Peter D. Gomos
Peter Dimpas Gomos, 61, of Avon, died Dec. 3 2003 at Grace Hospital in Amherst. Born in Tubod Lanao del Norte, Philippines, on June 29, 1942, he lived in Avon for three years and previously in Chagrin Falls. Dr. Gomos was a physician and surgeon in the Cleveland metropolitan area since 1969, retiring in 2000. He was a member of the Association of Philippine Physicians in Ohio, the American Medical Association, the Philippine American Society of Ohio, the American College of Surgeons and the International College of Surgeons. Dr. Gomos is survived by his wife of 35 years, Anecita (nee Bacus); daughters, Julie Baker, of Amherst, and Janette Klein, of New York City; son, Peter B. Gomos Jr., of Parma; three grandchildren; brother, Thomas; and sisters, Solita, Algerita and Narcisa. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Patricia B. Gomos; and a brother, Rudy Gomos. Funeral Mass was celebrated Dec. 6 at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Avon. Burial was in St. Joseph Cemetery in Avon.

Maude E. Hessey
Maude Ethel Hessey (nee Scull), 92, of Chagrin Falls, died Dec. 3 2003 at Heather Hill Hospital from pneumonia. Born May 14, 1911, in Cleveland, she was a graduate of John Adams High School and was the co-owner of Chagrin Pet and Garden Center for 41 years. A member of Eagles No. 2436 and a founding member of St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Bentleyville, she enjoyed gardening and travel. Mrs. Hessey is survived by her nephew, William H. (Dorothy) Scull, of Wickliffe; niece, Melba Scull Advent, of Columbus; and many great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gilbert L. Hessey; parents, William Henry and Mary Scull; and brother, William Harry Scull. Funeral services were held Dec. 6. Memorial contributions may be made to the Chagrin Falls Eagles Aerie 2436.

Paul D. Hubert
Paul D. Hubert, 68, of Chagrin Falls, died Dec. 7 2003 at St. Vincent Charity Emergency Center in Solon. Born April 3, 1935, in St. Thomas, Ontario, he attended St. Thomas Collegiate Institute. He earned a degree in engineering science from Queens University in Kingston, Ontario, and a master's degree in business management from the University of Waterloo in Waterloo, Ontario. Mr. Hubert worked in research and development with Proctor and Gamble from 1958 to 1976. He was director of productivity projects at TRW in Cleveland from 1976 to 1980 and was self-employed as a management consultant from 1980 to 2000. He is survived by his wife, Mary (nee Collins), of Chagrin Falls; children, Stephen (Teresa), of Chatham, Ontario, Jane (Evan) Zahn, of Miami,and Scott (Judy) Hubert, of London, Ontario; nine grandchildren; sister, Lynne (Pat) Barnhouse, of Ottawa; and brothers, Joseph, of St. Thomas, Ontario, and Thomas Hubert, of Toronto. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Margaret (nee Underhill) Hubert. Funeral services will be held at noon Dec. 11 at Stroud-Lawrence Funeral Home, 95 S. Franklin St., Chagrin Falls. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.

Phillip A. Lawrence
Phillip A. Lawrence, of Lyndhurst, died Nov. 30 2003 at his home. A lifelong Clevelander, graduating from John Adams High School in 1949, he was a 1955 graduate of Ohio State University and a graduate of Cleveland Marshall College of Law. He paid his way through college by playing a saxophone on weekends. He was also a sergeant in the U.S. Army, serving in Korea. Mr. Lawrence practiced law in Chagrin Falls for over 40 years. A former Lyndhurst councilman for eight years, he was responsible for obtaining its first EMS ambulance and purchasing the first ladder truck. He wrote the charter amendment to change Lyndhurst Council structure to the present ward system and successfully chaired that campaign. In addition, he paved the way for the TRW World Headquarters in Lyndhurst and formed the Hillcrest Council of Councils so communities could combine their resources for emergency services and facilities. Mr. Lawrence had a passion for the theater and served on the foundation of the Chagrin Valley Little Theatre for many years. Other hobbies included restoring and showing his 1950 Jaguar, fishing and designing and creating stained glass art. Mr. Lawrence is survived by his wife of 48 years, Sandra; sons, Dr. Eric, of Moreland Hills, and Dr. Kenneth, of Gates Mills; five grandchildren; and two brothers, Theodore and Melvin, of Cleveland. Contributions may be sent to the Abel Boosters Fund (a program for visually impaired senior adults), c/o Jewish Community Center, 26001 S. Woodland Road, Beachwood 44122.

Henry E. Lechene
Henry E. Lechene, 88, of Hambden Township, died Dec. 2 2003 at Geauga Regional Hospital. Born Jan. 28, 1915, in Patton, Pa., he lived in Hambden since 1963. He married Evelyn Shaw on Aug. 19, 1967, in Middlefield. Mr. Lechene was a driver-sales representative for Diemand Corp. in Chardon for eight years, retiring in 1978. Previously, he was employed for the former Rimes Trucking in Chardon. While in Pennsylvania, he was an over-the-road truck driver for several years and a coal miner. A member of the Church of St. Mary's and the United Mine Workers, he was a former member of the Geauga Farm Bureau. He loved working in his garden. Mr. Lechene is survived by his wife; daughters, Carole Gilbert, of Arnold, Md., Sandra O'Donnell, of Las Vegas, and Beverly Langham, of Barnsboro, Pa.; son, Richard (Trudy) Lechene, of Barnsboro, Pa.; and son-in-law, Paul Novella, also of Barnsboro. Other survivors include a stepdaughter, Cindy Turvy, of Columbus; 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; one step-grandson and two step-great-grandchildren; sisters, Edna (Michael) Strollo, of Nicktown, Pa., and Eva Luther, of Buffalo, N.Y.; brothers, Maurice (Catherine), of Huntsburg, and George (Avenell) Lechene, of Hastings, Pa. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Vincette (nee Sunseri) Lechene; parents, Henry and Lucy (nee Massett) Lechene; daughter, Marjorie Novella; and brothers, Leo and Paul Lechene. Funeral Mass was celebrated Dec. 8 at Church of St. Mary in Chardon. A private family burial will be a later date in St. Lawrence, Pa. Memorial contributions may be made to Hambden Fire and Rescue, 9867 Old State Road, Chardon 44024, or St. Mary's Bell Fund, 401 North St., Chardon 44024.

Rita Lusk
Rita Lusk (nee Klika), 86, of Solon, died Dec. 6 2003 at Emerald Ridge Nursing Home in Solon from complications of a previous stroke. Born Nov. 20, 1917, to Joseph and Stella (nee Strnad) Klika, she was raised in Maple Heights and moved to Solon after marrying her husband, James Lusk, on Jan. 25, 1941. He preceded her in death Dec. 14, 1994. Deeply involved with the Solon Seniors, she was named Citizen of the Year in 1999. She was a mother, housewife and beauty consultant and worked as a business manager for Electronic Periodicals. Mrs. Lusk is survived by her children, Rita (Laurence) Nowack, of Bourbonnais, Ill., Judith (Richard) Stotlar, of New Freedom, Pa., Marilyn (Trevor) Kopp, of Bonita, Calif., James (Monica) Lusk, of Twinsburg, and Jacqueline (Glenn) Manning, of Chester; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and sisters, Helen Bendlak and Mary Ann Downes. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Dec. 10 at St. Rita Church in Solon, and burial followed in Roselawn Cemetery in Solon.

Lena C. Mayo
Dec. 4, 2003
Lena Cooley Mayo, 101, was born Aug. 3, 1902, in Harmony, Maine. She attended Colby College and married Leonard W. Mayo in 1924. They moved to Cleveland in 1941, when he became dean of the school of applied social sciences (now Mandel School) then vice president of Case Western Reserve University. During World War II, she worked at the Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center and was a volunteer at the Church of the Covenant. She retired with her husband to Chapel Hill, N.C., in the early '70s but returned to Cleveland in 1978 and was active on the Junior Board of Friendly Inn, the Country Forum and the Federated Church of Chagrin Falls. Mrs. Mayo is survived by her daughters, Margaret M. Tippit, and Kathryn M. (George) Loomis, both of Chagrin Falls; five grandchildren, two-step-grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and seven step-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years in 1992; and her son-in-law, C.C. Tippit, last June. Memorial services were held Dec. 10 at the Federated Church of Chagrin Falls. Memorial contributions may be made to the Federated Church, 76 Bell St., Chagrin Falls 44022, or the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, 11235 Bellflower Road, Cleveland 44106.

A. James Noble
A. James Noble, 78, of Solon, died Dec. 8 2003. A graduate of Maple Heights High School, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1943 to 1946 and retired in 1984 from Ohio Bell after 36 years of service. He was a lifetime member of the Pioneers, a 36-year member of the Ohio Bell Ameritech Chorus, a deacon at Maple Heights Presbyterian Church and Pioneer Memorial Presbyterian Church and a charter member of the Solon Historical Society. Mr. Noble is survived by his wife of 57 years, Ann L. (nee Wells) Noble; five children, Janet (Charles) Tiberghein, Cynthia (Robert) Armstrong, Susan (Thomas) Groya, Sandra (John) Wright and James A. (Kristen) Noble. Other survivors include his grandchildren, Katherine and Allison Tiberghein, Robert and Lisa Armstrong, Amy and Kimberly Groya, Sarah and David Wright, and James, Benjamin, Matthew, Madison, Daniel and Caroline Noble; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Emily Lydia Bellar; and brother, George Albert Noble. A memorial service will be held at noon Dec. 13 at Pioneer Memorial Presbyterian Church, 35100 Solon Road in Solon. Memorial contributions may be made to the Pioneer Memorial Presbyterian Church.

Florence Oleksa
Florence Oleksa, 79, of Solon, died Dec. 4 2003 at her home from complications of cancer. Born in Johnstown, Pa., on May 21, 1924, she was one of 10 siblings to John and Ann Safko. She moved to Ohio in 1951 and resided in Solon since 1960. She married John A. Oleksa on Oct. 12, 1946. He preceded her in death in September 1983. Mrs. Oleksa was employed by General Electric Co. for 17 years then worked for Harshaw Chemical for 17 years, retiring when she was 60. Involved in St. Rita Church in Solon, Solon Veterans of Foreign Wars 1863 Ladies Auxiliary and Solon Seniors, she enjoyed bingo, traveling and gardening. Mrs. Oleksa is survived by her children, Dennis (Bonnie) Oleksa, Debbra (Stuart) Wendl, Jo-Ann Maust and John Jr.; grandchildren, Kristen (Charles) McBride, Kevin Wendl, Jessica Oleksa and Joshua Maust; sister, Margaret Bell; and brother, George Bodnar. A Mass celebrating her life was held Dec. 9 at St. Rita Church, and burial was at Mount Hope Cemetery in Solon.

Sophie Pribanic
Sophie Pribanic (nee Barle), 84, of Chagrin Falls, died Nov. 28 2003 at Little Sisters of the Poor in Warrensville Heights. Mrs. Pribanic was retired from Chagrin Falls Village Schools, where she worked in food services. While living in Chagrin Falls, she was an active member of St. Joan of Arc Church. Mrs. Pribanic is survived by her sons, Mark (Mary) and Ronald (Holly) Pribanic; grandchildren, Erika (Jason) Pribanic-Smith, Michelle, Diane, Theresa and James (Gretchen) Pribanic; great-granddaughter, Sadie Pribanic; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael Pribanic; daughter, Kathleen Bendis; parents, Louis and Frances (nee Skube) Barle; and siblings, Mary Grden, Frances Adler, Rose Prosen and Joseph and Louis Barle. Memorial services were held Dec. 2 at Little Sisters of the Poor. Mrs. Pribanic's godson, the Rev. Tony Prosen, officiated. Burial was in Evergreen Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Little Sisters of the Poor, 4291 Richmond Road, Warrensville Heights 44122.

Dolores A. Radicella
Dolores A. Radicella (nee Frusterio), 75, of Munson Township, died Dec. 4 2003 at Hillcrest Hospital in Mayfield Heights. Born Dec. 2, 1928, in Cleveland, she lived in Highland Heights since 1960, before moving to Munson in 2001. A homemaker, she enjoyed cooking and her grandchildren. Mrs. Radicella is survived by her husband, Frank, whom she married on Oct. 4, 1947; son, Frank Radicella Jr., of Willoughby; daughters, Debra (Kerry) Rankar, of Munson, and JoAnn (Joseph) Weiland, of Willowick; grandchildren, Carrie Ann (Chad) Williams, of Parkman, Dana Rankar, of Atlanta, Jennifer R., of Willoughby, Frank V., in the U.S. Navy stationed in California, and Christopher Radicella, of Willoughby, and Taylor R. Weiland, of Willowick; great-grandchildren, Kayla Nicole and Gavin Douglas; and sisters, Rose Ferenc and Satina Piazza, both of Solon. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Mamie (nee Paseteri) Frusterio. Funeral Mass was celebrated Dec. 9 at Church of St. Mary in Chardon. Burial was in All Souls Cemetery.

Betty R. Sawyer
Betty R. Sawyer (nee Vail), 87, of Solon, died Dec. 8 2003 at her home. Born Oct. 13, 1916, in Cleveland, she was a high school graduate and a homemaker. Mrs. Sawyer is survived by her son, William, of Solon; daughter, Bettylu (Bud) Arnold, of Mansfield; four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Sawyer. Graveside services were held Dec. 10 at All Saints Cemetery in Northfield.

Rudolph J. Sokach
Rudolph "Rudy" James Sokach, 75, of Twinsburg and formerly of Mentor and Warrensville Heights, died Dec. 6 2003 at his home of heart failure. Born July 28, 1928, in Cleveland, he was a graduate of East Technical College and retired as a design technician from Reliance Electric Co. He married Dolores Kumhall on Sept. 17, 1949. Stricken with polio in 1954 and confined to a wheelchair the rest of his life, he became a master handyman, craftsman and mechanic. He enjoyed woodworking, making bird houses and tinkering with electronics. Mr. Sokach is survived by his wife; daughters, Linda (Michael) Hotz, of Solon, and Teresa (Steve) Jacofsky, of Twinsburg; son, Edward (Adriana) Sokach, of Columbus; grandchildren, Rebecca Hotz (Robert) Felty, of Cleveland Heights, Jeffrey M. (fiancee Kellie Hanzak), of Arlington, Va., and Stefanie and Erica Sokach, of Columbus; and sisters, Frances Mazurkiewcz and Evelyn Barcik. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Martha Sokach; and sisters, Mary Balogh and Ann Holan. Funeral Mass was Celebrated Dec. 9 at Sts. Cosmas and Damian Church in Twinsburg, and burial was in Calvary Cemetery in Cleveland. Memorial contributions may be made to Achievement Centers for Children-Camp Cheerful, 15000 Cheerful Lane, Strongsville 44136.

Arnold C. Woodrich
Arnold C. Woodrich, 89, of Chagrin Falls, died Dec. 6 2003 at Cleveland Clinic. Born June 29, 1914, in Chicago, he resided in Chagrin Falls since 1957. A 1932 graduate of Thornton High School and Thornton Junior College, both in Harvey, Ill., he attended the University of Michigan. Mr. Woodrich was president of Process Valve and Equipment in Chagrin Falls. In 1955, he joined the company, which he later bought and relocated in Chagrin Falls. He retired in 1980. In the early 1960s, Mr. Woodrich served on the South Russell planning commission. He also served as an officer of the Northeast Ohio chapter of the Sierra Club and was a member of the Cleveland Engineering Society. Mr. Woodrich backpacked in Alaska and participated in other Sierra Club eco-tours. He also was a chamber music enthusiast. A regular attendee of the "Great Books" chapter in Chagrin Falls and Chagrin Falls Village Council, he wrote the mission statement for the Chagrin Falls comprehensive plan in 1994. He oversaw construction of his home overlooking a ravine in Chagrin Falls. Mr. Woodrich is survived by his wife, Mary (nee Walter), a retired elementary school teacher in Chagrin Falls; son, Woody Woodrich, of Washington, D.C.; and two grandsons. He was preceded in death by John in 1974. All services were private. Memorial contributions may be made to Trustees for Alaska, 1026 W. Fourth Ave., Anchorage AK 99501.

Joseph F. Blood
Joseph Francis Blood, 83, of Hambden Township, died Aug. 4 2003 at his home. Born Oct. 13, 1919, in Jamestown, N.Y., he lived in Vero Beach, Fla., prior to moving to Hambden over two years ago and was formerly of Jefferson. He married Gertrude Koepnick in West Seneca, N.Y., on Aug. 2, 1964. She preceded him in death Jan. 29, 1997. A painter with the Cleveland Bakers and Teamsters Union, he enjoyed watching Cleveland Indians baseball games. Mr. Blood is survived by his son, Joseph Blood, of Perry; daughters, Sharon Pulsifer, of Painesville, Sandra Marthe, of Madison, Karen Roberts, of Lorain, and Billie Bauer, of Chardon; 15 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, Francis Joseph and Zora Mae (nee Reed) Blood; son, Clarence Blood; daughter, Susan Ernst; one brother and one sister. A private family service will be held at a later date and burial will be in Mentor City Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Geauga County Humane Society, P.O. Box 116, Novelty 44072.

George Bushner
George Bushner, 89, of Claridon Township, died July 25 2003 at his home. Born Jan. 24, 1914, in Cleveland, he was a farmer and horse trainer of thoroughbred horses. He married Lucille B. Harnist in Chardon on Jan. 8, 1940. She preceded him in death Feb. 22, 1992. Mr. Bushner is survived by his daughters, Beverly Weaver, of Claridon, and Dottie Wheeler, of Orwell; sisters, Eleanor Bushner, of Columbus, and Dorothy Galm, of Munson; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, John and Bertha (nee Strick) Bushner; and sisters, Elizabeth Fosket and Margaret Beckwith. Private family services were held and burial was in East Claridon Cemetery.

Julius J. Kalman
Julius J. "Smokey" Kalman, 82, of Solon, died Aug. 1 2003 at Mount Alverna Home in Parma. A retired carpenter and locksmith for the county government, he is survived by his wife of 60 years, Irene (nee Csehek); children, Loretta Paczko and Robert Kalman; grandchildren, Matthew Paczko, Sara (Kevin) Tambascio and John and Colleen Kalman; and many nieces, nephews and godchildren. He was preceded in death by his siblings, John Kalman, Margaret Dedinsky and Michael Kalman. Funeral Mass was celebrated Aug. 5 at St. Rita Church in Solon, and entombment was in All Saints Cemetery Mausoleum. Memorial contributions may be made to Carmel of the Holy Family, 3176 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Heights 44118.