GERRY A DZIAK
Gerry Dziak (nee Stec) born in Cleveland, Ohio 1949, daughter of the late Walter Stec and Ann Stec, mother of Vincent Pompili (Laura) and Kimberly Binns (Brian), grandmother to Mercedes Binns and Alison Alicea (Esteban), sister of James Stec (Rose). Her parents were of Romanian and Polish descent. She grew up in Slavic Village located in the Southeast side of Cleveland. She felt safe and at home in this city of diverse cultural heritage. She moved to Garfield and raised her two loving children. Her interests included: baking, feeding wildlife, caring for lost kittens, lover of all things Romance, watching movies especially BFG and all the 80's classics. Gerry would include her handwritten poems in her birthday and holiday cards which depicted her creativity and love for others. She surrounded herself around angel figures not realizing she herself was an angel living amongst us. She will be deeply missed by her children, brother, sister-in-law, grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Contributions may be made to Holy Family Hospice, 6707 State Rd. Parma, Ohio 44134
A Catholic Mass will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Monica Church 13623 Rockside Rd. Garfield Heights, OH 44125. The family will receive friends one hour prior to mass in the back of the Church.
Immediately following the mass a Celebration Of Life will be held at Sirna’s Cafe 795 Broadway Avenue Bedford, OH 44146.
Donald Mirous
Donald H. Mirous, Age 81, Passed away on Friday April 25, 2025. Don was born July 28, 1943 in Garfield Heights, Ohio to Harry and Mary Rita (nee Bocan). He was baptized at St.Threse Church and attended Garfield Heights High School, where he wrestled, played football and baseball.
Don was an avid motorcycle rider. He joined the AMA competing in dirt racing, scrambles and hill climbs. As the stories were told: Don drove cross country, Ohio - California, picking up odd jobs as needed; he was a cook in a logging camp because at 6'3" he was the smallest guy there, met a guide in Canada and started giving boat & fishing guide tours in the area of Red Lake Ontario.
He worked in construction for over 50 years as a plumber, carpenter, painter & electrician. When it came to family and friends, you all may have had Don help on a project in return for a cup of coffee.
Donald married Catherine (nee Borota) on January 27, 1973. Don was a devoted husband and father. He and Cathy enjoyed road trips, camping at Pymatuning State Park, fishing, and boating. Enjoying the later years with their children and grandchildren.
Don is survived by their children Shirley Mirous(Mary), Miki McNally, Susan Kimbell(Wiley II); 6 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren; his sister Patricia Chesney(John deceased) and many nieces, nephews, cousins and all of their "children's friends" that were then claimed as FAMILY. He was predeceased by his sister Marilyn, brother Robert(Carol), brother Stephen(Barb), sister Phyllis.
Celebration of Life honoring Donald will be held May 10, 2025. Details to follow on daughter's Shirley Mirous facebook & instagram pages
Gerald DeLooze
Gerald DeLooze, 82, of Solon, Ohio, returned home March 30, 2025.
Gerry’s angels in heaven include his parents Nathaniel and Genevieve, brothers Ken and Bob, sister Clare, nephews Dale and Tom, niece Jennifer, and numerous other family and friends. Gerry’s earth angels include his love-you-forever wife of 59 years Carol, son Michael (Susan), daughter Laura Iwanycky (Mark), granddaughter Allie DeLooze Deriso (Daniel), sister Fran Leisz (Joe), and many nieces and nephews.
Gerry proudly taught high school drafting and home maintenance in his hometown of Garfield Heights for 3 decades, retiring in 1993. He was also a driving instructor at the school. He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Kent State University. When he returned to KSU to earn that master’s degree, while also teaching full-time, ‘the wife’ typed all his papers, on a typewriter, earning her own honorary degree.
Serving as president, vice president and chairperson of the Garfield Heights Credit Union over 42 years until retiring in 2015 was an honor for Gerry. He also served as a president of the Garfield Heights Teacher’s Association for many years.
Known for always helping his neighbors, Gerry took on numerous projects over the years, including building decks and swimming pools during the summers; and fixed many a lawnmower, snowblower and really any appliance for friends and family. Gerry enjoyed gardening, boating, fishing for walleye, water skiing (not in recent years…) and watching all the sports. But what Gerry enjoyed most, and was most proud of, was his family. He made that well known, and loved to brag about his wife, kids - including kids-in-law, and granddaughter. Grandpa was a dedicated fan for years at his granddaughter’s softball games (as well as volleyball, and carpet-basketball games…); where he was always cheering in the stands for his kids’ baseball and volleyball games as well. The man supported his loved ones fiercely. And he proclaimed his love sincerely and regularly, directly to his family.
A celebration of Gerry’s life will be held this summer, with details to be shared at a later date. A memorial mass will be held Saturday July 5th, 2025, 4:00pm, at St Monica Catholic Church in Garfield Heights. In lieu of flowers, donations for Hospice of the Western Reserve are suggested.
Dennis E. Svitak
Dennis E. Svitak age 82 passed away peacefully on March 5, 2025, at Marymount Hospital, surrounded by family. Beloved husband of the late Candace (nee Staller); father of Brian, Tarah, and Craig (all deceased); son of the late Edward and Valerie (nee Biesadecki) Svitak; brother of Daryl (deceased). Dennis is survived by his stepsons Todd Gauman and Shawn Teece; Stepgrandson Dylan Teece; Siblings David (Donna); and Julie McClintock (Jim); Sister-in-law Patricia and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Dennis and Candy participated in Church activities at St. Peter United Church of Seven Hills. He was a proud U.S. Navy Veteran. Dennis treasured his time spent with his family, friends, and co-workers. He especially liked going fishing with his father, brother, and brother-in-law. Although he earned a living as an auto mechanic, he was an avid musician. His musical adventures began at age 7 with the accordion and evolved to playing the keyboards, performing with his brothers in rock and roll bands throughout his life.
The family will receive friends at Vito-Nero Funeral Home 6130 Turney Rd. Garfield Hts. on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, from 4-7 p.m.
A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at Crown Hill Cemetery 8592 Darrow Rd. Twinsburg, OH 44087 (PLEASE MEET AT CEMETARY)
Nicholas M. Spychola
Nicholas M. Spychola, age 42 passed away March 1, 2025. Beloved son of Edward and Sandra Spychola; father of Kailah K. Cherney; brother of Edward (Shannon) Spychola and Matthew (Jeanette) Spychola; uncle of Madison, Sydney, Scott, and Ryan.
Family will receive friends on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at Vito Nero FuneralHome 6130 Turney Road, Garfield Heights, Ohio 44125, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Followed by Mass of Christian Burial at St. Monica Church 13623 Rockside Road, Garfield Heights, Ohio 44125 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at All Saint Cemetery 480 W. Highland Road, Northfield, Ohio 44067.
Marcia A Perry
December 20, 1954 – March 4, 2025
Marcia A. Perry (Bourdess), 70, passed away on March 4, 2025, after a long and difficult battle with cancer. Her journey was marked by resilience, as she faced years of treatment with unwavering determination.
Marcia loved her dogs and found peace in nature, often retreating to a cabin at Mohican to escape the city. In her later years, she grew closer to her faith and found comfort in her church community.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Frances Austin-Bourdess (Eller), and her sister, Ada Markus.
She is survived by her daughters, Christina Schmal (Updegrove), Angie Terwilliger (Perry) (spouse: Patrick), and Laura Soroka (Pacheco) (spouse: Jon); her doggy Prince; her siblings, John Bourdess and Betty Carr (spouse: Orson); her brother-in-law, Ronald Markus; her grandchildren, Ricky Grimes and Haley Monroe; her grand-doggy Shay; as well as her nephew Johnny Bourdess and niece Jennifer Bourdess.
A viewing will be held on Monday, March 10th, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Vito Nero Funeral Home, 6130 Turney Rd, Garfield Heights, OH 44125. The funeral service will take place on Tuesday, March 11th, at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home, with interment to follow at 11:00 a.m. at Hillcrest Memorial Park, 26200 Aurora Rd, Bedford Heights, OH 44146.
Ethel D. Blair
Ethel D. Blair (nee Office), age 92, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2025. Beloved wife for 57 years to the late Robert A. Loving mother of Robert A. Jr. (deceased), Scot C. and Laura Lee (Aichele). Cherished daughter of Martin and Edmo (nee Combs) Office; sister of Ruth Toth (Ernie), and Donald Office (Pauline) all deceased. Dearest aunt, great-aunt, and friend of many.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations may be made in Ethel’s name to:The Shriners Hospital for Children, donatelovetotherescue.org.
God Bless You Mom!
Private family services with Burial in Lakeview Cemetery.
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.