TOM HUNSICKER, AL'S SON, JOINS TOO-LARGE BJ CROWD IN HEAVEN

Tom Hunsicker, son of the late BJ printer Al Hunsicker, passed away Friday, March 18. Al passed away in 2015.

Tom’s sister, Pam Hunsicker Coy of Norton, and my daughter, Monnie Ann, attended Falls High together. Pam’s father-in-law, the late Al Coy, and I were involved in the Cuyahoga Falls Amateur Baseball Association, often at CFABA board meetings when Al and his best friend, the late Glenn Winsett, were on the CFABA board and in charge of cooking hamburgers during Falls High baseball doubeheaders at Waterworks Park.

 

Tom’s other sister is Brenda Hunsicker Hoover.

 

Al was at the BJ for 32 years. I was there for 26, retiring in 1996.

 

I was at a 2009 Papa Joe’s monthly gathering of BJ retirees that included Dave Boerner, Tom Moore, Harry Liggett, Calvin Deshong, Gene McClellan, Al Hunsicker, Ken Wright and Joe Catalano. Tom Hunsicker will find his father in Heaven having gatherings with Dave, Tom, Harry, Cal, Gene, Ken and Joe. Too many gone too soon. Dammit!

 

Al’s wife, Lillian, passed away in 2021.

 

Tom’s obituary:

 

Thomas W. Hunsicker, 56, of Cuyahoga Falls, passed away on March 18, 2022. He was born in Akron on December 8, 1965 to the late Alfred and Lillian Hunsicker. Tom lived in San Antonio for the past twenty plus years, where he worked as a network engineer and vice president at Wells Fargo.

Tom played recreational volleyball for many years and loved dogs, particularly the labrador retrievers that he rescued. He was an avid sports fan of San Antonio and Cleveland teams.

In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his grandparents and his great-niece, Raegan.

He will be dearly missed by his sisters, Brenda (Dale) Hoover and Pamela (Don) Coy; niece, Jillian (Brandon) Foster; nephews, Ryan (Laura) Coy, Jeremy Hoover, and Jeffrey Hoover; and thirteen great-nieces and great-nephews.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 25, 2022 from 5-7 followed by a 7:00 p.m. memorial service at NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, 131 N. Canton Rd., Akron. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the San Antonio Humane Society, 4804 Fredericksburg Rd., San Antonio, Texas 78229 . 

Gene McClellan, Cal DeShong, Al Hunsicker at Papa Joe's

Al Hunsicker, John Olesky

Al Hunsicker passes away

Al Hunsicker, one of the most faithful attendees at the BJ retirees lunches at Papa Joe’s in the Merriman Valley, passed away Tuesday, March 24.

I’ve known Al as a BJ printer and as a Cuyahoga Falls resident for more than four decades.

His daughter, Pam Hunsicker Coy of Norton, and my daughter, Monnie Ann Olesky Johnston of Brunswick, attended Falls High together.

Pam’s father-in-law, the late Al Coy, and I were involved in the Cuyahoga Falls Amateur Baseball Association, often at CFABA board meetings when Al and his best friend, the late Glenn Winsett, were on the CFABA board and in charge of cooking hamburgers during Falls High baseball doubeheaders at Waterworks Park.

In 2011 Pam’s son was in a BJ article because, while a Navy Reservist in Afghanistan, via Skye he watched his daughter, Kaylie Elizabeth Coy, being born April 3 to his wife, Sarah, who was at TriPoint Medical Center in Lake County.

The Papa Joe’s lunches died out because, well, too many who attended died. 

Maybe Al can have a Heavenly lunch with former BJ printers Cal DeShong, Gene McClellan, Watson Blanton, Joe Catalano, Ken Wright and Bob Pell, other Papa Joe’s regulars.

That’s WAY too long a list of dearly departed BJ printers who shared food and laughter at Papa Joe’s.

RIP, Al, Mr. Nice Guy.

Al’s obituary:

Alfred W. Hunsicker

CUYAHOGA FALLS -- Alfred W. Hunsicker, 80, was called home to be with his Lord on March 24, 2015.

He was born in Akron and resided in Cuyahoga Falls for the past 60 years.

Alfred retired from the Akron Beacon Journal after 32 ½ years of service. He was an avid musician, played in a polka band and was a member of St. John St. Paul Lutheran Church where he sang in the choir most of his life.

He is survived by his wife, Lillian, of 59 years; children, Brenda (Dale) Hoover of Springfield, Pamela (Donald) Coy of Norton and Thomas Hunsicker of San Antonio; grandchildren, Jillian Coy and Ryan (Sarah) Coy and great-grandchildren, Kaylie and Brayden Coy.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 27 in the Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home, 1930 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221, where a funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, led by Pastor Rick Gordon. In lieu of other remembrances, memorials may be sent to the Haven of Rest, 175 E. Market St., Akron, OH 44308 or Moody Bible Institute, 820 North LaSalle St., Chicago, IL 60610.

To view tribute video, send condolences or sign the guest book visit www.cliffordshoemaker.com . 

From left: Joe Catalano, a friend, Joe's sister, John Olesky

Joe Catalano passes away

One of the disadvantages of being an octogenarian is that you have to deal with too many former BJ co-workers pass away.

Like Harry Liggett, whose time with me began with crazy, inspirational Pat Englehart on the State Desk.

Joe Catalano with Tim Hayes at Papa Joe's

And reporter Pete Geiger, who died 10 days after Paula and I had lunch with him and wife Sandy in Leesburg, Florida.

And Don Bandy, Terry Dray and Dave White, who shared memories and laughs with me on Siesta Key, Florida.

And Cal DeShong, who provided myriads of BJ employee lists over the years that helped Harry and me when we wrote about BJ Alums on this blog. And Terry Dray, who never met a golf course he couldn't conquer.

Joe Catalano, Marvin Hunt

And now, composing retiree Joe Catalano, whose memories meld into friendship and food, which I sampled regularly from the family’s cart at Falls events on Front Street. And the second Monday of each month when BJ retirees gathered at Papa Joe’s in the Merriman Valley to agree that the Beacon had gone to Hell in a handbaskets since our departures.

Joe’s obituary:

Joseph A. Catalano, 85, passed away Feb. 10, 2015.

Joe was born in Akron to the late Sam and Anna (Fazzino) Catalano and lived in the North Hill area all of his life. He was a graduate of Hower High School. Joe was a faithful member of Christ the King Church for 50 years and most recently St. Anthony Church. He belonged to the Knights of Columbus, Council #3529 for 22 years.

He worked at the Akron Beacon Journal for 30 years until his retirement in 1989.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. His greatest pleasure was having the family and adopted "nieces and nephews" together. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, traveling, casinos and playing cards. Joe was well known for his many card tricks.

Along with his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his loving wife, Anna Mae, in 2010; granddaughter, Erica Catalano; brothers, Tony, Sam, Paul and Angelo Catalano; and son-in-law, Stanley Gmerek. He is survived by his children, Cheryl Catalano, Maria Gmerek, Michael (Tetyana) Catalano, Joseph (Tina) Catalano, Tina (John) Goodson; grandchildren, Jacob (Theresa), Joshua (Alicia), Jason (Alex), Matthew, Julia, Brianna, John Taylor, Geno, Natalie, Gia, Nicole, Joanna, Julia and Jillian; brothers, Frank and Pete (Patsy) Catalano; and many other loving nieces, nephews and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, 10 a.m. at St. Anthony Church, 83 Mosser Place, Akron. Visitation will be Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Hennessy-Bagnoli-Moore Funeral Home, 936 N. Main St., Akron (corner of N. Main and Mildred). Joseph's final resting place will be Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Knights of Columbus, Council #3529. You are invited to hbm-fh.com to view Joe's tribute wall, offer condolences and share memories.

34 obituaries in BJ Alums blog in 2013

There were 34 obituaries listed in the BJ Alums blog in 2013, which is the most in at least five years as the BJ population ages.

There were 24 deaths reported in 2012 in the BJ Alums blog, 33 in 2011, 21 in 2010 and 16 in 2009.

If you know of any other BJ deaths in 2013, email John Olesky at jo4wvu@neo.rr.com with the details and I'll add the name to the list.

2013

Jan. 12 – Art Yengling, retired Circulation driver, in Clearwater, Florida.

Jan. 18 – Mary Ahern, former BJ ad employee, founder/director of Decker Family Development Center in Barberton.

Jan. 22 – LaVonne Crawley, wife of Circulation retiree Richard Crawley.

Jan. 23 – Don Fermoyle, retired copy editor and reporter.

Jan. 24 – Bill Aylward, who retired in 1991 as assistant circulation director after 50 years at the BJ.

Jan. 28 – Ed Furcsik, Composing retiree, of Barberton.

Feb. 5 – Russ Bendel, Composing retiree, of Wadsworth.

Feb. 7 – Thomas Monachino, Jr., formerly in BJ Circulation and Accounting.

Feb. 10 – Frank Reeves, Composing retiree, of Franklin Township.

Feb. 14 – Arnold Miller, former BJ assistant city editor and retired Elyria Chronicle-Telegram managing editor.

Feb. 19 – Pat Lynch, former BJ secretary and widow of former BJ General Advertising Manager Ed Lynch.

Feb. 20 – Edna “Eddi” Parker, former BJ editor and reporter.

March 6 – Donald Burgett, father-in-law of former BJ sports editor Tom Giffen.

March 6 -- Madelyn A. Arbogast, wife of Tascarawas County news photographer Ed Arbogast.

April 4 – Roger Ebert, Pulitzer-winning movie critic.

April 9 – Paul Stone, father of former BJ State Desk reporter Paula Tucker.

April 12 – Retired printer Ed Hanzel, of Barberton.

June 11 – Retired photographer Ted Walls, of Lake Township.

June 18 -- Author Michael Hastings, in Los Angeles. He reported Gen. McChrystal’s rant about Obama.

June 21 – Former BJ publisher John Dotson, in Boulder, Colorado.

June 27 – Aaron Burr, BJ Human Resources director.

July 3 – Retired BJ News Editor Dave Boerner.  

July 7 – Retired printer Eunice Collins.

July 20 – White House correspondent Helen Thomas.

July 27 -- Ohio native David "Kidd Kraddick" Peter Cradick, who had a nationally syndicated morning radio show, in New Orleans.

Aug. 13 – Accounting retiree Lillian Holm Clark.

Sept. 10 – John Hambrick, former WEWS-Channel  5 news anchor, in Round Rock, Texas.

Oct. 13 – Paul Dunphy, brother of former BJ reporter John Dunphy, in Cincinnati.

Dec. 5 – Kay Reeves, widow of BJ printer Charles “Red” Reeves.

Dec. 29 – Helen Cullison, widow of BJ newsroom retiree Art Cullison, in Erlanger, Kentucky.
Dec. 30 -- Composing retiree Don Reppart of North Canton.

2012

Jan. 2 – Jack McDermott, retired Plain Dealer sportswriter.

Jan. 19 – Rose Mary Biliczky, mother of reporter Carol Biliczky, in Medina County.

Feb. 11 – Faye Stoyer, wife of retired assistant managing editor Lloyd Stoyer.

March 11 – John Rice, brother of retired Features Desk editor Joan Rice, in South Carolina.

March 17 – Jane Stone, mother of former State Desk reporter Paula Stone Tucker.

March 19 – Gene McClellan, composing retiree.

April 2 – Nicholas Reswow, father of copy desk’s Olga Reswow Griffin.

April 26 – Donna Furman, widow of composing retiree Larry Furman.

April 30 – Betty Iula, widow of promotion department retiree Ralph Iula.

May 8 – Ron Edwards, mailroom retiree.

June 16 – Howard Wood, Loomis Electric & BJ pressroom production equipment electrician.

July 3 – Dave Allbaugh, former BJ reporter, in Dayton, Ohio.

July 11 – Donna Giffels, former BJ columnist David Giffels’ mother, in Bath.

July 25 – Composing retiree Cal Deshong, at 93.

July 26 – Art Cullison, copy desk retiree, in Erlanger, Kentucky.

Aug. 21 – Stephen Froelich, brother of former BJ reporter Larry Froelich.

Sept. 14 – Jane Herbert of Green, BJ retiree after 20 years at paper.

Sept. 15 – Henry Ruppel, former BJ financial editor, Goodyear corporate communications manager.

Sept. 21 – Lloyd Long, BJ Retail Ad retiree.

Sept. 27 – Joe Kovach, Babcock Publications, Auto Week Magazine.

Oct. 12 – Former BJ reporter and Los Angeles Times columnist Jim Ricci’s mother, Cecelia Ricci.

Dec. 3 – Dave White, retired Composing foreman, in Venice, Florida.

Dec. 21 – John Spencer, pressroom retiree.

Dec. 31 – Bob Kendall, Composing retiree.

2011

Ralph E. Norman, widow of former BJ reporter Pat Norman, Jan. 3.
Jack Patterson, former BJ sports writer, Jan. 22.
RoseAnn Schleis, BJ reporter Paula Schleis’ mother, Feb. 6.
Guy F. Limbacher, former BJ reporter Jolene Limbacher’s former husband, Feb. 12.
Dennis ``Denny' O'Neil, former BJ circulation department, March 1.
Lloyd S. Leadbetter, Composing retiree, Feb. 12.
Frank William Pantages, father of BJ's Larry Pantages, March 14
Donald Lee Bandy, BJ rewrite man, March 20.
Michael Ryan Tople, grandson of BJ photographer Paul Tople, May 17.
Anne Louise Henry, former BJ correspondent, May 28.
Luella D. Cordier, retired Record-Courier editor, June 8.
Linda Golz, BJ reporter, June 11.
James Kirby (Jim) Farrell, former BJ ad director, July 1.
Richard H. Backderf, 84, father of former BJ artist John "Derf" Backderf, July 3.
Charlotte Ruth McCarthy, former BJ reporter Pam McCarthy’s mother, July 28.
Harry Dunphy, father of former BJ reporter John Dunphy, July 31.
Philip Hegenderfer, 66, BJ astronomy column, Aug. 9.
Creed C. Black, former president of John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Aug. 16.
Theodore J. Mellow, former PD editor/slotman, Aug. 21.
Danny Hess, son of retired BJ reporter Dave Hess, Aug. 23.
Dr. Evonne H. Whitmore, Kent State journalism professor, Aug. 25.
Harold Ray McElroy, BJ business retiree, Sept. 5.
Bob August, former Cleveland Press columnist, Sept. 9.
Lisa Katz Pagel, daughter of Marv Katz, PR and BJ, Sept. 21.
Leonard Arthur Burkhard, father of Sharon Loentzen, Sept. 22.
Robbie Stillman, PR and former BJ reporter, Oct. 4.
Evelyn Ruth (Gretta) Pantages, mother of Beacon Journal business editor Larry Pantages, Oct. 5.
James E. Dancy, Sr., retired engraver, Oct. 14.
Elizabeth Hallowell, former BJ reporter, Nov. 9,
Terry Oblander, former BJ and PD reporter, Nov. 13.
Leo V. “Vern” Osmar, 83, Composing retiree, Nov. 24.
Ethel Rita Aspell, wrote for the BJ before 1970s, Dec. 14.
Brian Usher, former BJ Ohio Statehouse reporter, Dec. 23.


2010

Joan Morris, 73, retired chief artist Bud Morris' widow, Jan. 22.
Ann Deskovich, 88, maintenance department retiree John Deskovich's widow, Feb. 19.
Mary Elizabeth Swartz, 87, former BJ reporter, March 7.
Charles "Chick" G. Lipford, husband of accounting retiree Martha, March 26.
Ruth Kenny, 85, in the BJ accounting department in the 1970s and 1980s, March 31.
Mary Ohlinger, 90, retail ad retiree and sister of the late retired BJ printer Jerry VanSickle, in March.
Terry Lieberth, husband of Maribeth Lieberth, Accounts Payable (previously Human Resources and the Newsroom), April 11.
Steven Spragg, 38, of Middleburg, Virginia, retired printer Sid Sprague's son, May 4.
Nettie Evans Skeens, 75, retired printer Bob Skeens' widow, June 12.
Helen C. Liggett, 79, wife of newsroom retiree Harry Liggett, June 26.
Michelle LeComte, former BJ enterprise and features editor, Aug. 3.
Carol F. Guregian, mother of BJ staffer Elaine Guregian, Sept. 2.
William "Bill" James Carney, father of BJ staffer Jim Carney, Sept. 7.
BJ Circulation truck driver retiree Raife Woodall, 69, Sept. 12.
Arleen Louise Durst, 88, widow of former BJ printer Gene Durst, Sept. 26.
Carlos ``Carl' Anderson, 85, Nov. 11.
Theresa Ann Osmar, 78, wife of composing retiree Leo Osmar, Nov. 16.
Elizabeth Margaret Harvey, 95, former BJ food editor, Nov. 25.
Dick Shippy, 83, BJ staffer, Dec. 6.
Robert A. Coudriet, 87, retired circulation manager, Dec. 10.
M. Elaine Schoenleb, widow of former BJ News Editor Edwin Schoenleb, Dec. 30.

2009

Cleveland Phillips, maintenance, Jan. 20.
Barbara Patterson, wife of sports retiree Jack, March 17.
Robert Kamenar, freelance photographer, March 22.
Watson Blanton, printer, March 25.
Robert Cull, father of reporter Mike, April 4.
Nancy (Lile) Wise, May 27.
Bill Kennedy, July 20.
Armand Lear, printer, June 5.
Virginia Berger, wife of promotion's Bill, Aug. 5.
Kevin Jackson, son of Gary, Aug. 6.
Olga O'Neil, Aug. 22.
Stephen Schleis, father of reporter Paula, Oct. 11.
Terry Dray, printer, Oct. 25.
Trammel Hogg, printer, Nov. 15.
Kevin Vest, sports statistician, Nov. 18.
Bob Nold, sports writer, Dec. 20.

BJ lunches died off as retirees died

BY JOHN OLESKY (BJ 1969-96)

Tom Moore may be right that it's time to retire the BJ retirees luncheon. The interest just isn't there. Too many of the regulars have passed away. 

There haven't been more than 10 show up at 1 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month at Papa Joe's Restaurant since 2008 when 23 attended a memorial lunch for Sandy Levenson and Bob Pell, who was a faithful attendee.

Gene McClellan, who had attended 87 out of 88 lunches before his illness, also passed away.

The last 13 months no more than 7 ever showed up. 

I confess that I forgot to put it on my calendar; if it's not staring at me on my calendar, I forget to go. 

It's too bad because I always enjoy myself when I do show up. There's plenty of laughter, some talk about the BJ going to hell since we left the building, and chatting about family and travel. 

Tom is away every fall in Florida to work with former BJ sports editor Tom Giffen's seniors baseball tournament. I'm away frequently with my travels to 52 countries and 43 states. 

It was a good time. A time whose value has passed for nearly everyone. Except Tom and I. And I forget to go too often. 

July 10, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    no one stayed

June 12, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    2 (Mike Williams, John Olesky)

May 8, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   3

April 10, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    2 (John Olesky, Don Roese)

January 9, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    4

December 12, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . .   4

November 14, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . .   3 (Rosetta Blanton, Lonnie Thomas, Al Hunsicker)

October 10, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . .    6 (Tracy McClellan, Rosetta Blanton, Lonnie Thomas)

September 12, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . .      7 (including Tracy McClellan, cousin Lonnie)

August 8, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       6 (including Tracy McClellan, Steve Mace)

July 11, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      3 (including Tracy McClellan)

June 13, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     3  (including Tracy McClellan)

May 9, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    4

April 11, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   10 (including Gene McClellan’s 3 

                                                                    children and 2 grandchildren)

March 14, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    5

February 8, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     3

January 11, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    6

December 14, 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . .    4

November 9, 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    4

October 12, 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   6 (including Rosetta Blanton)

Sept. 14, 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   4

August 10, 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   7

July 13, 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    5

June 8, 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     6

May 11, 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    4

April 13, 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     6

March 9, 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    7

February 9, 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   5 including Denzil Parker

January 12, 2011 . . . . . . . .  . . . . . . 0 heavy snowstorm

December 8, 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . .  3

November 10, 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

October 13, 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . .  . 5 (including Cal Deshong’s daughter)

September 8, 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

August 11, 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . .   6

July 13, 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  7

June 10, 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   7

May 12, 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    7

April 14, 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   5

March 10, 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . .  12

February 10, 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . 2 (Engraving’s Pat Dougherty, Composing’s

                                                         Gene McClellan)

January 13, 2010 . . . . . . . . . . .  5

November 11, 2009 . . . . . . . . .  4

September 9, 2009 …………….  8

August 12, 2009 ……………….   7

July 8, 2009 …………………….   10

June 10, 2009 ………………….  10

May 14, 2009 …………………..  8

April 8, 2009 …………………… 5

January 14, 2009 …………… 3

December 10, 2008 …………… 8

November 12, 2008 …………… 6

October 8, 2008 ……………… 8

August 13, 2008 ……………… 9

July 9, 2008 …………………… 23
(Sandy Levenson, Bob Pell memorial)

June 12, 2008 ………………… 8

May 14, 2008 ………………… 12

Feb. 13, 2008 ………………… 11

Dec. 12, 2007 ………………… 8

Sept. 12, 2007 ………………… 16

August 8, 2007 ……………… 7

June 13, 2007 ………………… 12

May 9, 2007 …………………… 14

April 11, 2007 ………………… 15

March 15, 2007 ……………… ??
(no story & photos no longer available)

January 10, 2007 …………… 14

December 13, 2006 ………… 18

November 8, 2006 …………… 13

October 12, 2006 …………… 11

September 13, 2006 ………… 12

August 13, 2006 …………… 15

July 12, 2006 ………………… 10

June 15, 2006 ……………… 12

May 11, 2006 ………………… 11

April 12, 2006 ……………… 11

March 8, 2006 ……………… 13

February 8, 2006 …………… 11

January 11, 2006 …………… 13

Terrible January for BJ deaths

This was the worst January in years for those with BJ connections. There were six January deaths reported in the BJ Alums blog. Going back to 2009, there had never been more than two January deaths in previous years.

The BJ list of those who have passed away:

2013

Jan. 12 – Art Yengling, retired Circulation driver, in Clearwater, Florida.

Jan. 18 – Mary Ahern, former BJ ad employee, founder/director of Decker Family Development Center in Barberton.

Jan. 22 – LaVonne Crawley, wife of Circulation retiree Richard Crawley.

Jan. 23 – Don Fermoyle, retired copy editor and reporter.

Jan. 24 – Bill Aylward, who retired in 1991 as assistant circulation director after 50 years at the BJ.

Jan. 28 – Ed Furcsik, Composing retiree, of Barberton.

2012

Jan. 2 – Jack McDermott, retired Plain Dealer sportswriter.

Jan. 19 – Rose Mary Biliczky, mother of reporter Carol Biliczky, in Medina County.

Feb. 11 – Faye Stoyer, wife of retired assistant managing editor Lloyd Stoyer.

March 11 – John Rice, brother of retired Features Desk editor Joan Rice, in South Carolina.

March 17 – Jane Stone, mother of former State Desk reporter Paula Stone Tucker.

March 19 – Gene McClellan, composing retiree.

April 2 – Nicholas Reswow, father of copy desk’s Olga Reswow Griffin.

April 26 – Donna Furman, widow of composing retiree Larry Furman.

April 30 – Betty Iula, widow of promotion department retiree Ralph Iula.

May 8 – Ron Edwards, mailroom retiree.

June 16 – Howard Wood, Loomis Electric & BJ pressroom production equipment electrician.

July 3 – Dave Allbaugh, former BJ reporter, in Dayton, Ohio.

July 11 – Donna Giffels, former BJ columnist David Giffels’ mother, in Bath.

July 25 – Composing retiree Cal Deshong, at 93.

July 26 – Art Cullison, copy desk retiree, in Erlanger, Kentucky.

Aug. 21 – Stephen Froelich, brother of former BJ reporter Larry Froelich.

Sept. 14 – Jane Herbert of Green, BJ retiree after 20 years at paper.

Sept. 15 – Henry Ruppel, former BJ financial editor, Goodyear corporate communications manager.

Sept. 21 – Lloyd Long, BJ Retail Ad retiree.

Sept. 27 – Joe Kovach, Babcock Publications, Auto Week Magazine.

Oct. 12 – Former BJ reporter and Los Angeles Times columnist Jim Ricci’s mother, Cecelia Ricci.

Dec. 3 – Dave White, retired Composing foreman, in Venice, Florida.

Dec. 21 – John Spencer, pressroom retiree.

Dec. 31 – Bob Kendall, Composing retiree.

2011

Ralph E. Norman, widow of former BJ reporter Pat Norman, Jan. 3.
Jack Patterson, former BJ sports writer, Jan. 22. RoseAnn Schleis, BJ reporter Paula Schleis’ mother, Feb. 6.
Guy F. Limbacher, former BJ reporter Jolene Limbacher’s former husband, Feb. 12. 
Dennis ``Denny' O'Neil, former BJ circulation department, March 1. 
Lloyd S. Leadbetter, Composing retiree, Feb. 12. Frank William Pantages, father of BJ's Larry Pantages, March 14
Donald Lee Bandy, BJ rewrite man, March 20. Michael Ryan Tople, grandson of BJ photographer Paul Tople, May 17. 
Anne Louise Henry, former BJ correspondent, May 28.
Luella D. Cordier, retired Record-Courier editor, June 8. 
Linda Golz, BJ reporter, June 11.
James Kirby (Jim) Farrell, former BJ ad director, July 1. 
Richard H. Backderf, 84, father of former BJ artist John "Derf" Backderf, July 3.
Charlotte Ruth McCarthy, former BJ reporter Pam McCarthy’s mother, July 28. 
Harry Dunphy, father of former BJ reporter John Dunphy, July 31. 
Philip Hegenderfer, 66, BJ astronomy column, Aug. 9. 
Creed C. Black, former president of John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Aug. 16. 
Theodore J. Mellow, former PD editor/slotman, Aug. 21. 
Danny Hess, son of retired BJ reporter Dave Hess, Aug. 23.
Dr. Evonne H. Whitmore, Kent State journalism professor, Aug. 25.
Harold Ray McElroy, BJ business retiree, Sept. 5. Bob August, former Cleveland Press columnist, Sept. 9.
Lisa Katz Pagel, daughter of Marv Katz, PR and BJ, Sept. 21. 
Leonard Arthur Burkhard, father of Sharon Loentzen, Sept. 22. 
Robbie Stillman, PR and former BJ reporter, Oct. 4. 
Evelyn Ruth (Gretta) Pantages, mother of Beacon Journal business editor Larry Pantages, Oct. 5. James E. Dancy, Sr., retired engraver, Oct. 14. Elizabeth Hallowell, former BJ reporter, Nov. 9. Terry Oblander, former BJ and PD reporter, Nov. 13.
Leo V. “Vern” Osmar, 83, Composing retiree, Nov. 24. 
Ethel Rita Aspell, wrote for the BJ before 1970s, Dec. 14. 
Brian Usher, former BJ Ohio Statehouse reporter, Dec. 23.


2010

Joan Morris, 73, retired chief artist Bud Morris' widow, Jan. 22. 
Ann Deskovich, 88, maintenance department retiree John Deskovich's widow, Feb. 19. 
Mary Elizabeth Swartz, 87, former BJ reporter, March 7. 
Charles "Chick" G. Lipford, husband of accounting retiree Martha, March 26. 
Ruth Kenny, 85, in the BJ accounting department in the 1970s and 1980s, March 31. 
Mary Ohlinger, 90, retail ad retiree and sister of the late retired BJ printer Jerry VanSickle, in March. 
Terry Lieberth, husband of Maribeth Lieberth, Accounts Payable (previously Human Resources and the Newsroom), April 11. 
Steven Spragg, 38, of Middleburg, Virginia, retired printer Sid Sprague's son, May 4.
Nettie Evans Skeens, 75, retired printer Bob Skeens' widow, June 12. 
Helen C. Liggett, 79, wife of newsroom retiree Harry Liggett, June 26.
Michelle LeComte, former BJ enterprise and features editor, Aug. 3. 
Carol F. Guregian, mother of BJ staffer Elaine Guregian, Sept. 2. 
William "Bill" James Carney, father of BJ staffer Jim Carney, Sept. 7. 
BJ Circulation truck driver retiree Raife Woodall, 69, Sept. 12. 
Arleen Louise Durst, 88, widow of former BJ printer Gene Durst, Sept. 26. 
Carlos ``Carl' Anderson, 85, Nov. 11. 
Theresa Ann Osmar, 78, wife of composing retiree Leo Osmar, Nov. 16. 
Elizabeth Margaret Harvey, 95, former BJ food editor, Nov. 25.
Dick Shippy, 83, BJ staffer, Dec. 6. 
Robert A. Coudriet, 87, retired circulation manager, Dec. 10.
M. Elaine Schoenleb, widow of former BJ News Editor Edwin Schoenleb, Dec. 30.


2009


Cleveland Phillips, maintenance, Jan. 20. Barbara Patterson, wife of sports retiree Jack, March 17. 
Robert Kamenar, freelance photographer, March 22. 
Watson Blanton, printer, March 25. 
Robert Cull, father of reporter Mike, April 4. Nancy (Lile) Wise, May 27. 
Bill Kennedy, July 20.
Armand Lear, printer, June 5. 
Virginia Berger, wife of promotion's Bill, Aug. 5. Kevin Jackson, son of Gary, Aug. 6. 
Olga O'Neil, Aug. 22. 
Stephen Schleis, father of reporter Paula, Oct. 11. 
Terry Dray, printer, Oct. 25. 
Trammel Hogg, printer, Nov. 15. 
Kevin Vest, sports statistician, Nov. 18. 
Bob Nold, sports writer, Dec. 20.

BJ in memoriam 2009-2012

2012

Jan. 2 – Jack McDermott, retired Plain Dealer sportswriter.

Jan. 19 – Rose Mary Biliczky, mother of reporter Carol Biliczky, in Medina County.

Feb. 11 – Faye Stoyer, wife of retired assistant managing editor Lloyd Stoyer.

March 11 – John Rice, brother of retired Features Desk editor Joan Rice, in South Carolina.

March 17 – Jane Stone, mother of former State Desk reporter Paula Stone Tucker.

March 19 – Gene McClellan, composing retiree.

April 2 – Nicholas Reswow, father of copy desk’s Olga Reswow Griffin.

April 26 – Donna Furman, widow of composing retiree Larry Furman.

April 30 – Betty Iula, widow of promotion department retiree Ralph Iula.

May 8 – Ron Edwards, mailroom retiree.

June 16 – Howard Wood, Loomis Electric & BJ pressroom production equipment electrician.

July 3 – Dave Allbaugh, former BJ reporter, in Dayton, Ohio.

July 11 – Donna Giffels, former BJ columnist David Giffels’ mother, in Bath.

July 25 – Composing retiree Cal Deshong, at 93.

July 26 – Art Cullison, copy desk retiree, in Erlanger, Kentucky.

Aug. 21 – Stephen Froelich, brother of former BJ reporter Larry Froelich.

Sept. 14 – Jane Herbert of Green, BJ retiree after 20 years at paper.

Sept. 15 – Henry Ruppel, former BJ financial editor, Goodyear corporate communications manager.

Sept. 21 – Lloyd Long, BJ Retail Ad retiree.

Sept. 27 – Joe Kovach, Babcock Publications, Auto Week Magazine.

Oct. 12 – Former BJ reporter and Los Angeles Times columnist Jim Ricci’s mother, Cecelia Ricci.

Dec. 3 – Dave White, retired Composing foreman, in Venice, Florida.

Dec. 21 – John Spencer, pressroom retiree.
Dec. 31 -- Bob Kendall, Composing retiree.

2011

Ralph E. Norman, widow of former BJ reporter Pat Norman, Jan. 3.
Jack Patterson, former BJ sports writer, Jan. 22.
RoseAnn Schleis, BJ reporter Paula Schleis’ mother, Feb. 6.
Guy F. Limbacher, former BJ reporter Jolene Limbacher’s former husband, Feb. 12.
Dennis ``Denny' O'Neil, former BJ circulation department, March 1.
Lloyd S. Leadbetter, Composing retiree, Feb. 12.
Frank William Pantages, father of BJ's Larry Pantages, March 14
Donald Lee Bandy, BJ rewrite man, March 20.
Michael Ryan Tople, grandson of BJ photographer Paul Tople, May 17.
Anne Louise Henry, former BJ correspondent, May 28.
Luella D. Cordier, retired Record-Courier editor, June 8.
Linda Golz, BJ reporter, June 11.
James Kirby (Jim) Farrell, former BJ ad director, July 1.
Richard H. Backderf, 84, father of former BJ artist John "Derf" Backderf, July 3.
Charlotte Ruth McCarthy, former BJ reporter Pam McCarthy’s mother, July 28.
Harry Dunphy, father of former BJ reporter John Dunphy, July 31.
Philip Hegenderfer, 66, BJ astronomy column, Aug. 9.
Creed C. Black, former president of John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Aug. 16.
Theodore J. Mellow, former PD editor/slotman, Aug. 21.
Danny Hess, son of retired BJ reporter Dave Hess, Aug. 23.
Dr. Evonne H. Whitmore, Kent State journalism professor, Aug. 25.
Harold Ray McElroy, BJ business retiree, Sept. 5.
Bob August, former Cleveland Press columnist, Sept. 9.
Lisa Katz Pagel, daughter of Marv Katz, PR and BJ, Sept. 21.
Leonard Arthur Burkhard, father of Sharon Loentzen, Sept. 22.
Robbie Stillman, PR and former BJ reporter, Oct. 4.
Evelyn Ruth (Gretta) Pantages, mother of Beacon Journal business editor Larry Pantages, Oct. 5.
James E. Dancy, Sr., retired engraver, Oct. 14.
Elizabeth Hallowell, former BJ reporter, Nov. 9,
Terry Oblander, former BJ and PD reporter, Nov. 13.
Leo V. “Vern” Osmar, 83, Composing retiree, Nov. 24.
Ethel Rita Aspell, wrote for the BJ before 1970s, Dec. 14.
Brian Usher, former BJ Ohio Statehouse reporter, Dec. 23.

2010

Joan Morris, 73, retired chief artist Bud Morris' widow, Jan. 22.
Ann Deskovich, 88, maintenance department retiree John Deskovich's widow, Feb. 19.
Mary Elizabeth Swartz, 87, former BJ reporter, March 7.
Charles "Chick" G. Lipford, husband of accounting retiree Martha, March 26.
Ruth Kenny, 85, in the BJ accounting department in the 1970s and 1980s, March 31.
Mary Ohlinger, 90, retail ad retiree and sister of the late retired BJ printer Jerry VanSickle, in March.
Terry Lieberth, husband of Maribeth Lieberth, Accounts Payable (previously Human Resources and the Newsroom), April 11.
Steven Spragg, 38, of Middleburg, Virginia, retired printer Sid Sprague's son, May 4.
Nettie Evans Skeens, 75, retired printer Bob Skeens' widow, June 12.
Helen C. Liggett, 79, wife of newsroom retiree Harry Liggett, June 26.
Michelle LeComte, former BJ enterprise and features editor, Aug. 3.
Carol F. Guregian, mother of BJ staffer Elaine Guregian, Sept. 2.
William "Bill" James Carney, father of BJ staffer Jim Carney, Sept. 7.
BJ Circulation truck driver retiree Raife Woodall, 69, Sept. 12.
Arleen Louise Durst, 88, widow of former BJ printer Gene Durst, Sept. 26.
Carlos ``Carl' Anderson, 85, Nov. 11.
Theresa Ann Osmar, 78, wife of composing retiree Leo Osmar, Nov. 16.
Elizabeth Margaret Harvey, 95, former BJ food editor, Nov. 25.
Dick Shippy, 83, BJ staffer, Dec. 6.
Robert A. Coudriet, 87, retired circulation manager, Dec. 10.
M. Elaine Schoenleb, widow of former BJ News Editor Edwin Schoenleb, Dec. 30.

2009

Cleveland Phillips, maintenance, Jan. 20.
Barbara Patterson, wife of sports retiree Jack, March 17.
Robert Kamenar, freelance photographer, March 22.
Watson Blanton, printer, March 25.
Robert Cull, father of reporter Mike, April 4.
Nancy (Lile) Wise, May 27.
Bill Kennedy, July 20.
Armand Lear, printer, June 5.
Virginia Berger, wife of promotion's Bill, Aug. 5.
Kevin Jackson, son of Gary, Aug. 6.
Olga O'Neil, Aug. 22.
Stephen Schleis, father of reporter Paula, Oct. 11.
Terry Dray, printer, Oct. 25.
Trammel Hogg, printer, Nov. 15.
Kevin Vest, sports statistician, Nov. 18.
Bob Nold, sports writer, Dec. 20.