Saturday, December 5, 2009

Daniel Ely Gross, 36

Calling Hours:
Sunday, December 6, 2009
3 to 7 p.m.
Boardman Chapel

Services:
Monday, December 7, 2009
9:00 a.m. Funeral Home
10:00 a.m. St. Joseph the Provider Church, Campbell


COLUMBIANA – Daniel Ely Gross, 36, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, Dec. 1.
His spirit and legacy will live forever in those at the center of his world,
wife Andrea (Ankeles) Gross and the joy of his life, son Carson, 2.
Dan lived for his family, believing “it was the little things he shared with
them that made him realize how great life was.” He possessed a rare
commitment to his professional career, but his true devotion was to his
family to whom he dedicated his time, boundless energy and unconditional
love.
Dan was raised in North Lima, and attended South Range High School,
excelling in track and field. To date, he still holds the school record in
the 110 high hurdles at 15.1 seconds and throughout his high school career,
he achieved county and inter-county league record-setting times in both the
110 and 300 hurdles. A two-sport athlete, he also played football for the
Raiders as both defensive back and wide receiver. Dan was honored to be
inducted into the SRHS Hall of Fame in 1997.
After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Turf Grass Science at Penn
State University, Dan reached so many of his goals in the years that
followed. He was currently working as superintendent at the Salem Golf Club,
his second home, and was a member of the Golf Course Superintendents
Association of America (GCSAA), the Ohio Turf Foundation, and the Northern
Ohio Golf Course Superintendents Association (NOGSA), serving as trustee
since 2007.
To know Dan was to love him. His unwavering faith, courage of conviction and
impeccable character made him a model for family, friends and colleagues
alike. In addition to Andrea and Carson, missing him always is his mother,
Sharon (Dan) Gross-Sparks; father, David (Sally) Gross Sr.; brother, David
(Kate) Gross Jr.; grandmother, Marjorie Ely; in-laws; and nieces and nephews
who will miss him dearly, but will be raised to know their cherished uncle
in his absence.
Dan was preceded in death by his beloved grandfather, Charles Ely, and
grandparents, Walter and Virginia Gross.
Calling hours will be Sunday, Dec. 6, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Rossi Bothers
& Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave. in Boardman, and a funeral Mass will
be celebrated at Dan’s church home, St. Joseph the Provider in Campbell on
Monday morning at 10 a.m. preceded by prayers at 9 a.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to an education fund, payable
in the name of Dan’s son, Carson Gross, at any area Home Savings & Loan
location.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Gino S. Mancuso, 21

No Calling Hours
Private Services for the Family

AUSTINTOWN – Gino S. Mancuso, 21, departed this earth to join his Lord and
Savior on Nov. 27, 2009. Gino was born July 16, 1988 in Huntington, W.Va, the
son of Daniel F. and Marianne M. (Joseph) Mancuso. Gino was a senior at
Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh majoring in Computer Information Systems.
He would have graduated with a bachelor’s degree in May of 2010. Gino graduated
from Austintown Fitch High School in June of 2006 ranked 1st in his class with a 4.0
GPA. He was a two year letterman in Cross Country and was named to the Federal
League All Scholar Team in 2006. He was a sports enthusiast who enjoyed weight
lifting, running and skate boarding. He also had a great love for music, was a self taught
drummer in a couple of local bands and most recently enjoyed part time work
as a disc jockey. He will be sadly missed by his parents, Dan and Marianne; brother,
Nicholas J. “Nico”; sister, Cara Gaetano; grandmother, Ann Joseph; aunts and uncles,
including Paul Joseph, Lou and Angela Joseph of Youngstown, Dominic
DeGuiseppi of Phoenix, Angela and Joseph Chahine of Canfield, Mark Mancuso
of Youngstown, Van and Janet Mancuso of Maple Grove, Minn. and Dave and
Julie Mancuso of Henderson, Nev.; along with many caring cousins and
friends. He was preceded in death by grandparents, James Joseph, Gene “Red” and Joyce
Mancuso. There are no calling hours. A private memorial service was held for the family.
If desired, memorial contributions can be made in Gino’s name to Hospice of
the Valley, 5190 Market St., Youngstown, OH 44512. Friends may visit www.rossifunerals.com
to leave a message of condolence for the family. Arrangements were handled by the Rossi
Brothers & Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave. in Boardman.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Dr. John Robert White, 72


Memorial Gathering:
Friday, August 28, 2009 4 to 8 p.m.
Excavations at the Millcreek blast furnace, adjacent to Pioneer Pavilion in Millcreek Park


NORTH LIMA – Dr. John Robert White, 72, died peacefully at his North Lima
home Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009, from complications due to Parkinson’s disease.
Dr. White was born in Philadelphia on Aug. 1, 1937 to Mr. John and Catherine
(Casanave) White. He was cherished by his Aunt Mary, who remained a source
of love and support throughout his childhood. John graduated high school from
Girard College in 1955 and served four years in the U.S. Navy before obtaining
his Associate Degree at the City College of San Francisco. He continued his
education and in 1963, he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from San Francisco
State University. He later received his Master of Arts and finally his PhD in
Anthropology from Oregon State University in 1974. Dr. White began teaching
Anthropology at Youngstown State University in 1971 and gained Full Professor
status by 1977. He became the Chair of the Anthropology and Sociology Department
in 1995 until he retired to Emeritus status in 2005. During his tenure, he was honored
with the Distinguished Professor award in 1979, 1981, 1985 and 2005. Additionally,
he was honored with Research Professor each year from 1979 through 1989, gained the
Outstanding Professor Award in 1989, the Honors Professor Award in 2003, and
the Golden Key National Honor Society in 1988. A prolific writer, John personally
authored over 100 separate articles and books during his academic career including
Hands on Archaeology–Real Life Activities For Kids, a text book for teaching archaeology
to children. Additionally, his name has graced articles from the Vindicator to regional
archaeology and international journals on education. John’s work took him extensively
throughout the United States, Ireland, Costa Rica, Canada, and Israel. His passion was
archaeology and he left behind a loyal dig crew of Chuck Mastran, Joe Alessi, Dale Wright, Tom
Delvaux, Dan Madden, Marian Kutlesa, Debbie Zetts, Pat Carbon, Dick Gregg, Chuck Creager,
Larry Bruno, Mike Reznor, Eric Anderson, Eric Johnson, Bob Durick, Ryan Steeves, Chris Walters,
Tom McKinney, Jennifer Centric, Renee Marker and multitudes of previous crews too numerous
to mention, but not forgotten. In addition to surveying hundreds of archaeological sites, they
excavated a myriad of sites including the Eaton (Hopewell) furnace, Austin Log House, Barnhisel
House, Quakertown, Lanterman’s Mill, the Kern (Sun Serpents) Effigies No. 2 and No. 3,
Hubbard House, Cherry Valley Coke and Ironworks Site, Damascus Friends Burying Ground,
Mill Creek (Trumbull) Furnace and the on-going Mercer (Springfield) Furnace.
Besides being involved in education, John was an award winning thespian.
Anyone that saw him in Harper’s Ferry will surely remember his bigger-than-life portrayal of
John Brown. He was also in a plethora of plays including Three Penny Opera, Gulliver!, Guys and
Dolls, School for Wives, Lady not for Burning, Mariner, Quasimodo, Grapes of Wrath, Lysistrata, and
many more at both Youngstown Playhouse and Youngstown State University’s theatre.
In addition to Dr. White’s anthropological and theatrical contributions, for four years, he was also
the co-director of the Fresh Air Camp for underprivileged children in Youngstown, located in Mill
Creek Park and designed to give recreation and education to the city’s children. He was
affectionately called “Big John”. Up to his passing, he was often stopped by now adults who
remembered his positive impact on them during their camp experience. John leaves behind
his only daughter, Kathryn Yvonne “Kak” White; a son-in law, David Ryan Mauerman; an
adored grandson, David John “Tom Sawyer” Mauerman, all of Boardman; his former wife and
dear friend, Joanne White; mother-in-law, Katherine “Tass” Strauss, both of Coos Bay, Ore.; two nieces,
Sabrina and Cindy Shields; dear friends, Charles Mastran of Liberty and David Parker of Findlay;
as well as numerous beloved extended family members, friends and his loyal dog, companion-to-the-end,
Molly McWaggles. John was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Yvonne White; and his
much-loved dogs Patty, Heidi and Babe. Per Dr. White’s wishes, he will be buried in a pine coffin in a private
green burial at Foxfield Nature Preserve in Wilmot, Ohio. The family invites all friends of John’s to come
to his excavations at the Millcreek blast furnace, adjacent to Pioneer Pavilion in Millcreek Park from
4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 28, 2009, for a memorial gathering to share stories and celebrate the life of
our dear friend, father, grandpa, educator, thespian, colleague, and archaeologist. Additional parking will be
available at the Ford Nature Center. Due to limited parking, carpooling is encouraged. Finally, per John’s
wishes, his daughter asks that attendees dress casually and in bright colors to celebrate John’s remarkable
and wonderful life. He was especially fond of tie-dye. Finally, his daughter wishes anyone who reads this to
know that she was the luckiest daughter in the world and that no woman could wish for a better dad. He will
be forever missed. Arrangements are being handled by the Rossi Brothers & Lellio Funeral Home,
4442 South Ave. in Boardman.

Robert T. Zack Sr., 76

Calling Hours:
Monday, August 24, 2009
4 to 8 p.m.
Boardman Chapel

Services:
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
9:00 a.m. Funeral Home
10:00 a.m. Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church

BOARDMAN – There will be funeral services 9 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2009, at Rossi Brothers & Lellio Funeral Home in Boardman, followed by a 10 a.m. Mass
of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Youngstown, with the
Rev. Msgr. Michael J. Cariglio celebrating, for Robert T. Zack Sr., 76, who
passed away peacefully Friday, Aug. 21 at his home. Bob was born June 7,
1933, in Youngstown, the son of Frank and Antoinette (Janis) Zaklukiewicz.
He was employed at United Paper Company and Borden’s Dairy as a truck
driver. He was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church. In 1953, Bob
graduated from South High School where he excelled at baseball, basketball
and football and was named All-City Fullback in 1952. He went on to play baseball,
basketball and football for the U.S. Marine Corps. and U.S. Navy when he honorably
served his country during the Korean Conflict. Bob also played AA Baseball for
Anthony Fence and Home Club and was inducted into the Youngstown Old-Timers
Baseball Hall of Fame on May 4, 1997. Bob will be lovingly remembered by his wife,
the former Catherine Girardi, whom he married 53 years ago on Aug. 18, 1956; his
two daughters, Debbie (Scott) Brown and Sherry (Sean) Holden, all of Lebanon; three
sons, Bob (Valerie) Zack Jr. of Beaver Creek, Frank (Terry) Zack of Sugar Creek
Township, and Ron (Lynn) Zack of Lebanon; seven grandchildren, Stephanie,
Danielle, and Joseph Zack, Scotty Brown, Dana and Kristen Zack, and Meghann
Holden; his sister, Sonia Janik of Columbia, S.C.; his four sisters-in-law, Margaret Zack,
Jeanne Girardi, Carole Girardi, and Livia Marinelli; and a brother-in-law, Carmen Girardi.
Besides his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his seven brothers, Andrew, Carl, Edward,
John, Henry, Joseph, and Paul Zack; and three sisters, Lottie Zaklukiewicz, Ann Parnell,
and Rose Chupek. Family and friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 24, 2009, at the
Rossi Brothers & Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Avenue in Boardman, when the Tri-State
Marine Corps League Detachment 494 will hold a 7 p.m. prayer service. Bob will be laid to
rest at Calvary Cemetery with full military honors provided by the Tri-State Marine Corps
League Detachment 494 and the U.S. Marines. The family would like to extend a heartfelt
thank you to Hospice of the Valley, especially Lesley Groubert, for her care of Bob and to the Rev.
Msgr. Michael Cariglio for his prayers and comfort.

Frank L. Brown Jr., 62

Services:
Sunday, August 23, 2009
2:00 p.m. Boardman Chapel

AUSTINTOWN - There will be funeral services at 2 p.m. today, Aug. 23, at the
Rossi Brothers & Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Avenue in Boardman, for
Frank L. Brown Jr., 62, who passed away Thursday, Aug. 20 at his home.
Frank was born April 17, 1947, in Kittanning, Pa., the son of Frank L. Sr.
and Dorothy Brown. He was an independent truck driver and served his
country during the Vietnam War with the U.S. Army. Besides his parents, he
was preceded in death by his loving companion, Julia Cianciola, who passed
away Aug. 9, 2009. Frank will be remembered by Julia’s three children, Sam
(Joan) Cianciola, Patricia Cianciola and Debra Gianfrancesco, all of Youngstown,
Teddy and Brittany, whom he helped raise and who affectionately called him Papa;
Julia’s four grandchildren, Lisa Cianciola, Sam Cianciola Jr., Rena Cianciola and
Pam Jones; four great-grandchildren, Tyler, Julian, Dominique, and Patrice; four
great-great-grandchildren; his four sisters, Patricia (Ed) Anderson, Arlene (Gene)
Sloan, and Lynn (Daryl) Denney, all of Tennessee, and Pamela (Richard) Misel
of Minnesota; two brothers, Charles (Mikki) Brown of Maryland and Richard (Sharyl)
Brown of Mineral Ridge; and several nieces and nephews. There are no calling hours.
Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Rossi Brothers & Lellio Funeral Home,
4442 South Avenue in Boardman.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Virginia Nespeca, 69

Calling Hours:
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 4 to 6 p.m.
Boardman Chapel

Services:
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
6:00 p.m. Funeral Home

BOARDMAN – There will be funeral services at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 19,
at the Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home in Boardman with the Rev.
Msgr. Michael J. Cariglio celebrating for Virginia Nespeca, 69, who went
home to be with the Lord on Monday, Aug. 17. Virginia was born Aug. 9, 1940
in Youngstown, the daughter of Peter C. and Connie R. (Ferrara) Nespeca.
She was a member of the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church. Virginia will always
be remembered by her brother, Ralph (Denise) Nespeca of Boardman; a niece,
Rhonda (Michael) Schuler of Boardman; two nephews, Godson Ralph J. (Heidi)
Nespeca of Boardman and Ryan J. (Michele) Nespeca of Indianapolis; two
great-nieces, Sophia and Cecilia; her Aunt Red Holecko of Boardman; and her
Uncle Ralph Ferrara of Lowellville. Besides her parents, whom preceded her in
death, she has been reunited with her brother, Peter Nespeca; and a great-niece,
Leanna Marie Nespeca. Friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 19,
at the Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave. in Boardman.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Shepherd of the
Valley in Boardman for the compassionate care given to Virginia.

Philomena Patrone, 74

Calling Hours:
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 5 to 8 p.m.
Boardman Chapel

Services:
Thursday, August 20, 2009
9:00 a.m. Funeral Home
10:00 a.m. Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church

McDONALD – There will be funeral services at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 20, at
the Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home in Boardman, followed by a 10
a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church with the
Rev. Msgr. Michael Cariglio Celebrating for Philomena Patrone, 74, who
passed away Sunday afternoon, Aug. 16. Philomena was born Aug. 23, 1934
in Avellino, Italy, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ciro Barone. She was a member
of the church. Philomena was a seamstress at St. Elizabeth’s Health Center. She
enjoyed playing bocce. Her husband, Angelo F. Patrone, whom she married Aug.
29, 1963, passed away March 21, 1996. Philomena will always be remembered
by her sons, Antonello C. (Gia) Patrone of Broadview Heights, Mark (Brenda)
Patrone of Canfield and Danny (Marrissa) Patrone of Poland; four grandchildren,
Alexandria, Daniella, Bianca and Massimo; and two sisters, Vittoria Saponiero and
Licia Barone of Avellino, Italy. Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded
in death by her brother, Domenico Barone and her sister, Anna Mansi. Friends may
call from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 19 at the Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral
Home, 4442 South Ave. in Boardman.