Myron G. Stern "Mike"

Myron G. Stern “Mike”, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away on February 7, 2025. He was a devoted husband to Nora and the late Chialeen Simon Stern. Loving father of Eric (Heather), the late Mitchell (wife Katherine Landau), and Joel (Donna). Cherished brother-in-law to Kevin O’Neil (Cathy), the late Daniel O’Neil, and Carol Day. Uncle Mike to many, grandfather to five and great-grandfather to three.

Love -- of family, friends and music -- defined his life. He enjoyed being a father and shared his love with extended family and friends. His artistic interests included photography and playing the flute and cello. Mike was kind, compassionate, and possessed a great sense of humor. Relatives and even strangers gravitated towards Mike because of his gifted listening skills and the dispensing of words of wisdom that were always solicited and well-received. His grandchildren loved their Grandpa Mike. They would say that Grandpa was fun to be around and complain the visits were too short.

A proud veteran, he enlisted in the Army of the United States and served in the European Theater of Operations during World War Two. A graduate of Western Reserve University he also studied music theory and composition at the Cleveland Institute of Music. After a successful career as a manufacturer of men’s shirts and ties, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to start several businesses. New technology excited him and inspired his later career in telecommunications.

All who know him treasured him. Our hearts are filled and our spirits uplifted with incredible memories of this magnificent gentleman. Mike always was thinking about the well-being of others. Every time we see a flashlight, we will remember him.

We have decided to celebrate Mike’s life this summer after interment at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Seville OH. Mike loved all creatures great and small, especially our dogs. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Lake Erie Labrador Retriever Rescue, PO Box 135, Bath, OH 44210.

Mary F. Casavecchia

Obituary of Mary F. Casavecchia

Mary Frances Casavecchia (nee Malaska) passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025 at age 88.  Her family was privileged to care for her at home in her final days, and will miss her terribly.  In addition, her family will be forever grateful for the care she received from her Hospice of the Western Reserve team.

She was the beloved wife of Carl Sr. “Charlie”, who passed in 2008; cherished mom of Carl (Diane) and Carla (Tom); and adored grandmother to Kierstyn (Jason) Conkling; TJ Rogers; Caitlin (Thomas) Newman, Joey Casavecchia, and Sarah (Kainen) Schneider and sons, Cole & Samson.  The love of her life in her last years were her great-grandchildren Charliana, Jameson and Julieta, whom she claimed with delight as “her little monkeys!”  She is also survived by her loving niece, Barb Biro, and great-nieces Beth (Nate) Naelitz & children Lilly & Mia, and Becky Lepkowski, and her dear brothers, Ed (Rita) Malaska and George (Maureen) Malaska.  She will be greatly missed by dear friends and extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her firstborn son, Carl, who passed in 1958; her parents, Edward and Beatrice (nee Vosmik) Malaska; brother Joseph Malaska; sister Rita Ann (Nick) Wilkins, grandchildren Jacob and Molly Casavecchia; great-grandson Myles Casavecchia, and great-nephew Ben Lepkowski.

In her earlier days, Mary and her husband Carl greatly enjoyed their ceramic business and traveling to Canaan Valley, WV, the Great Smoky Mountains, and Alaska together.

Mary loved her sweets, slots in Vegas, trips with her Cuyahoga Hts.Village friends, shopping, Paula’s Donuts, and was the #1 fan of John Wayne.  Her feisty nature, sneaking of desserts, and quick-witted comebacks will always be great memories of “Mom.”  Above all, her complete devotion and love for her family was her greatest joy and purpose for living. 

A celebration of Mary’s life will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at Vito-Nero Funeral Home in Garfield Hts.  Visitation will be from 12:00 - 2:00 pm, followed immediately by a service of remembrance at 2:00PM.  A private interment at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary’s name to please consider making a donation to Hospice of the Western Reserve/https://www.hospicewr.org/Give.

Kathleen A. Moore

Kathleen A. Moore, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, passed away surrounded by her loving family. She was the devoted wife of late Dale Moore; cherished mother of Ryan (Allison) Moore and Kevin (Emily) Moore. Kathleen's legacy lives on in her grandchildren, Jean, Brandon, James, Grace, Cameron, and Corie, and her great-grandchild, Olivia.

Born to James and Marianne McBride, Kathleen was a loving sister to Dan, Patricia, and Sharon. Her kindness, dedication to her family, and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Kathleen's memory will forever remain in the hearts of her family and friends. Her life was a testament to the strength and beauty of love, family, and devotion.

Services will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. at Vito-Nero Funeral Home 6130 Turney Rd. Garfield Hts., OH 44125. Where family will receive friends on Friday from 11a.m. - 12 p.m. Followed by interment at Maple Shade Cemetery 6161 Brecksville, Rd. Independence, OH 44131.

Paul Otto Priebe

Paul Otto Priebe, beloved husband of Nancy (nee Dacek) for 54 years; father of Paul (Deb) and David (Suzanne); papa of Sydney, Bailey, Paul and Paige. Paul was a proud Army Veteran of the Korean War. He spent his career in the payroll industry, working for various hospitals in the greater Cleveland area. They called him "Payroll Paul," and the nickname fit like a well-worn uniform. After serving his country in Korea, Paul found his calling in Cleveland's hospitals, keeping the books and making sure everyone got paid on time. But it was his heart, not his head for numbers, that people remembered most. Ask anyone who knew him – Paul never turned down a chance to help, whether you were family, friend, or just the neighbor who needed a hand. When he wasn't crunching numbers, Paul and Nancy were crossing oceans. From the ancient ruins of Rome to the icy majesty of Alaska, from the pyramids of Egypt to the sun-soaked Caribbean beaches, they collected adventures like others collect postcards. And when he finally hung up his calculator, you'd find him in the bleachers at his grandkids' games or sitting proudly at their school events, cheering louder than anyone else.

Services will be held on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Monica Church 13623 Rockside Rd. Garfield Hts., OH 44125 (PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH). Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Monday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Vito-Nero Funeral Home 6130 Turney Rd. Garfield Hts., OH 44125.

Charles H. Vlasek Sr.

Charles H. Vlasek Sr. of Garfield Hts./Brunswick. Dearly beloved husband of Joyce (nee Phillips deceased) Married on 5/30/1959. Dearest Father of Charles Jr. (wife Denise) and Michele Urminski (husband David).  Loving Grandfather of Charles III, Christopher, Cody (wife Lynsey), Heather, Amber (husband Joe), Amanda and Great Grandfather to Rylee and Meah. Dear brother to Thomas (deceased) and sister Mary Louise (deceased).

Charles was a foreman for 16 years at Great Lakes Supply; an Iron Worker Local Union 468, a Service Manager at Grabski Ford, Hunter Mfg., Otis Elevator as an inspector. His real passion was being a life-time member of South Cuyahoga Sportsmen Assoc. where he shot archery. He loved being outdoors fishing with his wife on Lake Erie for perch on their boat and hunting with his son. He was an animal lover and spoiled his dog Maggie.

Family will receive friends on Thursday, January 23, 2025 from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.at Vito-Nero Funeral Home 6130 Turney Rd. Garfield Hts., OH 44125. Followed by a Mass at 12:00 p.m. at St Therese Church 5276 E. 105th St. Garfield Hts., OH 44125

Janet V. Apana

Janet V. Apana (nee Kopczynski) Age 97 passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday January. 15, 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband Henry J. Apana Sr. . She was the loving Mother of Henry Jr. (Teresa), Ann Marie, April Secura, Amber Finch (Deceased), and Mark (Gretchen). Grandmother of Michael, Henry, Rachel, Kristen, Clayton, Sarah, Halle, Stanley, Great-Grandmother of Kaitlyn, Andrew, Sean, Devon, Drake, Alexandra, Johnny and Charlie. Great-Great-Grandmother to Luscinia, Finn, and Darcy. All of whom will miss this wonderful, loving, avid sports fan and animal lover tremendously.

A celebration of Janet’s life will be held on a later date.

William Salvatore Cali

William S. Cali, 73, Navy Veteran and Steel Industry Leader, Dies

William Salvatore Cali, a decorated Navy veteran, skilled outdoorsman, fierce cribbage player, and longtime leader in the steel industry, died on January 5, 2025. He was 73.

Born on November 11, 1951, in Cleveland to William Charles Cali and Catherine Carey, Mr. Cali was the second of four children. Raised with a love for nature and a strong sense of duty, he spent his youth hunting and trapping in the Cuyahoga River Valley and fishing in Long Point, Ontario. He graduated from Cuyahoga Heights High School before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1970.

During his military service, Mr. Cali served aboard the USS Tutuila (ARG-4) and USS Orion (AS-18) in support of submarine operations domestically and abroad. His work maintaining and repairing precision optical instruments earned him respect among his peers and superiors. He was honorably discharged in 1974.

Following his service, Mr. Cali attended trade school, mastering the art of welding. His career in the steel industry began modestly but flourished over three decades at Mid-America Steel, where he rose to the position of Plant Manager. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and dedication to his craft, he played a pivotal role in the company’s growth and success before his retirement.

Outside of work, Mr. Cali devoted himself to raising, breeding, and showing Old English Game chickens. His commitment to the care and preservation of this breed was a reflection of his deep respect for heritage and craftsmanship.

In addition to his family, he is remembered by Cynthia Pavkov, with whom he shared a special and enduring bond during the later years of his life.

He is survived by his children: Sandra Abouhassan and her children, Gabriella, John, and Samantha; Julie and Scott Austin and their children, Dominic and Savannah; Lucas and Larrissa Cali and their children, Torren, KJ, Rocket, and Rowan; and John and Christina Cali and their children, Adelina and Isabella.

He also leaves behind his siblings: Joseph Cali (and his wife, Brenda) and Gertrude Selig-Menski (and her husband, John). He was predeceased by his parents, William Charles Cali and Catherine Carey, and his brother, Andrew Cali.

A. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at  St. Michaels Catholic Church 6912 Chestnut Rd. Independence, OH 44131.

The family will receive friends, prior to mass, in the church from 9 -10:00 a.m. Interment at All Saints Cemetery will follow.

Allen Shaffer

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Allen "Al" Shaffer, on December 5, 2024. Born on June 22, 1947 in Portage Pennsylvania.  Allen is preceded in death by his parents Virgil and Hilda Shaffer (nee Kreutzberger), spouse Deborah Shaffer (nee Anselmo), and brother Ronald Shaffer.

Allen was a proud Veteran of the United States Navy. They shaped him into the man he became. He was a cook while in the service on a ship. After being discharged, he became a baker that was his career.

Allen touched many lives with his kindness and generosity. If you needed help doing something he would be there for you.   He leaves behind his sister and nephew, Linda and Clint Welsh and many dear friends and neighbors. He will be missed.

Viewing  will be Wednesday, December 11, 2024, from 12-1 pm at Vito-Nero Funeral Home; 6130 Turney Road Garfield Heights, Ohio 44125. He will enter his eternal resting place at 1:30 pm at Calvary Cemetary. Please NO Flowers.

Robert W. Scott

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Robert W. Scott, who was born on July 16, 1942, in Altoona, Pennsylvania, and resided in Maple Heights, Ohio. He passed away on December 2, 2024.

He is preceded in death by his parents Stewart and Ava Scott, and his brothers Fred and Thomas.

Robert was a devoted husband to Gail Scott for 33 years. Together they shared 8 children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Terry (spouse Lara), Renee (spouse Jon), Sandra (spouse Michael), Ryan (spouse Ketelyn), Ashley (significant other Daniel), Shannon (spouse John), Heather (spouse Paul), and Erik.

Robert worked at Republic Steel/LTV and served in the US Navy for 37 years before retiring as a Chief Petty Officer.  He was known for his dedication to his work and his country.

He found joy in flying radio-controlled airplanes, working on trains for the Midwest Preservation Society, golfing, bowling, and loved his camera.

Robert leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and service.  He will forever be remembered and cherished by his family, friends, and community.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his name to the Midwest Railway Preservation Society or Chief Petty Officer Scholarship Fund.

Viewing observances will be held on Sunday, December 8, 2024, from 4-6 pm at Vito-Nero Funeral Home; 6130 Turney Road, Garfield Heights Ohio 44125.  He will enter his eternal resting place at 1:15 pm on December 9, 2024, at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Rd, Seville Ohio 44273.

Elizabeth A. Baker

Elizabeth "Betty" A. Baker age 92 of Garfield Heights, passed away on November 29, 2024.  Beloved wife of the late James R. Baker. Devoted mother of James Baker (deceased), Timothy Baker (spouse Deena), Lynn Baker, and Jeffrey Baker (spouse Rosember). Grandmother of James Baker (spouse Mindy), Zach Baker (spouse Bria), Alli Baker, Heyden Baker, Calie Morselli, Matthew Morselli (spouse Jaclyn), and Megan Morselli. Great-grandmother of Emery Baker, Maddox Baker, Colter Baker and Holden Baker. Cherished daughter of the late Matthew and Agnes Boleyn. Cherished Sister of the late Mary (Jill) Parks, Thomas Boleyn, and Donald Boleyn. Dear friend of George Matejka. Mass of the Christian Burial Thurs. Dec. 5, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Monica's Church 13623 Rockside Rd. PLEASE MEET AT THE CHURCH. Interment Calvary Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Betty on Wed. Dec 4, 2024 from 4-7 p.m. at the VITO-NERO FUNERAL HOME 6130 TURNEY RD. GARFIELD HTS., PLEASE NO FLOWERS Family request donations to a charity of your choice.