Gresock suffers another stroke

E-mail message from Brian Walsh, Don Gresock’s son:
,
This is Brian Walsh, Don Gresock's son in San Antonio. Don suffered another stroke last Friday, the 19th. He is in St. Luke's Hospital Room 228B. He is unable to speak, or move his body but is aware of who may be arround him.

I can be reached at 210-478-6537 or at bwalsh3@satx.rr.com

I will try to stay in touch.

This e-mail received Saturday, Nov. 27, from Don's sister:

Hello: I am Don's sister from Houston and I wanted to give you an update on his health. Don suffered a stroke on Oct. 27, which paralyzed his left side. He was being rehabilitated and making progress when another stroke hit him on Nov. 19. This one was more serious and there is not much hope for recovery now. He needs your prayers. Don has many friends and I am sure I am missing some names and addresses. You may pass the word along to others who may know him. This is a very difficult time for all of us. Feel free to write me for more information and I will keep you up to date. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. Pat Gresock Brunner HPatriciaB@aol.com ========= Cards may be sent to: Don Gresock 3319 Clearfield San Antonio, Texas 78231

John Olesky after 8 years of retirement

John Olesky, a journalism graduate of West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV, shows his school spirit in a sweatshirt during a recent luncheon of Beacon Journal retirees at Papa Joe's Restaurant in the Valley and relaxes at the poolside patio at his Morrison Ave. home in Cuyahoga Falls. John came to the Beacon Journal in 1969 from the Dayton Daily News where he was employed for 11 years. He signed off as editor of Channels and television news at the BJ in June, 1996. His wife, the former Monia Elizabeth "Monnie" Turkette, died February 4, 2004. Monnie was an ardent WVU fan who was honored posthumously by university alumni. Monnie met John on a baseball field in Williamson, WV, when John was sports editor and later city editor of the Williamson Daily News. Their children are LaQuita Timberlake of Aurora, John Larry Olesky of Tallmadge and Monnie Ann Johnston of Brunswick.

Note from Maxine in Florida

A note from Maxine Lozier in Ft. Myers, Florida:

It's nice to know that people still ask about you. I miss all the nice people I knew at the BJ and wish I could have lunch with you all every month. Maybe some day I'll get back before I'm too old to travel.

Ted and I sold our home (during the hurricanes). We were amazed but grateful. He bought most of our furniture too. Ted is on oxygen most of the time so we decided it was time to move to a senior citizens development. We have a great apartment on the NW corner, twelve stories up. Beautiful view on the Caloosahatachee River. Sunsets are great.

I still play golf and bridge. Ted had to give up golf, but, if I twist his arm, he will play bridge.We've had a good life and are happy. I have to tell you, I lived all my life in the Akron area until we moved to Florida ten years ago so my heart will always be there with you all.

Maxine & Ted Lozier
2525 E. First Street
Fort Myers, Fl 33901
Tel: 239--332-2557

Hal Fry classified obit

Halleck Duncan Fry Jr.

Hal Fry, 86, died Nov. 13, 2004, after a long bout with Alzheimer's disease.

He was born Oct. 14, 1918, in Washington, D.C., the son of Halleck D. Fry Sr., and Evelyn (Olds) Fry. He also lived in Maryland, New Jersey, West Virginia, and New York City before attending the University of Michigan. He served in World War II, where he received the Legion of Merit for his work with photo reconnaissance. Following the war, he returned to Owosso, Mich., to his work as a newspaper reporter. While in Owosso, he met and married Anne King. Hal and Anne moved to Akron in 1949, where he went to work at the Akron Beacon Journal. He was a reporter, feature writer, and editor. He retired as an editorial writer in 1983. He received the John S. Knight Award for journalism in 1984. In retirement, he edited several books, wrote a "History of Rubber" for Rubber World magazine, and wrote "Publish It!", a history of the Akron Beacon Journal, on the occasion of the paper's 150th anniversary. Hal lavished love on his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He devoted over a decade to the care of his beloved Anne as she suffered the ravages of Alzheimer's disease.

Hal was preceded in death by Anne, his wife of 55 years; a son, Patrick Duncan; his parents; and his sister, Scot (Fry) Cisco of Albuquerque, N.M. He is survived by his children, Jonathan Bradford Fry (Kathy) of Oak Park, Ill., Robert Marvin Fry, (Kathy) of Worcester, Mass., Christopher Martin Fry (Dottie Watson) of Melville, N.Y., Elizabeth Ann Fry Connelly (Mike) of Akron, and Michael Donoho Fry, (Suzanne) of Lebanon, Pa. Hal also leaves 17 grandchildren and 12 great- grandchildren.

The family will be forever grateful to the loving caregivers of Senior Independence Adult Day Care, and Sunrise Assisted Living of Bath.

Fry donated his body to NEOUCOM; hence, no burial will take place. A memorial service will be held on Friday, Nov. 26, 2004, at Church of Our Savior, 471 Crosby St. Visitation will be held 1 to 3 p.m., with a service at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Falls Cancer Club (330-929-2796), the Alzheimer's Association (330-864-5456), or to a charity of your choice.

Please sign the guest book at Ohio.com

[Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, Ohio, Wednesday, November 17, 2004, page B6, col. 2]

Hal Fry dies

Ex-Beacon staffer dies at 86

Hal Fry remembered for his intellect; wrote book about newspaper

By Elbert Starks III
Beacon Journal staff writer
Hal Fry, a longtime Beacon Journal editorial writer and newsroom editor described as a brilliant wordsmith, died Saturday at an assisted-living home in Bath Township.

He was 86.

Fry, who retired from the Beacon Journal in 1983 after 34 years of service, was part of the team that won the Pulitzer Prize for the newspaper's coverage of the shootings at Kent State University in 1970.

He also wrote a book, published in 1989, titled ``Print it!'' 150 Years of The Akron Beacon Journal, which detailed various highlights and important events in the newspaper's history.

``He was gifted with his hands and his mind and his heart,'' said his daughter, Elizabeth A. Connelly.

She said her father, a University of Michigan graduate, was fluent in four languages and spoke at least seven.

Connelly said her father enjoyed teaching courses at the University of Akron and at Kent State University, where he stressed principles such as precision and conciseness.

``Hal was probably the brightest person I ever met. I don't recall a subject ever coming up that he didn't know something about,'' said Chuck Ayers, a former editorial cartoonist for the Beacon Journal.

``He was the most incredible person. He was a great guy.... He was kind of like a father, sort of like that, to a lot of people down there. If you ever had a question, you went to Hal. If you were smart, you went to him first.''

Fry's book was described in the Beacon Journal ``as an illustration about the buildings (the newspaper) occupied, the presses on which it was published, the editors and employees who shaped it.'' It also highlighted the changing ways of newsmaking and newsgathering.

Fry also liked to travel, Connelly said, and he ``built two huge additions to the family home in Cuyahoga Falls.''

His wife, Anne, died in 1998. The two were married for 55 years. Fry is survived by five children, 17 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

The family is planning a memorial service.

Elbert Starks III can be reached at 330-996-3640 or estarks@thebeaconjournal.com
[Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, Ohio, Tuesday, November 16, 2004, page B8, col. 1]

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Hal Fry death

News flash from Sarah Vradenburg:



Just got news that Hal Fry died Saturday at Sunrise Assisted Living in Montrose. His

daughter is Betsy Connelly. His body has been donated to NEOUCOM and services are

planned for the Friday after Thanksgiving at Church of our Savior in Akron. 



Details as they become available.



Sarah

Polly Paffilas in hospital

E-mail from Nancy Bonar:
Polly Paffilas was admitted Thursday afternoon through ER to Akron General Medical Center. More high "spikes" for various parts of body, diseases than before. Friday pm: now in "Progressive Intensive Care." Is hoped to move her to private room tomorrow. Polly has worked so hard to be able to be self-sufficient, mostly in order to be in her home with her beautiful white cat, Harvey. Should Polly make it out of AGMC, will probably be to an assisted living facility. Maybe Harvey could be facility's on premise cat, as is done in area nursing homes? In the mean while, prayers for Polly's comfort and wishes. She is an "icon" in my life. NANCY Nancy Y. Bonar, APR Medina, OH

Harry Liggett Notes:

Polly suffered from high blood glucose levels (diabetes) and a urinary tract infection. She has been moved into her own room. I called her today (Saturday) and she sounded happy to receive the call. I had became concerned about Polly when I called her apartment Thursday and got no answer. I called Nancy Bonar and asked her to check. She sent me e-mail that Polly had been admitted..

I hope you will say a prayer for Polly and send her best wishes for recovery.

Polly Paffilas
Room 4101 Akron General Medical Center
Tel. (direct to her room) 330-344-2456
Tel. (patient info) 330-344-6100

To send Polly an electronic greeting card that will be delivered to her room, go to:
https://akrongeneral.org/sendacard/sendacard.asp

Home address:
900 W. Market St. #503
Akron, OH 44313.

Phone chat with Charlotte Earll

BJ composing room retiree Charlotte Earll had a malignant melanoma in the groin area removed. Charlotte told me in a phone conversation that doctors believe they got it all, but she will get further treatment. She was to go to Cleveland Clinic on Thursday (Nov. 11) to get clamps removed and will return the following Thursday for a checkup. Charlotte retired in 1990. She no longer sings in the Sweet Adelines, but does sing in the church choir when she can. She said she hopes to attend the next Beacon Journal Retirees luncheon.

Tom at work in Florida

Tom Moore with Hobbs, the Hobbs Baseball mascot

Tom Moore is in Fort Myers, Florida, for two weeks doing some writing...and a few other things...whatever needs to be done for another BJ type Tom Giffen at the Roy Hobbs Baseball World Series. This photo shows Moore with Giffen's dog, the mascot of Roy Hobbs Baseball wich is primarily an organization geared to 30-and-over competition for people who love the game of baseball and have determined that anyone, any age, can play the greatest of America's team sports. If you are really that interested go to
http://www.RoyHobbs.com

Printer vs. Editorial standoff at lunch

Editorial types 5
Printers 5
Women 0

That was the attendance score at the November 10, 2004 BJ Retirees lunch at Papa Joe's in the Valley. Printers attending were Calvin Deshong, Al Hunsicker, Gene McClellan, Carl Nelson and Robert Pell. Editorial types were Don Bandy, Art Cullison, Tim Hayes, Harry Liggett and John Olesky. There were no women present. Printers are more regular attenders it seems. Bandy, Liggett and Olesky were there for the first time in months.

I f you have forgotten what they look like, click on the headline above to go to a photo album.
Click on individual photos to enlarge. Oops! Cullison left before the shooting started so there is no photo of him.

KR announces management changes

SAN JOSE, Nov. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Knight Ridder Chairman and CEO Tony Ridder announced today a reorganization of the company's senior management that included these changes:

Art Brisbane, currently president & publisher of The Kansas City Star, and Hilary Schneider, currently president and CEO of Knight Ridder Digital (KRD), will become senior vice presidents of the company. Steve Rossi, currently, president of the Newspaper Division, will become the senior vice president/CFO. All three will report to Tony Ridder.

In the new structure, Brisbane and Schneider will share responsibilities for Knight Ridder's Newspaper Division. The vice presidents for News, Circulation and Production will report to Brisbane. The vice president for Marketing will report to Schneider. The Vice President for Technology will report jointly to Schneider and to Tony Ridder.

Newspapers in Philadelphia, Kansas City, Fort Worth, Charlotte and St. Paul will report to Brisbane. Newspapers in San Jose, Contra Costa, Miami, Detroit, Akron and Lexington will report to Schneider.

Brisbane will have oversight of the company's 17 mid-sized and small markets. Newspapers in those markets will continue to report to Vice President/Operations Mac Tully. Schneider will have oversight of KRD and its partnerships (e.g. CareerBuilder, CrossMedia Services).

Tony Ridder said, "This is excellent news for Knight Ridder. Three unusually talented individuals will fill three of the most critical positions in our company.

"Art Brisbane has been an outstanding publisher in every respect since he assumed the job in Kansas City seven years ago. He has extensive newsroom background, including five years as executive editor of the Kansas City Star. With his current position, he has added a wide range of operational knowledge and an estimable record of community involvement to his experience. All of this, combined with the wide respect he already enjoys throughout the company, will enable him to hit the ground running in this greatly expanded role.

"Hilary Schneider has done a first-rate job with KRD, rapidly expanding its revenue, reach and profitability, while simultaneously moving it in a variety of new directions. She spent her early years in investment banking, later moving to Times-Mirror, where she became general manager of The Baltimore Sun. Subsequently, she was CEO of Red Herring Magazine. It's a range of experience that positions her exceptionally well to understand the challenges of communications in the 21st century.

"Steve Rossi has led our Newspaper Division with skill and vision during the most difficult period for the newspaper advertising economy in memory. His capacity for organizational and strategic thinking are in large part responsible for an expanded corporate marketing function and much-improved data reporting, among many contributions. Steve's outstanding analytical abilities, combined with more than 17 years of operational experience, ensure that he will be an exceptionally strong CFO."

The changes are effective Jan. 1.

Knight Ridder is the nation's second-largest newspaper publisher, with products in print and online. The company publishes 31 daily newspapers in 28 U.S. markets, with a readership of 8.7 million daily and 12.6 million Sunday. Knight Ridder also has investments in a variety of Internet and technology companies and two newsprint companies. The company's Internet operation, Knight Ridder Digital, develops and manages the company's online properties. It is the founder and operator of Real Cities (http://www.realcities.com/ ), the largest national network of city and regional Web sites in more than 100 U.S. markets. Knight Ridder and Knight Ridder Digital are headquartered in San Jose, Calif.

CONTACT: Vice President/Corporate Relations, Polk Laffoon,+1-408-938-7838, or plaffoon@knightridder.com, or Director/CorporateCommunications, Lee Ann Schlatter, +1-408-938-7839, orlschlatter@knightridder.com, all of Knight Ridder

Web site: http://www.knightridder.com/

Carl K. "Red" Nestor Jr. obit

Carl K. "Red" Nestor

Carl K. Nestor Jr., 68, passed away suddenly Nov. 8, 2004, after a short illness.

Carl retired from the Akron Beacon Journal after 33 years of service.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Clarice (Root) Nestor, and his sister, Rutheda Glaspbill. Carl is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Rhea; sons, Jeff and Wesley (Linda) Nestor; daughters, Aleta (Jason) Hahn and Sharon (Rich) Lemmon; two grandchildren, Brendan and Emily; his twin sister, Ellen Dixon, and sister, Betty Pekar.

At his request, there will be no services. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Humane Society of Greater Akron, 4904 Quick Rd., Peninsula, Ohio 44264. (ADAMS-MA SON, 330-535-9186.)

Please sign the guest book at www.ohio.com/obituaries

[Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, Ohio, Wednesday, November 10, 2004, page B7, col. 1]

News briefs from Guild Reporter

MercNews unions in expedited talks
The five unions at the San Jose Mercury News, including the Guild, agreed Oct. 6 to start expedited negotiations with the hope of reaching agreements by the end of the year. If successful, the “limited issue” bargaining would mean that most of the current contracts would remain unchanged beyond the expiration date of 2006.

More outsourcing of classified ads
Following a growing industry trend, the Philadelphia News and Inquirer and the San Jose Mercury News have said they might outsource some classified telephone sales in Classified Plus so they can have around-the-clock coverage. Based in Williamsville, NY, Classified Plus already has contracts with the Miami Herald, the Detroit News and Free Press and the Los Angeles Times.

Reuters to further boost offshoring
Reuters demonstrated an even more aggressive approach to offshoring by announcing it will shift 55% of its data operations to India, where it will add 860 workers by the end of next year. The decision means the loss of 450 jobs at other Reuters centers around the world, although it’s not clear at this time how many Guild-represented jobs may be affected.

Internet help for tracking lost jobs
Working America and the AFL-CIO have developed an online “Jog Tracker” that permits users to find out which companies are exporting jobs by company name or zip code. The site is at http://www.workingAmerica.org

Report on Don Gresock

This report is via e-mail from Robert Pell

I talked with Don Gresock's stepson this afternoon and he told me that Don's

left side was paralized and he could not walk unassisted. He said Don would

be in therapy for at least six weeks, if I understood correctly, and as of

now he cannot walk unassisted. Brother Dick Gresock has been there for a

while but possibly will start back to Ohio tomorrow.

   I asked him about his mother and he said they were going to have to make

some unpleasant changes but he would try to make them as pleasant as

possible. Although he did not say it outright, it looks like a nursing home

for her... and possibly both of them for a while.

   It's "fun" getting old    ~Bob

Anthony Aquino obit

Anthony Aquino

Anthony Salvatore Aquino died of natural causes in Richmond, Va., on October 3, 2004.

Preceding him in death was his wife, Dorothy Cecilia Aquino. He is survived by his son, Charles Anthony Aquino; daughter-in-law, Anna Galusha Aquino; and his grandsons, Andrew Charles Aquino and Adam Anthony Aquino. He is also survived by his sister, Rosemary Severns and her family of Tallmadge, Ohio and his sister, Dolores Paul and her family of Portage, Michigan.

Anthony was born in Akron, Ohio in 1923. He was employed by the Akron Beacon Journal for most of his professional career. During the 1960s and 1970s he worked tirelessly in the labor union movement as an advocate for workers' rights compensation.

He will be missed by his loved ones.

Please sign the guest book at www.ohio.com/obituaries

[Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, Ohio, Sunday, November 7, 2004, page B8]