Donovan Funeral Home - Tallmadge Obituaries

Introduction to Donovan Funeral Home - Tallmadge

Located at 17 Southwest Ave., Tallmadge, OH, 44278, Donovan Funeral Home is a trusted and compassionate funeral home that has been serving the Tallmadge community for years. With a commitment to providing exceptional service and care, the funeral home has established itself as a beacon of hope and support during difficult times. In this article, we will delve into the history, services, and facilities of Donovan Funeral Home, highlighting what sets it apart from other funeral homes in the area.

A Brief History of Donovan Funeral Home

Donovan Funeral Home has a rich history that dates back several decades. Founded by a family with a passion for serving others, the funeral home has remained committed to its core values of compassion, integrity, and respect. Over the years, the funeral home has undergone changes and expansions, but its dedication to providing personalized and meaningful funeral services has remained unwavering. Today, Donovan Funeral Home is a respected name in the Tallmadge community, known for its professionalism and kindness.

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Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

June Canavan - April 22, 1940 - April 16, 2022

Departed: 04/16/2022 (Tallmadge)

Obituary Preview: June Canavan, 81, passed away April 16, 2022. Born in Alexandria, Kentucky, she lived most of her life in Akron.

June had worked at Western Southern Life insurance and Firestone in the clerical department.  She enjoyed gardening, all plants and vegetables, baking and cooking. June loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, David Canavan; parents, William and Verna Hogan; sisters, Phyllis Hogan, Jean Scheben; brother, James Hogan.

June is survived by her children, Patricia Joseph, Thomas “Butch” Joseph (Ashley Apone), Heather Beaird, Corinne Brown, Nicole Crafton; sisters, Patricia Hogan, Betty Art, Nancy Geotz; brother, Robert Hogan; grandchildren, Joseph, Mitchell   Chris, Jordan, Amanda, Owen, Kassie, Ashden, Madison; 11 great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and friends.

Interment will be at 10:30 a.m., Friday, April 22, 2022 at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Road, Rittman. Ohio.

A memorial service will take place from 12:00 until 4:00 p.m., Friday at the Acker-Moore Memorial Post, 3733 Fishcreek Road, Stow.

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Karen Marie Drechsler - April 10, 1957 - April 13, 2022

Departed: 04/13/2022 (Tallmadge)

Obituary Preview: Karen Marie Drechsler, 65, gained her wings on April 13, 2022. Born in Akron, she lived most of her life in the Tallmadge and Mogadore area.

Karen retired after 20+ years as a teacher at Akron Public Schools. She enjoyed going to the beach, reading, jet skiing, traveling, and listening to country music. She held a special place in her heart for Tom Selleck, Toby Keith, and Cleveland baseball players (especially Jason Kipnis).

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Anna Drechsler.

Karen is survived by her sister and caregiver, Judy Drechsler and nieces, Annie (Owen Klingenberg) and Madison (Cody Lombardi), and her dogs Max and Monty. She will especially be missed by Val and Navi Croghan, Kathy and Bob Watters, Missy Schnee, Steve Shoemaker, Jan Brustman, the Giulitto family, the Stanley and May families, and the Petrovich families.

Thank you to the Tallmadge High School Class of 1975 for making her last days so memorable. A special thank you to the Cleveland Clinic Home Care doctors, nurses, bathers, and physical therapists for taking such good care of Karen.

Visitation will be from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave. (On the Historic Tallmadge Circle).

Funeral service will follow visitation at the funeral home at 7:00 p.m. with Rev. Jim Case officiating.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for later in the year.

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Theodore "Ted" Snyder - August 08, 1933 - April 11, 2022

Departed: 04/11/2022 (Tallmadge)

Obituary Preview: Theodore “Ted” Snyder passed away April 11, 2022, at the age of 88. Ted was born in Constableville, New York. He lived most of his life in Tallmadge, Ohio, where he raised a family and enjoyed the company of family and friends.

Ted served honorably in the U.S. Marines during the Korean War and was a machinist at Terex, Goodyear Aerospace, and Herman Machine.  He enjoyed fishing and was an avid sports fan, cheering for “Anything Cleveland”. Ted loved visiting with friends and family, drinking cold beer, and relaxing on his patio in the summer.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Anita; son, Brad; brother, Otis; and granddaughter, Holly.

Ted is survived by his son, Brian (Judi); sister, Sue (Gerald) Fletcher; sister-in-law, Helen Snyder; brother-in law, Dave (Loretta) Oles; sister-in-law, Adna Oles; daughter-in-law, Cyndi Garmon; grandchildren, Taylor (Mike), Adam, Rita, Natalie; great grandchildren, Robbie and Theo; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation will be 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. Saturday, April 23, 2022 at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave (on the Historic Tallmadge Circle). A celebration of life will be held at 3:00 p.m. at the PL.

Interment will be at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery at a later date.

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Lynn D Carr - February 13, 1941 - April 08, 2022

Departed: 04/08/2022 (Tallmadge)

Obituary Preview: Lynn D. Carr, 81, passed away April 8, 2022. Born in Akron, Lynn and his wife Judy provided a loving family home for over 40 years. He retired as a diesel mechanic from Galehouse Construction after 30 years of service. He had tremendous skill in woodworking and enjoyed dogs, cars, fishing in Canada, trips to Hershey Pennsylvania, and telling wonderful stories.

Lynn’s mechanical knowledge, love and kindness were valued by many, especially his children and grandchildren. He was always there to help engineer a solution and lend a helping hand. Lynn and Judy leave a special legacy for opening their home to support and care for many of their grandchildren all of whom benefited from their love and generosity.

Lynn was preceded in death by his wife, Judy Edna Carr.

He is survived by daughters, Deborah Armocida and Linda Russell (Scott); son, Jim Carr (Stephony); Sister Lois Haught (Roy) and Brother Alan Carr (Jane); niece Laura Martin and sister-in-law Linda Wilson (Dave); grandchildren Claudia Finley (Tim), Virginia Johnson (Kevin), Rudy Armocida (fiance Kait) and Georgia Schifer (Nick); Tabatha Russell and Taylor Russell; Anthony Carr and Nicholas Carr.

A memorial service will be held at 6 P.M., Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave. (On the Historic Tallmadge Circle).

The family will greet guests one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Donations may be made to your local Humane Society or One of a Kind Pet Rescue in lieu of flowers.

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Biff A Baker - March 14, 1957 - April 08, 2022

Departed: 04/08/2022 (Tallmadge)

Obituary Preview: Biff A. Baker passed away peacefully, surrounded by his wife and children, on April 8, 2022 at the age of 65. He was born March 14, 1957 in Akron, Ohio to Richard and Donna Baker. He graduated from Tallmadge high school in 1975 and McKim Technical Institute in 1976. After graduation he began his career in HVAC.

On June 7, 1980, he married the love of his life, Lynn (Richards) Baker. In 1987 he and his dad acted as general contractors to build a home for his family in Munroe Falls, Ohio. Biff then founded Biff’s Comfort Systems Inc in 1993. Biff was a hard worker whose knowledge, drive, positive attitude, and fun-loving personality left a lasting impression on many family members, friends, neighbors, and acquaintances. Even with the commitment of running a business, he always made time for his family and anyone else who needed his help which was made evident in the way he would answer his phone “This is Biff, may I help you?”. His motto for everything in life was “It’s not that you have to do it, it’s a privilege that you get to do it.”

He enjoyed spending time with his family by sharing in activities such as RV camping, water skiing, snowmobiling, four wheeling, Nascar races, fishing, working on any kind of home improvement or yard project and vacations at Norris Lake, the beach, and Disney World.

He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Baker and father-in-law, George Richards.

Biff is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Lynn; mother, Donna Baker; children, Ashley (Adam) Zaher, David (Christine) Baker, Emily (Becca) Baker; brother, Michael (Kap-Eh Ernsberger) Baker; sister, Kim (Scott) Baltes; mother-in-law, Rosemary Richards; brother-in-law, Mark (Diane) Jackson; sister-in-law, Denise (Jim) Cochran; sister-in-law, Debbie (Jack) Loyd; grandchildren, Addie, Colton Biff, Tali, Weston Baker; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

On behalf of Biff, his family would like to thank the many doctors and nurses at University Hospitals, Cleveland Clinic, and Akron General as well as the compassionate staff at Justin T. Rogers Hospice for the excellent care he received during the past 4 years. Biff’s family would also like to thank the wonderful family and friends who helped them through this difficult time.

Per Biff’s wishes, a private memorial service will be held at a future date.

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Yolanda Lorkowski - July 25, 1962 - April 01, 2022

Departed: 04/01/2022 (Tallmadge)

Obituary Preview: Yolanda Lorkowski, 59, passed away April 1, 2022. Born in Cleveland, she moved to Stow in 2008.

Yolanda enjoyed writing poetry and stories. She was an avid animal rescuer.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lee and Christine Hutch.

Yolanda is survived by her husband, John; sister, Coreatha Hutch of Stow; brothers, Jerry (Carmen) Hutch of Stow, Dennis (Janet) Hutch of Cleveland, Glen (Linda) Hutch of Garfield Hts; nieces, Denitra, Delaya, Sharee C, Daysha, Zoey, Thalia; nephews, Erik, Bryan, Liam; and many friends.

Visitation will be 4:00 until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, April 7, 2022 at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave. (On the Historic Tallmadge Circle).

Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m., Friday, April 8, 2022 at the funeral home with Rev. Michael Matusz officiating.  The family requests black not to be worn to visitation or funeral service.

Interment will be 2:00 p.m. at  Silver Springs Cemetery, Stow.

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Robert Donald Mayfield - November 22, 1939 - March 29, 2022

Departed: 03/29/2022 (Tallmadge)

Obituary Preview: Robert D Mayfield, 82, passed away peacefully March 29, 2022 surrounded by family. He was born in Akron and lived in Tallmadge for most of his life. Robert always showed courage, patience, and kindness. Despite the obstacles he faced later in his life, he kept everyone smiling till the end.

Robert lived a very accomplished life serving his country and being a pillar of the community. He served in the U.S. Marines and was a Tallmadge Firefighter for 20 years. He retired from Chrysler as a Metalogical Technician after 33 years. Robert was a believer in Christ and was a member of First Congregational Church of Tallmadge.

Robert truly enjoyed the outdoors. He was an avid fisherman, captain, and camper. He also loved to spend time in his garage and could build just about anything.

Robert demonstrated the same level of love and commitment to all aspects of his life. He was a devoted son, brother, father, uncle, grandpa, and friend. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Grace Mayfield; brother, Richard (Loretta) Mayfield; brother-in-law, Charles Phillips.

Robert is survived by his beloved wife and best friend, Linda; cherished daughters, Sheri (Mike) Young, Stacy (Wes) Ramp; adored son, Robert “Shannon” (Christine) Mayfield; sister, Jolynn Phillips; and he was a proud grandfather to, Melissa, Tori (Evan), Katelynn, Hope, Parker, Cara, Tommy; and many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Visitation will be 1:00 until 4:00 p.m., Sunday, April 3, 2022 at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave. (On the Historic Tallmadge Circle) where Last Bell, Mason and Eastern Star service will begin at 3:30 p.m.

Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, April 4, 2022 at The Donovan Funeral Home with Rev. Daniel Doty officiating.

Interment will be at Tallmadge Cemetery.

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Robert "Mike" Black - August 07, 1955 - March 28, 2022

Departed: 03/28/2022 (Tallmadge)

Obituary Preview: Robert “Mike” Black 66 passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on March 28, 2022.

You may hold our hands for awhile but will be in our hearts forever.  We will love and miss you everyday.

Mike will deeply be missed by his wife of 39 years Brenda, their children Angela (Jon Longshore) Michael and Jacob. He will also be deeply missed by his  sister Tami (Kevin) Crawford. Brother Kelly O’Brien, many nieces and nephews, other family members and friends.

Mike is preceded in death by his  father Robert Black, mother Glady O,Brien, step father Carl O’Brien, brothers Pat Black and Don Black.

Mike had a great passion for cooking. He was the Chef  at Ohio Prestwick for over 30 years until his retirement in 2015.

He enjoyed all of life; music, sunshine, the beach, wrestling, the Browns and being with his family.

Memorial to celebrate his life will be announced at a later date.

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James W Tatton - April 11, 1939 - March 26, 2022

Departed: 03/26/2022 (Tallmadge)

Obituary Preview: No description available

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Richard W. Thomas, Sr. - May 30, 1929 - March 25, 2022

Departed: 03/25/2022 (Tallmadge)

Obituary Preview: Richard W. Thomas, Sr., 92, went to be with the Lord on March 25, 2022.

He served in the Army during the Korean conflict. He worked hard all of his life and helped all those he could. He loved the outdoors, vintage cars, and especially his family.

Richard is survived by his wife, 4 children, and 4 grandchildren.

Visitation will be 12:00 until 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 2, 2022 at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave. (On the Historic Tallmadge Circle).

Funeral service will follow visitation at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. David Shew officiating.

Interment will be at Tallmadge Cemetery.

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Helen L Ratliff - October 09, 1929 - March 24, 2022

Departed: 03/24/2022 (Tallmadge)

Obituary Preview: Helen L. Ratliff, 92, passed away March 24, 2022. Born in Akron, she has lived in Tallmadge most of her life.

Helen enjoyed cooking, gardening, camping and fishing.  She loved celebrating family events.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lee and Clara Taylor; daughter, Terri Hughes; son in law, JD Rosenbaum; daughter in law, Cheri Ratliff.

Helen is survived by her husband, Henry; children, Linda (John) Nienhius, David (Carol) Ratliff, Ted (Becky) Ratliff, Debby (Jerry) Shumaker, Debbie Ann Rosenbaum, Becky (Mark) Burton, Joe (Julie) Ratliff, Tim Ratliff, Keeley (Alan) Puett, John Ratliff; son in law, Bob Hughes; 22 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, six great great-grandchildren; sisters, Betty Lowden, Peggy Truman; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation will be 4:00 until 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 29, 2022 at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave. (On the Historic Tallmadge Circle).

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 30, 2022 at the funeral home with Chaplin Rick Pounds officiating.

Interment will be at Tallmadge Cemetery.

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Gary A. Foley - September 24, 1948 - March 24, 2022

Departed: 03/24/2022 (Tallmadge)

Obituary Preview: Gary A. Foley, 73, passed away March 24, 2022. He was born in Akron and lived in Goodyear Heights for the past 23 years.

Gary attended Firestone High School and graduated from Emporia College in Kansas.  He was employed by the Akron Beacon Journal for 27 years, until his retirement in early 2022. Gary loved entertaining family and friends with his Fall deck parties and his annual spaghetti dinners. He was always the life of the party.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister.

Gary is survived by his wife of 46 years, Stephanie; children, Scott Marshall of Akron, Christopher (Robin) Marshall of Tallmadge; grandchildren, Jessica, Jonathan (Jenny), Patrick, Nola, Sebastian; great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 3:00 until 4:00 p.m., Thursday, March 31, 2022 at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave. (On the Historic Tallmadge Circle).

Memorial service will follow visitation at 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Jim Case officiating.

Interment will be at Hillside Memorial Park at a later date.

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Estella "Sue" Jane Shuman - July 18, 1917 - March 23, 2022

Departed: 03/23/2022 (Tallmadge)

Obituary Preview: Estella “Sue” Jane Shuman, 104, passed away March 23, 2022.Born in Curwensville, Pennsylvania, she has lived in the Akron area since 1928.

Sue had worked at Goodyear Tire and Rubber during World War II working on Airships. She was a member of Our Lady of Victory Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; parents, Charles and Minnie Clever; son in law, Ronald Crago. Sue is survived by her daughters, Michele (Daniel) Perez, Susan Crago, Darlene (Jim) Davidian; grandchildren, Erik, Matthew, Samuel, Sonia, Michele, Renee, Elizabeth, Daniel; 19 great grandchildren; 9 great great-grandchildren; brother, Charles (Riva) Clever; and many nieces, nephews and friends

Visitation will be 11:00 until 1:00 pm Saturday, April 2, 2022 at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave. (On the Historic Tallmadge Circle).

Funeral service will follow visitation at 1:00 pm at the funeral home with Rev. Michael Matusz officiating.

Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery.

The family would like to thank Continuing Health Care of Cuyahoga Falls and a special thank you to Kelly for her loving care of our mom.

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John Joseph Barbetta - February 13, 1968 - March 19, 2022

Departed: 03/19/2022 (Tallmadge)

Obituary Preview: John Joseph Barbetta, 54, passed away March 19, 2022. Born in Akron, he had lived in Brimfield for 19 years.

John was employed with UPS as a driver for over 30 years. He was a member of the First Congregational Church of Tallmadge. John was an avid outdoorsman, who spent countless hours hunting and fishing.  If he couldn’t do that, he also enjoyed spending time in a casino. Above all John was completely devoted to his family and friends. John was happiest when he was cooking meals and entertaining for those he loved.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Rosina Barbetta.

John is survived by his wife, Erin; son, Jack Henry Blasdel; daughter, Gianna Barbetta all of Brimfield; sisters, Donna (Dan) Garber, Tina (Mike) Fiocca both of Tallmadge; uncle, Mike Barbetta; mother in law, Jacqueline (Robert) Shaw-Heller; brother in law, Scott (Gemma) Sanker; and loving nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation will be 4:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave. (On the Historic Tallmadge Circle).

Mass of Christian burial will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 24, 2022 at Our Lady of Victory Church, 73 North Ave., Tallmadge with Rev. Michael Matusz officiating.

Interment will be at Tallmadge Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to John’s children in care of Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave., Tallmadge, OH 44278.

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Lawrence "Larry" Ray Clarke - November 22, 1923 - March 18, 2022

Departed: 03/18/2022 (Tallmadge)

Obituary Preview: Lawrence Ray Clarke, 98, passed away March 18, 2022.  He was born in Cleveland, Ohio and graduated from Shaw High School. Larry then served in the U.S. Army Air Corp from February 1943 to November 1945 as a bombardier on B-24 Bombers.

Larry attended  Western Reserve University and Cleveland Marshal Law School. He spent a lifetime in the career of sales and retired from the Campbell Soup Co. after 33 ½ years of service.  During that time, they lived in Cleveland, Lima, Toledo, and Chicago. After retirement for both in 1987, he and Bea moved to Tallmadge, Ohio where they have enjoyed an active lifestyle.  They spent winters in Florida and Arizona, but Spring, Summer, and Fall were ideal for Tallmadge.

Throughout his life, he enjoyed traveling. As a family, they covered nearly all of the United States, parts of Canada, Mexico, the Bahamas and Europe. Larry also enjoyed playing golf and weekly card games.  Both Bea and Larry were active members of the First Congregational Church of Tallmadge, Tallmadge Primetimers and AARP.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Gladys Clarke, and two brothers, Burrell and Russell.

Larry is survived by his wife of 76 years, Beatrice. They had one daughter, who was the light of their lives, Sandra.

Visitation will be 12:30 until 2:00 p.m., Thursday, March 24, 2022 at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave. (On the Historic Tallmadge Circle).

Funeral service will follow visitation at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Daniel Doty officiating.

Interment will be at Tallmadge Cemetery.

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Allen Odell Kalbaugh - May 24, 1928 - March 17, 2022

Departed: 03/17/2022 (Tallmadge)

Obituary Preview: Allen Odell Kalbaugh, 93, passed away March 17, 2022. Born in Akron, he lived most of his life in the Brimfield area.

Odell retired with over 30 years of service with the Lawson Milk Company as a manager of distribution and worked 5 ½ years as a custodian with Field Local Schools. He grew up on the family farm on Sunnybrook Road which is now Sunny Hills Golf Course. Odell enjoyed woodworking, carving and was an avid outdoorsman.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Mae (LeCount) Kalbaugh; parents, Ralph and Carmen Kalbaugh and one brother, Ralph Edgell Kalbaugh.

Odell is survived by his daughter, Terry Ann (John) Bragg of Uniontown; grandchildren, Kelly (Don) Pond, Todd (Tracy) Bragg and Sean (Jason Hoover) Bragg; great grandchildren, Ty, Aaron, Eli, and Christian Bragg, Kathryn, Alex,and Anna Pond.

Graveside service will be held 11:00 am, Saturday, April 2, 2022 at Restland Cemetery, St Rte 43, Brimfield, Ohio with Rev. Dan Doty officiating.

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Steven Clay Ross - October 22, 1957 - March 12, 2022

Departed: 03/12/2022 (Tallmadge)

Obituary Preview: No description available

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Jack L. Sarver - August 05, 1943 - March 07, 2022

Departed: 03/07/2022 (Tallmadge)

Obituary Preview: Jack Lewis Sarver, 78, passed away March 7, 2022. Born in Akron, he lived the past 27 years in Tallmadge.

Jack retired as CEO of TeleCommunity Credit Union with over 40 years service. He was a member of Grace Episcopal Church in Ravenna. Jack was an avid marathon runner and carried the Olympic Torch in 1984. He was also a scout leader, soccer coach, baseball coach and a state park camp host. Jack was a member of Tallmadge City Council, Portage Lakes Kiwanas, Knights of Columbus, Moose Club, Zeppelin Rifle Club and Quarter Midget Racing of America.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Karl Sarver and Ruth Palmer; sister, Carole Mae Sarver.

Jack is survived by his wife, Joanne; children, Jeff Sarver of Los Angeles, Jodi Chumita of Akron, Jacob Sarver of Atlanta; step children, Sherrill Shaffer of Ravenna, Sheila Metzner of Akron, Lynanne (Ben) Kauffman of Streetsboro; sister, Sandra Mills of Clinton; brother, Karl (JoAnn) Sarver of Canton; grandchildren, Chloe Sarver, Dennis Chumita III, Alex Shafer, Marc Shaffer, Sydney Fortner, Adelaide Fortner, Luke Kauffman, Madelyn Kauffman; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 11, 2022 at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave. (On the Historic Tallmadge Circle).

Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 12, 2022 at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave. (On the Historic Tallmadge Circle).

Interment will be at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

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Ralph Bruce Isley - June 01, 1950 - March 06, 2022

Departed: 03/06/2022 (Tallmadge)

Obituary Preview: Ralph Bruce “Papa Bear” Isley, 71, went home to be with our Heavenly Father, who he loves so much, on Sunday, March 6, 2022, at 1:20 am; over 3 years after being given only 6 weeks to live - a testament to Ralph’s trust in God, the power of prayer, and God’s healing.

Born in Detroit, Michigan on June 1, 1950, his family moved to Northfield when he was 11. From there he met his wife of 50 years in Ravenna, Ohio, where they moved and raised their family. They moved to Tallmadge 14 years ago.

Ralph was a “real, live phone man” and loved every minute of working in the communications field.  He had many stories to prove it, but then again, he loved everything. He found the joy, wonder, and adventure in anything, no matter how big or small. He loved his family beyond measure and loved sharing his other interests with them at every opportunity. Everything he did, he did with family. He loved the outdoors, specifically woods and lakes, and walking barefoot. He enjoyed driving, music, singing, Lord of the Rings, Mopar muscle cars, trains, tall ships, and riding roller coasters. He loved baking cookies with his granddaughters; watching football, Grand Tour, and Looney Tunes with his sons and grandsons; dinners with his wife and daughter; watching his wife paint; going on family vacations; and helping his family whenever and however he could.

He also loved people and conversation. If you had the pleasure of meeting Ralph, you would immediately become a lifelong friend. He valued everyone he met. His personality was as large as his smile and his laugh and booming, but gentle voice filled any room he was in. His sense of humor was infectious and joyful.

Other than family and friends, the most important part of his life was faith. He studied the Bible daily for hours. He was in constant prayer and worship, and he loved Jesus like none other. He loved to teach, share, and train other believers. He would take as much time with you as you needed and wanted. His wisdom, strength, and knowledge were a gift and he shared them with as many people as possible, whether you lived next door or halfway across the world. He led a home church at various times and was the author of a book of proverbs simply titled “120”.

He had the strength and courage of a lion with the heart of a lamb. He was a joy to be around and is already greatly missed. Thank you to all family and friends, near and far, who joined us in prayer these past 3 years. You are a blessing. "QUB!"

He was greeted in Heaven by his parents, Ralph and Helen Isley; brother, Douglas; sister, Cynthia; and grandson, Silas.

Ralph is survived by his wife of 50 years, Gerna; sons, Joshua (Jennifer) Isley and Jeremiah (Sarah) Isley; daughter, Elizabeth (Adam) Schaeffer; and sister, Janice (Rob) Davis. He is Papa Bear to 5 grandchildren: Xavier, Cooper, Bishop, Eowyn, and Violet, and has many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 1:00 until 4:00 p.m., Sunday, March 13, 2022, at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave. (On the Historic Tallmadge Circle).

Memorial service will be 1:00 p.m., Monday, March 14, 2022, at the funeral home.

Interment will be at Tallmadge Cemetery.

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Ronald J. Ferlic - January 15, 1939 - February 24, 2022

Departed: 02/24/2022 (Tallmadge)

Obituary Preview: Ronald J. Ferlic, age 83, of Tallmadge, died peacefully Thursday, February 24, 2022 following a struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Born in Lorain, Ohio, he was the son of the late Jacob and Annette Ferlic.  He is preceded in death by his wife, Carol (Eastwood), and survived by daughter, Laura (Vernon) Anthony and granddaughters, Kyle, Casey and Mary; sister, Janice (Lee) Diedrick.

A graduate of The Ohio Sate University, Ron was a stand-out-basketball player at Lorain High School, a top-scorer for the 1956-1957 Buckeye Conference, averaging 21.1 points per game, and went on to play for several years for the Ohio University Bobcats.  Ron married his college sweetheart Carol and had a long career in sales and marketing with B.F. Goodrich, and later Tremco.  Ron loved work and remained friends with colleagues long after retirement.  Ron never lost interest in high school and college basketball and would often closely listen to local games on his a.m. radio.

What defined Ron Ferlic above all was his intense creativity.  Self-trained in the visual arts, he was an accomplished painter and wood carver, leaving a collection rich in his particular aesthetic and speaking boldly to his world view.  A skilled wood worker, he carved numerous intricate model boats and birds, and refurbished furniture.  He collected and curated many curios and collectibles with a focus on antique tools, scientific equipment and numerous items from his pre-World War II childhood, filling and making his house unique and completely of his personal vision.  He took his sensibilities to his yard and gardens, with a front yard similar to Ron’s conservative public-facing image and a back yard filled with carefully curated rock gardens and koi pond, and a naturalistic style of garden of hostas and lilies which he tended mindfully for many years.  A self-proclaimed introvert; Ron was endlessly engaged in the solitary act of creating, yet he rarely passed on an invitation to breakfast with friends.  He was a businessman with the soul of an artist.

Visitation will be 1 until 3 p.m. Saturday, March 5, 2022 at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave. (On the Historic Tallmadge Circle).

An informal funeral service to follow at 3 p.m. at the funeral home.

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Betty J. Sterner - February 26, 1930 - February 23, 2022

Departed: 02/23/2022 (Tallmadge)

Obituary Preview: Betty was born on Hamilton Street in Akron on February 26, 1930.

To Mamie Esther (Cook) Futral and Oscar Woodford Futral. However, most of Betty’s fondness memories are of the times she and her mother spent in Franklin, Georgia.  She has always held her relatives in the south in high esteem.

When Betty was in high school her father introduced her to the political world.  He volunteered her to work after school for the then Mayoral Campaign of Leo Burg.  After returning to Akron, she got involved in someone’s campaign every year (as long as it was a Democrat).  Her father would have disowned her if she worked for a Republican.  Betty went on to manage 17 winning campaigns.

Betty married the love of her life George Ray Sterner on July 15, 1960.  He preceded her in death on January 16, 2008.  In 1970 George and Betty took appointments in Columbus during the Gilligan Administration.  George and Betty were always working together in some endeavor, sometimes political sometimes something to do with cars. After George retired from the telephone company, Betty and he traveled the USA, Canada, Mexico on motorcycles, model A’s, and/or RV’s getting involved in some endeavor most everywhere they went

Betty’s proudest endeavor was working as a volunteer at the Ralph Huff Post 1062, where she was a life time member, doing dinners and helping with any project where she was needed.

Betty is survived by her nephew, William Ray Sterner; special friend, Doreen.

Visitation will be 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Wednesday, March 2, 2022 at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave. (On the Historic Tallmadge Circle).

Funeral Service to follow at 12 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Jim Case officiating.

Interment will be at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman.

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Robert "Bob" A. Tejral - January 04, 1927 - February 22, 2022

Departed: 02/22/2022 (Tallmadge)

Obituary Preview: Robert “Bob” Tejral, 95, of Tallmadge passed away February 22, 2022.

He was born January 4, 1927 to the late Louis Tejral and Helen Komenda Tejral of Brainard, NE.  He lived in Tallmadge for 58 years.  Robert served in the U.S. Navy during World War II in the Pacific area.  He was employed by Goodyear Aerospace Corp as an aeronautical engineer and became a professional engineer in 1974 in the state of Ohio.

Robert was an adviser for Junior Achievement, built houses for Habitat of Humanity, he coached a little league team, delivered meals for Mobile Meals, treasurer for a senior citizen group.  He was a member of the Parish Council and Liturgy committee, Eucharistic Minister, was president of Holy Name, an altar boy. He ushed at a theater, money counter, taught the bridge game of cards, and held various positions at St. Thomas Hospital and at a soup kitchen. He was also a member of Knights of Columbus and the American Legion.

The state of Ohio honored Robert and Margaret for volunteering and a long marriage.  They toured the governor’s mansion and had lunch with governor’s wife.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Tejral; brother, Donald Tejral; sister, Mary Lou Maly; and great granddaughter, Margaret Jayne Siefer.

Robert leaves behind his son, David Tejral of Bridgeport, Texas; daughters, Sue (John,II) Siefer of Kent, Sally (Pierre) Barkley of Tallmadge; grandchildren, Sara (Tyler) Rowland of McClure, OH, Tony Clark (Jamie) of Dayton, OH, Lori Harvey (Jason) of Tallmadge, OH, Jessica Clark (Buddy) of Ravenna, John Siefer, III of Tallmadge, Andrea Clark (Ahmad) of Kettering, OH, and Chanel Barkley of Sacramento, CA.; and seven great grandchildren.

Visitation will be 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 3, 2022 at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave. (On the Historic Tallmadge Circle).

Mass of Christian burial will be 11:30 am. Thursday, March 3 at Our Lady of Victory Church, 73 North Ave., Tallmadge with Rev. Michael Matusz officiating.

The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed on Our Lady of Victory’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ourladyofvictorychurchtallmadge/.  You are kindly asked to wear a mask when in close proximity to others in Church until further notice.  Thank you for your cooperation.

Interment will be at Tallmadge Cemetery.

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Armando Colella - September 20, 1926 - February 21, 2022

Departed: 02/21/2022 (Tallmadge)

Obituary Preview: Armando Colella, 95 years old, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, February 21, 2022.

Born in Akron on September 20, 1926, he lived most of his life in Tallmadge. Armando served in the U.S. Army during World War II with the 11th Airborne Paratroopers.  As a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great papa, he enjoyed making wine, sausage, pepperoni, pasta and pizza. He spent many hours in his garden. He was also a wonderful example of devotion to his faith. Above all, Armando loved creating memories and traditions with his family and grandchildren.

He was retired from Local #109 Cement Finishers with over 70 years of service.  He was a member of Our Lady of Victory Church, VFW Airport Post #8975, American Legion #255, Tallmadge Knights of Columbus, and Primetimers.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Angelina; 18 sisters; and two brothers.

Armando is survived by his daughters, Rosemary (Robert) Cochran, Christina (David) Thomas, and Lisa (Jeff) Siesel. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Martin (Tricia) Cochran, Daniel (Nicole) Cochran, Kathryn (Brian) Glaze, Stephen (Sara) Cochran, Michael (Mallory) Thomas, Mary (Matt) Edwards, David (Kaitlyn) Siesel, Craig (Claire) Siesel, Angelina (Tyler) Fortner, Joseph and Anna Siesel; 22 great grandchildren; dear friend, Earl Black.

Visitation will be 1 until 4 p.m. Sunday, February 27, 2022 at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave. (on the Historic Tallmadge Circle).

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Monday, February 28, 2022 at Our Lady of Victory Church, 73 North Ave., Tallmadge with Rev. Michael Matusz officiating.

The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed on Our Lady of Victory’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ourladyofvictorychurchtallmadge/.  You are kindly asked to wear a mask when in close proximity to others in Church until further notice.  Thank you for your cooperation.

Interment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery.

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Angelina "Angie" Papatonis - July 30, 1936 - February 21, 2022

Departed: 02/21/2022 (Tallmadge)

Obituary Preview: Angelina (Merendino) Papatonis, 85, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, February 21, 2022. She was born in Akron to the late Frank and Santa Merendino. She was a long-time resident of both Cuyahoga Falls and Tallmadge. Angie had a clever and imaginative sense of humor that endeared her to everyone in her family. She was kind, creative, generous with her time and, in her own words, “sharp as a tack.”

She graduated from Garfield High School and worked at Woolworth’s and Fair Finance. She was married to her loving and devoted husband, Frank, for 61 years. They spent a lot of time together and took an interest in each other’s hobbies and pursuits. They enjoyed working on her sewing projects and she became an avid Cleveland sports fan like Frank.

She had three children who loved her dearly, Teresa (Tom) Kozma, Nicholas (Bridget) Papatonis and Michael (Beth) Papatonis. Angie was a wonderful mother, and all her children have treasured memories of their childhoods. She was full of common-sense wisdom which she instilled in them through the years. Their lives would not be nearly so rich and full without her constant love and guidance.

Along with her husband and children, Angie is survived by her grandchildren, Alex Papatonis, Elena Kozma, and Mia and Ally Papatonis. She waited a long time before God blessed her with grandchildren, and she cherished every minute with them. Angie and Frank celebrated their milestones and academic achievements. They were front and center at spelling bees, sporting events, musicals and graduations. Her grandchildren adored their grandma and loved spending time with her.

She was preceded in death by two infant children, her brother Sam Merendino and her sister Josephine Gergosky. She is survived by her sisters, Jennie Usberghi and Rose Marie Casalinova.

Angie had numerous passions and interests. She loved many types of music and her taste varied widely from The Three Tenors to Martina McBride to The Eagles. Angie always had a beautiful flower garden in her yard, and the house was filled with her lovely silk floral arrangements. She also cultivated herbs both for cooking and making wreaths.

She was an accomplished seamstress and quilter, and excelled in knitting, crocheting, needlepoint and cross stich. Angie worked hard to become a National Quilt Association Certified Teacher. She taught quilting classes at Stan Hywet; JoAnn Fabric; and Stitch, Piece ‘N Purl. She loved teaching her techniques to students to create their “heirlooms of tomorrow.” In addition to many pillows and wall hangings, she spent an entire year creating a hand-sewn, king-size quilt. Angie earned numerous awards competing at the Stan Hywet showcase and various county fairs. Because her stitches were so perfect, several judges commented that they appeared to have been created with a sewing machine.

Angie had a life-long love of reading. She educated herself extensively on the Civil War, U.S. presidents and the history of the British monarchy. She became enamored with “the people’s princess.” She traveled to Virginia with her husband and niece, Angela, to see Princess Diana and Prince Charles during their 1985 visit. She was thrilled to see the princess up close and present her with a floral bouquet. Her favorite place to vacation was The Great Smoky Mountains near Gatlinburg, where they traveled for more than 30 years. She was happiest when sitting on the condo balcony, gazing at the beautiful landscape she called her “montagnas.”

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Reid L. Miller - October 23, 1945 - February 20, 2022

Departed: 02/20/2022 (Tallmadge)

Obituary Preview: Reid L. Miller 76, passed away February 20, 2022.

Born in Akron, Reid had lived most of his life in the Akron area.  He served in the U. S. Army he was employed with FedEx the Summit County Courthouse, then retired from S.A. Comunale Company.  He enjoyed sports memorabilia and western magazines.

Reid is survived by his wife, Carol Miller; brother, Robert (Candy) Miller of Akron; and niece, Danielle Miller.

Visitation will be 5 until 7 p.m. Tuesday February 22, 2022 at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave. (On the Historic Tallmadge Circle).

Funeral service to be 11 a.m. Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at the funeral home with Rev. Jim Case officiating.

Interment will be at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Akron.

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Funeral Services Offered

At Donovan Funeral Home, families can choose from a range of funeral services tailored to their unique needs and preferences. From traditional funerals to cremation services, memorial gatherings, and celebration of life ceremonies, the funeral home offers a variety of options to honor loved ones. The experienced staff works closely with families to understand their wishes and create personalized funeral services that reflect the personality and spirit of the deceased.

Facilities and Amenities

The funeral home's facilities are designed to provide comfort and convenience to families during difficult times. The spacious chapel can accommodate large gatherings, while the cozy visitation rooms offer an intimate setting for smaller groups. The facility is also equipped with modern amenities, including audio-visual equipment, catering services, and ample parking. Families can rest assured that every detail is taken care of, allowing them to focus on celebrating the life of their loved one.

Cremation Services

Donovan Funeral Home understands that cremation is becoming an increasingly popular choice for many families. As such, the funeral home offers a range of cremation services, including direct cremation, cremation with memorial service, and traditional funeral with cremation. The staff is knowledgeable about the cremation process and can guide families through every step, ensuring that their wishes are respected and carried out with dignity.

Pre-Planning Services

Planning ahead for funeral arrangements can be a wise decision, both emotionally and financially. Donovan Funeral Home offers pre-planning services that allow individuals to make informed decisions about their final arrangements, reducing the burden on their loved ones. The funeral home's pre-planning experts work closely with individuals to understand their wishes and create a personalized plan that reflects their preferences.

Grief Support and Resources

Losing a loved one can be a devastating experience, and grief can be overwhelming. Donovan Funeral Home recognizes the importance of supporting families beyond the funeral service. The funeral home offers grief support resources, including counseling services, support groups, and online resources. These resources are designed to help families navigate the grieving process and find comfort in knowing they are not alone.

Community Involvement

Donovan Funeral Home is deeply rooted in the Tallmadge community and is committed to giving back. The funeral home participates in local events, supports charitable organizations, and partners with community groups to promote education and awareness about end-of-life care. By engaging with the community, Donovan Funeral Home demonstrates its commitment to serving others beyond the scope of traditional funeral services.

Why Choose Donovan Funeral Home?

In conclusion, Donovan Funeral Home - Tallmadge stands out as a beacon of hope and compassion in the community. With its rich history, comprehensive services, comfortable facilities, and commitment to supporting families beyond the funeral service, it is no wonder why families have trusted Donovan Funeral Home for generations. If you are looking for a funeral home that truly cares about your family's well-being during difficult times, look no further than Donovan Funeral Home - Tallmadge.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a written notice that announces the death of a person, typically including biographical information, funeral or memorial service details, and surviving family members. It serves as a way to share the news of a loved one's passing with friends, family, and community.

Why are obituaries important?

Obituaries are important because they provide a way to honor and remember the deceased, while also informing others of their passing. They can also serve as a historical record, providing valuable information for genealogical research and family histories.

Who writes an obituary?

Typically, a family member or close friend writes the obituary, although it can also be written by a funeral home or other professional. The writer should have personal knowledge of the deceased and be able to provide accurate and meaningful information.

What information should be included in an obituary?

A typical obituary includes the deceased's full name, age, date of birth and death, place of residence, occupation, education, military service, hobbies, and surviving family members. It may also include funeral or memorial service details and any charitable donations in lieu of flowers.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary depending on the publication or online platform. Typically, it ranges from 100 to 500 words. It's essential to check with the publication or platform for specific guidelines on word count and content.

Can I include photos in an obituary?

Yes, many publications and online platforms allow you to include one or more photos with the obituary. This can be a great way to personalize the tribute and make it more engaging for readers.

How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper?

Contact the newspaper's obituary department directly to inquire about their submission process and guidelines. Some newspapers may accept submissions online, while others may require email or phone submissions.

Can I write my own obituary?

Yes, it's becoming increasingly popular for people to write their own obituaries in advance. This can ensure that your life story is told accurately and honestly, and can also be a therapeutic exercise in reflection and self-expression.

How much does it cost to publish an obituary?

The cost of publishing an obituary varies widely depending on the publication, location, and word count. Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $1,000 or more for a single publication.

Can I publish an obituary online?

Yes, there are many online platforms that allow you to publish an obituary for free or for a fee. These platforms often offer additional features such as guest books, photo galleries, and donation links.

How long does it take for an obituary to be published?

The time it takes for an obituary to be published varies depending on the publication's schedule and deadlines. Online platforms usually publish immediately, while print publications may take several days or weeks.

Can I make changes to an obituary after it's been published?

In most cases, changes cannot be made once an obituary has been published. However, some online platforms may allow corrections or updates within a certain timeframe.

What is a death notice?

A death notice is a brief announcement of someone's passing, typically including only basic information such as name, age, date of birth and death, and funeral service details. It's often used when a full obituary is not feasible or desired.

What is the difference between an obituary and a eulogy?

An obituary is a written notice announcing a person's death, while a eulogy is a speech or written tribute delivered at a funeral or memorial service. A eulogy is typically more personal and celebratory in tone than an obituary.

Can I include humor in an obituary?

Absolutely! Humor can be a wonderful way to celebrate the deceased's personality and spirit. Just be sure to keep it respectful and tasteful.

How do I handle sensitive or controversial information in an obituary?

If you're unsure about including sensitive or controversial information in an obituary, consider consulting with other family members or friends. Ultimately, prioritize respect for the deceased and their loved ones.

Can I include quotes or lyrics in an obituary?

Yes! Quotes or lyrics that resonate with the deceased's personality or values can add depth and meaning to the obituary.

What if I need help writing an obituary?

If you're struggling to write an obituary, consider enlisting the help of a friend or family member. You can also consult with a funeral home or professional writer for guidance.

Can I republish an obituary at a later date?

In most cases, yes! Many publications and online platforms allow you to republish an obituary on anniversaries or special occasions.

How do I preserve an obituary for future generations?

You can save printed copies of the obituary in a scrapbook or archive box. Digital copies can be saved on your computer or cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox.

What if I'm unable to find an obituary for my loved one?

If you're having trouble finding an existing obituary, try searching online archives or contacting local libraries or genealogical societies for assistance.

Can I create a memorial website instead of publishing an obituary?

Yes! Memorial websites offer a flexible and personalized way to share memories and tributes with others. They can also serve as a permanent online legacy for your loved one.

How do I ensure accuracy in an obituary?