#GoneButNotForgotten: Stark County lives memorialized in Tweets

Throughout 2022, Canton Repository Staff Writer Tim Botos tweeted details from obituaries of people in our community.

Using the Twitter platform, which allows for about 50 words, he shared qualities and exploits of your friends, family and neighbors who died last year. Sometimes, a person's exact residence wasn't mentioned in the obituary. On occasion, it may not have been included because of the 280-character Twitter ceiling. Here are a sample of some of those tweets.

To read all of them, follow Botos on Twitter @tbotosREP.

They said it

Frank V. Magisano, 1939-2022. "My name was Frank Victor Magisano and, as of September 23, 2022, I am no more ... I hope to be remembered as a giver and not a taker. As a man of my word and someone that could be counted on. I departed with no bitterness and wishing no one ill."

Ron Davis, 78, Massillon. A 1962 Washington High graduate, he'd turned down football scholarships (and) "... when old friends would want to relive the old football glory days and his #44, he said his life was not defined by the actions of a 17 year old boy."

Compliments to the chef

Zelma Jean Mayle, 85. "She was known for her cooking and making the best chicken and dumplings ... "

Roberta Lang, 84, Louisville. "Roberta made loaves of bread weekly and was known for her grape sunshine and strawberry jam."

Phyllis Mae (White) Tuscan. "According to her loving family she made 'the best red velvet cake in the world,' a recipe she inherited and improved on from her mother."

Larry Joe Zerbe, 79. "He loved to cook and loved to eat. He was known for his homemade red sauce for pasta, his chili and his chicken wing sauce."

Enduring Legacies: One unforgettable season with Jackson youth baseball team

Enduring Legacies: Martha Cook was consummate educator for most of her 96 years on earth

Marilyn (Weisel) Garrott, 89. "She was known for her famous zucchini bread and cranberry jello salad."

Nancy Jean Luyster (DePasquale), 89. "She loved nothing more than a kitchen full of family for a Rigatoni dinner."

Ruth Jane Wenger (Rafeld), 95, of Louisville. "Ruth was most famous for her apple fritters, candy cupboard and outdoor hobo parties."

Ina Claire Blatt, 78, North Canton. "The grandchildren loved to come to her house for Grandma Bread and her homemade spaghetti sauce."

Barbara Kay Noland, 78. "Her Spanish Rice recipe that was passed down from her mom will be enjoyed by her granddaughters and their families for many years to come."

Martha A. Casey, 86, formerly of North Canton. "In North Carolina, she became known for her fabulous potato salad and displayed her kindness by always making extra to share with friends."

Fran Aebi, 101. "Her homemade pasta was legendary."

Anthony “Tony” Ranalli, 92, of Canton. "He loved to cook Italian food, most notably his white pasta fagioli."

Marie Antoinette (Rinaldi) Ballinger, 81. "Marie was well known for her pumpkin, banana, and zucchini breads; and her homemade jams and candy."

Mary C. Schodorf, 88, of Navarre. "You have not lived a full culinary experience if you never sampled Mary’s BBQ Spareribs, Baked Pork Chops, Fried Rice, Chili, homemade Vegetable Soup, and Macaroni Salad (Mary’s Mac)."

Mary J. (Morello) Dunnerstick, 95. "True to her Italian roots, she loved making her signature spaghetti sauce. She enjoyed providing for others and thus almost always made it for a member of the family, rarely for herself."

Mary Lou Blazer, 89, of Canton. "An excellent cook, she specialized in heartwarming soups, cool Jello salads and the best scalloped potatoes in the world ... If there is a PhD in Jello, Mary Lou would teach the course. She was the Queen of Jello!"

Eternal love affairs

"Marilyn Louise Johnston age 90, quietly left this world on August 4th, 2022, to join her husband of 70 years – Frank who has been waiting for her for since June 4th."

Jean and Danny Fletcher, Canton, died in June 2022, along with their dog Joey. They'd left the West Coast to retire in Ohio. "Shortly after they arrived in Ohio they were both diagnosed with stage four terminal cancer .. they went home together as a family."

James “Jim” Tressel, 82, survived by his wife, Nancy. "Their love for each other was nothing short of legendary. Even in his final days, as his health was failing, they could be seen 'smooching' and holding hands like teenagers."

"Eldon M. Unklesbay, 79, of Canton passed away Tuesday, June 6, 2022 after an extended illness and a broken heart, after the passing of his wife just six months ago."

Doris Ann Brown, age 92, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2022 with her husband of 70 years by her side."

John M. Tsangeos, 97. "John met the love of his life, Anne Liolios, at Canton, Ohio, where he proposed marriage on the top of the Meyers Lake Ferris wheel, so he could 'jump off if she said no.' Married in 1948, John and Anne were inseparable ... "

Terry L. Easterling, 62. "His dog Jax misses their nightly golf cart rides. Jax and Terry were inseparable."

Vasiliki (Vasilo) Sklavenitis, 93, was widowed shortly after coming to the U.S. from Greece in 1969. "She never dated, she never remarried, instead she dedicated her life to her faith and her family ... She was the matriarch of our family, our queen."

Style and grace

Minnie Lee (Cone) Jones, 79. "She was beautiful and full of grace. She could always be found with diamonds in her ears and gold on her fingers."

Nathan L. Laster, 82, of Massillon. "Nathan was a dedicated family man, who could also be described as the 'best dressed big man,' always outdoing everyone in attire at special events."

Wendell Eugene Lewis "AKA Vikasha," 74, Canton. "He was very smooth with his dress attire, and the way he spoke always ending his sentences with 'Cool man cool.'"

Links, lanes and fields of glory

Jack Hudson, 93, played softball until age 91 and managed. "... Jack has won the State of Ohio Championship and more than 50 Senior Softball National and World Championships ... inducted in 5 local and National and International Softball Hall of Fames."

Donna Mae Dray Wasem, 92, Massillon native. "Donna is remembered for many things including her giftedness as a ... golfer (5 holes-in-one after being declared legally blind) ... "

Manuel B. Martinez, 91, of North Canton, former owner of Baker's Cafe. "An avid golfer, Manuel attended the Masters Tournament as a guest of professional golfer, Seve Ballesteros, for 19 consecutive years."

Barbara Susan Sumser, 81, of Louisville. "She very much enjoyed playing tennis and golf and had an amazing four hole in ones."

Robert Fabian, 82, of Canton. "For many years he bowled in the house tournaments at College Bowl on Friday nights, winning many. He had eight 300’s in his bowling career."

Donald "Max" Maksim, 82, of North Canton. "He golfed in Esber's Golf League where he scored a hole-in-one."

Palmer "Pete" Tirabassi, 89, a Magnolia native. A three-sport athlete at Waynesburg High, "he pitched four no-hit games for the Mohawks," then "While in the Army he played under legendary coach, Billy Martin."

Donna J. Smith (Hobaugh), 85, of Canton. "Donna enjoyed bowling and golfing with her friends. She even boasted a Hole in 1 at Shady Hollow Country Club in 1995."

Ernest “Ernie” P. Ianni, 90 of Canton. "He loved playing golf, having 11 holes in one."

John Rainieri Jr., 61, of Green, helped his father build and operate area golf courses Suffield Springs, Paradise Lake, Raintree, and Prestwick. "He was hooked on bowling and golf. His passions also led him to a perfect 300 game and a hole-in-one."

Richard F. “Rich” Oberster, 84, of Canton. "When he was younger, he loved to bowl. He once bowled a score of 299."

Kenneth E. Mohr, 79, Canton native. "He was an avid golfer, card player, and bowler, having once bowled a 288 and a 716 series."

Leaving on their terms

"Eric 'Ric' Reilly, 64, of Massillon, was welcomed to heaven by God on December 21, 2022. He died suddenly, doing the work he excelled at and loved — painting."

"Carol Jean Sharritts, 86, of Canal Fulton, was welcomed by Jesus to her Heavenly home on October 13, 2022, surrounded by loved ones singing Holy, Holy, Holy as she took her final breaths."

"Irene Elizabeth (Thewes) Starr (91) of Louisville passed away peacefully, on August 27th 2022, after a beautiful day of spending time with her family."

Richard Nicholas Esber Jr., 59. "Rich entered the Lord’s presence unexpectedly doing what he loved, barefoot water skiing, on August 13, 2022."

Eugene T. “Gene” Sams, 75, of Waynesburg, "passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 26, 2022 in Tinton Falls Borough, NJ doing what he loved driving truck. Gene will forever be on the road again."

Rhea Cook Oberlin Hollar, 96, formerly Massillon. Her greatest joy was being with family. "Her packed dining room, filled with laughter, was heaven to her. In her final days, with all her children present, Rhea said many times, 'I feel like Lou Gehrig.'"

Wanda Kaye Koon, 72, of North Canton. "She passed peacefully listening to the birds and smiling."

"Mary Mills Busey, a former resident of North Canton for 24 years, took her final curtain call on January 19, 2022, after 90 years of a solid performance in the roles of wife, mother, grandmother, realtor, artist, friend and entertainer."

"Denise Marie Walsh Brown, 72, of Canton, passed away the morning of January 13 and did so the same way as she lived: in dynamic fashion and surrounded by loved ones."

"Norbert E. “Norb” Fenstemaker, age 90, of North Canton, passed away peacefully in his home, eating ice cream on November 29, 2022."

Peggy Zink, 86. "A private service will be held at a later date at St. Jacob’s Church in Massillon as well as on the beaches of Naples, Florida where her ashes will become one with the Gulf of Mexico ...  'See you later Alligator …"

Gary "Party" Dragon. "You are invited to witness 'Party's' last ride as he departs this life, and rides into the realm of the unknown. Tales will be told of his exploits and memories will be shared."

Insert nickname here ...

Mary Elizabeth (Linn) Briner, 96, of Massillon. "She helped wash dishes after so many functions at Springhill Historic Home that a sink was nicknamed for her, 'Mary’s sink.'"

Franklin Albert Johnston, 92. "A kind and gentle spirit led Frank to always be helpful to anyone in need and his three girls knew him as 'Mr. Fixit.'"

Margaret Ann Queen, 90, of Hartville. "The self-proclaimed 'Mountain Mama' also ruled the kitchen at Crooked Stump Farm in Terra Alta, West Virginia, the family's rural retreat for 30 years."

Cynthia "Cindy" Derwacter, 67, of Canton, had camped for 61 years at Atwood Lake. "Many will remember Cindy as the 'Jell-O Shot Lady.'"

Nancy Jane Pelger, 77, of Jackson Township. "People called her the 'Jelly Lady'," because of her love for making homemade jelly.

Albert Allison Grunder, 89, of Minerva. "He lived for his family and never missed a child or any grandchild’s sporting event. No matter your name, you were Joe or Joey to him."

Dolores Watts, 87, of Canal Fulton. "She was known for giving great hugs to all and was affectionately known as the 'Ohio Hugger.'"

Virginia I. (Sweitzer) Himebaugh, 90. "Virginia was known as 'The Golf Ball Lady' because she loved to hunt for golf balls on the golf course."

Michael 'Gospel Gus' Murphy, 69, "a husband, father, grandfather, uncle, Veteran, Pastor, firefighter, paramedic, security guard, mill worker, pizza delivery guy, singer/songwriter/musician, artist, storyteller, wood-carver, brother, and a good friend."

Mark S. Sanford, 65, of North Canton. "A Ham radio operator for many years, KF8KY has gone silent."

William L. Kamerer, 93, of Uniontown. "A truly gifted trumpet player, his performance of the Flight of the Bumblebee rivaled that of Harry James, and earned him the nickname 'hot lips' by friends and family."

Nicola Lucilio Sr., 89, of North Canton. "Nick tended to a massive vegetable garden each year that included 1,000 heads of garlic ... Some referred to him as 'the garlic man' and he loved to share all of his vegetables with neighbors and friends."

A few nods to Bill W. and Dr. Bob

Jean "Sunny" Fletcher, 75, of Canton. "She was very proud of her sobriety and AA played a big part in all of our lives. If you knew Sunny, you have probably been to an AA or Al Anon meeting!"

Michelle A. Matthews, 71, of Jackson Township. "Michelle was a long-time friend of Bill W. and Dr. Bob and helped many women through their journey."

Rozanne Hindman, 78, of Canal Fulton. "Rozanne was a member of Alcoholics Anonymous with 46 years of continuous sobriety. She helped many, many, people along the way and will be greatly missed."

Steven Lee Bennett, 60, of Dover. "Steve was well known within the AA community, helping countless others toward a life of sobriety, and made friendships that he cherished."

Those things that dads do

Jeffrey Alan Dine, 54. "Jeff’s humor was legendary. The boys opened their plastic Easter Eggs after the hunt to find things like an alcohol swab, a Pizza Hut crushed pepper packet, baby fingernail clippers, or a single cheese puff."

James Darden, III, 79. "He was from a generation that provided for his family by working hard, including 12-hour days, 7 days a week for 5 years straight."

Stanley Josefczyk, Jr., 69, of Navarre. "The family’s Santa Claus; the champion cook and baker who always made enough to share; the all-round mechanic and repair guy — who built an eclectic collection of odds and ends that just might come in handy someday."

Roger Cosgrave, 70, of Waynesburg. His daughter Laurie described him as a good man, friend, mentor, and greatest dad. "He was so much to so many, but he was my hero, my superman. I miss him so much already, but I know I will always be Daddy’s little girl."

"Kevin James Stokes Sr. (Poe Bill), 65, was called home on April 29, 2022 to the late James T. (Ruth) Stokes for the fishing trip of a lifetime."

Michael J. Khourey, 69, of Canton, "was a fixture in the neighborhood as the official all-time quarterback and pitcher and snow-fort architect for his son and the other neighborhood kids."

Charles A. “Chuck” Bushong, 52, of Massillon. "He had the best dad jokes and took the Wi-Fi password to heaven with him."

T-I-G ... E-R-S!

Betty L. Schumacher, 91, Massillon Tiger football fan. "She and her husband LeRoy were lifelong season ticket holders for over 65 years. They were avid attendees, never missing a game and Betty even attended the first game of this past football season."

Howard E. Parker, 73, of Massillon, loved Massillon Tiger football. "Howard attended over 600 Varsity games and was a fixture at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium  .. and acquired many friendships through his devotion to Tiger football. Massillon Always, TIG!"

We love you, no matter what

Richard Marchand, 86, of North Canton. "He was an avid mushroom hunter, a master Euchre card cheater, a Miller Lite connoisseur (aka "2 Beer Marchand"), a SNES mastermind, a meticulous lawn keeper, a gourmet chef, and a rose garden extraordinaire."

Elizabeth "Betty" A. (Lamb) George, 90. "She enjoyed making Angels, cheating on crossword puzzles, feeding the cats that came to her home and time spent with family and friends."

Daniel “Dano” Webster Norris II, 61, "was a loving, stubborn, and sarcastic man who loved to banter. His bantering led to many wonderful memories being made, and was his own way of showing his love to those he cared for."

Leroy H. Coblentz, 84, formerly of Hartville. "He was well known for bursting out in song that nobody could ever guess the words to, random jokes never heard before and 'that Laugh.'”

Margaret A. Lattavo, 71, of East Canton, "... a strong promoter of good dental hygiene, and every child and grandchild could expect gifts of toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss at Christmas time."

Unique tales and exploits

Arthur E. Conn, 81, of Kimbolton. "Arthur was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. He was also an adventure seeker, accumulating over 4,000 skydiving jumps with Canton Air Sports."

Nick Eustathios. "Canton's tiniest healthy baby weighed just 31 ounces when he was born on March 30, 1932." After emergency measures, "he reportedly 'responded perfectly in his capacity to absorb nourishment,' a trait his wife says he never outgrew."

Robert Lanzi, 93. "At the age of 93, he completed a 5K in downtown Canton and crossed the finish line holding hands with his three-year-old great-grandson."

Mark H. Malavite, 68, of East Sparta, was employed by Malavite Excavating for 50 years. "He was known as being the best bulldozer operator east of the Mississippi."

Margaret Ellen Hutchens Hahn, 94, of Alliance. "If you grew up in Alliance in the 1960s-1970s and learned to swim, it’s likely Peggy was your instructor! The little lady with the big whistle taught over 1,000 Alliance-area residents over 20 years."

Rodney A. DeVore, 55, of Paris Township. "He loved fishing, hunting and loving every day. He even once killed a deer with his bare hands."

Betty Lou Foringer, 90, of Canton. "Traveling the country autonomously, Betty confidently pulled her fifth wheel camper to meet friends old and new, even finding a second chance at love."

Gary Gerber, 74, of Canton. "Alongside the many great things he was known for, he will be remembered as he who had many tools. Knowing Gary, he probably lent you a tool a time or two."

Robert Mack Warehime, 87, of Beach City. "Bob graduated from the former Beach City High School and had perfect attendance all twelve years of school."

Kenneth (Pastor Ken) Earl Ferguson, 75. "While he had many loves, family, friends, nature, travel, his love for God and His Word reigned supreme. His 5 chapter a day reading program allowed him to read the Bible through every 8 months ... "

Anthony Vitale of Canton. Grew up during Depression, "on Henry Avenue, a bustling neighborhood of Italians, Slovaks, Polish, Spanish, and other ethnic groups. Back then, people lived, walked, worked, shopped and played in the neighborhood."

Mr. Organized

William B. McKinley, 76, of Canton. "From the Christmas Santa collection to vacations and grocery lists you could expect Bill to have a spreadsheet for everything. He was incredibly organized and also very passionate about living life to the fullest."

Lloyd Robert Bagley Jr. (Coach Wimp), 87. Longtime coach at Canton St. Peter's; Aquinas sports activist. "He was well known for his pre-game motivational speeches, organized locker room and providing mentoring to youth throughout Stark County."

The little things mean a lot

Betty D. Hancock, 80, of Canton, known for the power of her smile, to "... grace us all with joy of life and hope along our way. We all can learn a lesson here, to get up when we fall; to pick ourselves up off the floor and work to heal it all."

Carol Jo (Hixson) Gravius, 84. "Nana loved her family more than anything. She was known for her long goodbyes; walking you out and waving until long after you'd turned the corner."

Frank Joseph Weinstock, 89. "His family will remember him most for his giant hugs and his repeated reminders that, 'Family is what’s most important.'"

Robert A. Moser Jr., 69, of Minerva. "He was a friend to the friendless, was kind hearted and always ready to help others down on their luck."

Michael Shumard, 58. "In lieu of flowers ... In honor of Michael, please take a moment to be thoughtful toward someone with a developmental disability. We'll appreciate it greatly."

Elvera Jane Cindea, 91, of Canton. "A prolific card sender, she never skipped a holiday or life event, and once you were on her list your birthday was never forgotten."

Kathryn F. Thomas, 92, of North Canton. "Kathryn would go shopping 364 days a year for Christmas because she enjoyed making Christmas very special for the family."

Carl A. Martin, 84, of Canton. "Everyone knew Carl loved his corner at 12th and Arlington SW where he provided a bench with a cover from rain for kids waiting for the school bus and giving away vegetables from his garden."

Cynthia (Malavite) Solenthaler, 71. "Cynthia had a remedy for everything. There wasn’t a problem she couldn’t solve with a prayer, a hug, or more likely, a little Dawn dish soap and vinegar."

Nancy Jane Toney, 95. "One of her favorite holidays of the year, was Memorial Day when she would rise at the crack of dawn, remembering with gratitude, our fallen soldiers by spending the day placing flags on the graves of Stark County veterans."

Mary Anne Meola, 64. "There were things Mary couldn’t do. She could not talk, she could not feed herself, she could not care for herself ... those who cared for her day after day showed us the true meaning of love and dedication."

Richard James Rigaux, 75, formerly of Massillon. "A hard worker with a love for life, he appreciated his world and encouraged others to do the same by often exclaiming, 'Look at that sky!'”

Military service and sacrifice

William “Bill” Emmet Adley, 92, Army veteran of Korean War. "Bill received the following service awards; Purple Heart, Combat Badge, Defense of Country, Marksman Badge, Expert Rifle, and Korean Veterans Medals."

Patrick V. Kelly, 94. "He graduated from McKinley High School in 1946 and later served with the 3rd Infantry Division as a Sergeant First Class in the Korean Conflict, receiving a Purple Heart with Oak leaf cluster."

Gerald B. Michel, 89, Canton. "He served in the U.S. Army, during the Korean Conflict and was a Purple Heart recipient."

Norbert Burleson, 73, New Philadelphia. Army veteran of Vietnam. His two Purple Hearts are only a small piece of what he endured there and after.

James "Jim" Corbett, 76, of Louisville. "Jim was in the Army and fought in Vietnam from 1968-1969, earning a Bronze Star, Air Medal and a Purple Heart."

Ronald Richard DuVal, 89, of Canton. "Ronald was a veteran of the US Marine Corps during the Korean War receiving the Purple Heart."

Harry Ernest Blasiman, 92, of Louisville. "Harry proudly served in the US Army, 2nd Infantry Unit, in the Korean War. He was a Purple Heart recipient."

James Simmons, 98, "proudly served in The United States Army receiving the 'PURPLE HEART METAL.' He enjoyed spending countless hours sharing stories of his time in World War ll."

George C. Buch Jr., 77, formerly of Malvern, U.S. Army veteran. "From 1966-1967 George was in (Cu Chi), Vietnam serving part of the time as a tunnel rat. He was a Purple Heart recipient."

William T. Allan, 98, of East Canton. "Bill was a U.S. Army World War II Veteran where he was a machine gunner in the Northern France-Rhineland Battle, and he was awarded with a Purple Heart and 3 bronze stars."

Allan L. Carpenter, 73, of Jackson Township, U.S. Marines, "passed away on Tuesday, August 2, 2022 following complications of being exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam."

Dean L. Meier, 99, a B-17 bomber pilot in WWII. "He flew 52 missions and 35 sorties. Dean once landed his 'Flying Fortress' with only the skin left on one wing hanging from the frame. He counted 72 bullet holes upon inspecting of his aircraft."

Samuel Donald Gordon, 97, formerly of Canton. "During World War II he served in Patton’s Third Army in Europe and helped to liberate Buchenwald concentration camp."

M. Charles Innis, 90, founded Innis Maggiore Group. "Having enlisted in the military at age 19, he was one of an elite few chosen to become the bodyguard of the Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers, General Dwight D. Eisenhower, in France, post WWII."

Reach Tim at 330-580-8333 or tim.botos@cantonrep.com On Twitter: @tbotosREP

This article originally appeared on The Repository: In Tweets, Recalling Stark County residents who died