Webb Shaw’s daughter, 39, passes away

Erica Shaw Sheets, daughter of former BJ newsroom editor Webb Shaw, passed away at the age of 39.

Webb and wife Katie Gaab Shaw live in Fremont, Wisconsin. Webb retired in 2014 after 22 years with J.J. Keller, where he was vice president of editorial resources.

Webb’s father, the late Ohio native and Fremont (Ohio) Ross High football star Bob Shaw, was an all-American end on Ohio State’s 1942 national championship team coached by the legendary Paul Brown, who eventually guided the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL.

Later Bob Shaw was a tight end with the 1949 Los Angeles Rams and was receivers coach with the Baltimore Colts in 1958 when they beat the New York Giants to win the NFL championship in what has been called "The Greatest Game Ever Played."

Bob Shaw – a 10^th round NFL pick -- still holds the record for most TD receptions in an NFL game, set in 1950, although Kelllen Winslow and Jerry Rice matched that total in later years.

Bob left the NFL with 12 TD receptions in 1950.

Webb’s mom was Mary, who caught Bob’s eye when she was selling candy as an usherette at the Ohio Theater while the Buckeye players were downtown to watch a movie.

Bob Shaw coached briefly at Cuyahoga Falls High School. He was born in Richwood, Ohio but played football for Fremont Ross High School. If I got it right, Bob played for Fremont in Ohio but his son, Webb, lives in Fremont, Wisconsin. How’s that for a coincidence?

Bob died at the age of 89 in Westerville, Ohio.

Erica’s obituary:

w years as VP of editorial resources at Keller, no one knows better than your family how hard you worked these past 40 years. Pride doesn’t even begin to describe how I feel, and I look forward to our next cha

Erica C. Sheets
TOLUCA - Erica C. Sheets DVM, age 39, of Kiel, WI, died peacefully Thursday, January 26, 2017, at her residence with her family by her side.
Erica was born on September 16, 1977, daughter of Webb and Katie (Gaab) Shaw in Ohio. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin River Falls in 1999. She continued her education at Iowa State University, College of Veterinary Medicine graduating in 2004 with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.
On April 1, 2000, she married Steven Sheets in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Erica was employed with the St. Anna Veterinary Clinic, prior to that she was employed with the Kiel Veterinary Clinic as a large animal veterinarian. Erica was a member of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners and American Veterinary Medicine Association.
Erica enjoyed gardening, working with her animals on her hobby farm, running, boating and being active. She had a true love for cows; most of all she loved spending time with her boys and attending all of their activities.

She is survived by her husband: Steve; two children, Ty and Dominick, all of Kiel, WI; her parents, Webb and Katie Shaw, WI; one sister, Lindsey (Dave) Davis, MN; mother-in-law, Elaine Sheets, IL; and one sister-in-law, Karen (Randy) Nenne, IL; three nieces, Clara Davis, MN, Allison Nenne, N.C. and Olivia (Ryan) Stewart, GA. Erica is further survived by other relatives and many friends.
Erica was preceded in death by her grandparents, Robert and Marian Gaab, Robert and Mary Shaw, father-in-law, Jim Sheets and uncle, Jim Gaab.
Funeral Services for Erica will be held at 11:00AM on Monday, January 30, 2017, at Bethlehem U.C.C. (11608 Lax Chapel Road, Kiel). Officiating at the service will be Rev. Rebecca A. Johnston and Randy Koppenhaver with burial to follow in the church cemetery.
The family will greet relatives and friends on Sunday, January 29, 2017, at Bethlehem U.C.C. from 3:00PM until 6:00PM. The visitation will continue on Monday at church from 9:00AM until 10:45AM.
A special thank you to Froedert Medical College, especially Dr. Nirav Shah and his team for the wonderful care given to Erica and her family; and St. Nicholas Hospice for all of the care and compassion shown to the Sheets family.
Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.meiselwitzfh.com .

Published in Peoria Journal Star from Jan. 26 to Jan. 28, 2017

MD on MTM: Perfect pairing

Mary Tyler Moore turned the world on with her smile.

PD and former TV critic Mark Dawidziak (I taught him everything he knows about writing as his TV Editor; yeah, right) turns the world on with his writing.

It is fitting the Mark wrote his tribute to MTM. Click on http://www.cleveland.com/tv-blog/index.ssf/2017/01/mary_tyler_moore_managed_a_career_with_three_terrific_acts.html#incart_river_index to read Mark’s golden words.

Cathy Strong writes about fake news

1970s BJ State Desk reporter Cathy Robinso Strong has an excellent article about fake news.

Some make $3,000 a day doing it. They don’t care about the people or causes they write about; just about how fat a check they get.

Trump articles brought in thousands of dollars to those who wrote fake news about him. One guy made $110,000 because, he said, "Trump supporters will believe anything."

59% “share” the fake news by clicking on the headline and NOT reading the article, let alone fact-checking it.

Cathy is a senior lecturer for Massey University in Wellington, New Zealand, where Cathy has been a kiwi for decades.

To read Cathy’s article, click on http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/comment/88747809/catherine-strong-tips-for-putting-the-brakes-on-fake-news

BJ folks get around

Retired BJ Reference Librarian Diane Wright writes:

“I have been lucky. Been to Hawaii, Aruba, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, France, Belgium, Holland, Ireland, Iceland, Alaska, San Juan Islands, Canada, 2 cruises, Western Caribbean and New England starting with Nova Scotia, mission trips to Guatalama, England, Wales and Puerto Viarrata, Spain, Portugal, and April - Costa Rica, and Mackinac island.

BJ folks travel well.

I thought I did pretty well with 55 countries, 44 states, 13 cruises, but I can see other Ol’ Blue Walls expatriates get around.

 

Diane also is checking on the best time to visit China. December and January are the cheapest, Diane, and there's less odor then, too. So it's a double benefit.

Cecil Santoferraro’s wife passes away

Retired BJ printer Cecil Santoferraro’s wife, Dolly, passed away Monday, January 16.

Dolly was a BJ copy girl when she met Cecil. They were married 68 years.

 

Dolly's obituary:

Josephine “Dolly” Santoferraro

Jo Santoferraro, a woman of steely determination, beautiful blue eyes, and a card player extraordinaire, has taken her game to a higher level. Josephine Castronovop Santoferraro passed away January 16, 2017.

Born in Akron, Ohio on November 13, 1928, Jo graduated from North High School in 1946. Soon after, she began work as a copy girl at the Akron Beacon Journal. It was there she met a dashing printer, Cecil, who became the love of her life for the next 68 years. They put down roots in a home they built in Firestone Park and were blessed with four children.

Jo leaves to cherish her memory and celebrate her zest for life, husband, Cecil; children, Nancy (Darren) Toomey, Joe (Vicki), Dean (Paul); grandchildren, Jason, Laura (Philip), Paul (Karlie), Brett, Nerissa, Ian; five great grandchildren; as well as many other loving family and friends. She was preceded in death by beloved daughter, Laura; parents, Paul and Nancy (Racina) Castronovo; and brother, Thomas Castronovo.

A perfect day to Jo consisted of a good meal enjoyed with family and friends, and, if they were lucky, her homemade cannolis. The table won’t be the same without her!

Friends and family will be received Friday, Jan. 20, 2017 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Hennessy-Bagnoli-Moore Funeral Home, 936 N. Main Street, Akron, Ohio 44310 (corner of N. Main St. and Mildred Ave.). Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 83 Mosser Place, Akron, Ohio 44310. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, c/o the Santoferraro Family. Please go to www.hbm-fh.com to share memories and condolences.

Last moonwalker dies

Eugene Cernan, the last man to walk on the moon, died at the age of 82. Cernan was on the moon in 1972 with Apollo 17.

The Chicago native was a Purdue graduate.

He retired from the Navy and NASA in 1976.

David Hertz. Hip, hip. Horray?

Hip replacement for Hertz

It’s David Hertz’s turn to have hospital surgery.

Wife Beth Thomas Hertz had rotator cuff surgery in 2015 even though she’s never been a major league baseball pitcher.

David is at Akron General, now under Cleveland Clinic’s wing, for right hip replacement surgery.

David, who went from 15 years at the BJ as business and metro editor among other titles to become a vice president in the media relations department of Dix& Eaton in Cleveland, has plenty of company.

Hip replacements went from 138,700 a year in 2000 to 310,800 by 2010.

Knee replacements are about double hip replacements.

Beth, who was at the BJ for 4 years, later wrote:

“Pleased to report that David Hertz has just been moved from the recovery room to a regular bed, where he will spend the next few days. He's in a bit of pain but the surgeon says the operation went very well. Thank you for all the well wishes today!!!”  

Gault, who put the trees in Falls tree lawns, passes away

Don Gault, who with Bill Lowe was responsible for all the trees in Cuyahoga Falls’ devil strips (aka tree lawns), passed away  Thursday, January 12.

Don Gault

Fittingly, Gault Park in The Falls was named after him.

St. Mary’s High grad Gault was Falls City Council president during his 16 years with that group.

He was extremely active in coaching sports and charities.

Don’s obituary:

On Thursday, Jan. 12, Donald Joseph Gault passed away peacefully after a long illness, surrounded by his family. Don was born June 10, 1930, in Akron, Ohio. Don attended Akron St. Mary’s grade and high school in Akron, Ohio, and was awarded a scholarship to St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Indiana, where he attended one year before being drafted by the U.S. Army. Because of the Cold War at that time, he served in France during the Korean War. His outfit won the European baseball tournament. He reunited with his army comrades throughout his life. Don was a councilman for Cuyahoga Falls for 16 years and served as Council President. With the help of his mentor, Councilman Bill Lowe, he introduced legislation for the city to plant trees in the tree lawns. Don’s life work was with East Ohio Gas (now Dominion) where he worked in Marketing and was a resource for builders. Don was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, served as a Eucharistic Minister, a Knight of Columbus, Young At Heart committee, and volunteered with St. Vincent de Paul to help the needy. He served as President of the Associates of St. Joseph, a support group to the brothers of Holy Cross at Archbishop Hoban High School; Cuyahoga Falls Historic Society and AARP 682. He served as a Big Brother and helped with Ardmore Homes. One of Don’s joys was coaching boys at Immaculate Heart of Mary grade school in track and soccer. He assisted coaching CYO football with the coach, his brother-in-law, Tom Daugherty, at Akron St. Peter’s Catholic Church. Don had artistic talent and created pictures and note cards of Cuyahoga Falls historic buildings and sites.

Preceded in death by his Father and Mother, Ralph Hubert and Anna Gault, and his brother Bob, Don leaves his wife Mary Lou (Daugherty) of 62 years; daughters Peggy (Jeff) Gannon (Hartville, OH); Mary Reagan (Chagrin Falls, OH); Kate Gault (Chagrin Falls, OH); and Eileen (Craig) Burmeister (Phoenix, Arizona); his brothers and sisters Tom (Kathy) Gault, Mt. Vernon, OH; Blanche Fagan, Akron, OH; Mary Charlotte (Paul) Reder, Boca Raton, FL; Ralph (Mary Ann) Gault, Portsmouth, NH; Carol (John) Gambaccini, Akron, OH; and Carol Gault, widow of Bob Gault, Raleigh, NC; grandchildren Ryan (Ashley) Gannon; Brendan Gannon, Maggie (Patrick) Jackson; Matt Deeken; Joe and Caitlin Reagan; Cameron Russell; Nathaniel and Lily Burmeister; and four great grandchildren, Everett, Jackson and Nathan, sons of Ryan and Ashley; and Salem, daughter of Matt Deeken and Chelsea Toth.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Tom McCann at 10:00 am on Wednesday, Jan. 18, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 1905 Portage Trail in Cuyahoga Falls. The family will receive friends at Immaculate Heart of Mary from 9 to 10 am, and immediately following the funeral in the Parish Community Center. Inurnment will take place at Chestnut Hills Cemetery.

(McGowan-Reid & Santos Chapel, Cuyahoga Falls)

 

No more ‘Greatest Show on Earth’ after May

Not enough suckers coming into the tent, apparently, a reference to Phineas Taylor Barnum’s famous quote.

Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus will close forever in May after a 146-year run.

The culprits:

Declining attendance.

Escalating costs.
Animal rights groups.

Cliff Heinbuch passes away

Cliff Heinbuch, at the BJ 35 years, passed away Sunday, January 8.

His father, Henry Heinbuck, and brother, Dave Heinbuch, were printers for decades at the BJ, which was a Heinbuch family tradition. Another brother is Jim Heinbuch. Their mother was Diane Heinbuch, a portrait artist.

Cliff’s obituary:

Clifford Joseph Heinbuch

Clifford Joseph Heinbuch, age 78, went home to be with the Lord on January 8, 2017 and is now reunited with his wife, Judy.

Born in Akron, he lived in the area all of his life. Cliff graduated from Garfield High School and was a veteran of the U.S. Navy.

He retired from the Akron Beacon Journal after 35 years of service, where he was a lifelong Union member.

Cliff was a member of Shoreline Community Church. Throughout his life he was a wonderful supporter of his church and his children’s school activities. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening in his spare time.

Preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Judy; and parents, Henry and Bertha Heinbuch, he is survived by son, Joe; daughters, Donna (Michael) and Jennifer; grandchildren, Emma and Logan; brothers, David and James; sister, Margaret; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends and family will be received Friday, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home, 547 Canton Road (Route 91), Akron (Ellet), Ohio 44312. Funeral service will be Saturday, 1 p.m. at the funeral home with Dr. Scott Campbell officiating. Burial will follow at Hillside Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Shoreline Community Church, 790 Carnegie Avenue, Akron, OH 44314. (Hopkins Lawver, AKRON, 330-733-6271) www.hopkinslawver.com  

From left: Judy Campbell, Diane Lynch, Shirley Beck Letta.
Cheryl Scott Sheinin took the photo.

Finance’s fun reunion

Former BJ Finance Department co-workers Cheryl Scott Sheinin, Diane Lynch, Shirley Beck Letta and Judy Campbell had a lunch reunion at the Bob Evans on Arlington Road January 7^th .

They all were born at least a decade before I popped into the world in my grandparents’ home in Monongah, West Virginia.

Diane Lynch switched to the Reference Library; Shirley Beck Letta, whose father is Art Beck of Circulation, to Retail ad assistant; Judy Campbell to admintrative assistant to controller Bob Huddilston; and Cheryl remained in Finance.

 

Mike and Jane Williams at Mexico City's
 Metropolitan Cathedral

Land of ole for Mike & Jane Williams

Advertising Art retiree Mike Williams, once Johnny Grimm’s sidekick at the BJ, and his wife Jane are meandering through Mexico again.

Places like Mexico City, at the Capilla San Antonio de Padua, at the western edge of Coyoacan.
 

Mike and Jane got off the kick of visiting Peru, where Jane’s previous husband hung out, because Jane no longer can handle the high altitudes without getting sick.

Ecuador also has been their stomping grounds.

Mike and Jane, married 40 years, have two sons, independent trucker Nathan Williams and chemical engineer Trevor Williams. Mike retired in 2012 after 44 years, coming under Grimm’s wing in 1976.

Mark started in Advertising part-time in 1968 after bugging Ben James for a job during visits home from a freshman year at Ohio State. Retail Ad Mgr. Jim Muckley hired Mike full-time in 1971 in the Ad Services department. 

Mike’s sister, BJ information technology retiree Linda Williams Torson, is married to Akron-Summit County Metroparks retiree Tim Torson. Linda was with the Beacon Journal for 42 years.

Another sister, former clinical dietician Cindy Williams Chima, worked in the BJ classified phone room in the 1970s and writes fiction novels for young adults.

Stuart Warner named editor of Arizona weekly

Former BJ columnist Stuart Warner was named editor-in-chief of the weekly Phoenix New Times in Arizona.

Stuart has been with the Arizona Republic for four years, where he is senior content coach, which sounds a lot like his BJ role of teaching less experienced writers how to write.

He will begin January 23.

Stuart didn’t say which hat he would be wearing at the New Times, and I’m not talking about his position.

Stuart and wife Debbie Van Tassel left Cleveland for Arizona in 2013. Deb is listed as "planner for A1, Valley & State In-Depth and Business" at the Arizona Republic. They have three children.