OBITUARIES
A Remembrance of Loved Ones
Donald Eugene Vasbinder Jr.
Donald Eugene Vasbinder Jr. age 66, passed away on March 4, 2022 surrounded by his family. Donald was Born in Coco Solo, Panama on the Naval Base. Loving husband of Deborah L. Vasbinder. Devoted father of Donald Eugene Vasbinder III (Ashley), and Kristine Wilson (David), and Kimberly Showers (Kurtis). Cherished grandfather of 7. Brother of Patricia Hardman (Robert), Edward Vasbinder (Debbie), and the following deceased: Charles Vasbinder and JoAnn Hustead. Donald was the son of the late Donald Eugene Vasbinder Sr. and Frieda I. Vasbinder (De Costa)
He drove a semi truck across the country for more than 25 years. When he wasn't working he loved playing slots, watching old westerns on TV, fishing and being with his grandchildren. He attended Emmanuel Lutheran Church, and served his country as a Proud Navy Veteran.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Jeannie Pengal
Jeannie Pengal Nov 5. 1933- March 3, 2022
Born Jean Mae Lewis while her mother Zila and natural father John Lewis were on a visit to Kaiser WVA, she was taken back home with the family to Painesville, Ohio shortly after her birth where she was raised. At two years old her Mother divorced, and remarried to Chuck Bittner who Jeannie always said was her real Dad, so although never officially adopted she took his last name. She had two infant sisters who passed away, each just a few days after birth when she was very young. Her childhood was otherwise very happy growing up on Cedarbrook Dr and she, through roller skating and school, developed many lifelong friendships, notably Lola, Donna, Phyllis, Janet, Rose, Cory, her Beta Sigma Phi Sorority friends, the “Harvey Girls”, Billy Rigo, Earl, and her one famous friend Harlan Ellison, to name a few. She was well liked in school and played clarinet in the Harvey HS marching band. She loved to dance and even danced off of a roof once. She attended various churches with her friends but eventually joined the Painesville United Methodist Church where she eventually got married. While still in high school at 17 she met Bob Pengal at the skating rink and they dated until that wedding in 1953. They both loved to dance and skate and continued to do so until their 80s.
She had 4 kids: Toni born first in 1954 followed by Chad, Bobbie, and Danny. She raised them in Concord, “out in the country”. She loved to take them to the beach, camping, church (which was sometimes a struggle), and visiting friends and relatives. She held various part time jobs after marriage .She worked retail, waitressed, and volunteered at the hospital. She was known for her neat as a pin house. She decorated to the hilt for each holiday. She served on the PTA and volunteered for everything she could at the kid’s schools and never missed any events that they or the grandkids were involved in. She worked retail, waitressed, and volunteered at the hospital, but she was a full time mom. She had an apple selling business from the front yard orchard and would save that money to buy kid’s school clothes and help pay for vacations.
Jeannie was always outgoing and friendly. It seemed everyone knew and liked her. Once we were at Disney World and someone came up to us and said Jeannie, is that you? True story! She and Bob loved to attend parties and dances and although Bob didn’t like to host parties, when she wanted to have one at the house it was always a “surprise party” to him…..so he wouldn’t say no, usually after a long week at work. She’d say, “He’ll get over it”, and he would. They were well known for their party games. After the kids grew and moved she and Bob moved to Florida for half the year where they resided for 27 years, the other half was in their house in Fairport, where it was her lifelong dream to live.
In Florida they hosted out of town guests, attended frequent polka jams, roller skated, she played tennis, and went to the beach, of course. Down there she had some snowbird friends from Ohio and made many new friends. Around 2008 they decided to move permanently back to Willoughby, Ohio. She continued to skate and dance for a while, and also would take the stage to sing with the family bands on occasion. “Must be the Money!” She will always be known for her smile, her eternally positive outlook, and her love of family especially Bob her husband of 68 years. Her favorite all time movie was “Gone With the Wind” and I always thought she imagined their love equal to that of Scarlett O’Hara and Rhett Butler.
She is survived by Bob, her son Charles (Chad) and wife Gloria Pengal, daughter Bobbie and husband Tony Yerman, son Danny Pengal, grandchildren: and Jamie and Doug Hegfield, Kenneth and Nicole Pengal, Anthony, Alex, and Aaron Yerman, Jeannie and Brian Mowry, Jessie and Steve Tramte, and Brandon Lindgren, great grandchildren: Gage Housholder, Eden, Ryan, and June Hegfield, Beckham Yerman, and baby Scarlett Jean Tramte. Preceding her in death were her mother Zila, father Chuck, and daughter Toni Pengal.
Services will be held at her request as a small graveside service for the immediate family. Thanks to all who have reached out to the family, especially the nieces and nephews, your love is truly appreciated.
Barbara Lee O'Brien (nee Bennett)
May 23, 1954 - February 26, 2022
Barbara Lee (Bennett) O'Brien, age 67, of Concord Twp., peacefully passed away on February 26, 2022, at the Hospice of the Western Reserve in Euclid, Ohio. Barbara was born on May 23, 1954, in East Cleveland. Loving daughter of the late Robert and Mary Alice Bennett; devoted wife of 41 years to William O'Brien; cherished sister of Linnea Bubnow (husband Boris); brothers-in-law Tim (wife Lorraine) O'Brien and Kevin O'Brien; aunt Mary Swanson and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.
Barbara graduated from West Geauga High School in 1972 and earned an associate nursing degree from Lakeland Community College in1974. After graduation, Barbara's nursing career included working at the Hospice of the Western Reserve, Madison Health Care, Wickliffe Country Place, Hillcrest Hospital, Geauga Hospital and as a case worker for Cuyahoga workman's comp department.
She loved her work and helping others. She loved music, gardening, vacations in Florida, and collecting koala bears.
Private interment at Concord Township cemetery.
The family suggests contributions in her memory to Hospice of the Western Reserve and Lake Humane Society
Christina Lucille Wilkinson
April 2, 1951 - February 12, 2022
Christina Lucille Wilkinson passed away peacefully at Tripoint Hospital Saturday the 12th of February leaving behind her sister Rhonda, brother-in-law Matt, nephews Zachary and Jesse and niece Hayley. She died of cancer; her sister Rhonda was at her side. Chris was born in Painesville on April 2, 1951, to Burdett and Frances Wilkinson (also deceased), graduated from Thomas W Harvey High School in 1969, and in later life, determined to get a bachelor’s degree, earned it from the prestigious Skidmore College through their University Without Walls program in 2009, majoring in Historic Preservation. She worked many years at Ohio Bell as an engineer and in drafting, and later at the Herbal Society, until she put her talents to writing, and authored The Bicentennial Barn Book and the Willoughby Book. Her writing projects then turned to Mystery Crime stories but went un-realized except for one published short story in "History and Mystery, Oh My". She loved to travel, and with her sister living in Luxembourg she made many trans-Atlantic trips, especially to Great Britain, as she was quite an Anglophile. She loved the theater, especially musicals. She passionately loved all animals; she almost always had a pet cat and liked to be outdoors walking and gardening. Her sense of humor, infectious laughter and radiant smile will be greatly missed by her loved ones.
A celebration of her life will be held sometime in the late spring or summer.
Lora Eisenberg
Lora Eisenberg age 60, of Kirtland passed away on February 18, 2022. Daughter of the late Albert and Elaine Naglitch. Wife of Sheldon Eisenberg. Mother of Lacey Christina, and Cory Allan Eisenberg. Loving sister of Barb Jackson (Duke), and the following deceased: Jane Bena, Brian, and Ronny Naglitch. Cherished aunt of Roberta Reed, and great aunt of Jesse Reed, Jenna Wright, Brian and Christopher Hudson. She was a graduate of Mentor High School. Laura enjoyed arts and crafts, as well as gardening. Private family services were held.
Joseph "Joe" Charles Dubeansky
Joseph ‘Joe’ Charles Dubeansky (76) passed away peacefully 2/17/22 after a hard-fought battle with cancer surrounded by family and love.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Carol Dubeansky, his daughters Debbie Dubeansky and Michele (Steve) Manderbach and his ‘Golden Child’ Jason (Katy) Dubeansky. Also survived by sisters Florence (Ray) Cavannaugh and Pam Pearce; sister-in-law Marilyn Dubeansky; grandchildren Sydney, Max, Luke and Joey Manderbach and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents John and Veda Dubeansky and brothers James and John Dubeansky.
Joe served six years in the Navy as a reactor-operator on the nuclear submarine USS Ray. He spent time in real estate, at the Perry Nuclear Power Plant, and finally retired after >20 years as a senior electrical tester for CEI.
Joe loved music and through the years played his Hammond B3 with bands throughout the US and Canada. His talents attracted a pretty young girl who loved to dance and in 1966 became his wife. He passed his talents on to their daughter and they formed Debbie and Daddy which entertained many at weddings, private functions and the inaugural Painesville Party in the Park in the 1980s.
Joe enjoyed life: hunting, fishing and especially spending time at the farm where he chose to retire (other than winters in FL to get out of the cold!) He loved spending time with family and friends sharing a drink and his quick wit. He was a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge BPOE 549 and the VFW.
He leaves a treasure of fond memories and smiles for all who knew him.
Funeral services will be on Saturday March 5th. Visitation will be at 10:30 am with the Funeral Mass to follow at 11 am at St John Vianney Parish, 7575 Bellflower Rd, Mentor, Oh 44060. Family and Friends are then invited to join us for a Celebration of Life at the Painesville Elks, 723 Liberty St, Painesville, Oh 44077. There will be a 1 o’clock Military Flag Ceremony with luncheon to follow.
Robert Salaciak
1952 - 2022
Robert Salaciak, age 69 of Concord Twp., died on February 11, 2022, at the home of his brother, Daniel.
He was born on April 15, 1952, to Anthony and Nicole (Dufermont) Salaciak in Cleveland, OH.
After graduating from Parma High School in 1969, Robert won a scholarship and studied Nuclear Physics at Ohio State University. He enjoyed camping, hiking, and spending time with family and friends. As a child Robert and his brother used their creative talents to invent complex board games. Robert was trained as a classical pianist and especially enjoyed playing the musical works of classical composers Rachmaninov and Beethoven.
Robert was a member of the Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Painesville, OH, and previously Fern Park, FL, North Olmsted, OH, and Brooklyn Heights, NY. He worked for the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, formerly in Brooklyn Heights, NY for 14 years, where he mastered skills in commercial painting. Previously, he worked in residential construction.
He was an elder in the Brookly Heights, NY, and North Olmsted, OH congregations, and was an avid student of the Bible. He loved participating in the preaching work, teaching people Bible truths, helping them grow spiritually, and sharing his hope for a bright future.
Robert was a loving, kind, and compassionate caregiver to his mother, Nicole for 10 years. He enjoyed telling stories about everyone he met in his life. Robert will be dearly remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Survivors are his brother, Daniel Salaciak of Concord, OH, sister-in-law, Patricia Salaciak, nephew, Brent Carpenter of Geneva, OH and his great nephew, Noah Carpenter of Conneaut, OH.
Robert is preceded in death by his father, Anthony Salaciak, and his mother Nicole Salaciak.
A Memorial Service will be held via Zoom on March 6, 2022 at 4:00 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests monetary donations be made to:
Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc.
In Memory of Robert Salaciak
c/o Accounting
900 Red Mills Road
Wallkill, NY 12589-5200 USA
Donations can be made online at
https://donate.jw.org/ui/E/donate-home.html#/donate/WW
Geraldine Marie Slack
Geraldine Marie Slack age 79, of Mentor. Passed away peacefully at home on February 6, 2022 with her family by her side.
Toni L. Seeley
Toni L. Seeley age 59, of Willoughby for many years. She passed away surrounded by her family on January 31, 2022. Devoted wife of Brian Hawkins. Loving sister of Susan Monty. Cherished daughter of the late Elmer and Pearl Seeley.
Toni leaves behind her four-legged fur baby cat "Monster," who she absolutely adored. Toni was born in Brookville, Pennsylvania and moved to Ohio when she was 18 years old. She was employed by Metal Products in Mentor for over nine years. When it came down to football, she was a GreenBay Packers fan all the way, cheering on Aaron Rodgers for the win.
Toni was a true lover of animals and worked in the field for many years. Family was everything to her. Loyalty is what most people found within her, that left an imprint in many of the hearts of the friends, that God gave her as her family.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.
Victor T. Fani
Victor T. Fani, a proud Veteran of the United States Marine Corps, passed away on January 29, 2022 from the effects of Agent Orange and complications from his service in Vietnam.
Vic was the son of Fiore Fani and Ann Fani (nee Bevilacqua). Vic grew up in Willoughby, Ohio. He was born in Uniontown, PA and moved to Willoughby, Ohio at a very young age where he remained a life long resident.
After graduating from Eastlake North High School in 1966, Vic enlisted in the United States Marine Corps proudly standing in the yellow footprints at Parris Island SC. Vic valued this service highly, and attained the rank of the Lance Corporal. He was trained as a Motor Vehicle Operator, and was awarded the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm. The Presidential Unit Citation and the Combat Action Ribbon.
Victor Fani is survived by his loving wife of 31 years Kelly, father-in-law James Ogrin, Mother-in-law Kathy Ogrin, sons Victor A. Fani, Kyle Fani, and daughter Sara Fani, brother Anthony Fani(Sue), brother-in-law Jim Ogrin(Shelly), Sister-in-law Dawn Mullen (deceased), nieces Heather Monaco, and Brittany Mullen, nephews Alex Ogrin, Matthew Fani, Josh Fani, and Jarrod Mullen, great nephew Joseph Monaco, and great niece Gianna Mullen. He was preceded in death by Andrea Fani, his daughter from his first marriage.
Vic was the loving grandfather of Gavin Fani and Gabriella Furlong, and his grandchildren were the light of his life.
Vic’s Friends came from all generations, walks of life, and included Marines, classmates, work friends, and almost everyone he met during his life, my regrets for not being able to name them all. He surely would like them mentioned here.
A Celebration of life will be planned late this year.
Judy A. Baird
Judy A. Baird passed away peacefully on January 27, 2022.
Loving mother of Vicky, Scott Staab, and Dennis I. Baird. Cherished grandmother of Keri A. Staab.
Devoted sister of Elizabeth McGill, George Thomas (Deceased) Sharon (wife). Judy was an Aunt to many nieces and nephews.
She retired from Heinens, and enjoyed gardening and baking cookies. Spending time with her family and friends meant the world to her.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to American Cancer Society or Arthritis Foundation. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
David J. Williams
David J. Williams, age 50, passed away January 24, 2022, at Tripoint Medical Center in Painesville. He was born May 8, 1971, in Painesville to Carolyn (Vacca) Hoyt and Russell Williams.
David was a daredevil at best and had a love for anything with an engine. Since he was a child, he showed a passion for being a MacGyver and piecing items together to create the most interesting of products. If you needed it fixed, he was your guy! He enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, grandchild, and had a new-found love for his sweet dog, Apollo. David was the best comedian with his sometimes-warped humor, but always kept others laughing and had the most infectious laugh to contribute to other laughter.
David is survived by his wife of 15 years, Tammy Williams; children, Veronica Williams and Austin Goff, in addition to his wife’s children Aaron Galusky, Frances Sams, and Matthew Galusky; grandson, Damon Sams Jr.; siblings, Robyn Meighen, Lori McElfish, Kelly (Pat) Opatrny, Michael (Anita) Williams; mother, Carolyn Hoyt, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Russell Williams, stepfather, Carl Hoyt, and his sister, Michelle Williams.
A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Denise L. Pless
Denise L. Pless age 69, passed away on January 21, 2022. Devoted wife of 30 years in which Wayne will be eternally grateful to her for. Beloved daughter of the late Welborne and Mildred Brevard. Loving mother of Stepson Robert Pless and Stepdaughter Melissa Pless.
Cherished “Gramma Denny” to Kimberly, Sierra, Bredon, and Breanna.
Dear sister of the late Lee Brevard. Denise enjoyed spending time with her family, as well as her furry companions Aida Mae, Liberty, and Belle
A Celebration of Denise's Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her name to the Lake County Humane Society, 7564 Tyler Boulevard #E, Mentor, Ohio 44060.
Joseph "Joe" Robert Lemr
Joe Lemr, age 63 died at his home in Eastlake on January 17, 2022. He was a 1976 graduate of Riverside High School and the Auburn Career Center Electrician’s program.
Joe grew up in Concord Township, lived Fairport Harbor for many years, and most recently, was a resident of Eastlake. Joe lived with his roommate and caregiver Ray Prince. Ray was a good friend to Joe.
Joe was an avid Browns fan and enjoyed watching all their games. He attended in person whenever he was able. He was active in AA and had many friends there. He most recently was employed at EZPole Flag in Eastlake.
Joe is survived by brothers James of Deland FL, Jack of Painesville, Jeffrey of Mentor and sister Jeanne Kubrin of Chardon. He is also survived by nieces and nephews Heather Lemr, Rosemary Lemr Ritko, Melissa Lemr Nooney, Joshua Lemr, Michael Kubrin, Zachary Kubrin and Eric Lemr, as well as numerous great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by this parents James and Helene Lemr and Nephew James Robert Lemr
A GRAVESIDE SERVICE WILL BE HELD ON FRIDAY MAY 27, 2022 AT 10:30 A.M. AT CONCORD TOWNSHIP CEMETERY 11691 HAMBDEN RD. PAINESVILLE, OH 44077
Brian Fox
Brian Fox passed away on January 12, 2022 at David Simpson Hospice House. Devoted father of Michelle, Lisa (Michael), and stepdaughter Crystal. Cherished grandfather of Kortnie, Brittnie, Mitchell, Taylor, Grace, and Devin(deceased). Great-grandfather of 13. Loving brother of Janice (Chris), Linnea, and Lawrence(Suzann), and the late John. Brian is preceded in death by his parents Howard and Eleanore.
Brian was a proud graduate from Kirtland High School, and also studied welding at Lake County Joint Vocational School.
He was formerly employed at : E & W, HiTech Performance Trailers, The Fox’s Home Remodeling Co., and retired from Winter Equipment Co. in 2020. He was a tinkerer and builder of many things both on the job and in his spare time.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00P.M. on February 5th at Pilgrim Lutheran Brethren Church, 9514 Johnnycake Ridge Road, Mentor, OH 44060.
Donations in Brian’s memory can be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44110
Sheila R. Goldman
Sheila R. Goldman age 69, passed away on January 4, 2022. Cherished daughter of the late Sylvia B. and Dudley W. Simmerson. Loving mother of Steven R. Goldman (Chrissy), and Michael R. Goldman. Grandmother of Sydney R. Goldman, Shelby E. Schroeder (Jason), Gabriella M. Hoy ( T.J.), and Lucas W. Hoy (Alexis). Great-grandmother of Addilyn Esther and Karnation Emori-Ann. Long-time Companion for 13 years to Brian Orosz.
When Sheila was 2 years old she had polio. Sheila graduated from Brush High School in 1970. Taking trips with her kids and family is what she enjoyed most shopping, enjoying her time in the sun, and going to the track to bet on those horses. In June 2018 she visited the Marlboro Ranch in Montana with Brian, in which that was her favorite place she visited. When it came down to football she was a huge Dallas Cowboys fan. Sheila appreciated her time with her daughter-in-law, Chrissy, walking around the town in Chagrin Falls. She spent many years taking care of her parents, and missed them greatly when they left this earth.
She was loved wholeheartedly, and when tomorrow starts without her, she will always be remembered in everyone's heart. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Susan Elaine Healy
Susan Elaine Healy of Newbury, Ohio gained her wings on January 4, 2022 after a battle with cancer just shy of her 64th birthday.
Susan’s life touched many, with her go with the flow, don’t sweat the small stuff attitude and her ability to find laughter even in the worst of times.
Susan is survived by her three sons, (Patrick, Carl and Joseph) her four siblings (Joann, Patsy, Joseph and Tickles), her beloved husband John, her six granddaughters as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, January 15, 2022 at the Kiwanis Lake Community Center in Newbury, Ohio between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
Ashley E. Sekston
Ashley E. Sekston, age 32, of Eastlake passed away on January 1, 2022, after her brave battle with breast cancer. Ashley was born March 12, 1989, in Painesville.
Loving daughter of Ronald E. Sekston Jr. and Laura (Sim) Sekston. Beloved Fiancé of Tim Farrell. Devoted mother of Avayah, Alivia and Alayna, Daughter-in law of Pam and Doug Smithson, Granddaughter of Carol Sim. Cherished sister of Jennifer Petti (Steve aka “bestest brother-in-law ever),” Lisa Potter (Marcus), Alissa Farrell, Greg Altizer (Lindsey), and Cody Sekston (Patricia). She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Ashley was preceded in death by her brothers Ronnie Sekston III and Michael D. Altizer.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday March 12, 2022 with family and friends will be gathering at the Chagrin River Yacht Club, 35943 Lakeshore Blvd, Eastlake, OH 44095 from 1:00P.M-6:00P.M.
Sharon R. Rockwood
Private family services have been held for Sharon R. (Dennison) Rockwood, 64, a long time resident in Lake County, Ohio. Sharon gained her wings as she was surrounded by her loved ones on December 31, 2021 at Lake West Hospital.
Sharon will be greatly missed, she spent all of her time with her family. Her grandchildren were the most important things in her life.
She was survived by her children Charlie (Amy) Rockwood, Salena (Matt) Billington, and Ken Rockwood. Her three grandchildren Jacob Rockwood, Oliver Rockwood, and Aleah Billington. Her siblings Catherine Bowens, Ramona Dennison and Dean Michael Dennison. Several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her Husband Charles L. Rockwood Jr. Her parents Lena Gilbert and Frank Dennison.
Family and friends will be contacted at a later time for a Celebration of Life for Sharon. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice of the Western Reserve.
John Campbell Sr.
We are sad to announce the passing of John Campbell Sr. On December 30, 2021.
Born in Ashtabula,Ohio, John was the oldest of three brothers. In high school, he and his brothers, along with his best friend Mike, formed a band.
Upon graduating from Riverside High School in 1963, John enlisted in the US Navy and was a proud Vietnam Veteran. He served two tours in Vietnam and was a member of the Brown Water Navy River Rats patrolling on PBR boats. John asked to take the place of his brother Sandy, who was getting sent to Vietnam as a tunnel rat, because he feared that Sandy would not survive this. As a result, John was sent back to Vietnam and Sandy was instead sent to Germany.
John raced stock cars for ten years at The Painesville Speedway #00. He managed and umpired Painesville girls softball league, and bowled for many years in a league at Marval Lanes in Painesville. He was a Cleveland Browns, Indians, and Ohio State fan. John was a people person who was always willing to lend a helping hand and was loved by so many. He will be deeply missed.
John is survived by his beloved wife and soul mate whom he was married to for 29 years, Darlene, his brother Daniel, his sons John Jr, and Richard (Wendy), his daughters Lisa (Donald), Traci (Frank), Jennifer (Tony), and Wendy (Mark), and many Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, Nieces and Nephews. Brother-in-law of Jody Kurosky (Patti). Special Friend to Pam and Herald.
He was preceded in death by his Father Milford, his mother Doris, and his brothers Milford “Sandy” and Claude “Tinker”. John will have the honor of having a full Military burial at Riverside Cemetery during a private family service.