All Obituaries

Carl G. Ritchey, Jr. died at home after a sudden illness November 29, 2020 at the age of 87. Carl was born December 3, 1932 in Akron, Ohio to Carl Ritchey, Sr. and Berdella (Myers) Ritchey. He married Shirley (McCrady) Ritchey on March 24, 1980 in Las Vegas, Nevada and they celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary this year. Carl graduated from Garfield High School in 1952 and served in the United States Navy during the Korean War on the USS Tappahannock as a Fireman. He worked in...

Gizella Varga, 86, passed away November 25, 2020. She was born in Opalyi, Hungary to the late Istvan and Ilona (Bartha) Balogh and lived in refugee camps in Italy, Austria and Australia before moving to the United States in 1967. She was a member of Christ Reformed Church of Copley and previously worked at Lahurd’s restaurant. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Kristina Gale; brother, Gyula and sister, Irene. She is survived by her husband of 65...

Francis A. “Frank” Szarnicki, 78, passed away November 19, 2020. He was born in Natrona, PA to the late Francis and Xavier Szarnicki and moved to Akron after graduating high school. Frank was a 5-year member of the famed Washington Generals, traveling the world to entertain fans with the Harlem Globetrotters. He retired from the County of Summit, working multiple positions including the juvenile court as a bailiff and in the Weights and Measures department, and was a loving...

Roy E. Lipscomb, 85, passed away November 21, 2020. He was born in Aurora, WV to the late Junior and Lola (Sigley) Lipscomb, retired from Yellow Freight and was a volunteer driver for Chapparells. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandchildren, Jason, Andrew and Jennifer, and daughter-in-law, Mary Jo. He is survived by Kathryn; children, Roy Jr., Mark (Dawn), Mary (Robert) Ringeis and Sheila; 8 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sister, Shirley Sanders; and a...

Doris I. Nichols, 78, went home to be with the Lord Friday, November 13, 2020.  Born December 3, 1941 in Pisgah, AL, she moved to Ohio at a young age, where she met her husband Richard and resided the rest of her life. Anyone who knew her, knew of her love, compassion, and willingness to help others, even when fighting her own battles. Even in her hardest days, she remained positive and put others needs above her own. One of her favorite things were playing with her "punkin"...

Elsie Faye Brunton, 93, went home to be with the Lord Monday, November 2, 2020. Elsie earned a Double Masters in Nursing and Education from the University of Akron, and was an active nurse for 37 years.  She worked 10 years at Akron Children’s Hospital Medical Center and taught Maternity Nursing at the St. Thomas Hospital School of Nursing for 25 years, retiring in 1992.  Following her retirement, she worked part-time for Visiting Nurse Service in the Maternal Child...

Ralph J. Keener, 79, entered into the Kingdom of Heaven Friday morning, October 30, 2020. Ralph was born August 10, 1941 in Akron, OH and was a proud Army veteran, serving a tour in Vietnam. He retired from Metro Regional Transit Authority with 30 years of service and was a long-time member of Southeast Church of the Nazarene, serving as a board member, usher and greeter. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph A. and Gladys Keener and Anna S. and Ernie G. Demeter; brother-in-law,...

George T. Smith, 74, passed away October 27, 2020. He was born in McKeesport, PA to the late Thomas G. and Harriet Smith, was a proud Navy veteran and retired from Schwebel’s Bakery in 2010. George was a Commander and 52-year member of the American Legion and won many awards for his volunteer work for veterans, including the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Presidential Award and the Certificate of Appreciation for his work at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. He was active...

William F. Dague, 87, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 25, 2020.  Surrounded by his loving family, Dad joined the love of his life Rosemary, after a short illness.  Born December 4, 1932 in West Virginia, he spent the majority of his life in Akron, Ohio.  Even though his mother died in childbirth, and his father was unable to care for him, he was raised by a wonderful couple in Kent, Ohio, who loved him and raised him as their son.  William married the love of...

Rosa Mary Yerian, 91, passed away October 22, 2020. She was born in Akron to the late Stanley and Hattie (Steffee) Snyder and was a Springfield High School graduate, where she later worked and retired with 25 years of service. Rosa Mary was a member of Clearview United Methodist Church and belonged to the Eastern Star, recently earning her 75-year pin. She also resided in St. Cloud, FL for 20 years. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Forrest;...