PAULA SCHLEIS' SISTER, SUSANNA LEE SCHLEIS FREEMAN, PASSES AWAY

 

                                                                                                                     SUSANNA LEE SCHLEIS FREEMAN

Paula Schleis’ sister passes away

 

BJ reporter Paula Schleis’ sister, Susanna Lee Schleis Freeman, passed away April 23. She was 76.

 

Paula was a BJ education/small business/features reporter for more than 30 years when she retired in 2018. She transitioned to a podcast, Ohio Mysteries. Then added a YouTube Channel. 350 episodes so far.

 

Her nephew Steve Yoder handles the technical details.

 

You can find “Ohio Mysteries” at Patreon.com. 

 

Susanna’s obituary:

 

Susanna Lee Freeman, whose roles in life ranged from veteran to volunteer to being a mother to many more children than she had given birth to, passed away in Akron on April 23, 2024. She was 76.

Susanna was born Nov. 26, 1947 in Barberton to RoseAnn and Stephen Schleis. She became the eldest of five siblings.

She graduated from Barberton High School in 1965, and in 1967 began serving in the Women's Army Corp (WAC) during the Vietnam War. She married a fellow soldier, Jerry Freeman, and they raised three sons in Bath Township.

Susanna reinvented herself many times over the years.

When her family was in an accident, leaving son Kevin a paraplegic, she devoted herself to his recovery and transition to an independent young man.

While still raising her children, she enrolled in the University of Akron to study psychology and other courses of interest. Later, she became a Guardian Ad Litem, assigned to advocate for children going through the Summit County Domestic Relations Court - work that resulted in a J.C. Penney Gold Rule Award for outstanding volunteer efforts in 1998.

She also volunteered for the Rape Crisis Center and the Battered Women's Shelter, and spent her later years as a product demonstrator at Sam's Club in Montrose, a job she loved for its social nature.

Susanna left plenty of time for fun. She loved learning new things, and took up painting, sewing, crocheting, gardening and scrapbooking. She took cooking classes and always delighted her family and friends with wonderful meals.

She was an avid ghosthunter, and spent years leading ghost hunts through the historic O. C. Barber barns in Barberton. She loved to travel and spend hours searching beaches for shells and fossil shark's teeth. She spent a lifetime passionately researching genealogies for both hers and her husband's families.

Many nieces, nephews and cousins considered Susanna their second mother. When they were children, she was always eager to entertain them, have them overnight or spoil them on shopping trips. As adults, they turned to her as a steady source of support. They returned the favor and became a regular presence in "Aunt Sue's" life as she went through many medical challenges.

Susanna suffered many serious illnesses in her lifetime, from cancer to kidney failure, but throughout it all she was a model of strength and determination. She did not know how to give up. At the Green facility where she received dialysis, her cheery disposition had fellow patients referring to her as "The Mayor."

Susanna was preceded in death by her son, Kevin Freeman, and her parents. She is survived by her sons Tom (Lisa) Freeman of Fernandina Beach, Fla. and Daniel (Amy) Freeman of Cuyahoga Falls; grandchildren Caleb, Emma and Ryan Freeman; step-grandchildren Amanda and James Cunliffe and Brittany Pierce of Florida; six step-great grandchildren; and former husband Jerry Freeman.

She also leaves behind her siblings Thomas Schleis and Paula Schleis of Barberton, Barbara Yoder of Akron, and Michael (Loretta) Schleis of Norton; more than 40 nieces and nephews who cherished her; and Kashe Heffelfinger, who was like a grandson to her.

Susanna will be interred with her son, Kevin, at Rose Hill Burial Park in Fairlawn in a private ceremony. For those inspired to honor her memory, please consider a gift to your local Rape Crisis Center or her most recent interest, the Critical Care Kitten Coalition.

ANOTHER AWARD FOR BJ'S STEPHANIE WARSMITH

 

STEPHANIE WARSMITH (ABOVE) AND BELOW WITH VICTIMS GROUP CEO/PRESIDENT LEANNE GRAHAM

Victim Services Award latest honor for BJ’s Stephanie Warsmith

 

BJ reporter Stephanie Warsmith received the Rev. Dr. Robert A. Denton Outstanding Victim Services Award from the Summit County Victim Assistance Program for her supportive actives about crime victims and their needs.

The group’s president/CEO Leanne Graham praises Stephanie’s 25 years of work for 25 years at the BJ.

The award is named for after the founder of Victim Services, Denton, an ordained minister, police academy graduate, police chaplain and sociologist who is retired.

Stephanie also has won a national police reporting award and numerous state journalism awards.

When Stephanie married her husband, Duane, in 2005 her father, Steve, was dying of cancer. She and Duane opted to marry in the backyard of Warsmith’s family home with just a few family members and friends present.

Denton traveled to Grove City south of Columbus to officiate the wedding.

For details about about services available to victims, visit https://victimassistanceprogram.org/victim-rights/  or call VAP 24/7 at (330) 376-0040.

BJ FINANCE RETIREE CHERYL SCOTT SHEININ PASSES AWAY

 

                                                 CHERYL AND NEIL SHEININ ON THEIR 38TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY 

               

                 Cheryl Scott Scheinin, 2^nd from right, with Yolanda Caldwell Rynes, Tammy Simich, Sandi Hall, Sue Robinson and Margaret Samulak

Cheryl Scott Sheinin passes away

 

Cheryl Scott Sheinin, BJ Finance for 45 years, passed away. She married Neil Sheinen, also a BJer. They wed on Cheryl’s birthday, also 45 years ago.

As one example of Cheryl’s kindness and thoughtfulness, when former BJ security guard Anna Nitz passed away in 2012, Cheryl went to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for the ceremony of Ann’s ashes being spread into the Atlantic Ocean. That was Anna's favorite place to travel.

Cheryl’s travels include national parks and monuments in the American West when Neil and Cheryl weren’t at their Portage Lakes home.

Cheryl also was loyal to the Browns, her entire life.

And Neil has attended baseball games in about 350 parks, most of them in the minor leagues, and threw out the first pitch at an Akron Aeros game. And with Cheryl traveled to Puerto Rico and Canada.

Newcomer Funeral Home in Ellet is handling Cheryl’s arrangements, as it did former BJ chief artist Art Krummel in April.

Cheryl's obituary:

Cheryl Sheinin, age 76, of Akron, passed away on Monday April 15, 2024. She was born in Akron on September 29, 1947 to the late Everett and Louise (Peters) Scott and graduated from Garfield High School. She worked in the finance department of the Akron Beacon Journal for 46 years. Cheryl was an animal lover and enjoyed traveling.

She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Robert Neil Sheinin; as well as sister-in-law Judith Scott and nephew Donald Scott both of Hartville. Preceded in death by brother Donald Scott.

Visitation will be Monday April 22nd from 11:00 AM- 1:00 PM at Newcomer Funeral Home. A procession departs the funeral home following visitation to Greenlawn Memorial Park where a graveside service will be held. Memorial contributions may be made to Summit County Humane Society or your favorite charity.

To share a memory of Cheryl or leave a special message for family, please click the Share Memories button above.

Newcomer 330-784-3334
www.NewcomerAkron.com

35-YEAR BJ SPORTSWRITER/REPORTER ED MEYER PASSES AWAY

 

                                              ED MEYER

       ED MEYER ON LEFT WITH BONNIE RAYMOND ALEXANDER 

35-year BJ reporter Ed Meyer passes away

 

Ed Meyer, BJ reporter for 35 years (1981-2015), passed away in Akron. Spent earlier days in Chicago.

 

Ed wrote that, when his U-Haul pulled into Akron, “I like this place” because the rubber shops reminded him of Chicago’s steel mills.

 

Stuart Warner, who hired Bradley University grad Ed to cover the Browns, posted:

 

“Makes me so sad. Hired Ed to cover the Browns in 1981. RIP, my friend.

Ed’s father was Edward James Meyer, “my hero” who served in General Patton’s Third Army and landed on Omaha Beach six weeks after D-Day to help build floating bridges that helped supplies and armored vehicles to move in and destroy Hitler’s Nazi Germany.

Ed and I once exchanged information about our dealings with management unhappy with us, me at the Dayton Daily News for union activities and Ed demoted to suburban police beat in Portage, Stark, Medina and Wayne counties when the projects-investigation team that Ed was on was disbanded.

 

His stories led to wrongful convictions freedom for Randy Resh and Bob Gondor, after they spent 17 years in prison, which Ed told me “was the proudest moment of my 35-year newspaper career at the Beacon Journal.”

Keith McKnight told me:

“Ed Meyer was an outstanding example of what investigative reporters are supposed to be. Unfortunately, the few years we had to work together were all too brief. But it was through his tireless digging that many of the narrative series we wrote together were possible. His abiding effort at going it alone to expose the wrongful conviction of Randy Resh and Bob Gondor speaks for itself. He was a friend that I admired and will always miss.”

Ed’s obituary:

Edward V. Meyer

July 25, 1951 - April 11, 2024

Edward V. Meyer passed away unexpectedly on April 11, 2024. He was born on July 25, 1951, to Edward and Stephanie Meyer in Hegewisch, IL. He graduated from Bradley University with a degree in journalism. Ed began his prominent career in Tampa as a sports writer. His journey as a pro football beat writer started with the Cleveland Browns in 1981 at the Akron Beacon Journal which brought him to Ohio where he met his beloved Rose.

Ed’s commitment and passion for journalism was unmatched. He covered 18 Super Bowls and received countless prestigious awards. Some of his proudest moments were interviews with Arnold Palmer and Mohammed Ali. Later in his career, he took on criminal court and law enforcement reporting where his dedication to helping others led to one of his greatest accomplishments. Ed’s efforts to uncover the truth freed Randy Resh and Bob Gondor from prison, who were wrongfully convicted for a crime they did not commit. His colleagues describe his honesty, loyalty, and integrity as beyond reproach. 

He enjoyed spending time with his inherited loud Italian family and his cats Toby and Zeke. The Beatles, the Chicago White Sox, The Three Stooges, playing golf, snow skiing, and cooking were some of Ed’s favorite things. Being an American history buff, he collected various JFK memorabilia over the years. We will always remember his witty and funny nicknames and sayings that made us all laugh. 

Ed is survived by his loving wife of 43 years Rosary Vinciguerra, daughters Carolynn (Tom) Amato, Lisa Thomas; grandchildren Christopher (Abby), Benjamin (Natalie), and Logan Patrick; Alex, Carson, and Rosy Thomas; sister Karen (Stanley) Janeczek; nephew Matthew Janeczek; many cousins and his “little budgers”. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Stephanie, and his favorite Aunt Wanda.

We love you “Eddie Van Meter Meyer”; we know you are editing this in heaven.

The family will receive visitors on April 20, 2024, at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, 164 W. Market Street, Akron, OH 44303 at 10:00 am, funeral mass will follow at 11:00 am. A celebration of life gathering will be held at The Hilton Fairlawn, 3180 West Market Street, Akron, OH 44333 from 12:30 - 3:30 pm. All are welcome.  

In place of flowers, donations can be made to the James V. Vinciguerra Scholarship Fund in the care of St.VM High School or One of A Kind Pet Rescue. 

RETIRED BJ ART DEPARTMENT CHIEF ART KRUMMEL PASSED AWAY

 

                     ART KRUMMEL, CHARLENE NEVADA, MARRIED 53 YEARS 

Retired BJ artist Art Krummel passes away

Former BJ art department chief Art Krummel passed away.

His wife, former BJ reporter Charlene Nevada, posted:

“Dear friends, I just wanted to share that I lost my husband and best friend (Art Krummel) this morning. He had been dealing with a number of heart and lung issues. I'm glad he is at peace but my heart aches.

 

“We shared our lives for 53 years, and we were blessed to work together for 35 of those years at the Beacon Journal. I'm planning a memorial for early June and I will be in touch.”

 

Art once described working at the BJ as “every day was like Christmas.” I agree. I loved it so much I ran to work every day.

 

Art tells his story better than I ever could so I’ll let him do it as he did in a long-ago interview:

“I began at the age of 11 or 12 by drawing  squirrels, bears and objects using simple shapes. I was hooked.

“In high school I started visiting ad studios and was fascinated with the art of ad layout, lettering and line illustration. I also became an avid fan of Norman Rockwell’s work and decided I wanted to paint like him. I often went to a used book store looking for Rockwell illustrations to buy the magazine for a nickel or dime.

“Early on I was entirely self-taught. I took art in high school and became a bit of a known artist at my school. My art teacher was a wonderful lady but was mostly into things like masks and paper mache.

“After I graduated (and did the obligatory hitchhike around the country), I got a job at the local newspaper as a copy boy. With a full-time job, I immediately enrolled in some art classes in a nearby city. I hung around the art department at the newspaper and got to know the artists.

“Sadly, one of the artists died and I was invited to join the department. I soon enrolled in the art program at the University of Akron and eventually got a BS in graphic design.

“I spent 40 years at the newspaper. Every day of those years was like Christmas morning for me.”

 

Art and Charlene lived in Tallmadge, as I do, but in 2010 bought a 2^nd home in Garden City, South Carolina and in 2014 and later used it as a retreat from Ohio winters.

Garden City is 13 miles from Pawleys Island, South Carolina, where retired BJ printers and retired business department employees moved after retirement.

When Charlene finalizes the time, day and place for Art’s memorial I’ll post a follow-up article on it here.”.

Art, Clyde “Bud” Morris (who came up with the name for Channels, the TV guide that I gave birth to as the TV editor), Dennis Balogh, Walt Neal, Denny Haas roamed through the Art Department over the years.

CHERYL POWELL NAMED BJ EXECUTIVE EDITOR

 

                   CHERYL POWELL 

Cheryl Powell promoted to BJ executive editor

Cheryl Powell, in Summit County almost all her life, was promoted from managing editor to Akron Beacon Journal executive editor, where she has spent the last 27 years.

She also handles the BJ web site and is regional editor for the Canton Repository, Ravenna Record-Courier, Alliance Review and Massillon Independent.

Cheryl replaced Michael Shearer, who left to be executive editor of the Beacon’s sister paper, The Columbus Dispatch.

Powell, whose family moved to Twinsburg when she was 1, has lived in Summit County since, with the exception of attending college at Kent State University and a brief stint at the Lexington Herald-Leader in Kentucky. 

TOM MOORE'S DAUGHTER, KATHY MOORE, PASSES AWAY

 

            KATHERINE ANN MOORE WITH HER PETS

Tom Moore’s daughter, Kathy, passes away

 

The late BJ newsroom retiree Tom Moore’s daughter, Katherine Ann Moore, passed away March 26.

She was a member of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and lived in Maryland.

Kathy was an elf on the Cuyahoga Valley Train when Tom was a conductor for years.

Kathy joins Tom and Tom’s wife,
Dorothy Doyle Moore, and Kathy’s brother, Thomas A. Moore, in afterlife.

Survivors include Kathy’s sisters, Amy Moore and Caroline Moore Krack.

Kathy’s obituary:

 

Katherine Moore Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Adams Mason Funeral Home & Crematory - Akron on Apr. 1, 2024.

Katherine Ann Moore (Kathy) passed away the early morning of March 26, 2023.  Born to Tom and Dorothy Moore on June 11, 1953 in Bluefield West Virginia then relocating to Akron, OH with her family as a teen.

 

She was a 1971 graduate of Akron North High School learning the necessary skills (at the time) shorthand and typing. These skills, along with her analytical mind, led her to Washington D.C where she worked for the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. Maryland is where "Kathy" became "Katherine".  Katherine always remained a team player. Stating that the only reason she was successful was because of the people she surrounded herself with. She truly loved her job, her coworkers and friends, (some which became family) Kathy was recognized by 2 presidents for her contributions in her career and truly loved the contribution she made.  Kathy retired as a contract and grant team lead after 35 years.  Once retired, she returned to Akron to spend quality time with her family who she loved deeply.  She volunteered as a trainman and as a polar express elf with her dad on the Cuyahoga Valley Train, and spent quiet days stitching, shopping and talking with her mom. 

 

Katherine was an avid cross stitcher and quilter. She joked that the amount of fabric and floss that she has accumulated could prevent JoAnn Fabric from filing chapter 11.  You could always find her starting many projects and once.  Some would get finished, but only if they were being made for someone that touched her heart.  Kathy also loved to bake and cook. Any chance she could, she would entertain.  Kathy just loved giving to others.  Whether it be food, a crafting piece or something she bought because "I just knew you would love it".

 

 As her health declined, she moved into Danbury Senior Living. It was a struggle for her in the beginning, losing her independence. But that processing, analytical mind kicked in and after a few months had made friends, was entertaining, stitching, sewing and making sure she told the director how to run his building :) She proudly showed her stubborn and feisty side, wearing like a badge of honor.

 

Kathy had so many people that advocated for her throughout her life. Big thank you to Dr. Troy Larson and his wife Rachel, for helping Kathy find God and knowing the comfort that the Lord will bring her.  Thank you for the outstanding care from her numerous physicians, DaVita Munroe Falls, Danbury Senior Living Tallmadge and Southern Care Hospice.  All of you not only had the best interests of Kathy in mind, but also her sisters Amy, Carol and Ann. We will be forever grateful.

 

Kathy is predeceased by her brother Thomas A Moore, father Thomas C Moore and mother Dorothy J Moore (Doyle). She is survived by her sisters Amy Moore, Caroline Krack (John), her niece Amanada Moore and long-life friend turned sister Ann Modzel.

 

Visitation with a memorial service to celebrate Katherine's life will be held on Saturday, April 27 from 2-4. at Adams Mason Funeral Home, 791 E Market St., Akron, OH 44305.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Frontline Ministries International, 6200 Wales Ave. NW, Massillon, OH