Leroy James Wurm

Leroy James Wurm

We mourn the unexpected loss of our beloved Leroy, who passed Friday, January 5, 2024.

Those who mourn but celebrate his life are his wife, Donna; daughter Rae Ann (James) Szakmeister; grandson, Samuel (Kristen) Szakmeister; sister, Leona (Wurm) Wadsworth; brother-in-law, Ronald N. Shaffer; and many nieces and nephews whom Leroy loved very much: Crystal Booth and family, Craig and Cindy Shaffer and their sons; Cheri Shaffer and Jim Aldecoa, Connie Shaffer and Cindy Lichi.

Leroy was born in Nanty-Glo, PA March 4, 1938 to parents Irma Funyak and Kenneth Leroy Wurm. When Leroy was 5 years old, his mother died in childbirth and her and his sister Leona lived with their grandparents in Nanty-Glo. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School, where he found faith in God. He had fond memories and tales of Nanty-Glo – playing in the woods, fishing, and going to school with his buddies,

In 1952 he moved to Akron with his father and attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and East High School.

In February 1957 Leroy met his wife, Donna Rae Eggleston, at the Sugar N’ Spice, a small restaurant on E. Market St. where he taught her how to play the pinball machines. He said he loved her at first sight and that was when his life really began. They were married at St. Matthew’s Church in Ellet on August 24, 1957.

Some of Leroy’s many jobs were as a paperboy, driving an ice cream truck, as a baker’s helper, and setting bowling pins. He was a jitney driver at Jaite Paper Mill in what is now the Cuyahoga Valley in early 1956. A car accident in November confined him to the hospital until January 1957. He was fortunate to find his life’s employment at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in 1957. During many layoffs and strikes, he Remple Toy, making rocking horses. He was not too proud to gather newspapers or pick potatoes and strawberries to provide for his family. He had 6 years of perfect attendance at Goodyear working many jobs, including the pickle tank. He retired in 2000.

But he knew how to have fun too! He played in golf leagues and made many golf trips to Florida and Georgia with his Goodyear friends. He also enjoyed hunting and bowling. However, those who knew him would say his greatest passion was Thoroughbred racing and casino’s.

Leroy’s greatest attribute was fidelity to his wife, family, and work. Leroy was our rock.  

May God bless you for a life well lived.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, January 12, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Visitation of Mary, 55 Broad St., Akron, OH 44305. Calling hours will be at church for one hour prior to the service, from 10 – 11 a.m., with burial at East Akron Cemetery.

Please share your thoughts and condolences by visiting his Tribute Wall above.

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