Donovan Funeral Home

Tallmadge - Joan Baker, 83, was reunited with her loving husband, Gene Baker on July 31, 2021. Born in Gadsden, Alabama on September 5, 1937, Joan always loved entertaining and family get togethers. She loved her family above all else and was always there for them. In addition to her husband, Gene Baker, she was also preceded in death by her parents, J. Marvin Wood; Mazie Wood Liddle; son, William Hornick; brother, James Wood. Joan is survived by her children, Vicki (Myron) Perry of Chesapeake, Virginia; Richard Hornick of Brimfield; Donielle Hopkins of Tallmadge; Dan (Dawn) Baker of Wadsworth; brothers, Gene Wood, Charles Wood, and Robert Woods; sister, Louise Gandee; ten grandchildren...

Carole J. Hansrote, age 87, passed away July 26, 2021. Mrs. Hansrote was born and lived her life in Akron. Carole was passionate about her career as an ESL Teacher, working with Akron Public Schools for over 35 years before retiring. She graduated from Akron North High School, University of Akron, Findley University and was a member of the Akron PTA. She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Roy; parents, Basil and Vivian Likens; brother, Bruce Likens. Carole is survived by her daughter, Cindy Lampe of Akron; son, Randy (Rosa) Hansrote of Chandler, Arizona; grandchildren, Christy Miller, Adam Lampe, Bianca, Crystal, Michael Hansrote; seven great grandchildren; and her beloved...

Cuyahoga Falls - David Krannich, 66, went to be with the Lord July 19, 2021. Born in Cocoa Beach, Florida, he grew up in Tallmadge and resided in Cuyahoga Falls. Dave was self employed as an Interior Specialist and a member of Grace Summit Church. Dave truly loved his family and friends. He was a loving and caring man. He was a great husband, son, brother, dad and grandpa. He will be missed by us all so much. He enjoyed the outdoors and hiking, kayaking, and biking with Donna and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Eugene Krannich. Dave is survived by his wife, Donna; mother, Dorothy Krannich; brothers, Gary (Julie Hummel-deceased) Krannich, Richard (Marilyn) Krannich; ;...

Drexal W. McAmis, 83, of Tallmadge was a beloved husband, father, and friend passed away from this life on July 18, 2021, surrounded by loved ones to be with his Lord in heaven. Born in Greeneville, Tennessee on February 10, 1938 to Ida Leo (Duncan) and Jacob Doss McAmis. The family moved to Stow when he was a young child. Growing up, he was a back yard mechanic repairing a variety of machines. After graduating from Stow High School, he joined the Army serving in the 54th Armored Infantry Division in Germany from 1958-1960. Unable to go home during leaves, he rode all over Germany on his Horex motorcycle. Once returning home he met and married his wife of almost 60 years, Kay (Smith) on...

Richard L. Zimmerman, 86, passed away July 18, 2021. Born in Akron, Richard had lived in the Akron/Tallmadge area all his life. He served in the U.S. Army. Richard worked for Lawsons for 27 years and was retired from Hampton Heating and Cooling. He was a member of Grandview United Methodist Church in Cuyahoga Falls. He enjoyed camping with his family for 34 years and also enjoyed model trains and classic cars. Richard loved tinkering and could fix anything. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Myrna Zimmerman; and two brothers. Richard is survived by his wife, Diana; daughters, Sherry Lohr of Mesa, AZ, Deb (Bob) Hahn of Cuyahoga Falls, Carleen (Steve) Nelsen of Kent; sons,...

Mogadore - Donald Shoemaker, 91, passed away July 12, 2021. Born in Ravenna, Donald had lived most of his life in the Mogadore area. He retired in 1997 from Reuther Mold with 42 years of service. Donald enjoyed woodworking and made toys and made furniture for his grandkids and great grandkids. He was preceded in death by his wife, Louise; daughter, Mary Beth, and sister, Lucielle Rome. Donald is survived by his daughters, Patty (Tom) Sullivan of Cuyahoga Falls and Nancy (Dale) Housley of Mogadore; sons, Dave (Jan) Shoemaker of Uniontown and Dennis (Sarah) Shoemaker of Ravenna; eight grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren. Visitation will be 4 until 7 p.m. Monday, July 19, 2021 at the...

Esther M. Smith, 81, went home to be with her Lord and Savior July 11, 2021. Born in Cuyahoga Falls, she lived most of her life in Rootstown. Esther was a wonderful mom, grandma and friend, loved by all who knew her. She was an excellent cook and a social butterfly, who loved to be constantly surrounded by friends and family. Esther adored her children and grandchildren and was always up for an adventure, especially if it included family. She was a faithful Christian who read her Bible daily and was a member of Friendship Bible Church in Randolph. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; parents, Raymond and Mazie Oblisk; sisters, Loretta Smith, Eleanor Jones; brothers, Eddie...

Joseph (Joe) Anthony Brugnano, 83, passed into Eternal Life July 8, 2021. Born to Katherine (Daily) and Jack Brugnano on August 13, 1937. He was proprietors of Valencia Wine neighbor store on Franklin Ave in Kent. Joe was married to the love of his life, Carolyn Sue for 57 years. They raised their sons, Joe Jr. and Anthony in Tallmadge, Ohio. Joe worked as a machinist for 30 years before retiring to enjoy his home and family. He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Anthony. Joe is survived by his wife, Carolyn Sue; son, Joe Jr.; granddaughter, McKenzie; and brother, John of Stow. The family will hold a private Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Victory Church. In lieu of flowers,...

Michael Paul Varvaro, 29, passed away June 29th, surrounded by his family and friends. Born in Akron, Michael lived in Lyndhurst after living most of his life in Tallmadge. He worked at Trimble as a Financial Analyst. Mike loved the outdoors, games of all kinds, and family. He brought us together and he made us better! He is preceded in death by Aunt Linda Pedraza. Mike is survived by parents, Gary and Beth; brother, Gary Jr. (Grace); grandfather, Paul Hood; Aunt Lisa (Craig) Carden, Uncle Jeff (Dina) Hood, Uncle Luis (Lynn) Pedraza; cousins, Joey, Nicole, Kara, CJ, Nicole, David, Dylan; great aunt and uncle, Charlie and Bette; very special neighbors, Jerome and Lisa (Nick and Tony) Garro...

Leon Reed Teeter, Sr, 81, passed away June 27, 2021. Born in Duncansville, Pennsylvania, he lived most of his life in Cuyahoga Falls before moving to Rootstown. Leon served in the U.S. Army and retired from the Schwebel Baking Company. He enjoyed working on cars. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; daughter, Janice Humberson; parents, George and Gertrude Teeter. Leon is survived by his daughter, Amy (Delbert) Cottrill of North Carolina; son, Leon (Eric Clevenger); grandchildren, Tara (John) Osboure, Teirney (Sean) Medeiros, Taryn Ramirez; nine great grandchildren; brother, Mike (Frances) Teeter of Hiram; sister, Lucy Teeter of Florida. Interment will be at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, July...

Linda M. Wagner, 68, passed peacefully at her home on Wyoga Lake, on June 26th, 2021, surrounded by those she loved. Preceded in death by her parents, James and Juanita Frame. She is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Thomas; sons, Mike (Patty), Steven; sister, Diana Fauley; grandchildren, Megan, Kelly, Andrew (Rachel) and Aniyah; many sisters and brothers-in-law; extended family and friends. Linda started her real estate career at Dick Weber Realty and spent many years at Coldwell Banker, where she received numerous accolades for her hard work and dedication. She enjoyed traveling, the beach, playing cards, but more than anything she loved being with her family, the true loves...

Virginia Kelly, 92, passed away June 24, 2021. Born in Newton, Massachusetts where she was raised before moving to Ohio. Virginia was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Church. She loved to travel especially to Hawaii and going back to Massachusetts. She was an avid bird watcher, loved to go to the ocean where she loved to watch the seagulls. She especially loved to be together with her family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; parents, Frederick and Mary Brundrette; sons, Stephen and Charles Kelly; sister, Elizabeth Mary Brundrette. Virginia is survived by her daughters, Jean (Mark) Tierney, Anne (Jeffrey) Bachtel, Peggy (Katy George) Kelly; daughter in law, Arlene Kelly; 10...

Alexander (Al) Wasil, 84 years old, was born June 20, 1936 and passed away suddenly of digestive complications on Saturday, June 12th, 2021. He lived a long and healthy life devoted to helping and relieving the pain, illness and numerous ailments of others, touching many lives and families in the process. Born in Akron, Al lived in the area for most of his life. He served 10 years of distinguished service in the U.S. Army and retired from the United Association Local #219 as a welder. He was an entrepreneur, but his true life's passion, for the better part of 60 years, was the Chinese Martial Arts in Shoalin Kung Fu as well as Chinese Medicines, including herbs and acupuncture, and...

Brandon James O'Farrell, 27, passed away June 12, 2021. Born in Akron, Brandon had lived in the Akron area for most of his life. He was employed with Taylor Tele-Communications. Brandon enjoyed motorcycles, working on cars with his dad and spending time with his kids. Brandon is survived by his life long partner, Breanna Sipe; mother, Diane Parker of Stow; father, James (Melissa) O'Farrell of Springfield; sons, Bryce, Braxton, and Mason; sisters, Ashley, Jersie, Jaime, Jordan and Leslie; brother, Matthew. Visitation will be 4 until 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 18, 2021 at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave. (On the Historic Tallmadge Circle). Funeral Service to follow the visitation at...

Tallmadge- Joan (Joann) V. Jurkowski, 83, passed away June 3, 2021. She was born on December 29, 1937 to Joseph and Elizabeth Permuko (Bohovetski) in Tars, PA. She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Raymond; brother, Michael; sisters, Margaret, Josie, Agnes and MaryAnn and by one great grandchild. Joann is survived children, Michael (Judy) of Alexandria, VA, Janet (Eugene) Trusnik of Macedonia, OH, Dennis (Deborah) of Green, Thomas (Denise) of Barberton, Paul (Lisa) of Tallmadge; 12 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. She belonged to the Columbian Guild where she held all offices. She also belonged to Polish American Club, ABC Polka Association, Cleveland Polka...

Tallmadge - Dwight R. Strayer, 94, was welcomed into Heaven by Jesus and His Mother on June 1, 2021. Dwight was born in Kent, Ohio to the late Lawrence and Sara Reed Strayer. He was a World War II U.S. Navy veteran and retired in 1990 after 40 years with BF Goodrich/Michelin where he worked in accounting. A devout Catholic, Dwight was a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church. The love of Dwight's life was Margaret, his wife of 60 years who predeceased him in 2019. Family was important to Dwight, and he took pride and joy in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. In addition to Margaret, Dwight was preceded in death by his sisters, Betty Strayer, Mary Ann (Carl) Moll...

Kathleen (Kathy) Gilson, 60, passed away May 31, 2021. She was born in Akron and lived all of her life in the area. Kathy loved her animals and lighthouses. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Elaine Giles; brother, Brian L. Giles; sister, Lori A. Trusso. Kathy is survived by her husband, David; sons, Richard Michael Slates (Madeline Hanzes) of Warren, Travis James Slates (Teagan) of North Canton; grandchildren, Athena Ra and Parker James; brothers, Ernest R. Giles (Pama) of Texas, David L. (Cindy) Giles of Kent; sisters, Linda J. (Russ) Heiser of Mogadore, Sandra L. (Daniel) Collins of South Carolina; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Celebration of life will be 4:00...

Bruce Pifel, 77, passed away May 28, 2021. Born in Akron, Bruce had lived in the Tallmadge area for most of his life. He was a beloved father, grandfather or "Papa", coach, and friend. A US Army veteran, he then retired from the Albrecht Grocery Co with 25 years of service. An avid Ohio sports fan, the Browns, Buckeyes, Indians and Cavs almost always broke his heart! He was preceded in death by his wife and love of his life, Franze; father, Albert and mother, Elsie. He passes on his strength of mind, will, and body to his family. Bruce is survived by his sons, Eric (Angie) Pifel of Wisconsin and Dru (Collete Gogan) Pifel of Ravenna; grandchildren, A.J., Logan, Camden, Nick, and Abbey;...

Rootstown - V. Elaine Hickle, 75, passed away May 18, 2021. Born in Fairfield, West Virginia, she lived most of her life in Rootstown. Elaine was a member of Harmony Baptist Church. She enjoyed working in her yard. Elaine loved being with her children and grandchildren. She loved baking, cooking and hosting holiday gatherings for her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Vivian Tharp; brother, Larry Tharp. Elaine is survived by her husband, Jerald; sons, Daniel (Karen) Hickle of Mogadore, Michael (Stephanie) Hickle of Cuyahoga Falls; grandchildren, D.J. (Haley) Hickle, Garrett (Jenna Miller) Hickle, Abigail Hickle, Rachel Hickle, Carley Hickle; special niece, Reva...

Ella E. Gibson, 89, passed away May 15, 2021. Born in Akron, Ella had lived her life in the Tallmadge area. She retired in 1986 from Summit County Clerk of Courts with over ten years of service. Ella was a member of the Church of The Nazarene, where she was very active. She was past president of the Louise Sumner Board. Ella is survived by her husband, Richard; daughter, Susan E. (David) Goss of Tallmadge; sons, Samuel R. (Cyndi) Gibson of Arizona, Jeffrey D. (Debbie) Gibson of Kentucky, Stephen C. (Dana) Gibson of Tallmadge, and John D. (Angie) Gibson of Oregon; 13 grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren. Visitation will be 4 until 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at the Donovan Funeral...

Franklin Richard McGarvey, 82, passed away May 12, 2021. Born in LaJose, Pennsylvania, he lived most of his life in Brimfield. Franklin retired as a machine operator with the Norton Company after 38 years of service. He was a volunteer fireman and enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, and camping. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Caroline McGarvey; son, Stephen McGarvey; sister, Barbara Jean Straw; brother, Arthur McGarvey. Franklin is survived by his wife of 61 years, Madeline; sons, Franklin (Tina) McGarvey of Ravenna, Joseph McGarvey of Rocky River; daughter in law, Lori McClellan; grandchildren, Amanda, Danielle, Ashley, Erin, Jolyn; great grandchildren, Logan, Blake,...