Karen Lee Durant (Pugh), age 73, of Columbia Station, Ohio, passed away on December 26, 2025. She was born on May 6, 1952. Karen lived a life centered on love, dedication, and quiet strength. She had a deep and unwavering love for her family and friends and will be dearly missed by the many lives she touched. Caring, funny, and steady, Karen was someone others could always rely on. She was a beloved bus driver for Columbia Local Schools, where she took pride in caring for generations of students. Outside of work, Karen enjoyed bowling, crocheting, researching family history, and collecting many treasured items over the years. Karen is survived by her loving husband, Paul; her children, Jason (Janet), Brian, Gary (Tara), Joey (Hannah), step-children Steve (Emma), Tina, and Stuart (Emma); her grandchildren, Ryan, Codi, Jason Jr., Breanne, Ashley, Hunter, Layla, Miles, Clara, step-grandchildren Billie, Emily, Alfie, Millie, Charlie, Ellie Mae, Rebecca, Louise, and Steven; many great-grandchildren; and her brothers, Kenny (Sheryl) and Danny. She was preceded in death by her father, Waymon Earl Pugh; her mother, Ann Pugh (Jorgensen); and her sister-in-law, Joy Pugh. A Celebration of Life will be held on January 10, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Columbia ...Read More

William Dienes, Jr., age 80, of Parma Heights, passed away on Saturday, May 31, 2025 peacefully at home.  Beloved father of William, III, Gregory, Kelly, and Nicole and grandfather of seven.  He will be missed dearly.

Catherine (Cassie) Patricia Greer, age 73, beloved mother, grandmother, and sister passed away peacefully on December 16th, 2025, after a battle with cancer. She is preceded in death by her father, Edward, mother, Catherine, and sister Roberta. She is survived by her son Devin (Marybeth); her grandchildren Cooper, Chuck, and Carter, who were everything to her. She is also survived by her siblings, Edward (Sandy), Marge, Fran, and Linda; nieces Clarissa, Camellia, Alison (Jeff), Heather; and her nephews Christopher (Sarah), Garrett, Ian, Kasey, Sullivan, Edward (Dena), Bruce (Julie) and a great aunt to many others. She had a heart of gold and could never say no to anyone, for better or worse. She had immense love for her grandchildren and anyone she was a grandmother figure to. Family meant everything to Cassie. She was always willing to do anything she could to help her family and was a cherished friend to numerous others. She will be remembered for the love she showed to many, being the glue that held everything together, and the rock of stability in so many of our lives. She was a fighter until the end. She is now looking down on us with her dog Oscar ...Read More

Edward A. Libal, age 88, was born on February 26, 1937, and passed away on November 24, 2025. Edward proudly served his country as a veteran of the United States Air Force. His service reflected a strong sense of duty and commitment, values that guided his life. He was laid to rest with military honors at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, a final resting place befitting his service to the nation. Edward had no known surviving family. He will be remembered with gratitude for his dedication to the United States and for the life he lived in quiet service.

November 28, 1940 – December 11, 2025 Jean A. Fragazi (née Hastings), age 85, passed away on December 11, 2025, at the Normandy Care Center, surrounded by her loving family. Jean was the beloved wife for 41 years of the late Robert A. “Bob” Fragazi. Jean was born on November 28, 1940, to Thomas and MaryAnne (Coyne) Hastings. Jean and Bob grew up together in the same neighborhood, surrounded by family since childhood. Because family was so important to both of them, they delayed their wedding for more than a year when Jean was grief-stricken by the death of her mother shortly before their originally planned wedding date. Jean passed away on December 11, 2025—the same day Bob was buried in 2007. Bob and Jean lived in Cleveland and Rocky River before eventually making their home in Elyria, where they spent over 28 years. Jean assisted Bob in setting up an office supply company, where they worked side by side to build a successful business. Jean was a devoted member of the Elyria Women’s Club, serving as president from 2000–2004 and again from 2010–2012, becoming the only woman in the club’s history to hold two presidential terms. She also served ...Read More

Dean Joseph Prida, our beloved husband, father, and Papa, passed away peacefully at home on December 7th, 2025. He was preceded in death by his father, Anthony. He is survived by his wife Wendy (Eckelmeyer); his daughters Taylor and Madison (Brandon Reiff); and his granddaughters Isabel and Sophia Reiff, who were the center of his world. He is also survived by his mother Peggy Ann (Plesz); his siblings Raquel, Tony (Leah), Timmy (Michelle), and Andrea; his nieces McKenzie Boykin and Brittany Seitz-Miller; and his nephews Niko Boykin and Dylan Glavasevic. He was loud, stubborn, hilarious, and endlessly loving — the kind of person who could make any room brighter just by being in it. To his girls, he was the heart of the family. Dean was a talented carpenter for over twenty years, a craft he took pride in and poured his heart into. He loved fishing, being outdoors, and he loved to have a good time. Whether it was a party, a gathering, or just any chance to laugh, he was always the one bringing the fun. Family meant everything to Dean. He was always trying to bring people together, keeping in touch, and making sure everyone felt welcome. ...Read More

Richard C. “Dick” Schwertle, 87, passed away December 2nd 2025, lovingly surrounded by family and friends. Cherished Husband to Joan R. ( nee Schneider ) Schwertle. Brother to Linda L. ( nee Schwertle ) Sommers. Father to Mark P., Jennifer E., Ryan Kluth and Alyson L. ( nee Schwertle ) Ellis ( John ). Grandfather to Brooke, Summer, Dakota, Heather ( Dominic ), Carter,  Cole ( Denise Schwertle ) Great Grandfather to Logan Gimmelli. Uncle to Richard, Timothy and Heidi His epic life contained many chapters. Early on as; a Boy Scout leader, Coast Guard “Guardian” and college friend. Then leading to; Sunday School teacher, Insurance Agent, self-taught guitarist, singer, Counselor, Motorcycle enthusiast, sailor, backyard mechanic and home repair DIY’er. And finally; Sage, grandfatherly presence at many Grandchild’s events, loving dog owner and always ready with an open door. His playful parenting style wasn’t limited to his own children, it was a gift he mentored to many loved ones over the decades. Dick loved to sing Four Freshman songs to his incredible wife everyday near the end. He was Joan’s romantic, mischievous jokester/ playmate… and her best friend. He has truly left his mark on this world. A small family ...Read More

Brenda LaRocco of Parma, OH passed away Tuesday December 2, 2025 morning at Broadview Multi-Care Center. She was born February 16, 1950 in Sumter, SC and had lived in Parma, OH for the past seven years. She was always a good cook, enjoyed camping, being the life of the party at card games, board games or Bingo and hanging out with her circles of friends in Ohio and South Carolina. Taking her boys to Tae Kwon Do, soccer practice and other activities was something she always made sure to happen. Her parents were the late Edith Griffin and Tom Scott of Sumter, SC. She was of Baptist Faith. She was preceded in death by her mother Edith Griffin and son Michael LaRocco in 1995. She is survived by her sister Julia Cave of Sumter, SC and son Kenneth Scott of North Carolina, husband Salvatore LaRocco of Parma, OH and son Anthony LaRocco of Parma, OH, nephew Robert Cave of Sumter, SC, Deela Cave of Sumter, SC and Lisa Wilkinson of Florida, Grandchild Aviae LaRocco of Parma, OH and Grandniece Allison Cave of Sumter, SC. There will not be a Viewing. Arrangements through Cleveland Burial & Cremation Co. Malloy & Esposito.

Clifford Rhoads, age 76, of Parma Heights, Ohio passed away suddenly at home on November 30th, 2025. He was born on August 2nd, 1949.  He married Barbara on May 15th, 1971 and together they shared 54 years of love and partnership. Clifford is survived by his wife: Barbara Rhoads. His children: Robert (Elizabeth) Rhoads, and Laura (Matt) Rhoads. His grandchildren: Michael (Karah) Rhoads, Hayley (Jackson) Shimkoski, Kayla Shimkoski, and Dylan Shimkoski, as well as their beautiful great-grandchildren: Leah, Nathan, Landon, and Finley. He is preceded in death by his son, Michael.  A small service will be held at the North Olmsted Assembly of God church on December 7th, 2025 at 4pm.  In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in his memory to your local food bank.  Clifford will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

July 29, 1938 – November 30, 2025 John F. Malloy passed away peacefully in his sleep while in hospice care on November 30, 2025, at the age of 87. John was preceded in death by his parents, John F. Malloy and Margaret Malloy, and his late wife, Shirley Wechter Malloy. He is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia Malloy; his children, Michael Malloy, Susan Malloy Jones, and Jill Brandt (Todd); and his granddaughters, Abigail, Lydia, and Vivian Brandt. Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, John was a proud graduate of St. Edward High School. He attended the University of Dayton and later graduated from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. In 1977, he founded Malloy Memorial Service, where he dedicated over 50 years to serving families with compassion, dignity, and care during their most difficult moments. John also served his country in the United States Army Reserve. Outside of his professional life, John found great joy in time spent with family and friends at his cottage in Linwood Park, Vermilion, and aboard his Lyman boat. He was an avid motorcycle enthusiast and an active member of the Erie Shore Ski Club, Black Tie social group, and the Early Bird exercise ...Read More