OBITUARIES
A Remembrance of Loved Ones
Jeanne M. Milicic
June 25, 1942 - August 4, 2023
Jeanne Milicic (nee Tencic), age 81, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Istria, Croatia, she is survived by: her beloved husband of 60 years, Joseph Milicic; her children, Roseanne Liter (Trent), Beth Brave (Jerry), Heidi Milicic (Alex Kobal), and Gregory Milicic (Rebecca); her grandchildren, Rachel McLean (Brian), Jessica Astrom (Lars), Jeanna Brave, Angela Brave, Joseph Kobal, Lily Milicic, and Claire Milicic; and her great-grandchildren, Elle McLean, Harper McLean, and Wesley Astrom. She is also survived by many relatives in Croatia, Italy, and Australia. Jeanne was employed as an Occupational Therapist Assistant at the Cleveland Clinic. After retiring, she spent many years volunteering for the Hospice of the Western Reserve. Jeanne was also an active member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. She was an intelligent, beautiful, and gracious woman of many diverse talents, but she will be most remembered for the example she set in living out her faith, and for her love, kindness, and generosity.
A memorial mass will be held at 12:00 p.m. on August 11, 2023 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Wickliffe, Ohio. Friends and family may gather beginning at 11:00 a.m. to visit with each other. A reception luncheon will follow at Pine Ridge Country Club in Wickliffe. Jeanne’s final resting place will be in her beloved Istria.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the St. Vincent De Paul Society of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church or to the Lymphoma Research Foundation.
Michael Freiberg
September 26, 1945 - August 2, 2023
Michael Freiberg passed away on August 2, 2023 after a brief illness. Loving father of Amie Mele (Jeff) and Joshua Freiberg; former husband of Donna Radatz; nephew, uncle, cousin, and friend of many. Michael was a proud Marine who served in the Vietnam war. He enjoyed building houses for a living, serving the city of Solon as an Auxiliary Police officer for over 20 years, working the community festivals, traffic detail, and he never missed working his favorite, the 4th of July fireworks!
No visitation.
Donations can be made to the MS Society.
Malissa Rose Ledenican
Malissa Rose (Johnson) Ledenican, age 39 of Wickliffe, passed away July 31st 2023 after a brief but hard-fought battle with ovarian cancer. She was born July 26th, 1984. She was the cherished mother of Aaron Bradshaw, Samantha Ledenican and Joshua Ledenican. Beloved daughter of Carol Johnston and the late Thomas Johnson; dear sister of Jennifer Johnston (Richard Semosky), Amie Day (Michael Falkenberg) and Mark Waites. Aunt to many nieces and nephews and a dear friend to many. Malissa was a lover of movies, music and food. Her favorite “holiday” was Halloween. She was happiest in nature and loved thunderstorms, sunsets and picnics. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Her presence and personality will be missed every day by those who knew her.
Connye LeJayne Strader-Braxton
Connye LeJayne Strader-Braxton, age 74, passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, July 30th, 2023. She was preceded in death by her parents, Vicki Mills Strader Brock and LeRoy Sherrill Strader; son, Christopher Shane Hines; grandparents, Effie and Charlie Hines, John Mills, and grandparents Virgie and Sherrill Strader.
Connye is survived by husband, Larry R. Braxton, Kirtland Ohio; sister, Jindy Jo Strader, Franklin TN; daughter Twyla Stephens (Charles) of Fletcher Oklahoma; daughter, Kristy Greene, Morristown, TN. She left behind many beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, aunts, and friends.
Connye received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and served in various positions throughout her career, including 30 years in Emergency Care (ER) at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. During her career, Connye was in supervisory capacity and was published on several occasions. She then obtained an associate in LNC-Legal Nurse Consultant, and worked with a noted law firm in Cleveland, Ohio. She will be remembered for the comfort, compassion and caring she willingly provided to patients throughout her career.
Connye was a woman of faith, and she attended the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Willoughby, Ohio.
Connye was a loving mother, sister, grandmother, kitty mom, and devoted friend. Her joy in life was found in her family and the simple things each day brought. She was deeply compassionate and selfless, always thinking of others first. Her gentle spirit will live on in our hearts, and the cherished memories we hold will forever remind us of her beautiful soul.
Click the link below to post your memories and thoughts of our dear loved one, Connye Strader-Braxton
David Edwin Koerner
June 5, 1958 - July 29, 2023
David E. Koerner, 65, of Painesville, Ohio passed away Saturday July 29, 2023. Dearly beloved husband of Terese “Tess” (née O’Flaherty), he was the loving father of sons Jake and Andy. He was the son of Mary Gail (née Hallerman) and the late Harold Koerner. He is survived by his brothers John and Mike, and his sister Lynne. He was preceded in death by his brother Tom. He is also survived by loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Dave was a graduate of the University of Dayton and the University of Dayton School of Law. He was a long-time resident of Lake County, and throughout his career had been employed by both the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office and the Lake County Public Defender’s Office. He also served as a Magistrate in the Willoughby and Painesville Municipal Courts and the Lake County Juvenile Court. He then worked in private practice in Northeastern Ohio. Dave was a dedicated fan of the Cleveland Browns and the University of Notre Dame, having attended Notre Dame as an undergrad.
A celebration of life ceremony will be held at a future time.
Marian "Mickey" Aldina Weier
Marian "Mickey" Aldina Weier passed July 27th 2023 at the age of 85. She died of natural heart failure. She had a stroke in February and never fully recovered.
She was born November 14th 1937 and was the only daughter of Irene and August Weier.The Beloved Mother of Michael,Mark,and Darrel Buccilli and Grandmother of Jeremy Buccilli.She is survived by many cousins as well.
Marian enjoyed dining out,movies and watching planes fly over at the air show with family and friends.She also enjoyed watching her son Mark play music with his band. She collected Angel figurines as a hobby and being a girls girl,she liked unicorns and butterflies as well. Marian was a kind,gentle and loving person who on occasion had opened her home to some with unfortunate circumstances. Marian was cheerful , silly and humorous most of the time.
Her extended family was large and she was loved by all who had known her and spent time with her.She will be missed dearly. The family will be having a private gathering in her rememberence.
Gary A. Scott
Gary A Scott age 63, passed away surrounded by his family on July 27, 2023. Beloved husband of Donna (nee Ruggiero). Cherished father of Gary Scott (wife Jenny). Devoted stepfather of Gary Carpenter (wife Michelle) and Laurie Carpenter. Loving grandfather of Krista and Michael Case, Nate Scott, Chloe Carpenter, Hannah Borbely, Caiden Carpenter, and Logan Scott. Loving brother of Kathy Downing (husband Richard). Dear Brother of William Krause (wife Rosemarie). Brother in-law of Beverly Schilero, Beth Ruggiero, and Brother-in-law of Dominic and Sam Ruggiero, Bob Shepherd, and Rick Ruggiero. Gary was an uncle and friend to many. Inurnment will be held with military honors 12:30PM at Mentor Cemetery on August 31, 2023. Please meet at the front gate at 12:15P.M.
Robert Nevulis
Robert Nevulis passed away on July 20, 2023. Robert was the beloved husband of Theresa Gastaldo Nevulis, Son of the late Bernice and Alex Nevulis, Devoted father of Denise Nevulis Cirelli (Bob), and Alex Nevulis (Shari). Loving Grandfather of Cassie Henderson (Dale), Gianna Cirelli, Mackenzie Nevulis and Brandon Nevulis. Cherished Great-Grandfather of Kailynn Henderson. Brother of Patricia Sauric (deceased). Uncle and friend to many.
Robert grew up in Collinwood, after he graduated he married his high school sweetheart Theresa. Bob later retired from the City of Cleveland Water Department. He spent his free time at the race track, casino, golfing with his friends, or spending quality time with his family. He was often caught sneaking treats to the grandkids and grand-animals. You could always find Bob on the phone with his friends, and he never missed a call with his kids each day. We will always cherish the laughter he brought to our family and friends.
A Church Service for Robert will be held at St. John Vianney Catholic Parish, 7575 Bellflower Rd Mentor, OH 44060 on Monday July 31st at 11:00A.M. A gathering will be held at the Church Hall following the service.”
Donald E. Markey
Donald E. Markey
Painesville Twp – Donald E. Markey, 67, died at home surrounded by loved ones after his brief battle with cancer, July 20, 2023. He was born June 1, 1956, in Painesville, Ohio. The son of Blaine Robert Markey and Juanita Markey (Rossiter). He was employed by Federal Hose for 17 years and Ohio Rubber for 25 years. He enjoyed being surrounded by family and friends in his backyard, seated in front of a fire. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his oldest daughter Dana Markey, and sister Donna Kay Swango. Survivors include daughter, Chelsea Markey (Chas Zamrzla), ex-spouse Susann Markey, sister Wanda Mallett, brother James Markey (Marlene), grandsons Aiden Guynn, Blake Germano, Collin Zamrzla and many nieces and nephews. He was the coolest guy ever. To all the nights we can’t remember with the coolest guy we will never forget.
Good Luck, God Bless, Hooty Hoot, Wooo!
Phillip A. Poe
Phillip Adam Poe, age 46, of Painesville, passed away peacefully surrounded by those who loved him, on July 17, 2023, in Cleveland. He was born September 7, 1976, in Painesville, Ohio.
Phil, as he was affectionately known, was a man of many passions. He had a deep love for music, often immersing himself in its melodies and rhythms. Phil also had a fondness for muscle cars, playing board games and cards, as well as watching old movies and TV shows. He had a special place in his heart for his cats and loved making others smile and laugh with his genuinely funny sense of humor. Additionally, Phil found joy in riding his bike, feeling the wind against his face as he explored the world around him.
Phil will be deeply missed by his mother, Judy, his sister, Nicoletta, his loving brother in law, Robert, and his nieces and nephews; William Jr, Jacie, Cory, Brandi, Dominick, and Stella. He also leaves behind the love of his life, Missy, and, Anthony, whom he considered his own son.
He was preceded in death by his father, James Franklin Sr, and his nephew, Nicholas James.
A service to celebrate Phil's life will be held Saturday, July 29, 2023 at 1:00P.M. at Victory Baptist Church in Mentor, 8911 Lakeshore Blvd, Mentor, OH 44060. Friends and family are invited to gather together to honor and remember the wonderful person that Phil was. In lieu of flowers, kindly think about making donations to his sister to assist with covering expenses.
Candida L. MacDonald
Candida L. MacDonald, age 66, of Mentor was called home to our Lord on July 14th, 2023. Candy was born August 22nd, 1956. She grew up in Wickliffe, the eldest sibling of the "Cantrell 7".
Candy worked for the Cleveland Clinic for 48 years. Her backup career would have been Nascar -- she could get you somewhere before you even knew you had to be there! She used those driving skills to transport rescue dogs all over the country -- she saved many animals and loved every one of them. Her entire neighborhood will miss seeing her walk her dogs every day - rain or shine.
Candy is survived by:
Candy's greatest love was for son, U.S. Army Captain Lee Sikon. He was her most prized accomplishment. Lee also made Candy a grandmother to her beloved Zoe and Ayden. Lee was also smart enough to marry the beautiful Ashlea, who would become the daughter Candy never knew she was missing in her life.
Husband, Ed MacDonald, of 26 years and her rescued little girl Lily of 9 months. Their love for donuts and coffee was fierce -- and they kinda liked each other a bit too.
Parents, Gary and Loretta Cantrell. Candy will also receive a heavenly welcome from her mother, Eloise Noss.
Siblings -- Monique Thompson, Gary (Dorothy) Cantrell, Kevin (Terri) Cantrell, Lance (Leanne) Cantrell, Charles (Nicole) Cantrell and Danielle (Tom) Seymour. We may not have you with us but you will always be in our hearts. Rest in peace big sister, you have given us all we need.
Candy was super important and influential to many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. She loved many and was loved by many more.
Memorial will be on Sunday 23 July 2023 at St Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, 8560 Mentor Ave, Mentor, OH, 44060. Services will start at 3:00 PM. We invite you to donate to the SPCA in Her honor, in place of sending flowers. https://northeastohiospca.org
Karl H. DeLong
May 28, 1951 - July 9, 2023
Karl “Monk” DeLong, 72, of Mentor peacefully went to be with the Lord Sunday, July 9th, 2023, at his residence. Born in McMinnville, Tennessee. Karl graduated from Mentor High School and was drafted into the army following graduation where he spent the next two years. After the Army Karl worked at Lordstown General Motors where he retired after 32 years of employment. He spent his retirement years owning a tractor store, hauling Amish. He then spent the next 14 years carrying on his brother’s legacy by running DeLong’s Topsoil and Mulch in Mentor, Ohio.
Karl is survived by his children Karla (Michael) Burnett, Shane (Tammy) DeLong, Jamie (Carla) DeLong, Shelly DeLong, Wendy (Herb) Wilfong, Bonnie (Dan) Laurenzi, Duane (Renee) Wilfong, John (Samantha) Wilfong. His siblings Harold “Dawson” (Marie) DeLong, Margaret (Buddy) Ellis, Kelly DeLong, Jannie Baxter, Rachel Gregory, and Janet (Paul) DeLong. As well as 24 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. Karl is proceeded in death by his parents James and Freda DeLong, brother Grady DeLong, sister Joanne DeLong and the love of his life Janet Earle-DeLong.
Karl loved going to the casino, playing poker, shooting pool, and going fishing. He could fix anything and was a jack of all trades. He was the wisest man we knew. Karl radiated happiness and love. He made everyone he came in contact with feel peace and joy. The most important thing to him was family, his children/grandchildren were his world as he was to them. Karl helped everyone he could and was the rock of our family. As he would say, “Life is good”. He will always be our hero.
There will be a celebration of life Friday, July 14th, at 4:00 p.m. at his residence for immediate family and friends.
Timothy Fillinger
October 1, 1955 - July 5, 2023
Timothy M. Fillinger entered into eternal life on July 5, 2023. Tim was born in Cleveland, Ohio the son of the late Thomas and Patricia (Stack) Fillinger. Tim was a 1973 graduate of Cathedral Latin High School, a veteran of the U.S. Army (1973 - 1976) and co-founder and former Commissioner of the Greater Cleveland Baseball League, a hardball league for men over 30. Tim is survived by his wife Sue (Balog), and son Michael along with sisters Beth (Larry) Dippo, Carol (Bill) Hrabak and Tina (Brian) Szenasi and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or Hospice of the Western Reserve.
A memorial/celebration of life dinner will be held at a later date.
Sandra M Habat
March 13, 1972 - July 7, 2023
Sandra “Sandi” Marie Habat (Samas), age 51, of Cleveland, Ohio fell asleep in death in the early hours of July 7, 2023. She was born in Euclid, Ohio on March 13, 1972 to Mark and Christine Samas as the oldest of three children. Sandi was a kind, loving, and charismatic mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and niece with a truly infectious laugh. She made fast friends with everyone she met and loved to open her heart and her home to all. She enjoyed cooking and entertaining and was especially talented with a paint brush. She spent many years caring for others. Above all, Sandi believed in the Bible’s promise at John 5:28, 29 of a resurrection to life on earth. Her family shares in that hope. Sandi is survived by her sons Victor (Megan) and Craig, grandson Nash, parents Mark and Chris, brothers Joshua and Michael, nieces and nephews Mitchell, Gianna, Mykayla, Michael, and Mark, and several aunts and uncles who will all cherish their wonderful memories of Sandi.
The family will receive condolences on Sunday, July 16, 2023 from 2-5pm at the Willoughby Hills Community Center at 35400 Chardon Road, Willoughby Hills, OH 44094.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made tohttps://donate.jw.org.
Sandra Kathryn Nadenbush
Sandra “Sandy” Kathryn Nadenbush age 75, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2023. Cherished mother of Trudy (George) Hutzler, and Angela (Scott) Dauenhauer. Loving grandmother of Geoanna Hutzler, Andrea Bowman (Derrik) and George “Anthony” Hutzler, Jackson and Jacob Dauenhauer. Great-grandmother of William Bowman. Sandra “Sandy”leaves behind her longtime friend Robert Sheard who helped take care of her for many years. She enjoyed reading, dancing, gardening, and she enjoyed her “Patsy Cline music.” Her sense of humor was one of a kind, and she will be missed by all. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on July 14, 2023 at Willo-Hill BaptistChurch, 4200 OH-306 Willoughby, OH 44094 where the family receive friends and family from 10:00A.M.-11:00A.M. The Memorial Service will begin at 11:00A.M.
JAMES A. SANGUEDOLCE
April 30,1943 - June 27, 2023
James A. Sanguedolce of mentor, passed away peacefully in his wife JoAnn's arms on June 27, 2023 at Embassy of Lyndhurst. James was the beloved husband of JoAnn (nee Levkulich) and the late, Joan (nee Herold); loving father of Ken, Tim (Kathy), Diana, Jimmy (Katie) and late Anthony (Desiree) Sanguedolce; brother to late Sandra Vaccariello; grandfather to Kyle, Judy, Sully, and Jack. He also leaves behind his dog (angel); Rocky.
James was born in Cleveland Ohio on April 30th 1943 to the late Adeline (nee Viztes) and the late James Sanguedolce. He was a graduate of Mayfield High School. He first moved to Chardon, and later resided in Mentor. He was an avid salesman for many years, and retired manager of West Marine. He enjoyed his muscle car and cruising, and loved promoting his waterless car cleaning products! He was known as "Waterless Jim" to many. He also had a love for music, and was a drummer in several different bands over the years; performing for 25 consecutive New Year's Eve parties. Jim had many other interests in life ; billiards, golfing, fishing, boating, camping, and especially traveling.
He had the gift to gab and loved socializing. The smiles he brought to others with his magnetic personality and sense of humor will greatly be missed by many.
Per Jim's request cremation will take place by Blessing Cremation Center and there will be no visitation or services held.
A celebration of life to be held at a future date. Check back for updates on blessingcremation.com and Facebook
Joseph Franklin Griffith
December 13, 1965 - June 19, 2023
Joseph (Joe) Franklin Griffith, 57, of Mentor, Ohio passed away at his home on Monday, June 19th after a long battle with cancer. He was born December 13th, 1965 in Mansfield, Ohio to Letha Mae and Harvey Andrew Griffith. He and his wife, Susan, were married on August 6th, 2010. Despite being confined due to illness, his dry wit and humor always elevated those around him. Joe greeted visitors who asked how he was feeling with “Oh, you know, never better,” his signature smirk, and a knowing chuckle. He enjoyed spending time with close family, watching 80’s movies, being up-to-date on the newest gadgets, and listening to classic rock and country music, usually just a bit too loudly.
Joe is survived by his wife, Susan Griffith, mother Letha Griffith, siblings Dyan (David-deceased) Smith, Cheryl Lynn (Aaron) Cooper, David Griffith, daughter Andrea Trammell, stepchildren Katie (David) Pate, Cody Goodman (Myah Al-Alami), grandchildren Tayvien Griffith, Landon Crank, Kashmirr Huffman, Damian Reindl, and many nieces and nephews. Joe is preceded in death by his father Harvey Andrew Griffith and his beloved daughter Alyssa Mae Griffith.
A small service with friends and family will be held for Joe at 2 pm on Saturday, July 1st at Old South Church, 9802 Chillicothe Rd, Kirtland, OH 44094.
Donald Pecek
Donald Pecek age 76 of Concord Ohio passed away peacefully at Chardon Healthcare on June 24, 2023. He was born to the late Paul and Nettie Pecek (nee Pecon), and grew up in Euclid, Ohio . He worked as a Meat Cutter until his retirement from Dave’s Supermarket in early 2000.
He is survived by his wife Leslie (nee Opoka) of 30 years. Beloved father of Matthew Miller and Carlie Copley (Josh). Loving Papa to KJ, Austin and Lucas.
Don was a die-hard Browns Fan and a Season ticket holder for many years. He was very proud of his Slovenian heritage and enjoyed playing his button box, and we can’t forget the silly jokes he would text to people. He also enjoyed his yearly gambling trips that he would go on.
The family would like to send out a special thank you to Miracle City Hospice. They are truly Angels on Earth. Corrine, Nicole, Caitlyn, Lindsey, Bridget, Laura, Eric and the On call team. A special shout out to Tara his RNCM, who would bring him his Strawberry Frosties, he always looked forward to your visits.
Family suggests contributions be made to Miracle City Hospice 9150 S. Hills Blvd, #100 Broadview Heights, Ohio 44147
Celebration of life to be set for a later date.
Eloise Hickman Balish
Eloise (Lou) H. Balish, age 92, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2023 at Maplewood of Chardon. Cherished mother of Susan (David) Hach and JaneAnn Yanosko. Grandmother to Caitlyn Jay and Nicholas Yanosko. Preceded in death by her loving husband Frank R. “(Frbie)” Balish, parents Anna (Willis), and McKinley Hickman, sisters Margaret Watts, and Freda Jane Weldon, and brothers Harold, Kenneth, and Donald.
According to her wishes, Eloise will be cremated at Blessing Cremation Center in Mentor, OH. In Memory of Eloise, Donations may be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clair Ave, Cleveland, OH 44110.
Kenneth and Lucy Longo
Kenneth Longo passed away on December 28, 2022, due to complications of a surgery. Lucy Long passed away on December 14, 2019, due to Cancer. Their wishes were to be cremated and buried together.
Ken and Lucy leave behind daughters, Joanna Orgovan and Jeanne Bowser; grandchildren Joshua and Brodie Longo; great-grandchildren Joshua Jr. and Thomas Longo. Lucy’s great passion was watching her family grow. She was also a computer wiz. Kenneth was one with nature, always working on his land. He enjoyed umpiring and every precious moment he spent with his grandchild and great-grandchildren. They have left a legacy that touched many lives through their kindness, love, and experiences throughout life. They were devout Christians and members of the Mentor Church of Christ.
In their final words, they were ready to see our Lord Jesus Christ. May the two of you rest in peace. Your legacy lives on through your family, those you have inspired, and those who knew you.
In honor of what would have been their 50th. Wedding Anniversary, family, friends, and colleagues are welcome to attend a celebration of life for Kenneth and Lucy on June 28, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. at the Mentor Church of Christ 7201 Burridge Ave, Mentor, OH 44060. Followed by burial at Chardon Cemetery.
If you would like to RSVP please contact Joshua Longo for further details 928-502-0779.