HOME 15408 TRISKETT RD.FRIDAY 2-4 & 7-9PM. Family suggests donations to St. Mel Church.
Michael Joseph Reading Sr., 74, of Cleveland Ohio passed away unexpectedly on October 13, 2022.Mike was born on November 4, 1947 to Mary (Yacklin) and Valentine Reading. After graduating from Saint Edward High School in 1966, he went on to join the Pipefitters apprenticeship program and became a member of Pipefitters Local 120 in 1968. He worked for the Cleveland Public Schools for 25 years until retiring in 2011.
Mike married the love of his life, his best friend, Bonnie (Hansen) in 1969 and had five handsome sons. In his spare time, he loved spending time with them camping, gardening and teaching the boys everything he knew about home and auto repair, as he was an avid tinkerer and could fix just about anything. Later in life he could often be found taking his dog King to the park for regular walks, or spending time with his granddaughters. Mike will be remembered for his love of trains, Coca-Cola, Snoopy and his family.
Mike is survived by his five sons, Michael Jr. (Amy), Christopher (Cindy), Brian (Melissa), Patrick (Sarah) and Timothy (Sarah); five granddaughters, Stephanie Burch (Dan), Mackenzie, Kaitlin, Molly and Lindsey; great-granddaughter Arya; Brother, William Reading; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Bonnie (Hansen) and his parents Valentine Reading and Mary (Yacklin).
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 18. 2022 from 2:00-4:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm at Donlon Funeral Home, 15408 Triskett Rd, Cleveland, OH 44111.
Funeral will be Wednesday, October 19, 2022 at 10AM Our Lady of Angels, 3644 Rocky River Drive, Cleveland OH 44111. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to A Special Wish Foundation Inc. of Northeast Ohio, which was a charity that was close to Mike’s heart. www.aspecialwishneo.org
Ruby Fletcher Cunningham was born on January 5, 1924, the second of five children of Eva Waterbury Fletcher and R. Frank "Doc" Fletcher, a veterinarian. Ruby was an exemplary student in school and also studied ballet, tap, tennis, and had some piano lessons. She graduated from The University of Wisconsin Platteille with a double major in English and history and began teaching high school at age 21. Soon she discovered her calling to be a Christian educator and earned her masters in christian education from Garrett Seminary (Northwestern University in Illinois). Ruby was subsequently employed at churches in Beloit, WI and Tulsa, OK before moving to Ohio in 1954, where she was hired as the Methodist Church's NE Ohio conference Christian Education Director, traveling throughout the conference as a new driver with a new car (and no GPS).
Ruby continued in her position, where she met a new pastor, Earl H. Cunningham. They worked together as counselors at a work camp, where something worked on them and they fell in love. The couple married in 1958, at which time Ruby resigned her post and became a full-time pastor's wife and then mother to daughter, Ruth, some years later. Together, the team served at four Cleveland area Methodist churches: Trinity (1956-63), Broadway (1963-68), Mount Pleasant (1968-77), and North Royalton (1977-86). Subsequently they served in Wadsworth (1986-88), Warren-Tod Avenue (1988-92) and Lorain-Faith (1992-1997). Ruby returned in her professional capacity as diaconal minister in three of those churches, beginning in North Royalton UMC. Both she and Earl retired in 1997 and moved into Earl's family home in the West Park area of Cleveland.
Ruby and Earl quickly became involved in several activities at Christ UMC, including choir and Bible studies. After Earl's passing in 2002, Ruby has remained a pillar of the church, to date still active in the women's group as co-president. In June 2022, she attended the East Ohio Annual Conference daily. Later in the month, she flew to Austin, TX to celebrate the 100th birthday of her sister Mary Alice "Fletch" Bauer. Ruby's daughter Ruth and her husband, Emanuel "Manny" Mora, moved in with her last year to care for her increasing needs. Ruby remained quite independent to the end, and is survived by one brother, Dr. Kent Fletcher, sister, Mary Alice, granddaughter, Erin Barr, and several nieces and nephews. She also has many close family friends. Ruby will be remembered as a strong but sweet woman, a good Christian, and an angel to many. Those knowing her have been truly blessed.
Visitation will be held on Saturday Oct 15th 7-9PM at DONLON FUNERAL HOME 15408 TRISKETT RD. CLEVELAND with funeral services Sunday Oct. 16 at 3PM at CHRIST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3625 W. 138th where family will receive friends from 2:00 until the time of service.
Denis A. Beran (Age 80 yrs.) beloved husband of Sheridan (deceased); dear father of Theressa Hilts (Doug) and Valerie M. Scott; Grandfather of Jamie, Laney, Bailey, Sydney, Sara, Keri, Rhianna and Michael (Bubba); Great Grandfather to Javier, Emilio, Denver and Vincent; dear brother of Beverly Kovach (Gary) and Patsy Smith (Roger-deceased). Please join his family for his graveside service Saturday October 8 at 11 a.m. Brooklyn Hts.
PLEASE MEET INSIDE THE STATE RD. ENTRANCE
Colleen Harrington, age 36, passed away on Thursday September 22nd. Loving mother of Eleanor Durant. Daughter of Daniel Harrington and the late Shelly Harrington. Sister of Jason Danford(Tami), Amy Harrington, and Maggie Nolfi (Anthony). Cherished aunt to Aidan Danford, David Nolfi and Patrick Nolfi. Colleen loved her family and her friends. Funeral Mass Tuesday September 27th at 10AM at St. Clarence Catholic Church 30106 Lorain Rd., North Olmsted. A Celebration of Life to Follow. ARRANGEMENTS BY DONLON FUNERAL HOME.
Wolfe, Yvonne, age 70, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, September 18, 2022. She was born on September 25, 1951, in Bedford, Ohio to Thomas and Evelyn (Sweet) Wolfe. She is survived by siblings Thomasene Hensley, Donald Wolfe, Michelle Surace, and Lois Lucchese and, proceeded in death by sisters, Claire Munley and Francine DePasquale.
Yvonne “officially” retired from University Hospital (Bedford) in 2021, where she worked as a Respiratory Therapist. She took pride in her work and was well loved by her patients and co-workers alike. Yvonne truly lived life to the fullest. She enjoyed traveling and visited many places around the world. She was an art/theater buff and spent many years volunteering as an usher at Playhouse Square. She was an avid reader and gardener and spent most of her free time indulging in her favorite activities. Yvonne’s favorite place was in her own backyard. Over the years she created a beautiful and relaxing oasis where she enjoyed spending her time. Yvonne was a longtime member of The Bedford Garden Club and loved sharing her knowledge of plants with others. Yvonne was an amazing cook and often whipped up dishes on a whim to share with those she loved. She was passionate advocate of women’s rights and proudly marched in protest during the 2017 Women’s March in Washington, D.C. Yvonne was an animal lover and always had furry companions in her home. Her current crew included her beloved dog Preston and kitties Gracie and Sadie. She loved feeding all the various creatures that graced her backyard. Yvonne cherished time spent with friends especially her monthly lunch dates with her childhood friends. Family meant everything to Yvonne. She was extremely close to her nieces and nephews. She loved spending time with her family and played an active role in all of their lives. Yvonne was everyone’s favorite aunt and, she will be greatly missed by each and every one of them. Yvonne was a spiritual person and held unique views on life and death. She would not want us to be saddened by her death but rather to celebrate the wonderful life she led.
“Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always
near, still loved, still missed and very dear” Unknown
Flowers are welcome, and memorial contributions can be made in Yvonne’s honor to a charity of your choice. Organizations/charities near and dear to Yvonne’s heart include The World Literacy Foundation, The Girl Scouts of America, Cleveland Botanical Gardens, Cleveland Museum of Art, ASPCA, Audubon Society, and Global Fund for Women.
PLEASE JOIN YVONNE’S FAMILY FOR VISITATION ON THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 22, 6-8PM. at DONLON FUNERAL HOME 15408 Triskett Rd. Cleve., 44111
Margaret E. Braseman, age 95, long time resident of Cleveland, OH passed away on September 14, 2022.
She was born to the late Alex and Julia (Reis) Kitcko, December 24, 1926 in Cleveland, OH and grew up in Strongsville, OH. She married the late Gerald R. Braseman on July 22, 1950, they spent 58 years together. They were a hardworking couple and often put others before themselves. Over the years, the children, grandchildren, and even great grandchildren could always count on the large Tupperware container on top of the fridge to be filled with cookies or the candy dish in living room to be stocked with various chocolates.
Margaret is survived by her daughters Wanda Sedlock and Julie Kitcko (Brad). She is also survived by grandchildren Lisa Allmond (Sedlock), Shelly Sedlock, Erica Lucas (Colin), and Jeremy Braseman (Caitlin), and great grandchildren Morgan, Jared, Alexia, Jeremy, Emily, Audrey, and Oaklee. She leaves behind her life time sister and best friend of 80 plus years, Mary Ganiere.
She is preceded in death by sons Gerald P. Braseman and Alex Kitcko. Along with her siblings John, Stephen, Frank, and Alex.
Margaret was a lover of all animals and would often take various animals under her wing. Gifts in lieu of flowers may be made in Margaret’s memory to the Cleveland Animal Protective League, 1729 Wiley Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44113 (donatenow.networkforgood.org) or to any local animal shelter of your choice.
A private viewing will be held on Tuesday, September 20th at DONLON FUNERAL HOME followed by private burial at Strongsville Cemetery on Friday, September 23th...
Harold J. Braschwitz (Hal), age 94, passed away September 2, 2022. Born August 18, 1928; Devoted husband of Betty (nee Braby). Beloved son of the late John and Rose (nee Fessler); former husband of the late Agnes Braschwitz; Beloved father of Eric (Kim), Linda, and Diane Eichman (David); Loving grandfather of Max Eichman; Cherished brother of the late Evelyn Marolt (Herman); uncle and great uncle of many. Hal graduated from West Tech High School and served in the United States Army in the Korean War ifrom 1950 to 1952; graduated from the Case Institute of Technology, with a Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering, worked at WKYC-TV 3 as an Engineer. He was an accomplished ham radio operator, call letters W8PN, and enjoyed participating in ham radio contests, making connections in every county in Ohio, and beyond. He enjoyed volunteering and training others on the radio, especially other veterans. He also studied and enjoyed astronomy, making annual visits to the Green Bank Observatory in West Virginia and traveling to Lima, Peru to view Halley's Comet in 1986. He also enjoyed running and participated in several marathons. Service will be held on Sunday, October 2, 2022 at 3:00 p.m., at Christ United Methodist Church, 3625 W. 138th Street, Cleveland. Burial at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, Rittman, Ohio.
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.
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 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 (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 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.
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 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, 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).
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, 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.
