GALLOWAY, OH – Jo Ellen Locke, age 69, of Galloway, Ohio, died Saturday, June 24, 2017, at Wesley Glen Retirement Community.

She was born in Chardon, a daughter of the late Stephen and Grace Grover.

Jo Ellen retired as the Head Reference Librarian at Capital University after 23 years of service.

She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Richard Locke; daughter, Michelle Locke; sisters Clara Paryzek, of Chardon, and Lillian Slusher, of Florida; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Stephen Grover; and sister Jane Crawley.

Originally from Mesopotamia, Jo Ellen graduated Cardinal High School, in Middlefield, and from Kent State University, with a Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in Library Science.

She attended Columbia Heights United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir.

After retiring, Jo Ellen served on the Westland Area Commission for 10 years where she was the chair of the Parks and Recreation Committee.

Jo Ellen also volunteered in many capacities with the Westland Food Pantry for over 40 years.

At the family’s request, there will be no services.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jo Ellen’s name may be made to the Westland Ecumenical Community Food Pantry, c/o 423 Branding Iron Drive, Galloway, OH 43119.

Arrangements by SCHOEDINGER MIDTOWN CHAPEL, 229 E. State St., Columbus, OH 43215.

NEWBURY TWP. – Michael Ray Munn, 64, of Newbury Township, passed away peacefully at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland on June 27, 2017.

He was born in Chardon, on April 28, 1953, to the late Jerry R. and Nancy J. (nee Kalsch) Munn.

Michael was owner/operator of Munn Septic Service for over 30 years until his retirement.

He also enjoyed spending time at the casino with his buddy Ralph, hunting, fishing and being with family and friends.

He will be greatly missed by his daughters, Tammy Munn, of Pennsylvania, Michelle Munn, of Florida, Courtney (Javier) Munn-Huesca, of Burton, and Carissa (Robert) Krebs, of Newbury; sisters, Gayle (Rick) Phifer, of Newbury, and Joy (Terry) Brent, of Monroe Township; girlfriend, Theresa Zackar, of Newbury; 14 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and many friends.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, July 9, at Hickory Lake Tavern, 14592 Stone Road, Newbury Township.

Visitation of family and friends will be from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, July 7 at Best Funeral Home, 15809 Madison Road, Middlefield.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Best Funeral Home, 15809 Madison Road, Middlefield, (440) 632-0818. Online condolences may be sent and a tribute video viewed at www.bestfunerals.com.

THOMPSON TWP. – Joyce Mascorella (nee Germaine), age 88, a former resident of Thompson Township, passed away Friday, June 30, 2017, at University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center.

Born June 15, 1929, in Pierpont, Ohio, she was the daughter of Magdalene and Orval Cork. On May 20, 1950, she married Samuel Mascorella, spouse of 62 years.

Joyce loved her family and instilled in each one of them the value of spending time together. She will be remembered for cooking wonderful Sunday dinners, which were never a requirement, but always attended by all. That tradition, which she established, will carry on.

A Lake Erie College graduate, she was a teacher at Ledgemont Elementary School for 28 years. She never had a “favorite” student, but loved each one of them the same.

She is survived by daughters, Randy Mascorella and Penny (Danny) Cunningham; grandsons, Sean Cunningham and Neil (Bonnie) Cunningham; great-grandchildren, Jude, Asher, Taylor and Ava Cunningham; brother, Edward Cork; and sister, Patricia Innocenzi; and many nieces and nephews.

On Saturday, July 8, 2017, there will be a Memorial Service at Thompson United Methodist Church at 10 a.m.

Arrangements are being handled by The Behm Family Funeral Home, 26 River Street, Madison.

Friends may leave condolences online at www.behmfuneral.com.

CHARDON TWP. – Harold “Bud” Riedel, age 88, of Chardon Township, died on July 4, 2017, in Cleveland.

He was born on July 27, 1928, in East Liverpool, Ohio, to William and Lillian (nee Evans) Riedel.

Harold received a Bachelor of Science degree from GMI (now Kettering University), in Flint, Mich., and then worked as an industrial engineer for General Motors at Cleveland’s Fisher Body Plant, retiring in 1983.

He was very proud of buying a new GM product every six months and was always interested in their engineering.

Harold also loved his feline friends, a number of Siamese cats.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Mae (nee Fry), who he married on Sept. 2, 1951; daughter, Janice (William) Duerk, of Defiance, Ohio; sons, Harold “Hal,” of Mayfield Heights, and Paul (Shaunna), of Mentor; grandchildren, David (Victoria) Riedel, of Lyndhurst, Renee (Zackary) Rush, of Plymouth, Mich., Christofer Ripke, of Ft. Wayne, Ind., and Danielle (Benjamin) Brown, of Holland, Ohio; and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Dorothy Raney, Pauline Anthony and William Riedel.

Visitation is Monday, July 10, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon. A funeral service will follow at 12 p.m.

Interment will be in Larned Cemetery, Chardon.

Contributions suggested to the Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44110.

Information and condolences online at www.burrservice.com.

CHARDON – Theresa D. (nee Albrecht) Janek, 55, of Chardon, passed away June 29, 2017, at University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center in Claridon Township.

Born May 23, 1962, she was a lifelong Geauga County resident.

An avid gardener, she enjoyed hunting, fishing, taxidermy and spending time with her family and friends.

A loving wife, sister, mother and grandmother, she is survived by her husband, Frank Janek Jr., whom she had shared her life with for 40 years; son, Francis (Meridith) Janek III, of Chardon; daughter, Jessica (William) Rivera, of Newbury Township; and grandchildren, Frankie Janek IV, Mikayla Janek, Dominic Rivera, Mason Rivera and Luke Rivera.

She also leaves her siblings Dennis (Kathy) Albrecht, Daniel Albrecht, Ruth (David) Thomas, Douglas (Marilyn) Albrecht, Joyce (Dan) Setzer and Johnathan Albrecht.

She was preceded in death by her parents Lloyd and Betty Albrecht; brother James Albrecht; and sister Susie (Peter) Scherick.

Private services will be held.

The family would appreciate donations for funeral expenses in lieu of flowers. Donations may be sent to 9632 Brakeman Road, Chardon, OH 44024.

CONCORD TWP. – Mary Susan Wozniak Schiele, age 80, of Concord Township, died July 6, 2017, at her daughter’s home surrounded by her children.

She was born in Cleveland, on July 22, 1936, to Joseph and Helen (nee Twarogowski) Wozniak.

On Aug. 16, 1958, she married Christian “Chris” Schiele, in Chardon.

Mary was a 67-year resident of Chardon prior to moving to Concord two years ago, and was a long time member of the Church of St. Mary in Chardon.

She had taught CCD/PSR at St Mary’s and had worked at API in Chester, and at the Rimes Trucking Company in Chardon.

Survivors include her daughters, Katherine Schiele, of Concord, Deanna Habat, of Painesville Township, and Nadaleen (James) Brady, of Painesville Township; son, Christian R. (Betsy), of Painesville Township; grandchildren, Jessica, Maxwell, Veronica, Jenna, C.J. and Kaylee; sister Arlene Roland; and brothers Alfred, James and Daniel Wozniak.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Christian; sisters Katherine Janek and Nancy Schiele; brothers Raymond and Frank Wozniak; and son-in-law, John E. Habat III.

Visitation is Sunday, July 9, from 2-4 p.m., at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon.

A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. July 10 at the Church of St. Mary, 401 North St., Chardon. Burial will follow at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon Township.

Information and condolences online at www.burrservice.com.

CHARDON – Paula Jean Boyd, 58 of Chardon, passed away Sunday, July 2, 2017, at University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center.

She was born Dec. 13, 1958, in Chardon, to the late Rollin R. and Beryl (nee Kennedy) Ishee.

Paula graduated from Chardon High School, in 1977.

She worked for Channel Products, in Jefferson and Chesterland, for the past 30-plus years.

She enjoyed needlepoint, flower gardening, backgammon and fishing, but her greatest love was spending time with her loving grandchildren.

She will be sadly missed by her children, Katie (Charlie Porter) Boyd, of Austinburg, and Jeff (Amber) Boyd, of Geneva; grandchildren, Everlee and Braeden (and two on the way); four dear sisters, Toni Ishee, of Chardon, Linda (Paul) Klatka, of Munson Township, Patricia Ishee, of Chardon, and Beth Murphy, of Painesville.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

A gathering of family and friends for a celebration of her life will be held Sunday, July 16, from 2-4 p.m., at the Chardon VFW Hall, 752 Water St., Chardon, OH 44024.

Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.russellslyfh.com.

Russell-Sly Family Funeral Home assisted the family with her arrangements.

Dawn Catherine Hopkins Brown, age 42, passed away June 29, 2017.

Born Nov. 12, 1974, in Cleveland, she was the daughter of John and Cindy Hopkins, of Chardon.

Catherine is loving mother of Haley Nicole, age 13, and Madison Rose, age 8.

She is survived by brothers, Christopher John Hopkins, of San Diego, Calif., and Sean Schrill, of Cleveland; grandparents, John and Helen Sudyk, of Huntsburg Township, and Betsy Menzel, of Berea.

Also mourning her passing are Jeremiah Brown and his parents, Randy and Clara Brown, of Orwell.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 15, at 1 p.m. at Pilgrim Christian Church, 202 South Hambden St., Chardon.

The family will receive friends following the service in Fellowship Hall.

Donations are suggested to the Haley and Madison Brown /Fund at any Huntington National Bank.

Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service in charge of arrangements. Information and condolences online at www.burrservice.com.

WINDSOR TWP. – Richard James Bath, age 74, of Windsor Township, passed away July 1, 2017, after a long courageous battle with cancer. He was born on Sept. 28, 1942.

Richard enjoyed classic cars, garage sales, trains, feeding the birds, gardening and walking his beloved dogs, but most of all he loved his wife and his family.

He is survived by his wife, Lorene (nee Jeavons) Bath, of 50 years; daughter, Lorie (Dan) Niewiadomski, of Windsor; son, Richard (Brandy) Bath, of Bristolville; grandsons, Adam and Drew Niewiadomski; granddaughter, Lillie Bath; and great-grandson, Aidan.

He is also survived by his sisters, Louise Gracyk and Emily Bath.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Eliza Bath.

Pastor Wayne Sanders will officiate a private Memorial Service at the Chardon Christian Fellowship Church at a later date.

MIDDLEFIELD – Daniel Joseph Weizer, 61, of Middlefield, passed away at his home on Saturday, July 1, 2017.

He was born Jan. 7, 1956, in Euclid, to the late John E. Sr. and Altha Lucille (nee Parks) Weizer.

Dan graduated from Mentor High School, in 1974, going on to enlist in the U.S. Army in 1982. He served during Desert Storm and was honorably discharged as a sergeant in 1992. He spent time in Germany, where he met his wife, Sabine Meyer, whom he married in 1986.

He worked for Aero Fluid Products in Painesville since 1998.

Dan was a member of the Burton American Legion Post #459.

He loved spending time with his family, working around the house and yard, and his music, especially the Allman Brothers.

He will be dearly missed by his loving wife, Sabine Weizer; children, Alexander (Amie) Weizer, Sarah Weizer, both of Middlefield, and Carsten Weizer, of Findlay; siblings, John E. Weizer Jr., of Painesville, and Susan Weizer-Balsitis, of Mentor; nieces and nephews, Leah Lintern, Shawna McKenzie and Brad McGee; and his loyal dog, Max.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Michael Weizer.

Cremation has taken place and no services will be held.

Russell-Sly Family Funeral Home assisted the family with Dan’s arrangements. Condolences and memories can be shared at www.russellslyfh.com.

BURTON TWP. – Brad Lee Herwig, age 33, of Burton Township, died at home on July 6, 2017, surrounded by his family.

He was born on March 28, 1984 in Geneva.

Brad enjoyed videos, especially shopping at the mall in Walmart and Target.

He liked his trips to Disney World, vacations to the beach in South Carolina and Lake Chautauqua, and going out to eat with his family, especially for pizza.

His survivors include his parents, Gary and Karen (nee Goskey) Herwig, of Burton Township; sister, Lori (Benjamin) Shrock, of Burton Township; niece and nephew, Melayna and Abram Shrock; grandmother, Luella “Lou” Herwig, of Newbury Township; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

The family will receive friends at the Burton Congregational Church, 14558 W. Park St., Burton, on July 15, from 9:30- 11 a.m., with a Celebration of Life Service to follow at 11 a.m.

Arrangements by Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Chardon. Information and condolences online at www.burrservice.com.

CHARDON – Harry J. Jerson, age 84, of Chardon, died July 10, 2017, at TriPoint Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Cleveland on May 28, 1933, to Harry and Mary (nee Supinski) Jerson, he lived in Willowick for 35 years before moving to Chardon.

Harry was active with the Junior Achievement, Jaycees and Indian Guides. He also was an active member of the Church of St. Mary in Chardon.

He enjoyed traveling, playing cards and playing golf.

His greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren.

He retired as an inside sales manager for Parker Hannifin, in Cleveland, after 35 dedicated years.

Survivors include his wife, Judy (nee Kessler) Jerson, whom he married in 1960 at St. Francis Church in Cleveland; children Allan (Mary Anne) Jerson, of Bainbridge Township, Nancy (Michael) Bolden, of Chardon, and James (Christine) Jerson, of Mentor.

He also leaves his beloved grandchildren, Julianne and Hannah Jerson, Matthew, Kayla and Kelley Bolden, and AJ and Aly Jerson.

His sister, Elaine (Rudy) Kuznik, of Euclid; and many nieces and nephews also survive.

He was predeceased by his parents; and son Michael Jerson.

The family received friends from 5-8 p.m. July 13 at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at The Church of St. Mary, 401 North St., Chardon, at 10 a.m. July 14, with burial immediately following at All Souls Cemetery, Chardon Township.

Information and condolences online at www.burrservice.com.

James “Jim” L. Drabek, 62, lifelong resident of Geauga County, passed away July 6, 2017.

He was born Dec. 18, 1954, in East Cleveland, son of the late Henry and Jean P. (nee O’Connell) Drabek.

Jim graduated from Newbury High School and was a clerk for Dairy Mart in Newbury and Russell townships.

Jim enjoyed tinkering with his truck and working on cars.

He will be missed by his brother, Charles (Brenda) Drabek; two nephews, Ryan (Beth) Drabek and Brandon (Bryanna) Drabek; his great-nieces, Jacy, Jeny, Jillian and Lorelai; and his good friend David Blackford.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date at Munn Cemetery.

Russell-Sly Family Funeral Home assisted family with Jim’s arrangements. Share memories and condolences at www.russellslyfh.com.

PUT-IN-BAY, TWP. – Vivienne Marie Ladd (nee Houff), age 88, of Put-in-Bay Township, died July 11, 2017, at Edgewood Manor Nursing Center in Port Clinton.

Born Nov. 7, 1928, in Nashville, Tenn., to Martin and Vivienne (nee LaFluer) Houff, she spent most of her young life in Lorain, before she married an Island Boy, Robert “Bob” Ladd, and raised her family on Put-in-Bay.

She was a graduate of Lorain High School and attended Kent State University.

Viv served as the manager of the Put-in-Bay Yacht Club for many years and, after her sons graduated school, she worked as the bookkeeper at Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.

Survivors include her sons Paul (Kay Pippert) Ladd and Chris (Heidi) Ladd, of Put-in-Bay, and Shawn (Marie) Ladd, of Catawba Island; grandchildren, Ian and Casey, Nora and Macy, and Melissa and Pete Ladd; and her sister, Sister Shirley Houff, of Monroe, Mich.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 48 years, Bob; and infant son Richard.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, July 17 at Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church, 620 Catawba Ave., Put-in-Bay, with burial to follow at Maple Leaf Cemetery, Put-in-Bay Township.

The family will receive friends at the Cornerstone Room of the church after the burial.

Burr Funeral Home, Chardon, is handling the arrangements. Information and condolences online at www.burrservice.com.

HAMBDEN TWP. – Richard Farinacci, age 84, of Hambden Township, born Oct. 3, 1932, in Chardon, died at his home on July 12, 2017. He was a lifelong Chardon resident.

Richard was in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

He worked for the family business, the Farinacci Brothers Lumber and Trucking Company.

Richard is survived by his wife, Faye (nee Bond) Farinacci, whom he married Oct. 22, 1955; son, Richard Farinacci; daughters, Gloria Farinacci, Terry (Robert) Bosma, Holly Grantham, Diane (James) Gillette and Connie Farinacci; 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Joyce Monarchinno and JoAnne Farinacci.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Grace (nee Schneider) Farinacci; brother, Don “Sonny” Farinacci; niece, Lyn Farinacci; and nephew, Robert Blewett.

A private family service was held.

Donations suggested to the Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44110.

Information and condolences online at www.burrservice.com.

NEWBURY TWP. – Patricia Ann Phillips, age 84, of Newbury Township, passed away July 12, 2017, at Copeland Oaks Retirement Community in Sebring, Ohio, where she lived for the past year.

Pat was born Sept. 15, 1932, in Kirtland, to Gladys (nee Stadler) and Al Johnson. She graduated from Chagrin Falls High School and worked for Standard Oil until becoming a homemaker, mother and assistant in her husband’s auto business.

Pat was the director of Geauga County Job Training under JTPA (Job Training Partnership Act) until her retirement.

Pat spent her retirement years in Florida, where she had many close friends at Parramore’s Fishing Camp in Astor and Country Village in Orange City, and especially through RisenSon under the teachings of Pastor Wayne Neller.

Throughout her life, Pat volunteered many hours — to teach swimming lessons at Oceana Park, to the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office and for many years to Red Cross Disaster Services.

If someone was in need, Pat was there with food or a helping hand.

Survivors include her daughter, Linda (Jack) Henderson, of Salem, Ohio; sons, Douglas (Emma), of Dupont, Wash., and Michael (Sheri), of Mountain City, Tenn.; and grandchildren, April and Ammanfil.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Norman; and her parents.

Visitation is 4-5 p.m. July 28 at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon, followed by a memorial service at 5 p.m. at the funeral home.

Information and condolences online at www.burrservice.com.

CHARDON TWP. – Roy Danforth, age 91, of Chardon Township, passed away on July 14, 2017.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Lucille (nee Ash); sister, Audrey (Merle, deceased); children, Claudia (Terry), Carolyn, Roy (Lisa), Barb (Wes, deceased) and “frosted daughter,” Vicki (Ray); grandchildren, Beth, David, Sam, Ellen, Jackie, Brandy and Claire; and six great-grandchildren. Roy also leaves behind his beloved dogs, Jenny and Tippy; and cats, Apricot, Charlotte and Creamy.

Roy was born May 30, 1926, in Chardon, to Roy and Clara (nee Kidd) Danforth. After graduating from Chester High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. He married his childhood sweetheart, Lucille, in 1948.

Roy was a gifted mechanic who could build, create or repair anything. He was service manager for many years at Painesville Buick and then Gabriel Buick. He later owned and operated Roy’s Garage in Chardon for 35 years.

Roy and Lucille loved to travel and camped with their children in most of the national parks in the continental United States. Their favorite was Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming.

Roy was an enthusiastic supporter of the Great Geauga County Fair, serving as a director for many years and then as an employee of the treasurer’s office until he was disabled.

Roy will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.

He has been cremated by Burr Funeral Home in accordance with his wishes. A private celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Roy’s name to the National Park Foundation, 1110 Vermont Ave, NW, Suite 200 Washington, DC 20005, or online at nationalparks.org/donate.

Information and condolences online at www.burrservice.com.

HIRAM – Bryson H. Swanda, age 88, of Hiram, passed away June 24, 2017, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Bryson was born in Cleveland on Nov. 25, 1928, to Howard F. and Elizabeth R. (nee Farmer) Swanda. He spent his childhood in Maple Heights and moved to Hiram in 1941.

Bryson enjoyed bowling, golfing and gardening. He was an avid Cleveland sports fan.

He and his father proudly created Harrison Machine & Plastic in Hiram in the early 1970s, which has now been in operation within the family for four generations.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Jacqueline “Jacie” (nee Bennett) Swanda, whom he married on Aug. 18, 1951; children, Pamela (Robert) Maynard, Timothy (Carolynne Sendry) Swanda, Lorraine (Anthony) Calapa and Garth (Donna) Swanda; grandchildren, Nathan (Amy) Calapa, Tyler (Lisa) Maynard, Cody (Carli) Calapa, Brenden Swanda, Whitney (Joe Knautz) Adams, Troy Calapa and Travis (Ashley) Swanda; and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Evelyn Bott; and daughter-in-law, Debra Swanda.

The family will receive friends on Aug. 12 at Hiram Christian Church, 6868 Wakefield Road, Hiram, at 10 a.m. until the memorial service at 11 a.m.

Memorials may be made to Hiram Christian Church.

Information and condolences online at www.burrservice.com.

PARKMAN – Laura J. (nee Whitney) Dietrich, age 89, of Parkman, passed away peacefully July 18, 2017, at Briar Hill Healthcare Residence. She was surrounded by her family.

Laura was born in Troy Township, on Sept. 19, 1927, to the late Lloyd and Emily (nee Hull) Whitney. She is now reunited with her loving husband, Maurice Dietrich, who died July 18, 1997.

Laura retired from being a secretary at Cardinal Middle School after 27 years.

She will be greatly missed by her children, Debbie Bazil, Denny (Susan) Dietrich; grandchildren, Deena (John) Avalon, Erin (Joe) Shirkey, Will (Jericha) Bazil, Michael (Julie) Dietrich, Daniel (Kristen) Dietrich; great-grandchildren, Anna, John, Audrey, Madeline, Reese, Logan, Mya, Callie, Lea, Alyssa, Ella and Ava; and many friends.

Laura is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Maurice; and brothers, Gilbert Whitney, Norman Whitney and Donald Whitney.

Funeral services will be held at Monday, July 24, at 11:30 a.m. at Best Funeral Home, 15809 Madison Road., Middlefield. Family and friends will be received from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday.

Laura’s final resting place will be next to her husband in Overlook Cemetery in Parkman.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Laura’s honor are requested to be made to either the Parkman Congregational Church, P.O. Box 655, Parkman, OH 44080 or the Parkman Fire Department, 16299 Main Market Road, Parkman, OH 44080.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Best Funeral Home, Middlefield, 440-632-0818. Online condolences may be made at www.bestfunerals.com.

TROY TWP. – Louis F. Paltza Jr., age 94, of Troy Township, died July 19, 2017, at University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center in Chardon.

He was born Nov. 2, 1922, in Cleveland, the son of Louis F. and Priscilla (nee Radovitz) Paltza.

A decorated World War II combat veteran, Louis was an infantryman in the Army Rangers and a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division. He attained the rank of first sergeant and was awarded the Purple Heart.

A graduate of John Adams High School in Cleveland, Louis had been part owner of Burton Village Sunoco Automotive Repair Center and retired as a material handler for Stock Equipment.

He served two terms as mayor of Burton Village and had been chairman of the planning and zoning committee.

He had been active in youth sports, having coached football, boys baseball and girls softball. He was active in Boy Scouts and was a 50-year member of American Legion Post 459.

Surviving are his children Louis Paltza, of California, James Paltza, of Florida, and Penny (Michael) Furda, of Troy Township; eight grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death is his wife, Ruth L. (nee Kovacs) Paltza, whom he married Sept. 23, 1944; son Kenneth Paltza; and four brothers, Alex, Zolie, Ernie and Joe Paltza.

Per his request, cremation is taking place.

Family and friends will gather at a later date to celebrate his life.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Staton-Borowski Funeral Home, 962 North Road, NE, Warren, 330-394-6200. Online condolences may be sent to www.statonborowskifuneralhome.com.