Obituaries
Obituaries for Bissler & Sons' Funeral Home and Crematory
In Memory of Our Dear Loved Ones
Marie L. (Sepi) Shanley
Feb 2, 2023
Marie Louise Shanley, age 91, of Kent, OH went to be with the Lord on Thursday, February 2, 2023 at the Tallmadge Health and Rehab Center.
Marie was born April 8, 1931 to the late Frank and Fannie Sepi.
She was affectionately known to her grandchildren as “Grandmarie”. Marie was a proud lifelong resident of...
Lloyd "Lee" Earl Atkinson Jr.
Feb 1, 2023
Lloyd “Lee” Earl Atkinson, age 63, of Kent, OH, passed away on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at his home.
Lloyd was born August 10, 1959 in Ravenna, OH to Lloyd Atkinson and the late Lori (England) Diezman.
Lee graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School and was a lifelong resident of Kent, OH. Lee was skilled...
Alvin H. Brown Jr.
Feb 1, 2023
Alvin H. Brown Jr. “J.R.”, 59, of Brimfield, passed away on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at his home.  Alvin was born on March 29, 1963 in Ravenna, Ohio to Alvin H. and Mildred L. (Felton) Brown.  Al was a 1982 graduate of Kent Roosevelt High School, attended Akron University and was the owner of Al Brown Construction.
...
James "Jim" Benny Hayhurst
Jan 31, 2023
James “Jim” Benny Hayhurst, 69, of Deerfield passed away peacefully at home on January 31, 2023.
Jim was born in Ravenna, Ohio on November 21, 1953 to the late William Ray and Mona Lou Hayhurst (nee Waller).
He is preceded by a brother, William Hayhurst and the love of his life, Robin Dean. His children...
Maynard Arthur "Art" Welch
Jan 28, 2023
Maynard Arthur “Art” Welch, 90, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at Woodlands at Robinson Health and Rehabilitation Center in Ravenna. He was born on April 11, 1932 in Bremen, Fairfield County, Ohio to the late O. Maynard and Treva H. (Feeback) Welch, sharing his birth date with his mother.
Art graduated from Delta High...
Sandra Jean Berisford
Jan 25, 2023
Sandra Jean Berisford, 78, of Smyrna, TN, formerly of Kent, OH, passed away on Wednesday, January 25, 2023. She was born in Bedford, PA on March 2, 1944 and grew up on a farm. Sandra was a country girl at heart and always enjoyed raising her chickens and loved her dogs dearly. She spent many years working at Seal...
William J. "Billy" Hall
Jan 23, 2023
William “Billy” J. Hall, 71, passed away on Monday, January 23, 2023. He is survived by his siblings: Janice M. Hall Hogan (Earl), Diane R. Hall Nigh (Jim), Theresa A. Hall Petersen (Steve), Daniel R. Hall (Chris), Sharon L. Hall, David M. Ballis, Nina M. Ballis Goodlet, BethAnn Ballis Tribelhorn (James), James W. Ballis, and Scharlotte H. Ballis Medhurst...
James Robert Kozlowski
Jan 18, 2023
James “Jim” Robert Kozlowski, age 55, of Tallmadge, Ohio, passed away on January 18, 2023. Jim was born on February 2, 1967 in Akron, Ohio to parents, Paul and Lois Kozlowski.
Jim was known by his family and friends as a gentle and kind soul, who was truly loved by family and friends. Jim was a graduate...
Yvonne Therese (Jacobs) Chord
Jan 17, 2023
Yvonne Therese (Jacobs) Chord, 66, passed away after a brief illness Tuesday, January 17, 2023.
She was born on August 23, 1956, in Kent, Ohio to Frederick Carl & the late Dorothy Ann (Marxen) Jacobs.
Yvonne graduated from Kent Roosevelt High School in 1974, where she enjoyed music and playing clarinet in the school band. Â ...
David Michael Horner
Jan 16, 2023
David Michael Horner, age 68, of Kent, OH, died on Monday, January 16, 2023 at UH Portage Medical Center.
David was born March 10, 1954 in Ravenna, OH to the late Donald and Marian (Brunswick) Horner.
David served 30 years as a City of Akron employee starting at the Waste-Water Division and eventually retiring from...
Nancy Jo (Smith) Meloy
Jan 16, 2023
Nancy Jo Meloy, age 80, of Canal Fulton, OH, passed away on Monday, January 16, 2023, surrounded by family at the Justin T. Rogers Hospice Care Center.
Nancy was born February 14, 1942, in Akron, OH, to James and Beatrice (Stone) Smith.
Nancy loved dogs, especially her Maggie, going out to eat with friends and...
Carmel Rita (Pappano) Dimauro
Jan 12, 2023
Carmel Rita (Pappano) DiMauro, 93, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family, on January 12, 2023.  She was born on November 9, 1929, in Akron to the late Nicholas and Marie Pappano.  On May 3, 1952, Carmel married the love of her life, Robert DiMauro, at St. Martha Church. Their love story lasted over 62...
Michael D. Stefanchik
Jan 9, 2023
Michael D. Stefanchik, 89, of Kent, passed away on January 9, 2023. Michael was born in Euclid, Ohio on July 22, 1933 to the late Mike and Mary Stefanchik (nee Hritkzo). He was a graduate of Euclid High School and Kent State University with a degree in Accounting. Following college, he served as an officer in the United States...
Richard Blair
Jan 4, 2023
Richard Blair, 71, died in Las Vegas, NV, January 4, 2023, after a 9 year battle with cancer.
Richard, a former Kent resident and a graduate of Kent State University, is survived by his brother, William Blair.  His parents were the late Richard (1995) and Luella Blair (2019), owners of the former Kent Office Supply on West...
Jamison “Jami” Floyd Rice
Jan 2, 2023
Ray of sunshine and beloved son, Jamison “Jami” Floyd Rice (9 months) passed away peacefully on January 2, 2023, in the arms of Mallory Derbfuss and Jesse Rice, his parents.
Jami’s passing came after a long and difficult battle with Congenital Heart Disease. Through his journey Jamison became a pioneer in Pediatric Cardiology. A new method of ...
Elizabeth A. Blaha
2023
Elizabeth “Liz” Anne (Sweeney) (Ryan) Blaha, born in Cleveland, Ohio on May 24, 1950 and currently a resident of Buffalo Valley, Tennessee passed away October 3, 2023 after a long battle with cancer. She was a 1968 graduate of Holy Name High School in Cleveland, Ohio. She was a loving wife, mother, and friend who will be greatly missed....
Richard E. Haas
2023
Richard E. Haas, age 74, passed away Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at his home. He was born October 15, 1948 in East Rochester, Ohio to the late Dalton and Hazel Haas.
He was an avid Cleveland Guardians fan. He loved birdwatching, his cat, and two dogs.
Richard is survived by his wife, Carol; sons, Aaron...
Susan Louise "Sue" Jeffers
Jan 1, 2023
Susan Louise “Sue” Jeffers, born September 3, 1964, passed away on January 1, 2023, due to a devastating hemorrhagic stroke.  Even in her passing Sue continues to help others by being an organ and tissue donor.
Sue was an accomplished musician and songwriter. Throughout the pandemic she brightened our lives and made us feel less alone with...
Donald C. Dykes
Dec 31, 2022
Donald Campbell Dykes of Kent, Ohio, died on December 31, 2022, at the age of 80, following a battle with cancer.
He was born in 1942 in Richmond, Kentucky to Marian and Jimmy Dykes. Donald was an avid lover of golf, Kentucky basketball, and a good scotch. He earned his undergraduate degree in mathematics from Eastern Kentucky...
David Wesley Wright
Dec 29, 2022
David Wesley Wright, age 68, of Kent, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 29, 2022, with his family by his side.
He was born April 3, 1954, in Hammond, IN; son of the late Glenn W. and Helen (nee Scheetz) Wright. David graduated from Stow High School. He was a hardworking union carpenter. He was very proud...
Marie L. (Sepi) Shanley
Feb 2, 2023
Marie Louise Shanley, age 91, of Kent, OH went to be with the Lord on Thursday, February 2, 2023 at the Tallmadge Health and Rehab Center.
Marie was born April 8, 1931 to the late Frank and Fannie Sepi.
She was affectionately known to her grandchildren as “Grandmarie”. Marie was a proud lifelong resident of...
Lloyd "Lee" Earl Atkinson Jr.
Feb 1, 2023
Lloyd “Lee” Earl Atkinson, age 63, of Kent, OH, passed away on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at his home.
Lloyd was born August 10, 1959 in Ravenna, OH to Lloyd Atkinson and the late Lori (England) Diezman.
Lee graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School and was a lifelong resident of Kent, OH. Lee was skilled...
Alvin H. Brown Jr.
Feb 1, 2023
Alvin H. Brown Jr. “J.R.”, 59, of Brimfield, passed away on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at his home.  Alvin was born on March 29, 1963 in Ravenna, Ohio to Alvin H. and Mildred L. (Felton) Brown.  Al was a 1982 graduate of Kent Roosevelt High School, attended Akron University and was the owner of Al Brown Construction.
...
James "Jim" Benny Hayhurst
Jan 31, 2023
James “Jim” Benny Hayhurst, 69, of Deerfield passed away peacefully at home on January 31, 2023.
Jim was born in Ravenna, Ohio on November 21, 1953 to the late William Ray and Mona Lou Hayhurst (nee Waller).
He is preceded by a brother, William Hayhurst and the love of his life, Robin Dean. His children...
Maynard Arthur "Art" Welch
Jan 28, 2023
Maynard Arthur “Art” Welch, 90, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at Woodlands at Robinson Health and Rehabilitation Center in Ravenna. He was born on April 11, 1932 in Bremen, Fairfield County, Ohio to the late O. Maynard and Treva H. (Feeback) Welch, sharing his birth date with his mother.
Art graduated from Delta High...
Sandra Jean Berisford
Jan 25, 2023
Sandra Jean Berisford, 78, of Smyrna, TN, formerly of Kent, OH, passed away on Wednesday, January 25, 2023. She was born in Bedford, PA on March 2, 1944 and grew up on a farm. Sandra was a country girl at heart and always enjoyed raising her chickens and loved her dogs dearly. She spent many years working at Seal...
William J. "Billy" Hall
Jan 23, 2023
William “Billy” J. Hall, 71, passed away on Monday, January 23, 2023. He is survived by his siblings: Janice M. Hall Hogan (Earl), Diane R. Hall Nigh (Jim), Theresa A. Hall Petersen (Steve), Daniel R. Hall (Chris), Sharon L. Hall, David M. Ballis, Nina M. Ballis Goodlet, BethAnn Ballis Tribelhorn (James), James W. Ballis, and Scharlotte H. Ballis Medhurst...
James Robert Kozlowski
Jan 18, 2023
James “Jim” Robert Kozlowski, age 55, of Tallmadge, Ohio, passed away on January 18, 2023. Jim was born on February 2, 1967 in Akron, Ohio to parents, Paul and Lois Kozlowski.
Jim was known by his family and friends as a gentle and kind soul, who was truly loved by family and friends. Jim was a graduate...
Yvonne Therese (Jacobs) Chord
Jan 17, 2023
Yvonne Therese (Jacobs) Chord, 66, passed away after a brief illness Tuesday, January 17, 2023.
She was born on August 23, 1956, in Kent, Ohio to Frederick Carl & the late Dorothy Ann (Marxen) Jacobs.
Yvonne graduated from Kent Roosevelt High School in 1974, where she enjoyed music and playing clarinet in the school band. Â ...
David Michael Horner
Jan 16, 2023
David Michael Horner, age 68, of Kent, OH, died on Monday, January 16, 2023 at UH Portage Medical Center.
David was born March 10, 1954 in Ravenna, OH to the late Donald and Marian (Brunswick) Horner.
David served 30 years as a City of Akron employee starting at the Waste-Water Division and eventually retiring from...
Nancy Jo (Smith) Meloy
Jan 16, 2023
Nancy Jo Meloy, age 80, of Canal Fulton, OH, passed away on Monday, January 16, 2023, surrounded by family at the Justin T. Rogers Hospice Care Center.
Nancy was born February 14, 1942, in Akron, OH, to James and Beatrice (Stone) Smith.
Nancy loved dogs, especially her Maggie, going out to eat with friends and...
Carmel Rita (Pappano) Dimauro
Jan 12, 2023
Carmel Rita (Pappano) DiMauro, 93, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family, on January 12, 2023.  She was born on November 9, 1929, in Akron to the late Nicholas and Marie Pappano.  On May 3, 1952, Carmel married the love of her life, Robert DiMauro, at St. Martha Church. Their love story lasted over 62...
Michael D. Stefanchik
Jan 9, 2023
Michael D. Stefanchik, 89, of Kent, passed away on January 9, 2023. Michael was born in Euclid, Ohio on July 22, 1933 to the late Mike and Mary Stefanchik (nee Hritkzo). He was a graduate of Euclid High School and Kent State University with a degree in Accounting. Following college, he served as an officer in the United States...
Richard Blair
Jan 4, 2023
Richard Blair, 71, died in Las Vegas, NV, January 4, 2023, after a 9 year battle with cancer.
Richard, a former Kent resident and a graduate of Kent State University, is survived by his brother, William Blair.  His parents were the late Richard (1995) and Luella Blair (2019), owners of the former Kent Office Supply on West...
Jamison “Jami” Floyd Rice
Jan 2, 2023
Ray of sunshine and beloved son, Jamison “Jami” Floyd Rice (9 months) passed away peacefully on January 2, 2023, in the arms of Mallory Derbfuss and Jesse Rice, his parents.
Jami’s passing came after a long and difficult battle with Congenital Heart Disease. Through his journey Jamison became a pioneer in Pediatric Cardiology. A new method of ...
Elizabeth A. Blaha
2023
Elizabeth “Liz” Anne (Sweeney) (Ryan) Blaha, born in Cleveland, Ohio on May 24, 1950 and currently a resident of Buffalo Valley, Tennessee passed away October 3, 2023 after a long battle with cancer. She was a 1968 graduate of Holy Name High School in Cleveland, Ohio. She was a loving wife, mother, and friend who will be greatly missed....
Richard E. Haas
2023
Richard E. Haas, age 74, passed away Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at his home. He was born October 15, 1948 in East Rochester, Ohio to the late Dalton and Hazel Haas.
He was an avid Cleveland Guardians fan. He loved birdwatching, his cat, and two dogs.
Richard is survived by his wife, Carol; sons, Aaron...
Susan Louise "Sue" Jeffers
Jan 1, 2023
Susan Louise “Sue” Jeffers, born September 3, 1964, passed away on January 1, 2023, due to a devastating hemorrhagic stroke.  Even in her passing Sue continues to help others by being an organ and tissue donor.
Sue was an accomplished musician and songwriter. Throughout the pandemic she brightened our lives and made us feel less alone with...
Donald C. Dykes
Dec 31, 2022
Donald Campbell Dykes of Kent, Ohio, died on December 31, 2022, at the age of 80, following a battle with cancer.
He was born in 1942 in Richmond, Kentucky to Marian and Jimmy Dykes. Donald was an avid lover of golf, Kentucky basketball, and a good scotch. He earned his undergraduate degree in mathematics from Eastern Kentucky...
David Wesley Wright
Dec 29, 2022
David Wesley Wright, age 68, of Kent, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 29, 2022, with his family by his side.
He was born April 3, 1954, in Hammond, IN; son of the late Glenn W. and Helen (nee Scheetz) Wright. David graduated from Stow High School. He was a hardworking union carpenter. He was very proud...