Obituaries
Obituaries for Bissler & Sons' Funeral Home and Crematory
In Memory of Our Dear Loved Ones
Larry E. Lucks
Mar 9, 2025
Larry E. Lucks, 82, of North Canton, passed away on Sunday, March 9, 2025. In honoring his wishes, Larry will be cremated and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Cremation services in the care of Bissler and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 W. Main St. Kent, OH 44240.
Walter Jay Rhodes
Mar 6, 2025
Walter “Jay” Rhodes, 89, of Kent, passed on Thursday March 6, 2025.
He was born in Ravenna on Nov 27, 1935, to the late Glenn W. and Frances (Moledor) Rhodes.
Jay’s father was in the service station business in Kent, Ohio, Jay was called upon starting at 12 years old to help go on service calls when he wasn’t in school. He...
David Orrin Peterson
Mar 5, 2025
David, age 81, passed away peacefully on March 5th, 2025. Born in Pontiac, Michigan to the late Orrin and Elizabeth Peterson.
David enjoyed spending time with his family playing basketball in the backyard with his kids and the neighborhood friends, the occasional get together on a Sunday afternoon for a cookout in the back yard and going to garage sales with...
Susan Waugh
Mar 5, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Susan Waugh on March 5, 2025.
She was preceded in death by her parents, David and Wilhelmine Buchanan; her sons, Jeffery and David; and her husband James Waugh MD. She is survived by her daughter-in-law Shelly; grandchildren, Benjamin, Mathew, and Maggie; and nephews Duncan Buchanan and David Buchanan III.
Susan was...
Benjamin H. Newberry
Mar 3, 2025
Benjamin H. Newberry, 83, of Kent, died on Monday, March 3, 2025 at Summa Health Care. He remained an appreciative, supportive, and Amiable patient through a six-plus year ordeal with Alzheimer’s Disease.
As a lifelong academic, Professor Newberry valued not only teaching in the psychology department at Kent State University and the University of Warsaw but also reading and discussing many...
David Thomas Burroughs
Mar 3, 2025
David Thomas Burroughs, 75, of Kent, passed away on Monday, March 3, 2025, in Orlando, FL. He was born in Flint, MI on January 28, 1950, to the late William McKinstry and Gwendolyn Elizabeth Burroughs. David earned his bachelor’s degree in music from Bowling Green State University in 1973.
He loved teaching music for over 35 years. David was the band...
Carole A. "Carrie" Shelly
Mar 2, 2025
Carole A. “Carrie” Shelly, 71, of Kent, passed away on Sunday, March 2, 2025 at Tamarack Ridge Health and Rehabilitation. She was born in Cleveland on May 3, 1953 to the late Ralph and Ora Louise Shelly and was a 1971 graduate of Ravenna High School. Carrie went on to earn her associate degree in social services from the University...
Patricia Ann Mazzer
Feb 25, 2025
Patricia Ann Mazzer (née Barkovitz) of Ravenna passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at home, surrounded by family and friends.
Patricia was born January 22, 1942 and raised in Detroit, Michigan. She attended Lincoln Park high school where she joined the Future Teachers Association and graduated early, attending Western Michigan University at the age of 16. She went on to...
Mary Louise Lauck
Feb 24, 2025
Mary Louise Lauck, 81, of Kent, passed away on Monday, February 24, 2025. She was born in Mantua Center, OH on February 25, 1943. Mary was an accomplished seamstress and could sew anything. She enjoyed fishing, gardening, cooking and riding motorcycles. She was a member of Connect Church, Parents Without Partners and Singles Mingles. She loved family gatherings and will...
David K. Kocjancic
Feb 19, 2025
DAVID KEITH KOCJANCIC - age 61, passed away unexpectedly at his Streetsboro home on February 19, 2025. He left behind a legacy for those he loved. He is the son of departed parents, Richard and Dolores (nee Bokar) Kocjancic of Cleveland. Ohio.
David was a very proud father of Zachary and Jessica; devoted companion to Elsa Kocjancic (mother of Zachary); beloved...
Helen Mae Burkholder
Feb 19, 2025
Helen Mae Burkholder (Palumbo), passed away gracefully on February 19, 2025, one day before her 96th birthday. She was born in Star Junction, PA on February 20, 1929, to the late Josephine and Pasquale Palumbo.
In addition to her parents and eight siblings, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Wade Burkholder, in 2012. They were married for 63...
Bernadine Marie Elmo
Feb 18, 2025
Bernadine Marie Elmo, 100, of Kent, passed away on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. She was born in Cleveland on December 21, 1924 to the late Stanley and Mary Wojcik. Bernadine was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and was a Rosie the Riveter during WWII. She enjoyed playing cards and was known as the “Bingo Queen”. She was a...
Catherine LeBlanc
Feb 18, 2025
Catherine LeBlanc, 93, of Kent, passed away on Tuesday, February, 18, 2025 at Mulberry Gardens. She was born in Kent on January 25, 1932 to the late Andrew and Catherine Cheges. She was a graduate of Kent State University and was employed as an executive secretary with Lamb Electric.
Catherine was an avid golfer and sports fan. She loved the Cleveland...
Kaye Lee Rydbom
Feb 17, 2025
Kaye Lee Rydbom, 85, of Palmyra Township went home to be with her lord and savior on Monday February 17, 2025 at home with her daughter by her side. She was born May 8, 1939 in Ravenna, Ohio to Olive (Trott) and Chalmer Frinkley.
She met the love of her life Robert J Rydbom at Moon-Glo Skating Rink in Kent, where...
Peter Joseph Meduri Sr.
Feb 15, 2025
Peter J. Meduri Sr., 96, passed away in the early hours of February 15, 2025. Born on January 27, 1929, in Ravenna, Ohio, to the late Paul and Carmella (Simone) Meduri, Pete’s journey took him from Ohio to New York City at the age of two, returning to his hometown at 14. He graduated from Ravenna High School in 1946...
Clarence “C.W.” Wayne Kovarik
Feb 14, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Clarence “C.W.” Wayne Kovarik, age 84, of Kent, OH, a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, on Friday, February 14, 2025 at KentRidge Senior Living.
C.W. was born February 9, 1941 in Cleveland, OH to the late Emil and Zana (Smith) Kovarik.
He faced challenges head-on and was known...
Edna Fulper
Feb 9, 2025
Edna Fulper, 100, of Kent, passed away on Sunday, February 9, 2025. She was born in Walker, WV on August 1, 1924 to the late Aldine and Elsie Scott. Edna was a member of Southeast Church of the Nazarene and attended Kent Church of the Nazarene. She was very active in the Nazarene Mission Society and went on Mission trips...
Ronald Rivett
Feb 7, 2025
Ron Rivett – A Life Well Lived
If you’re reading this, it means I have left this wonderful earth and have been reunited with my parents, Harry and Colletta Rivett, in Heaven. I’m also with my Lord and Savior, basking in the peace and grace of eternal life. While my time here has come to an end, I want you to...
Frank Battaglia
Feb 6, 2025
Frank Battaglia, age 62, of Kent, OH, passed away on Thursday, February 6, 2025 surrounded by family and friends.
Frank was born December 24, 1962 in Akron, OH to the late Nicholas J. and Elizabeth (DiLauro) Battaglia.
His joyful smile and his love for all the people who surrounded him made it a better place each day. He loved to play cards,...
Tatyana Bystrova-McIntyre
Feb 2, 2025
Tatyana Yuryevna Bystrova-McIntyre, also known by some as Tanya McIntyre, aged 47, born April 25, 1977, in Tver, Russia, passed away in her home in Hudson, OH, over the weekend of February 1, 2025.
Tanya was a Professor in the Modern and Classical Languages Department at Kent State University teaching mainly classes in Russian but also many other classes not related...
Larry E. Lucks
Mar 9, 2025
Larry E. Lucks, 82, of North Canton, passed away on Sunday, March 9, 2025. In honoring his wishes, Larry will be cremated and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Cremation services in the care of Bissler and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 W. Main St. Kent, OH 44240.
Walter Jay Rhodes
Mar 6, 2025
Walter “Jay” Rhodes, 89, of Kent, passed on Thursday March 6, 2025.
He was born in Ravenna on Nov 27, 1935, to the late Glenn W. and Frances (Moledor) Rhodes.
Jay’s father was in the service station business in Kent, Ohio, Jay was called upon starting at 12 years old to help go on service calls when he wasn’t in school. He...
David Orrin Peterson
Mar 5, 2025
David, age 81, passed away peacefully on March 5th, 2025. Born in Pontiac, Michigan to the late Orrin and Elizabeth Peterson.
David enjoyed spending time with his family playing basketball in the backyard with his kids and the neighborhood friends, the occasional get together on a Sunday afternoon for a cookout in the back yard and going to garage sales with...
Susan Waugh
Mar 5, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Susan Waugh on March 5, 2025.
She was preceded in death by her parents, David and Wilhelmine Buchanan; her sons, Jeffery and David; and her husband James Waugh MD. She is survived by her daughter-in-law Shelly; grandchildren, Benjamin, Mathew, and Maggie; and nephews Duncan Buchanan and David Buchanan III.
Susan was...
Benjamin H. Newberry
Mar 3, 2025
Benjamin H. Newberry, 83, of Kent, died on Monday, March 3, 2025 at Summa Health Care. He remained an appreciative, supportive, and Amiable patient through a six-plus year ordeal with Alzheimer’s Disease.
As a lifelong academic, Professor Newberry valued not only teaching in the psychology department at Kent State University and the University of Warsaw but also reading and discussing many...
David Thomas Burroughs
Mar 3, 2025
David Thomas Burroughs, 75, of Kent, passed away on Monday, March 3, 2025, in Orlando, FL. He was born in Flint, MI on January 28, 1950, to the late William McKinstry and Gwendolyn Elizabeth Burroughs. David earned his bachelor’s degree in music from Bowling Green State University in 1973.
He loved teaching music for over 35 years. David was the band...
Carole A. "Carrie" Shelly
Mar 2, 2025
Carole A. “Carrie” Shelly, 71, of Kent, passed away on Sunday, March 2, 2025 at Tamarack Ridge Health and Rehabilitation. She was born in Cleveland on May 3, 1953 to the late Ralph and Ora Louise Shelly and was a 1971 graduate of Ravenna High School. Carrie went on to earn her associate degree in social services from the University...
Patricia Ann Mazzer
Feb 25, 2025
Patricia Ann Mazzer (née Barkovitz) of Ravenna passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at home, surrounded by family and friends.
Patricia was born January 22, 1942 and raised in Detroit, Michigan. She attended Lincoln Park high school where she joined the Future Teachers Association and graduated early, attending Western Michigan University at the age of 16. She went on to...
Mary Louise Lauck
Feb 24, 2025
Mary Louise Lauck, 81, of Kent, passed away on Monday, February 24, 2025. She was born in Mantua Center, OH on February 25, 1943. Mary was an accomplished seamstress and could sew anything. She enjoyed fishing, gardening, cooking and riding motorcycles. She was a member of Connect Church, Parents Without Partners and Singles Mingles. She loved family gatherings and will...
David K. Kocjancic
Feb 19, 2025
DAVID KEITH KOCJANCIC - age 61, passed away unexpectedly at his Streetsboro home on February 19, 2025. He left behind a legacy for those he loved. He is the son of departed parents, Richard and Dolores (nee Bokar) Kocjancic of Cleveland. Ohio.
David was a very proud father of Zachary and Jessica; devoted companion to Elsa Kocjancic (mother of Zachary); beloved...
Helen Mae Burkholder
Feb 19, 2025
Helen Mae Burkholder (Palumbo), passed away gracefully on February 19, 2025, one day before her 96th birthday. She was born in Star Junction, PA on February 20, 1929, to the late Josephine and Pasquale Palumbo.
In addition to her parents and eight siblings, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Wade Burkholder, in 2012. They were married for 63...
Bernadine Marie Elmo
Feb 18, 2025
Bernadine Marie Elmo, 100, of Kent, passed away on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. She was born in Cleveland on December 21, 1924 to the late Stanley and Mary Wojcik. Bernadine was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and was a Rosie the Riveter during WWII. She enjoyed playing cards and was known as the “Bingo Queen”. She was a...
Catherine LeBlanc
Feb 18, 2025
Catherine LeBlanc, 93, of Kent, passed away on Tuesday, February, 18, 2025 at Mulberry Gardens. She was born in Kent on January 25, 1932 to the late Andrew and Catherine Cheges. She was a graduate of Kent State University and was employed as an executive secretary with Lamb Electric.
Catherine was an avid golfer and sports fan. She loved the Cleveland...
Kaye Lee Rydbom
Feb 17, 2025
Kaye Lee Rydbom, 85, of Palmyra Township went home to be with her lord and savior on Monday February 17, 2025 at home with her daughter by her side. She was born May 8, 1939 in Ravenna, Ohio to Olive (Trott) and Chalmer Frinkley.
She met the love of her life Robert J Rydbom at Moon-Glo Skating Rink in Kent, where...
Peter Joseph Meduri Sr.
Feb 15, 2025
Peter J. Meduri Sr., 96, passed away in the early hours of February 15, 2025. Born on January 27, 1929, in Ravenna, Ohio, to the late Paul and Carmella (Simone) Meduri, Pete’s journey took him from Ohio to New York City at the age of two, returning to his hometown at 14. He graduated from Ravenna High School in 1946...
Clarence “C.W.” Wayne Kovarik
Feb 14, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Clarence “C.W.” Wayne Kovarik, age 84, of Kent, OH, a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, on Friday, February 14, 2025 at KentRidge Senior Living.
C.W. was born February 9, 1941 in Cleveland, OH to the late Emil and Zana (Smith) Kovarik.
He faced challenges head-on and was known...
Edna Fulper
Feb 9, 2025
Edna Fulper, 100, of Kent, passed away on Sunday, February 9, 2025. She was born in Walker, WV on August 1, 1924 to the late Aldine and Elsie Scott. Edna was a member of Southeast Church of the Nazarene and attended Kent Church of the Nazarene. She was very active in the Nazarene Mission Society and went on Mission trips...
Ronald Rivett
Feb 7, 2025
Ron Rivett – A Life Well Lived
If you’re reading this, it means I have left this wonderful earth and have been reunited with my parents, Harry and Colletta Rivett, in Heaven. I’m also with my Lord and Savior, basking in the peace and grace of eternal life. While my time here has come to an end, I want you to...
Frank Battaglia
Feb 6, 2025
Frank Battaglia, age 62, of Kent, OH, passed away on Thursday, February 6, 2025 surrounded by family and friends.
Frank was born December 24, 1962 in Akron, OH to the late Nicholas J. and Elizabeth (DiLauro) Battaglia.
His joyful smile and his love for all the people who surrounded him made it a better place each day. He loved to play cards,...
Tatyana Bystrova-McIntyre
Feb 2, 2025
Tatyana Yuryevna Bystrova-McIntyre, also known by some as Tanya McIntyre, aged 47, born April 25, 1977, in Tver, Russia, passed away in her home in Hudson, OH, over the weekend of February 1, 2025.
Tanya was a Professor in the Modern and Classical Languages Department at Kent State University teaching mainly classes in Russian but also many other classes not related...
Bissler & Sons' Funeral Home and Crematory
is a collection of obituaries for cities throughout Ohio. With services that are updated regularly. Find local obituaries and join us in celebrating memories and honoring their lives and legacies.
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