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.

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.

In memoriam

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.

Retired BJ engraver Watson Blanton dies at 87

[Watson and Rosetta regularly attended Beacon Journal retiree luncheons and were last there in May, 2008.]

Watson Luther Blanton, 87, went home to be with his Lord on March 25, 2009.

He was born in Clearwater, Florida, on August 8, 1921. He visited Clearwater every five years to attend his high school class reunion. He received his B.S. Degree from The University of Akron where he was a member of the Alumni Association and the Zip Athletic Club.

Mr. Blanton was a member of the Adoniram Lodge #517 F&AM. He served as master of the Lodge in 1994. He was a member of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels. As a member of Calvary Baptist Church, he held the following offices: Deacon, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Financial Secretary, Sunday School teacher, and Treasurer of the Loyal Sons and Daughters Sunday School Class. He attended The Chapel.

During World War II, FCI Officer Blanton served in five major naval battles in the South Pacific aboard the U.S.S. Tingey DD539. He is a recipient of the Purple Heart. After the war, he was a member of the commissioning crew of the U.S.S. Toledo. Watson retired from the Akron Beacon Journal with 22 years service in the engraving department.

Recently the Webelos I Den from Pack 3075 in Akron gathered at Watson's northwest Akron home to perform a patriotic ceremony of kindness and respect to honor him for his military service in the Navy during World War II. Watson was honored and thrilled to hear that the Cubs have voted to make him an honorary member of their Pack.

Mr. Blanton was preceded in death by his parents, James and Effie Blanton; brothers, Lee and Fred; and sisters, Lois and Lucille. He is survived by his wife, Rosetta Evelyn; sister, Mildred Lazo; and many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express thanks to Dr. Robert D.Mosteller, Dr. Eric Rodriguez, Dr. Richard Sparrow, Dr. Michael Gideon, and the doctors and nurses in Emergency at Summa, especially Dr. Ugo Gallo who saved Watson's life, the caring and kind nurses in Critical Care at Summa, and also Melissa White and Scott Carter, his heroes, who administered CPR to him when he suffered a cardiac arrest. We owe much appreciation to the Cadiac Rehab Staff at Summa Hospital who provided rehab treatment for Watson that resulted in a prolongation of his life Jim, Clyde, Tom, Kendra, Patti, and Sally. Grateful appreciation is also expressed to Pastor Lynn Warner and Pastor Eloy Pacheco from The Chapel for their faithfulness in ministering daily to Watson and the hospital chaplains, Deborah Damore and Lois Maio and to Melissa Carawick, hospital staff member.

Services will be held 11 a.m. MONDAY at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd., with Pastors Lynn Warner, Eloy Pacheco and Steven Sholar officiating. Interment with military honors by V.F.W. Post 7971/American Legion Post 473 at Rose Hill Burial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home SUNDAY from 2 to 5 p.m., where Adoniram Lodge #517 officiated by George Seabeck will conduct services at 5 p.m., and one hour before services on Monday. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Haven of Rest, 175 E. Market St., Akron 44308. His presence will be missed by the family.

(Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)
[Beacon Journal, Akron, OH, Friday, March 7, 2009, page B6, col. 2]


See blog post about visit of Scouts


See photo of Watsons in wedding anniversary post on this blog

Cub Scouts thank, honor Watson Blanton

Watson Blanton (seated at left) gets a salute from Cub Scouts

Beacon Journal staff writer Jim Carney tells how a half-dozen Cub Scouts said thank you this month to retired BJ engraver Watson Blanton, a decorated Navy veteran from World War II..

In a patriotic ceremony of kindness and respect, the Webelos den from Pack 3075 in Akron, in full uniforms, marched single file up the steep steps leading to Blanton's home on a snowy Saturday.

Inside the house, the 9- and 10-year-old boys stood at attention around the 87-year-old Navy veteran, who was wounded from shrapnel during World War II in the South Pacific. The boys thanked him for his service to America.

The ceremony was one requirement for a citizen activity badge for the Scouts.

Webelos are the oldest Cubs before becoming Boy Scouts.

Blanton, a Florida native, was a fire-control sailor in the Navy. His job was to aim guns at the enemy.

He served from 1942 to 1948 and was on the destroyer USS Tingey during the war.

The Scouts and their den leaders read copies of Blanton's six-page memoir, My Naval Career, and all had questions for the retired photo engraver, who worked at the Beacon Journal for 22 years.

''I give thanks and praise to Almighty God for hearing and answering the intercessory prayers on my behalf by my parents, family and friends while I was in harm's way,'' he wrote in his memoir. ''In spite of all the dangers and hardships that I encountered, I enjoyed my tour of duty with the U.S. Navy and am proud of my service to my country.''

Seeing a living member of the Greatest Generation and hearing his story impressed the boys.

'Den Leader Phil Schuchter, 48, of Akron, a FirstEnergy engineer, said it is important to let veterans like Blanton know that what they did during the war was important.

''We need stuff like this to honor our elders,'' he said.

Click on the headline to read Carney’s story published on the Community Sectioon front in the Wednesday (January 28) Beacon Journal

Lucky laughing 'leven lunch

Rosetta Blanton brought friends and laughter to Wednesday’s monthly BJ retirees lunch at Papa Joe’s.

It was Rosetta’s first appearance since her husband, Watson Blanton, a BJ engraver for 22 years, died March 25, 2009 after 53 years of marriage. Accompanying Rosetta were Lonnie Thomas, long the

driver/friend for the Watsons’ appearances at Papa Joe’s monthly lunches; Lonnie’s wife, Sharon; and Rosetta’s foster cousin, Michael Goop.

That burgeoned the attendance to 11, the largest number since the July 9, 2008 Sandy Levenson/Bob Pell memorial lunch drew 23. It was a stark contrast to the February lunch, when only engraving’s Pat Dougherty and composing’s Gene McClellan braved a Northeast Ohio snowstorm.

The BJ’s Rosetta, instead of uncovering the key to understanding Egyptian hieroglyphic writing, unleashed a torrent of laughter.

The second-Wednesday 1 p.m. monthly gathering hasn’t had that much joy splashed around the tables in a long time.

Others enjoying the special camaraderie were McClellan, fellow retired printers Al Hunsicker, Cal Deshong and Carl Nelson and newsroom retirees Tom Moore, Harry Liggett and John Olesky. That's laughing Al (left) and Gene (right) in the photo you see.

Click on the headline to see photos of the laughing ‘leven.

Click on obituary to see Blanton’s death notice.

Click on Cub Scouts to see 2009 blog item about Blanton being honored for his Navy service.

Click on 50th anniversary to see the Blantons’ golden anniversary story and photo.

A few extras attended retirees lunch

There were a few above the usual dozen attending the BJ Retirees lunch on Wednesday (April 11) at Papa Joe's Restaurant in the Valley. Among the non-regulars at the lunch was retired photographer Ron Kuner. The regular top attender Bob Pell was there and is looking good, and feeling good he says. You can see that from his photo and another of Kuner in an album of seven photos you will find by clicking on the headline above. Tom Moore took the photos.

The 15 attending were News retirees Art Cullison, Tim Hayes, Ron Kuner, Sandy Levenson, Tom Moore, John Olesky and Don Roese; printer retirees Cal Deshong, Ed Hanzel and wife Norma, Gene McClellan, Carl Nelson and Bob Pell and engraver Watson Blanton and wife Rosetta.