The Mahoning Valley is mourning the loss of esteemed educator James Alexander Hall II, who passed away peacefully on February 18, 2021 after a brief illness. Born on June 7, 1941 to parents William and Margaret (Myers) Hall, Jim was raised in Youngstown and graduated from Cardinal Mooney High School in 1959. After briefly attending seminary at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, Jim returned to Youngstown, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Communications at Youngstown State University. Jim then embarked on what would become an illustrious and distinguished career in education, beginning as an English teacher at Warren John F. Kennedy High School. He then moved to Canfield High School,...

Thomas Nels Johnson, Jr., 72 of Boardman died Monday evening at St. Elizabeth Health Center, Boardman, with his family by his side. Thomas was born July 20, 1948 in Youngstown, a son of the late Thomas N. and Betty Jane (Beam) Johnson, Sr. and was a lifelong area resident. He graduated from Chaney High School in 1966 and served in the U.S. Navy for four years during the Vietnam War. Thomas was a policeman with the Boardman Police Dept.from 1983 until he retired in 2003, where he was a part of the first SWAT team. He enjoyed fantasy football and also watching football, especially the Cleveland Browns. Thomas looked forward to trips to Las Vegas and family trips to Myrtle Beach. He leaves...

There will be a memorial service at 6:00 pm Friday at Old North Church, 7105 Herbert Rd., Canfield for Sandra Louise Oblinger, 80 of Canfield who died Sunday evening at her residence, surrounded by her family. Sandra was born April 7, 1940 in Youngstown, a daughter of the late Howard and Jessiella (Petersen) Welsch and lived most of her life in this area. Sandra received her Bachelor Degree from Youngstown State University in Psychology. She taught 5th grade at North Jackson Elementary School for 28 years, retiring in 2005. She was a member of Old North Church, where she sang in the choir. When you thought of Sandra, you knew what a dog lover she was. She loved her dogs and spoiled them to...

Emily E. Roofner, 91 of Ellsworth died Saturday evening at her residence. Emily was born November 13, 1929 in Nowrytown, PA a daughter of the late Hiram and Mildred F. (Smith) Calhoun and came to this area in 1948. She had attended Mt. Moriah Lutheran Church and was a member and Past Worthy Matron of Meander O.E.S. Emily worked as a bookkeeper for Cheswick Atomic Division Credit Union for 14 years, retiring in October 2020. Emily did not have any hobbies, even though the family tried to find something to keep her busy. Emily enjoyed working and took great pride in the work she did. Her husband, Richard A. Roofner, whom she married September 21, 1947, died March 21, 2010. She leaves her...

Warren P. Freed, 92, passed away February 4, at Shepherd of the Valley in Liberty. He was born March 6, 1928 in Canfield, the son of the late Warren and Anna (Spencer) Freed. He was a 1946 graduate of Canfield High School where he enjoyed playing sports and was captain and quarterback of the football team. He served in the United States Marine Corp. for two years as a flight radio operator. Warren was a graduate of Youngstown College and became a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Ohio Society of CPA's. He worked for Youngstown Sheet & Tube Company for 23 years being appointed as Assistant Treasurer and then became owner, President of Mahoning...

We are mourning the loss of Anthony "Tony" Joseph Sano, beloved by family and friends and respected by colleagues, who sadly passed away on February 1, 2021. Anthony leaves behind his lovely wife of 34 years, Deborah, and a legacy of relationships which extend far beyond his life of 59 years. Those closest to him have been touched by his companionship, love, and the light he brought to their lives. He was always eager to use his quick wit and humor to bring a smile to anyone's face. His calling and greatest joy was to aid someone in need whether they were a stranger, a friend or a family member. Anthony's volunteer work at the church was just as fulfilling to him as it was to those he was...

We are mourning the loss of Anthony "Tony" Joseph Sano, beloved by family and friends and respected by colleagues, who sadly passed away on February 1, 2021. Anthony leaves behind his lovely wife of 34 years, Deborah, and a legacy of relationships which extend far beyond his life of 59 years. Those closest to him have been touched by his companionship, love, and the light he brought to their lives. He was always eager to use his quick wit and humor to bring a smile to anyone's face. His calling and greatest joy was to aid someone in need whether they were a stranger, a friend or a family member. Anthony's volunteer work at the church was just as fulfilling to him as it was to those he was...

John Grant Walter (Jack), age 88 of Canfield, Ohio passed away on February 1, 2021 with his wife by his side, both residents of Hampton Woods, Poland, Ohio. Mr. Walter was born May 16, 1932 in Youngstown, Ohio, the son of the late John S. Walter and Myrtle Elkins Walter. Jack married the love of his life Geraldine (Gerry) Evans Walter June 1954 in Youngstown, Ohio. Jack served in the US Army 8th Infantry 1955-1957 as a Quartermaster in Europe. Jack received his Business Degree from Youngstown State University. Jack worked for multiple steel companies including Youngstown Sheet and Tube, United States Steel, Jones and Laughlin Steel, LTV Corporation and Warren Consolidated Industries. Jack...

Carol M. (White) Bush, 91 passed away peacefully at home on January 27, 2021. Carol was born in Youngstown on July 12, 1929 the daughter of the late Arthur L. and Lillian Kimble White. A lifelong resident of the area Carol married her 5th grade sweetheart Joseph T. Bush on April 15, 1950, with whom she shared 67 years of marriage. A graduate of Greenford High School, Carol was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and GG who was devoted to her role as a homemaker. Carol and Joe were members of the Mahoning Valley Olde Car Club winning many awards at area car shows. A strong, independent woman of faith Carol was a member of Columbiana United Methodist Church. Carol will be missed by her...

Carol M. (White) Bush, 91 passed away peacefully at home on January 27, 2021. Carol was born in Youngstown on July 12, 1929 the daughter of the late Arthur L. and Lillian Kimble White. A lifelong resident of the area Carol married her 5th grade sweetheart Joseph T. Bush on April 15, 1950, with whom she shared 67 years of marriage. A graduate of Greenford High School, Carol was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and GG who was devoted to her role as a homemaker. Carol and Joe were members of the Mahoning Valley Olde Car Club winning many awards at area car shows. A strong, independent woman of faith Carol was a member of Columbiana United Methodist Church. Carol will be missed by her...

Jason C. Mullen, 45, died unexpectedly on Sunday, January 24 at Salem Regional Hospital. He was born on June 10, 1975 at NorthSide Hospital to Mary Ann (Mullen) Wilson and Ronald Lee Mullen. Jason graduated from Boardman High School where he excelled in the wood working program. While in high school, he made life-long friendships. During summers and after graduation, Jason worked as a painter with his Uncle Thomas Raiser at Raiser Contracting in New Jersey. He came home to Boardman to become a residential, commercial, and industrial electrician. He has been employed by the IBEW since 1994 and has worked for Santon Electric Co, Inc since 2007. Jason was most interested in spending time with...

Edward M."Ed" Gray, 65 of Plantation, Florida, formerly of Poland, died Sunday, January 17th at a Hospice in Fort Lauderdale. Ed was born July 14, 1955 in Youngstown, a son of the late Merle Edward and Dorothy Ann (Fagan) Gray. He graduated from Poland Seminary High School in 1973 and following graduation served in the Army National Guard. Ed graduated from Youngstown State University in 1978 and worked as a mechanical contractor at various companies throughout the United States, retiring in 2019. Ed enjoyed golfing and traveling, especially vacations in Gatlinburg, TN in the fall and Key West, FL. He traveled extensively with his wife Julie to Japan, India and Italy. He was a Tampa Bay...

Wealthie B. Prince passed away peacefully at her home Sunday morning, January 10, 2021, surrounded by her family. She was 96. Wealthie was born December 1, 1924 in New Springfield, Ohio, the daughter of Charles. R. and Edith F. Bush. A graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, Wealthie was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2017. During her 46 years at Youngstown State, she taught music, served as the chair of the Public Ceremonial Committee, was Coordinator of Student Data Services and Associate Registrar of Records. Upon retirement she was bestowed the title of Administrator Emeritus for her outstanding service to the University. For many years, Wealthie served as the organist and choir...

CANFIELD-Darl R. Lewis, 87, passed away peacefully Saturday, January 2, 2021 from complications after a fall he had at his home on November 30, 2020. Darl was born October 31, 1933 in Youngstown, a son of Ford and Olive (Bortmas) Lewis. He was a diesel mechanic for Ohio Machinery for 31 years, retiring in 1997. Darl was a 1951 graduate of Canfield High School. He then enlisted and served his country as a member of the U.S. Army. Darl attended Berlin United Methodist Church. He played the guitar and banjo and enjoyed playing Bluegrass Music. Darl could always be found in his beloved garage. He was known for his ability to fix any engine or to restore his old cars. He is survived by his wife...

John M. Dudley, 84 of Berlin Center, died Monday evening at the Cleveland Clinic, with his family by his side, following a short illness. John was born February 23, 1936, in Berlin Center, a son of the late Jesse and Alice (Hartzell) Dudley and was a lifelong area resident. He graduated from Berlin Center High School in 1954 and following high school John enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving during the Korean War. He had been a heavy equipment operator for the Operating Engineers Local #66 until he retired. He was a 35 year member of the Berlin Township Fire Department where he had served as fire chief for four years. He also managed his own small farm, raising cattle and grain farming....

Funeral services celebrating the life of Edith Truitt will be held at 2:30 pm Monday January 4, 2021 at the Berlin Center United Methodist Church, Edith was born August 13, 1921 in Powhatan Point, Ohio the daughter of Wesley and Lula (Lude) Dierkes. She passed away peacefully Monday afternoon at her residence. Edith was a member of the church and formerly had been an active member of the Berlin Center Historical Society, Rebecca Circle, Pythian Sisters and the Ellsworth Grange.Edith's favorite poems were, September and The Owl and Pussy Cat and her favorite song was School Days. She attended The Ohio State University for two years before marrying Richard Truitt on November 20, 1941 they...

The Lord said, "Come to me, you who are weary, and I will give you rest!" So, it was on December 26, 2020 at the age of 93, Doris sought to rest in the arms of Jesus. She resided at Shepherd of The Valley, Boardman following a vigorous and painful battle with metastatic bone cancer. In the midst of her battle with terminal cancer, she contracted Covid-19 and after six weeks she managed to beat Covid-19. Doris was born in Austintown, Ohio on March 18, 1927. Earl and Loraine (Minck) Ressler welcomed their beautiful baby girl, Doris Louise Ressler into the world as a younger sibling to one brother, Elwood Ressler. The family raised their two children in the small neighborhood known as...

Robert "Russ" Russell entered eternal life early Christmas morning as the snow gently fell providing him with one last White Christmas. Russ passed away peacefully and is reunited with the love of his life Charlene as they live together in eternal glory with our Lord! Russ was born in Alliance, Ohio on May 10, 1939 to Carol and Larry Russell and eventually moved back to his hometown to be with old friends and as a staunch supporter of Alliance Aviator athletics. Russ graduated from Alliance High School and soon moved to Youngstown after marrying his high school sweetheart Eleanor Charlene Pasco, their love would be passionate and undying, continuing even after Charlene succumbed to cancer...

Anne B. Shidel, 97 of Canal Fulton, formerly of Columbiana died Friday morning, December 18th at Mercy Medical Center, Canton. Anne was born November 6, 1923 in Portview, PA, the daughter of the late Michael and Mary (Midla) Humenik. Anne was a former member of St. Jude Catholic Church and Ladies Guild of the church in Columbiana for many years. Part of her service was to clean and iron the church alter cloths and pray for the church needs. Her husband Joseph M. "Bud" Shidel, whom she married June 5, 1943 died November 25, 1987. Anne leaves two children Terry Shidel of Ellsworth, Ohio and Kerry Shidel of Hartville, Ohio; five grandchildren; and six great grandchildren. Besides her parents...

Anne B. Shidel, 97 of Canal Fulton, formerly of Columbiana died Friday morning, December 18th at Mercy Medical Center, Canton. Anne was born November 6, 1923 in Portview, PA, the daughter of the late Michael and Mary (Midla) Humenik. Anne was a former member of St. Jude Catholic Church and Ladies Guild of the church in Columbiana for many years. Part of her service was to clean and iron the church alter cloths and pray for the church needs. Her husband Joseph M. "Bud" Shidel, whom she married June 5, 1943 died November 25, 1987. Anne leaves two children Terry Shidel of Ellsworth, Ohio and Kerry Shidel of Hartville, Ohio; five grandchildren; and six great grandchildren. Besides her parents...

Mary Beach, 94 of Poland went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 16, 2020. She was born September 5, 1926 to late parents Martin Papp and Katherine Senzen in Wheatland, PA. She was one of seven children preceded her in death, Rose, Helen, Grace, Martin, Margaret and Edwin. She married her husband, Leroy Beach on December 31, 1947, who passed October 4, 1994. Also waiting at Heavens Gate, her son, Leroy Beach, Jr.; great grandchildren, Elyas and Amanda Felt. Mary is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, James and Susan (Cooper) Beach of Columbiana; three grandchildren, Ian (Stacy) Formanski, Jennifer (John) Marino and Rebecca Beach. She also leaves three...