Robert J. Armstrong Sr.

Robert J. Armstrong, Sr. (“Bob”) of Chardon, Ohio, formerly of Mentor, Ohio, passed away on April 29, 2025, after a short illness.

Bob was born on March 22, 1942, to William and Marie Armstrong (nee Freund) in Cleveland, Ohio, the fourth and last son of the Armstrong clan. He graduated from Holy Name High School and was an accountant for 41 years in the Greater Cleveland Area.

He was a proud veteran. Bob served 6 years in the Army Reserves. During his service, he was in the movie Goldfinger while stationed at Fort Knox. Bob enjoyed keeping his grass meticulously mowed, traveling, and spending time with his family. Bob also liked to remind his brothers that he was “mom’s baby”, which Bob would routinely use to his advantage to win arguments when he and his brothers were in the presence of their mother, who would play along and agree with him on most occasions. Bob was also a die-hard Cleveland Browns fan which made for a spirited yet jovial rivalry over the years with his son, a die-hard Steelers fan. Bob was always a good neighbor, whether it be lending tools or volunteering to assist in local activities with the homeowner’s association. He also loved to provide advice for free and often to his children, even when they didn’t ask for it! Bob was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, and friend.

Bob was proceeded in death by his parents, his mother-in-law Mary Strancar (nee Cos), his three older brothers Bill, Carl, and Jim, Sister-in-law Mildred Armstrong (nee Shimrak) his nephew Greg Armstrong, and his best man Bob Gray.

Bob is survived by his wife of 60.5 years, Sandy (nee Swift), son, Robert J. Armstrong Jr. wife Michele (nee Catrabone), daughter, Sandy Hart (husband Rob), and grandchildren, Haleigh, Joleigh, and Anjaleigh Hart, and Robert III, Lauren, Lyndsey, Noel, and Connor Armstrong and their mother Bernadette (nee Knapik).

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org/donate/) in Bob’s memory.

As requested by Bob, there will be no service. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 3 to 6 pm at Admiral Charlie’s, 101 River St, Grand River, OH 44045, inside Pickle Bill’s.

Arrangements entrusted to Blessing Cremation Center, 9340 Pinecone Dr, Mentor, OH 44060.

Christopher Allen Somerville

Christopher Allen Somerville, known to his friends and family as “Chris” was born on January 5, 1961 in Beaver, Pennsylvania. Chris passed away peacefully on April 25, 2025 at the University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center in Cleveland, Ohio following a courageous battle with cancer.

Chris grew up in Kirtland, Ohio, where he attended Kirtland High School. Chris worked throughout the majority of his life in the chemical industry. Chris was dedicated to his career and proven by his strong work ethic and friendships gained throughout the years.

Chris is survived by his loving wife Linda of 34 years and three beautiful children, whom he loved dearly. Jeremy, Tina (deceased) and Angela and son-in-law, Nick, and loving and wonderful grandchildren Scarlet, Kylie and Nicholas and brother’s Mike Somerville and Steve Somerville and Aunts, Uncles and many cousins. A devoted husband and father anyone could have. Chris was preceded by death by his parents, Sandra (Clear) and Dan Somerville, sister, Kim O’Donnell.

Chris had a deep love for sports, especially football being his greatest passion. A lifelong Cleveland Browns fan, he often joked about waiting for the day they’d make it to the Super Bowl! Chris was also an avid “NASCAR” enthusiast, starting each season attending the Daytona 500. And finally deer hunting. Chris cherished the peaceful moments he in spent in the woods, although seldom coming home with a deer.

Chris’s kindness, generosity and sense of humor touched everyone who he came in contact with. His family and friends will always remember him as a man who was ready to enjoy life and someone you could talk to for hours while having a beer or two.

Per Chris’s wishes, there will be no memorial service.

Carl J. Myers

Carl J. Myers, 95, of Mentor passed away at his home on April 20,2025. He is survived by his wife Dianne of 49 years; son, Carl L., grandson Chad, granddaughter, Jennifer Bellanger (Julien), and 3 great grandchildren, Alexandra, Lucas, and Leonardo; sister, Susan Doolittle (Tad deceased), and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother, Mildred , father, Carl H., and sister, Charlene (Ron).

Carl was a member of the Mentor Yachting Club, Rotary Club of Mentor and formerly President of the Rotary Club in Seneca Falls, NY, where he was employed by Seneca Falls Machine. Born in Painesville, Ohio, but grew up in Lima, Ohio, where he attended Lima High School, worked at Excelo before joining the Air Force for 5 years. He also worked at Hodson Machinery and Warner Swasey.

Carl loved nature and animals, enjoyed fishing, boating, golfing, woodworking, RC airplanes, antique boat, car, and toy restoration, and playing his guitar. He always had a joke to fit the occasion and loved to be with friends and family.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Donations may be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44110.

Raymond Newyear

Raymond Willis Newyear, age 91, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at home on April 1, 2025 after a short illness. He was born March 16, 1934 to the late William and Vera Newyear.

Ray lived almost his entire life in Willoughby. He graduated from Willoughby Union High School and Bowling Green State University where he was a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. He then served in the US Army at the Maryland Chemical Center.  After earning an Honorable Discharge he worked in quality control management at Lubrizol, IRC Fibers, and Horizons Metalphoto where he obtained several patents involving laser photochemistry before retiring in 1999.

Ray enjoyed road trip camping vacations with his family nearly every year and traveled internationally after retirement.  He was active in Boy Scout troop 185 with his Eagle Scout sons. His hobbies included photography, wood carving, yardwork, reading, watching wildlife in his back yard, and he was a proficient amateur musician. He will be remembered for keeping his work areas organized (and labeled!).  He was also an avid Browns fan from their founding including the championship years.  In his youth he assisted his father build several houses in his neighborhood as well as several additions on his own home.

Ray is survived by wife of nearly 59 years Patricia, sons Karl (Isabel) and Doug (Meghan), niece Joann (Rue) and nephew Bill (Kay), and will be missed by his cat Turk. He is predeceased by his brother Ed (Pat).

The family will host visiting hours from 2:00 to 4:00 PM on Friday April 25, 2025 followed by a Memorial Service at Grace Episcopal Church, 36200 Ridge Road, Willoughby. 

Donations may be made in Ray’s memory to the Grace Episcopal Church Elevator fund.

Tara DeGreen

With heavy hearts and many tears, we are sad to announce our daughter, Tara DeGreen, passed away on April 14, 2025. Tara was born on June 10, 1986. Because of the Rett Syndrome she was born with she faced many challenges in her life. She rose to them all with courage and a smile. Tara had this wonderful ability to steal a piece of your heart with her joyful spirit and pure love.

She was fortunate in her adult life to attend A Better Choice Day Hab. Which provided her with friends, many outings, and activities. She loved her time there.

Tara also loved listening to music, taking rides in her van, getting “beautified”, going to church, her prayer time, Marvel action movies, and her dads spaghetti.

She is survived by her father Marvin, mother Valerie, and her brother Gregory.

Tara’s life was a blessing to those around her. Every day that she is not here, will seem like an eternity. But, as much as she was loved by us here… HE loved her more and called her home. Do you think God has favorites?

A Celebration of her Life will be held on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at Grandview 13404 Old State Rd. Middlefield, OH 44062. Family will visit with friends and share some of Tara’s favorite foods from 4-6:30 p.m. Service will start at 6:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Grandview /A Better Choice Day Hab 13404 Old State Rd. Middlefield, OH 44062.

Mary Kathleen Smyth

Mary Kathleen Smyth, age 65, of Euclid, Ohio, passed away on March 28, 2025, surrounded by those who loved her dearly.

Born on April 5, 1959, in Cleveland, Ohio, Mary was the beloved daughter of Roger and Kathleen Smyth. She spent her life in Northeast Ohio, where her warmth and compassion left a lasting mark on everyone she met.

Mary dedicated her career to helping others, working as a hospice caregiver. Her gentle presence, sharp wit, and gift for writing brought comfort, laughter, and wisdom to many. She had a quiet strength and an open heart, always ready with a kind word or a listening ear.

Mary’s life was a quiet testament to the power of love, presence, and compassion. Her memory lives on in the stories she told, the care she gave, and the family she held close to her heart. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Mary was a deeply spiritual soul, known for her gentle wisdom and healing presence. As a Reiki Master and dedicated practitioner of the Akashic Records, she offered comfort, insight, and energy healing to many. Her intuitive gifts and compassionate heart left a lasting impact on all who were fortunate to know her.

She is survived by her children: Rion Smyth; Delecia (Sade) Ajala; Sangowale Ajala (son-in-love); Samuel Smyth; and Valeria Smyth (daughter-in-love); her siblings, Colleen Smyth and Kevin Smyth; her former husband, Samuel Halsey; and seven cherished grandchildren: Ryan Taylor, Blaine Langsdale Jr., Jahaan New Bey, Sherai Haynes, Victoria Smyth, Elijah Smyth, and Sangobola Ajala.

A memorial service will be held on April 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at 904 E 222nd Street, Euclid, Ohio 44123.