-CUYAHOGA FALLS Katie Hoffman, 100, of Cuyahoga Falls, died on May 11 after a long battle with Alzheimer's. She was born in Akron on July 11, 1920. At the age of 3, her parents returned to the old country, to Gasinci, Yugoslavia. There she grew up, married and had 2 children. Her husband was killed during WWII in 1943 and she fled with her mother and children to Austria. Katie and her children lived in a refugee camp in Linz, Austria, for 8 years. She returned to the U.S. and Akron at the age of 31 and moved to the popular German neighborhood of Firestone Park. She worked hard to raise and support her children, alternating shifts of work with her mother and sister, who lived...

Thomas R. Sprouse, 75, better known as the "Monk Man," passed away on Saturday, May 8, 2021 after a lengthy illness. Monk was born in Akron, OH to Thomas and Lena (Joseph) Sprouse. Monk proudly served in the U.S. Navy and was a Vietnam Veteran. Monk spent most of his career as a softball umpire. He worked 25 state tournaments, 8 national tournaments, and 6 world tournaments. In 1992, he was named USSSA Umpire of the Year. In 2006, he was inducted into the Summit County Softball Hall of Fame. Monk will forever be missed by his wife of 53 years, Sue, his sons Todd (Leslie), Richard (Lynn); grandchildren Ryan, Michael, Rylie, Lauryn; sister Virginia Sens; special nephew Rick Sens; niece...

Charles J. Drongoski, 89, passed away peacefully May 3, 2021 surrounded by his family. Chuck was born in Akron on May 24, 1931. After graduation, he joined the US Navy, served in the Korean War, and was promoted to Chief Petty Officer, retiring in 1968 with 21 years of service. He went on to teach NROTC at Garfield High School. Chuck loved family vacations, working in his yard, gardening, the Browns, Big Band music and old movies. He was a loving husband, dad, grandpa and great- grandpa. He is survived by his loving wife Mareta Ann Drongoski? son Kenny (Patti) Farmer? daughters Phyllis (Don) Ballou, Teddy (Bill) Kassinger, Rita Zellefrow, Cathy (Adrian) Martinez, Cindy (Ruben) Cardona...

-PAINESVILLE Gerard (Gerry) Colavecchio passed away after a long illness. He is survived by his daughter Kim (Mark) Fultz, son Anthony (AJ) of Arizona and brother Paul (Diana) of Cuyahoga Falls. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Henriette (Paulette) of Painesville and his sister Marguerite Klepcyk. Gerry loved baseball and was the umpire in chief of the Painesville Little League for many years. He was named their volunteer of the year in 2016. A private burial will be held.

Henry Alan Miller, 73, passed away Sunday, May 2, 2021. He was born in Norfolk, Virginia and was operations manager at Lockheed Martin for 35 years. Henry was of the Episcopal Faith. He enjoyed golf, camping and gardening. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry A. and Kathryn E. Miller. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Linda; son, Zachary; sister, Bonnie (Michael) Warren; sisters-in-law, Debra Campbell of Allentown, PA and Susan Borges of Chesapeake, VA; and beloved pets, Princess Kitty and Skillet Dog. There are no services at this time. (Anthony Funeral Home, City of Green Chapel)

Ruth Mae Uhalley, 87,passed away Saturday, May 1, 2021 at her home. Ruth was born April 27, 1934 to the late Carl and Verna (Cummings) Stover in Akron and had been an Akron resident her entire life. She was a former member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Ruth was preceded in death by her beloved husband John R. Uhalley, daughter Kathy O'Neil and sisters June Lischak and Phyllis Kolbas. She is survived by her children Diane Uhalley, John Uhalley, Lori Uhalley; son-in-law Kell O'Neil; grandchildren Michael O'Neil, Brian O'Neil, Aly (Steven) Boothe and Jake Uhalley; sisters Alice (Art) Brakus and Nancy Reagan. Ruthie had a heart of gold. She was the friend you were lucky to...

Richard C. Zahn, M.D., 86, passed peacefully surrounded by his family on April 30, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Dorothy, and his brother, Darwin. He is survived by his beloved wife, Brenda, of 26 years; his 8 children, Aaron (Erica), Veronica, Sara (Derek), Mary, David (Sue), Molly (Jim), Marily and Margaret (Hal); as well as 16 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and wonderful nieces and nephews. Born in Manhattan, NY, he shared many fond memories of his time there, before moving to Solon, OH as a young boy. He graduated from Hiram College in 1957 and was later inducted into their Athletic Hall of Fame, having earned 5 varsity letters. Dick went on to graduate...

What does the Lord require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8. Janet Canning, 69, of Uniontown, Ohio passed away of heart disease. She was the daughter of the late David and Elizabeth Canning of Akron, Ohio and grew up in the Kenmore neighborhood, where she made lifelong friends. She was a member of Park United Methodist Church in Akron and graduated from Kenmore High School in 1970. Janet earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from the University of Akron and began a teaching career with the Norton Public Schools in Norton, Ohio. During this time, she completed a law degree in the evenings and graduated with a Juris Doctor degree...

Maryann Klein, 64, passed away Thursday, April 29, 2021 after a yearlong illness. She leaves behind her husband and best friend, Michael; her much loved children Nicole and Robert & his wife Vanessa; and her loving mother Josephine. Maryann will be missed by many friends and family. Per her wishes, there will be no calling hours. Donations may be made to Haven of Rest or to St. Jude Children's Hospital. "When we love and are loved, every day is a celebration."

James E. Cavanaugh, 85, passed away on April 28, 2021 from complications of non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. The only son of the late Edmund & Ann Cavanaugh, Jim was born on December 30, 1935. He attended high school at St. Gregory in Cincinnati and graduated from the University of Akron in 1963 with a degree in Business Administration. Jim was employed by IBM, the Hoover Co., B&W, and the Albrecht Grocery Co. as a programmer/analyst. After retiring in 1988, Jim took his love of gardening to the next level and became a Master Gardener where he met many new friends and was active in the organization until he was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2008. Jim leaves behind his loving wife Cynthia...

Randy Lee Newman, 47, passed away Tuesday, April 27, 2021. He was born in Akron, Ohio and was a NASCAR Fan. He was preceded in death by his father, Harold; his grandmother and grandfather; and father-in-law, George Schumacher. Randy is survived by his wife of 18 years, Dawn Newman; mother, Maryjane; son and daughter-in-law, Christopher Lee and Brittany Newman; brother, Michael Newman; cousins, Tony and Gail Newman; mother-in-law, Patricia Schumacher; sister-in-law, Amanda Schumacher; and grandson, Xander Dean Newman. A Celebration of Randy's Life will be held on Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Portage Lakes State Park on Manchester Rd. Donations may be made to the family to help with...

DAVID ANTHONY, TYLER ANDY, Tyler Andy, 30, beloved son of Michael Andy and Heather Franco (Ron) passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, April 24, 2021. Tyler was a gifted athlete and an avid golfer whose smile and personality could light up any room. Tyler, a graduate of Notre Dame - Cathedral Latin School and Kent State University, had a promising career in real estate and stayed connected with his many friends through his ongoing love of sports. Tyler was loved by many and is survived by brothers Michael (Maggie) and RJ; grandparents Barbara Franco and John Franco (deceased); his aunts Brenda (Lynn), Michelle (Harry), and Kathleen; uncle John (Mary) Franco; many cousins and dear...

Tyler Andy, 30, beloved son of Michael Andy and Heather (Ron) Franco died unexpectedly Saturday, April 24, 2021. Also survived by brothers Michael (Maggie) Andy and Ron Sutch, Jr.; grandparents Barb Franco and Virgil Andy; uncles and aunts Paul and Brenda Andy, Michelle (Harry) Wine, Kathleen DeBolt, Tara Tippel and John (Mary) Franco; many cousins and dear friends. Tyler's passion was golf and he spent many enjoyable hours on the course. A funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at 11:00am at St. Gregory the Great at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1545 S Green Rd, South Euclid, OH 44121. An additional celebration of a Memorial Mass will be held Saturday...

Robert Hitchings, 73, passed away unexpectedly on April 23, 2021. Bob was born in Akron on January 28, 1948 to the late William & Bertha Hitchings. He was a graduate of Kenmore High School and served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War era. He was a retired tire builder from the B.F. Goodrich Tire & Rubber Co. Bob was preceded in death by his sister Lana & brother Richard. He is survived by his husband James Nixon and brother Bill Hitchings, as well as many other family members & friends. A Celebration of Bob's life will take place in the summer (Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel, AKRON)

Jackie Shama, born as Jacqueline June Smith to Richard and Zelda Smith, passed away too soon at the age of 96, on April 21, 2021. She died at home, where she wanted to be, surrounded by her three daughters, immediately after they all recited the Lord's Prayer. Jackie was born in Akron, Ohio, on June 28, 1924, and resided at her home in Fairlawn for 58 years. A graduate of Kenmore High School, she was proud to have worked as a "Rosie the Riveter" during World War II at Goodyear Aircraft in Akron. She also worked at Ohio Bell as a telephone operator. However, her greatest and most beloved career was as a wife to Attorney A.E. Shama and a mother to their three daughters. When asked what she...

Carolyn (Qualters) Case, 84, died peacefully on Tuesday, April 20, 2021. Born on September 20, 1936 to Richard and Genevieve Qualters, she spent the last eleven years courageously undergoing dialysis treatment. Throughout her treatment, Carolyn remained positive and displayed both dignity and strength, as she often entertained her caretakers with pictures and stories of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Carolyn enjoyed traveling, flowers, catalog shopping, her beloved cat, Caramel, and most of all spending time with her family. She was so proud to share that all her grandchildren graduated from college and would often provide them with envelopes to help with their expenses. Carolyn...

Lorna I. Helfrick, 93, entered into eternal life on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at her residence at Bath Creek Estates in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. She was born on September 7, 1927 in Akron to the late Dewey & Dorothy Graham. She was raised with her brother Malcolm who died in 1944 while serving in WWII. Lorna attended Buchtel High School and soon met the love of her life, Paul W. Helfrick, who preceded Lorna in death in 1986. They married in 1947 and became the parents of Gary (Patricia) of Fenton, MI, Paula Siedlarz of Easton, MD, Craig of N. Canton, OH, and Gayle Smedi of Cortland, OH. She was a loving and devoted mother, and she will be deeply missed by her children. She was a cherished...

Lorna I. Helfrick, 93, entered into eternal life on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at her residence at Bath Creek Estates in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. She was born on September 7, 1927 in Akron to the late Dewey & Dorothy Graham. She was raised with her brother Malcolm who died in 1944 while serving in WWII. Lorna attended Buchtel High School and soon met the love of her life, Paul W. Helfrick, who preceded Lorna in death in 1986. They married in 1947 and became the parents of Gary (Patricia) of Fenton, MI, Paula Siedlarz of Easton, MD, Craig of N. Canton, OH, and Gayle Smedi of Cortland, OH. She was a loving and devoted mother, and she will be deeply missed by her children. She was a cherished...

Tillie Capp, 101, passed away on April 8, 2021. Tillie was born in Castle Shannon, PA on January 4, 1920. She was a graduate of East High School and retired from General Tire as a rubber worker in 1979. Tillie was preceded in death by her parents Peter & Katherine Chipner and siblings Michael, John, Sam, Mary, Peter, Stella, & Ann. She is survived by her son John Capp. Funeral services will be private and Tillie will be laid to rest at St. Nicholas Cemetery. (Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel, AKRON)

Jeannette Adams, 86, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2021, leaving us memories of her kind heart and lively, upbeat spirit. Jeannette was born and raised in Akron, Ohio, and graduated from East High School. After graduation, she found work as a professional fashion model in the Cleveland area, catching people off guard with her bright blue eyes and arresting good looks. Later, her outgoing personality served her well in her work as a product consultant with Shulton Products and as a cashier at Acme Grocery. Jeannette had an instinct for making life fun. She loved to talk and dance and watch classic movies, and she liked to occasionally indulge her sweet tooth with Krispy Kreme...

Sandra Kaye Dickerson Fisher (64) went home to be with the Lord on April 6, 2021. She was born in Akron, OH on August 14, 1956. She married the love of her life Gerald Fisher on December 13, 1974. Sandy began her waitress career at Canterburys and worked for many years at the Waterloo restaurant. She was a phenomenal cook and singer and enjoyed scratch offs and bingo. She was quick witted and had an ornery sense of humor. Her greatest accomplishment by far was being a mother to her two children Gerald and Shawna. She was a protector and Mama Bear to her 6 grandchildren and many other neighborhood kids. She was stubborn and had a lot of fight in her as witnessed by watching her battle and...