OBITUARIES
A Remembrance of Loved Ones
Gary J. Kondelik
Gary J. Kondelik of Mentor, OH, passed away on May 6, 2020, due to natural causes. Gary was born on August 14, 1946, in East Cleveland to the late Clarence and Rose (Pelcarsky) Kondelik. Gary was the beloved father of Sheryl (John) Forest of Avon Lake, OH, and Michael (Erin) Kondelik of Mentor, OH. Loving grandfather of Kristin and Stephen Forest and Lucas and Jordan Kondelik. Brother of James (Loretta) Kondelik of Medina, OH. Gary was a graduate of Warrensville Heights High School (1964), a veteran of the United States Marine Corp, and a 50-year member of Pipefitters Local Union 120. Gary loved visiting local nature parks with his dogs and was an avid fan of Cleveland sports teams. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Gary’s memory to the Lake Humane Society http://www.lakehumane.org. Arrangements have been entrusted to Blessings Cremation Center in Mentor, OH. A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. He will be dearly missed but never forgotten.
Riccardo LaRiccia
Riccardo LaRiccia, age 53, passed on May 3, 2020. Beloved son of Richard and Marilynn (Toth) LaRiccia. Dearest father of Elena Casias. Brother of Debbie Giffin (Ken), Annamarie Wisnieski, and Angelo LaRiccia. Loving fiance of twenty years, Tina Marflak. Grandfather of two, uncle, and cousin of many.
Ricky will always be remembered for his love for all sports, and many many friends throughout his time growing up in the “proud neighborhood” of Collinwood.
A Celebration of Life will be determined at a later date. The LaRiccia family is overwhelmed with the love and support from all that knew and loved Ricky.
We would like to sincerely thank everyone for reaching out during this difficult time.
Christine M. Downey
Christine “Tina” M. Downey, 72, of Mentor-on-the-Lake, passed away Sunday, May 3, 2020.
She was born June 9, 1947 in Dayton, KY, the daughter of the late Albert and Ann (Madden) Carson. She married her late husband, Dennis P. Downey, in 1966. During their 53 years of marriage, they lived in Washington D.C., Pennsylvania, and New York before settling down permanently in Northeastern Ohio for the last 48 years.
Christine lit up every room she entered and had a friend wherever she went. This was proven by her countless friends in multiple states, especially from her past places of employment. She was known for her sense of humor, infectious laugh, and generous heart. She held her family extremely close to her heart, and believed that family extended beyond a bloodline. She cherished the moments when everyone could come together for family events, and was warm and inviting to even the most extended members.
Christine was retired from JC Penney, and worked for Lowes Home Improvement for the last 15 years. She was an avid jewelry maker, and would give you the necklace she was wearing if you simply mentioned that you liked it. She loved reading and was an enthusiastic member of her book club, and was once an instrumental part of her church, Celebration Lutheran..
Christine was a loving mother to Tammy (Rick Gillenwater); grandmother to Matt (Kelli); step-grandmother to Ashley Gillenwater (Alex Smith), Christopher Gillenwater (Autumn Joles), and Halle Gillenwater; sister to Marina Carson Eger (Todd); and brothers, Christopher “Kit” Carson (Joan) and Albert Carson, Jr. (Carol). She adored her 8 great grandchildren, and was excited to greet the 9th this coming August. She will be missed by her many nieces and nephews who she loved dearly, most notably, retired SSG Kristian Eger, who was very special to her.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; and sisters, Daphne Moore (Jerry) and Stephanie Michels.
The family requests that, in place of flowers, memorials be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
The family will be holding a celebration of life later in the summer.
Denny Javins
Denny Javins passed away peacefully on May 1, 2020 just days shy of his 71st birthday. Although everyone who knew him could agree that we wanted him around for longer, he lived a full life. Denny was a loving husband and father to five children, and ten grandchildren that he would do anything for. He had a gentle soul, a big heart, and the best sense of humor. He kept his family laughing until his final moments. In his early years he loved to work out, and was a semi pro bowler. He also loved to work with his hands, which helped to build the beautiful home he and his wife Mary lived in, and raised their children for thirty six years. Later in life, he developed a love for the little things like gardening, and reading. He will be missed by so many, as he made such a profound impact on countless people in his life. Denny brought so much light to his family’s lives. We will be forever thankful for his unconditional love, his compassion, his hard work, and his jokes that never failed to make everyone laugh. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Denny to: Fairport Harbor Library, 335 Vine St. Fairport Harbor, OH 44077.
Tereasa Kirkpatrick
Tereasa Kirkpatrick, (nee Henderson) age 54 , passed away Friday morning, April 24th after a brief decline being diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer in January of this year. She died at home with her family, as was her wish. She joins her mother who recently also passed.
Born May 10, 1965 to Faye and Bill Potts, she grew up in Painesville, Ohio and raised her children in Eastlake, Ohio. For the past 15 years she worked with the volunteers and recipients of the Lake County on Aging Meals on Wheels program as the Site Director in Mentor . They all meant the world to her.
Tereasa’s love for her husband and family knew no bounds. She had awesome artistic talent, a love for crafting and she generously shared her gifts. Her compassion earned her many friends throughout her life.
She is survived by her loving husband, Shawn; her children Jessica and Steven Malave and Matthew Kirkpatrick, and step son, Shawn (Jackie) Kirkpatrick; her father, Bill Potts; her sister, Annette Potts; her brother, Huey Henderson; her grandchildren, Abigail , Mercedes, Celeste, Adelina and Bethany, and many other family members and friends.
There will be a Celebration of Life event scheduled in the near future when it is safe for all to gather together and truly celebrate her life.
Joseph Wayne Brooks
Joseph Wayne Brooks, 71, of Mentor passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer on April 23, 2020 at his home, with his wife Linda by his side.
Joe was born May 2, 1949 to Lacy & William W. Brooks (deceased) in Murrayville, OH.
Beloved husband to Linda Stifler Brooks, for 44 years. He was a loving stepfather to Jim Stifler (Karin), Tom Stifler (Linda) and Mike Stifler (Meg), doting grandfather to Nate, Colin, Ryan and Paul Stifler. He was adored by his sister Sandy and brother Ray. He had a stepbrother, Ronnie Eggers, that was killed in Vietnam.
Joe was a Marine and a Vietnam veteran. He was a Plt. Sargent in India Company, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines (1968-1969). He was past Commandant and member of Detachment 555 at Gunny Hall in Mentor.
Joe attended North High School in Eastlake (Class of '67) and Hiram College where he studied political science. For a short time he was a Willoughby Hills police officer. His history background led to an intense love for our country. As a youth, he was an Eagle Scout.
Joe was instrumental in the building of the Armed Forces Memorial at the old North High School, as well as the newly built North High School. Joe was an independent financial planner and retired in 2016.
Joe was known for his kindness and loyalty to his friends. He loved playing golf and organizing golf outings for charities. He enjoyed collecting art and gardening. He was an avid reader and an author. He was a die hard Cleveland Indians fan. He was a perfectionist in all his hobbies and in life; he loved his Diet Coke (only glass bottles) and his Marlboros!
With the current COVID-19 public gathering restrictions, a private family funeral service will be held. Once current restrictions are lifted, a Celebration of Life will be scheduled. Please keep the family in prayers.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in his memory to Hospice of the Western Reserve.
Gerald E. Snook
Gerald E. Snook
October 13, 1927 - April 22, 2020
Gerald E. Snook, age 92, died Wednesday, April 22, 2020. Jerry is survived by his son Thomas (Debbie) Snook of Geneva, daughter Lori (Lonnie) Johnston of Rock Creek, and Vicki (Dan) Wilson of Mentor, 9 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren.
Jerry was born in Middletown, Ohio, the oldest son of Chester and Dolly Snook. He joined the Army in 1945 and served our country in France and Germany during World War II. Graduating from Ohio State with a degree in journalism in 1953, Jerry worked for the News-Herald, joining the Cleveland Plain Dealer in 1955. He retired from the Plain Dealer in 1994 following 39 years of service.
He was a proud member of the American Legion, VFW, DAV, National Order of Trench Rats, and the Society of the 1st Infantry Division. Jerry was actively involved in the volunteer program at the C.W. Bill Young Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Bay Pines, Florida.
Jerry enjoyed many years of retirement, returning to Ohio to be near his family in the later years of life. He studied his family genealogy, was an avid fisherman, and a lifelong fan of the Browns, Cavs, and Ohio State football.
A private interment will be conducted with military honors at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery at a later date.
Anne H. Kiuchi
July 6, 1935 - April 4, 2020
Beloved wife of Jack; mother of Lisa; grandmother of Erica Habart and Tim Sesko; daughter of John Hnanicek and Mae Novak (both deceased); sister of John Hnanicek (Stella) (both deceased); aunt of Anita Cook (Tom), Brenda Furiga (Paul) and John Hnanicek.
A memorial service will be held on a later date.
Charles M. "Chuck" Sloan
Charles M. "Chuck" Sloan
Chuck Sloan, 70, of Willoughby, passed away Monday, April 20, 2020 at University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center in Cleveland. Born June 29, 1949 Chuck had lived in Willoughby most of his life. Chuck served in the Army from 1967-1970.
He loved to ride his Harleys around town with Paul Chapman and the Two-Wheel Tuesday group, enjoyed fishing, playing guitar with Jim Burkhart, cheering on the Cleveland Browns, Indians, and Cavaliers, and hanging out with the neighbors.
Chuck leaves behind his wife of 38 years, Pamela and son Guy; sister Jackie (Merl) Wooley; and many nieces and nephews including Ralph Sloan.
Chuck was preceded in death by his parents Guy and Beatrice Sloan; brothers Carl and Billy; sisters Betty Hochberg and Lila Hyatt.
There will be no visitation due to COVID 19 Pandemic. A Celebration of Life will be at a later date.
Patrick Olm
Patrick Olm age 65, passed away on April 16, 2020 peacefully, after a year battle with cancer. He loved to fish and boat often, and was referred to as “Capt. Pat,” and loved spending time with his granddaughter. He is survived by his wife, Christine, daughters Melissa and Danielle, sisters Robin(Jim) DeMaria Celeste (Mike) Metz, Grandaughter Aria. He was proceeded in death by his parents Howard and Margret Olm. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Lawrence J. Ilenich
Lawrence J. Ilenich passed on April 9, 2020 at David Simpson Hospice House. He is survived by: four children: Dawn, Eric, Bradley, and Jessie; three grandchildren: Dylan, Tristan, and Trinity; brothers: Michael, and Timothy; sister: Kathryn. He is preceded in death by: parents John & Loretta, and brother David. Service information will be given at a later date, and will be posted to the website.
Sam R. Culotta
Sam R. Culotta
March 8, 1942 - April 7, 2020
Sam R. Culotta, age 78 of Mentor. Beloved father of Robert L. Culotta and Christopher J. Culotta; son of the late Sam and Angelina Culotta; brother of Gary Culotta and brother to the late Anthony Culotta and Vincent Culotta; cherished uncle of many. Sam worked as a shoe repairman and also in sales in the greeting card industry. He was a member of the US Army Reserve. In his free time he enjoyed reading, spending time with friends and family and ice skating with his son Christopher and other special needs children.
A Celebration of Life Service at Knollwood Cemetery, Mayfield Heights will be held at a later date and will be posted to the website.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Sam to:
The Deepwood Foundation
8121 Deepwood Blvd.
Mentor, OH 44060
Marybeth Kendig
Marybeth Kendig (nee: Kunkel) of Mentor, Ohio November 16, 1960 – April 4, 2020
Marybeth (age 59) passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on April 4, 2020.
Born on November 16, 1960 in Youngstown, Ohio she grew up in McDonald, Ohio and was a good friend to all that knew her. Her fondest memories growing up were of playing softball, swim club, and the many Kunkel parties and weddings throughout the years. Marybeth met her future husband Layne in 1983 and they were married in 1985. They were blessed with three amazing children, Ashley, Alexa, and Brandon and later with two grandchildren Julian and Jaxon. In 1992 they moved to the cul-de-sac in Mentor where she met the people that would become like a second family. Some of her fondest memories were spending time with her “Cul-de-Sac” kids.
She loved to decorate and travel. She insisted on creating and making all of the flower arrangements for her daughters wedding showers, weddings and baby showers to a level of perfection matched by few. She traveled many times to Disney World, her happiest place on earth, and was able to take her children and grandchildren there several times over the last three years. She loved to shop and even found a TJ Maxx on a trip to London. She was able to travel to London, Paris, New York City and Hilton Head. She enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren more than anything else. She loved family gatherings and family meant everything to her.
Marybeth was the wife of Layne E. Kendig Jr.; loving mother of Ashley E. (Michael) Burtscher, Alexa C. (Matthew) Krumpak, and Brandon D. Kendig; beloved daughter of Joseph F. and Carole Kunkel (deceased); sister of Christine (Paul) Monroe; Grandmother of Julian Burtscher & Jaxon Krumpak. She also leaves her brother-in-law Kurt Kendig and sister-in-law Michelle Stufflebeam and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
As Marybeth wished there will be a private celebration at a later date in lieu of a funeral.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Marybeth to:
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place
Memphis, TN 38105
https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html
1-800-822-6344
Hospice of the Western Reserve, Inc.,
17876 St. Clair Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44110-2602
(216)383-2222
Joseph F. Klemencic
August 31, 1926 - April 2, 2020
Joseph F Klemencic beloved husband of Frances (deceased) (nee Zalar), of 70 years; cherished father of Ronald (Melissa), Linda Grady, and Karen Penicka (Eric); loving grandfather of Christopher, Michael (Wendy), Melissa, Jason, and Ricky; dear great-grandfather of Mia, Evan, and Gabriel; dearest son of Joseph and Marie (Perusek) Klemencic (both deceased); stepson of Frank Dolinar (deceased); brother of Lillian (deceased). Joseph served in the Army during WWII. He retired from Parker Hannifin.
Services will be held at a later date.
Mark Alan Irvine
Mark Alan Irvine I was born on February 6, 1957. He passed away at his home on April 2, 2020 after a hard fought battle with cancer.
Mark was a 1975 graduate of Thomas W. Harvey High School. His greatest passion in life was his love for wrestling, which earned him and his team the highest honor at Harvey, State Runner Ups. Mark went on to wrestle for Tri-C. He later coached wrestling for many years at the YMCA. Mark coached softball, National Champions. He worked for Demeter’s Florist for over 25 years, Madison High School with special education students and a bus driver for Head Start. Mark had a huge heart and loved all people and people loved him.
Mark was the beloved husband of Cheryl R. (Martin) Irvine for over 34 years. He is survived by his daughters, Paulette (Marquis) Barnes of Chicago and Marcia Irvine of Painesville; sons, Mark II and Robert Seal Irvine both of Painesville; His other two sons by a special bond are Derrick (Danelle) Noble of Wisconsin and Gregory Noble of South Carolina; 17 grandchildren; sister, Debra (Francis) Sarosy; brothers, Donald and Robert (Joanne) Irvine and Kevin (Stacy) Lewis all of Painesville; stepmother, Joyce Irvine of Cleveland and numerous loved ones. He was preceded in death by his grandparents; parents, Bessie and Donald Lewis, Donald Irvine; nephew, Donnie Irvine and best friend, Robert Seal Jones.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date to be announced due to the coronavirus restrictions.
Thomas McHenry
Thomas McHenry, born November 10th, 1955, passed away peacefully in his sleep in Mentor, Ohio, surrounded by his many loved ones on the 2nd of April after fighting an uphill battle with pancreatic cancer. From a young age, Tom started his business from the ground up with a single truck and a passion for shaping nature. For over forty years, he built a company, with his foreman, Carl Mastrangelo, dedicated to providing the best in landscaping. However Tom was more than just a businessman, he was also a father to two sons, Matthew (Catherine) McHenry and Michael (Nicole) McHenry, and three stepchildren, Nicole Cefaratti, Danielle (Michael) Reilly, and Michael Cefaratti (Christina Pierko) through his partner, Lorraine Matuch. He was also an enthusiastic grandfather to Norah Konrad through stepdaughter, Nicole.
When he wasn't savoring the hum of a Mack truck on the job, he could be found at his dock at the Mentor Lagoons, always happy to host the best cookouts at the lake. Tom had the uncanny ability to make friends anywhere he went with a firm handshake and a sunny disposition, a trait needed for the businessman he became as well as the family man for which he will be remembered.
Along with his partner, children, and grandchild, Tom is survived by three of his four siblings, Edward (Patricia) McHenry, Clare (John) Green, and Betsy (John) Andrasik; brother-in-law, Niko Xanthopoulos, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Edward McHenry; mother, Mary McHenry, and his brother, Bill McHenry.
The celebration of life will be determined and announced at a later time and date. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to be made in Tom's honor to the Holden Arboretum (9550 Sperry Rd., Kirtland, OH 44084).
George A. Fisher
George A. Fisher, age 95. Beloved father of Robert and Nancy (Crum), grandfather of Maxwell and Wyatt. He was preceded in death by wife Margaret (nee MacLaren), parents Albert and Lyda, brothers Harold, Leonard and Clarence, sisters Margaret and Clara. George was born in East Cleveland, Ohio, served in the Navy during World War II, graduated from Case Institute and had a long career as an engineer. He died in his home in Mentor, Ohio. Final resting place will be Mentor Cemetery; services to be announced at a later date.
George Fisher passed away Saturday, March 28 in his home in Mentor, Ohio. George was the sixth and youngest child of Albert and Lyda Fisher. He grew up in East Cleveland during the depression. He graduated from Shaw High School in 1942 the joined the Navy during World War II pursuing training as a pilot. He never flew in combat, but almost did as he was about to ship out from San Francisco when VJ day occurred and the war ended.
Home after the war, he attended the Case Institute of Technology on the GI Bill, studying engineering. He married our Mom, Margaret MacLaren in 1950. They moved to Mentor-on-the-Lake in 1954 and then to Mentor in 1965 where they built the house that Dad lived in until he died.
He had a career as a mechanical engineer, working at Euclid Road Machinery, Terex (a subsidiary of General Motors), Baker Electric and Rose Metal Industries. His longest employment was with Terex, where as chief engineer of hydraulics, he was instrumental in the development of the first articulated front end loader design. With Terex, he had the opportunity to travel to Utah, Arizona, Colorado and other areas of the west while they were building and expanding dams, roads and bridges in the 1960s and ‘70s. On these trips he would bring back Mexican cooking ingredients for his wife who enjoyed making Mexican dishes. He retired from Terex/GM, but retirement didn’t suit him so he went to work at Baker Electric and then on to Rose Metal Industries where they needed his skills at “old school” mechanical drawing.
George became a prolific photographer and loved capturing images of his children, nieces and nephews and the neighborhood kids in their most natural, silly states – the goofier the better. He learned to sail, and enjoyed Lake Erie in his sailboat that he kept at Grand River Yacht Club and later Mentor Lagoons.
Once he fully retired, he tried his hand at a number of other hobbies including model railroading, model airplanes and stamp and coin collecting. He loved gardening and created a beautiful yard full of unusual trees, gorgeous perennials, flowering shrubs and large rocks. He enjoyed travel and took many cruises and trips around the US, Europe and Mexico. He loved music and had an extensive collection of jazz music with the artists of Arbors Records among his favorites. He loved his cars, all General Motors cars which sported Dads’ special license plates promoting America and GM: “US AYE” and “GO GM”.
George was fiercely independent, hard-working, and had a dry sense of humor. While his last few years weren’t always easy, he was able to maintain his independence and dignity and could stay in his home.
Valerie Rita Ciuprinskas
Valerie Rita Ciuprinskas, age 65 of Willoughby, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, March 25, 2020. She was born to the late Antanas and Ona Ciuprinskas on September 22, 1954 in Cleveland, OH. She was one of three children, including her late brothers Anthony and Ronald Ciuprinskas.
Valerie worked for over 30 years in the healthcare industry as a nurse’s aide throughout the Cleveland area caring for the sick and elderly. She enjoyed travelling and was actively involved in the Lithuanian community and enjoyed spending time with friends and family.
She is survived by her two children, Adrienne (Dan) Sommer of Pittsburgh, PA and Jason Ciuprinskas (Samantha Krause) of Willoughby, OH. She also leaves behind two grandchildren, Tyler Krause and Gabe Sommer.
The family wishes to thank all of those who have recently made donations to the GoFundMe account set up in her name. Final resting place will be at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon, OH. In light of the current pandemic social distancing restrictions, services to be announced at a later date.
Mary Lee Garrison
With son and daughter at her side, Mary Lee (Dishman) Garrison, age 86, went home to be with her Lord on March 15, 2020 after passing, at the David Simpson Hospice House in Euclid, Ohio
She was born October 22, 1933 in Moundsville, WV and was the daughter of the late John and Bertha (Dalrymple) Dishman. Mary lived in Wickliffe, Ohio for 30 years before relocating to Concord twp., Ohio.
Upon retiring from Parker Hannifin, Mary went on to care for children in her home. She enjoyed a simple life mantaining her home, keeping up with family and friends, cooking, worshipping at the Mentor church of Christ, and enjoying time outdoors with her dog Holly. Year-round, she delighted in nature and observing the wildlife around her home.
Mary was the loving mother of Bernie J Garrison and Kim A. Dodick (Dan); devoted grandmother to grandsons Brad A. Dodick (Becca) and Cameron D. Dodick. Surviving siblings include, John Dishman, Sarah Anderson West, and Ron Dishman; sister-in-law, Betty (Guthrie) Dishman; many nieces and nephews.
Mary was preceded in death by siblings, James Dishman (Vivian), Delores Martin (Keith), Fredrick Dishman, Phyllis Houston (Patrick), Peg Mason (Gene), and Betty Strait (Tom); sister-in-law, Sharon Dishman; brother-in-laws, Richard Anderson and Jim West.
The family wish to express their deepest and most sincere appreciation to the staff of Precious Care Assisted Living and the wonderful "angels" that are the support team from Hospice of the Western Reserve. May God continue to bless you and your work.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Contributions can be made to Mentor Church of Christ's Food Pantry Program, 7201 Burridge, Mentor, Ohio 44060 or the Hospice of the Western Reserve, 5786 Heisley Rd., Mentor, OH 44060.
Arrangements by Blessing Cremation Center, 9340 Pinecone Drive, Mentor, OH 44060.
Laura Skinner
On Wednesday March 19, 2020 Laura Skinner passed away at the age of 64. Laura was born June 16, 1955 to Walt and Dorothy Hendrickson. Laura loved music and was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Painesville. Laura was preceded in death by her parents and her son Joey Skinner. She is survived by her Ex-Husband Joseph Skinner, and her Aunt Laura and Several Cousins.