Obituaries
Obituaries for The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory
In Memory of Our Dear Loved Ones
Bill Demetri Samaras
Apr 28, 2025
William D. Samaras (Bill) 95, passed away peacefully at home on April 28th, 2025. He was born in Akron, Ohio, on May 22,1929 to Anna and Demetre Samaras.
Photography was Bill’s passion throughout his life beginning at a young age. He began his career at the Akron Beacon Journal after graduating from Kent State University (1952) with a bachelor’s degree in...
Donald T. Primm
Apr 25, 2025
Donald T. Primm, founder of Cascade Auto Group, passed away on Friday, April 25, 2025. Or, as he himself would say, “He finally ran out of gas.” Such was the enchanting humor of a man who will be remembered fondly for his warm personality, generous heart, goofy dancing and charming sense of humor—qualities that endeared him to countless friends, neighbors,...
Clarence E. "Skip" Lintner
Apr 24, 2025
Clarence E. (Skip) Lintner
February 12, 1959-April 24, 2025
Skip was born in Akron, graduated from Kenmore H.S. and attended the University of Akron. He worked as an assembler for Parker Hannifin for 35 years before retiring in 2024.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Charlene. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Carole, sister-in-love, Judy (Howard...
Florence Frances Wester
Apr 21, 2025
Florence Frances “Flo” Wester, age 92, of Akron, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 21, 2025. She was born January 29, 1933, in Barberton, OH; daughter of Josef and Joanne Bodnar (nee Frankowski).
Preceded in death by her husband, Harold “Lefty” Wester; and her son, Kevin Wester. She is survived and greatly missed by her son, Aaron (Vera) Wester; granddaughter, Amelia...
Daniel Bethem
Apr 17, 2025
Daniel Bethem, M.D. passed away peacefully on April 17, 2025 in Akron, Ohio. He was 80 years old. His legacy on this earth is bounded by his immense love for his family and his experienced care for patients with spinal deformities at Akron City Hospital (currently Summa Health System) and Akron Children’s Hospital.
Dan was born in Canonsburg, PA on August...
Darla K. Reth
Apr 16, 2025
Darla K. Reth, age 72, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2025. Darla was a truly special soul—someone who never met a stranger and saw everyone as a friend. Her sense of humor and bright spirit brought joy to all who knew her. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Majestic Care (Kent Healthcare) for the compassion...
Candace E. Gengler
Apr 15, 2025
Candace E. Gengler of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, passed away on April 15th at the age of 72. She was born on August 6th, 1952, in Akron, Ohio, and was the only child of Earl and Edith Joynt of Pennsylvania.
A lifelong Akron native, Candace graduated from Garfield High School and went on to earn her bachelor's degree from the University of...
Baby Sullivan Ira Hartzell
Apr 12, 2025
In Loving Memory of Sullivan Ira Hartzell
April 7, 2025 – April 12, 2025
In his six days of life, Sullivan Ira Hartzell showed more strength, more courage, and more love than many do in a lifetime. Born six weeks early on April 7, 2025, in Akron, Ohio, Sully entered the world with urgency. He came into this world quickly and instantly...
James Lester Vaughn Sr.
Apr 11, 2025
James Lester Vaughn Sr.
James Lester Vaughn Sr. passed away peacefully on Friday, April 11, 2025, just past his 85th birthday. He transitioned while on hospice in Tallmadge, Ohio due to complications surrounding his ongoing battle with Parkinsons Disease. James’s life was about faith, generosity, and fierce loyalty and love of family to not only friends but also those with whom...
Joseph Eugene Williams, PhD
Apr 10, 2025
Joseph Eugene “Joe” Williams, PhD, of Bath Township, died unexpectedly on April 10, 2025, just shy of his 80th birthday. Joe was born in Lima, Ohio on April 24, 1945. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Cecile Williams; his sister, Jan Kuck; and his brother, Jack Williams.
As a teenager, Joe was a star athlete at Lima...
Richard N. Crano
Apr 10, 2025
Richard Nicholas Crano, 79, of Akron, passed away Thursday evening, April 10, 2025.
Born in Akron on December 23, 1945 to Nicholas and Catherine (Scalia) Crano.
Rich worked for and retired from General Tire/Continental and Goodyear after over forty years. His work revolved around tires, his life evolved around family. He was a member of St. Hilary Parish. He was soft-spoken, kind,...
Thomas C. Gates
Apr 9, 2025
Thomas Charles Gates, age 87, passed away peacefully April 9, 2025.
He was born November 3, 1937, in Harrisburg, PA; son of the late Jacob and Cecelia (nee James) Gates. Thomas lived in Commodore, PA and moved to Akron, OH in the 1940s.
Preceded in death by his parents, and his loving wife, Dawn (nee Wilson) Gates.
Thomas is survived by his devoted...
Lisa Ann Owen
Apr 8, 2025
Lisa Ann Owen, 63, passed away at home in Akron, Ohio, on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. She was born in Akron on April 18, 1961 to parents, George and Mona Owen.
Lisa is survived by her sisters, Patty (Mike) Bolton, Gloria Owen, and Joanie (Damian) Ludwiczak. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews: Jason (Melissa) Bolton, David (Jorrie) Bolton,...
Nancy Kay Bell
Apr 8, 2025
Nancy Kay Bell (nee Scharenberg), a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away on April 8, 2025. She was born in Akron, OH on May 21, 1943, to parents Elmer Scharenberg and Georgia Scharenberg (nee Shirk).
Nancy grew up on a farm in Bath with her sister, Sally. She graduated from Revere High School in 1961 and was voted “best...
Paul A Frank Jr.
Apr 6, 2025
Paul A. Frank, Jr., age 99, passed away on April 6th, 2025. He was born April 2, 1926 in Akron to the late Frances H. and Paul A. Frank. Following graduation from Deerfield Academy, he served in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II. After the war, he graduated from Babson Institute and later completed the 1st OPM...
Daniel Francis Luff
Apr 6, 2025
Daniel F. Luff Sr., 76, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, went to be with the Lord, April 6th, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.
Dan was a lifelong resident of Akron OH, born to Clifton and Frances Luff (nee Potter). Dan graduated from Archbishop Hoban High School, and he then obtained a degree from the University of Akron. Dan joined the US...
Charles Lee Mick
Apr 6, 2025
The dance floor will never be the same - Charles Lee Mick passed away on Sunday, April 6, 2025, leaving behind a rhythm that can never be replaced.
He was born August 7, 1946, in Akron, to the late Charles W. and Arlie L. (nee Mullins) Mick. Chuck dedicated over 50 years to his career at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company.
Preceded in...
Sandy Jean Immel
Apr 6, 2025
Sandy Jean (LaRue) Immel, 77, passed away peacefully at home in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, on Sunday, April 6, 2025.
She was born in Akron, Ohio, on July 12, 1947, to B. Jean (Melson) LaRue Samples and Albert LaRue.
Sandy leaves behind her devoted husband of 58 years, Ken Immel, and their five daughters: Judy (Forrest Blackburn) Immel-Blackburn, Debbie (Jon) Truax, Susan (Ron)...
George Gerald Goodrich
Apr 4, 2025
GEORGE GERALD GOODRICH passed away on April 4, 2025. He was 84 years old.
George was a long-time resident of Bath Township.
He is survived by his wife, Elaina (Hartman) of 57 years, his mother, Elizabeth (Moran), his son, Grant (Carina VanVliet), daughter Wendy (Juan Paul Morales), brother Mike, and sisters Sue Earick (Marc- dec; Tommy Arnone - partner) and Carolyn, grandchildren...
Matthew Lee Heidorf
Apr 4, 2025
Matthew L. “Matt” Heidorf passed away in Akron, Ohio on April 2, 2025. He was born in Lakewood, Ohio on December 13, 1937 to Hudson J. and Margaret E. Heidorf. Matt was raised in Brooklyn, Ohio and graduated from Brooklyn High School in 1955. Matt attended Kent State University and served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps (1957 - 1959).
His...
Bill Demetri Samaras
Apr 28, 2025
William D. Samaras (Bill) 95, passed away peacefully at home on April 28th, 2025. He was born in Akron, Ohio, on May 22,1929 to Anna and Demetre Samaras.
Photography was Bill’s passion throughout his life beginning at a young age. He began his career at the Akron Beacon Journal after graduating from Kent State University (1952) with a bachelor’s degree in...
Donald T. Primm
Apr 25, 2025
Donald T. Primm, founder of Cascade Auto Group, passed away on Friday, April 25, 2025. Or, as he himself would say, “He finally ran out of gas.” Such was the enchanting humor of a man who will be remembered fondly for his warm personality, generous heart, goofy dancing and charming sense of humor—qualities that endeared him to countless friends, neighbors,...
Clarence E. "Skip" Lintner
Apr 24, 2025
Clarence E. (Skip) Lintner
February 12, 1959-April 24, 2025
Skip was born in Akron, graduated from Kenmore H.S. and attended the University of Akron. He worked as an assembler for Parker Hannifin for 35 years before retiring in 2024.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Charlene. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Carole, sister-in-love, Judy (Howard...
Florence Frances Wester
Apr 21, 2025
Florence Frances “Flo” Wester, age 92, of Akron, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 21, 2025. She was born January 29, 1933, in Barberton, OH; daughter of Josef and Joanne Bodnar (nee Frankowski).
Preceded in death by her husband, Harold “Lefty” Wester; and her son, Kevin Wester. She is survived and greatly missed by her son, Aaron (Vera) Wester; granddaughter, Amelia...
Daniel Bethem
Apr 17, 2025
Daniel Bethem, M.D. passed away peacefully on April 17, 2025 in Akron, Ohio. He was 80 years old. His legacy on this earth is bounded by his immense love for his family and his experienced care for patients with spinal deformities at Akron City Hospital (currently Summa Health System) and Akron Children’s Hospital.
Dan was born in Canonsburg, PA on August...
Darla K. Reth
Apr 16, 2025
Darla K. Reth, age 72, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2025. Darla was a truly special soul—someone who never met a stranger and saw everyone as a friend. Her sense of humor and bright spirit brought joy to all who knew her. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Majestic Care (Kent Healthcare) for the compassion...
Candace E. Gengler
Apr 15, 2025
Candace E. Gengler of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, passed away on April 15th at the age of 72. She was born on August 6th, 1952, in Akron, Ohio, and was the only child of Earl and Edith Joynt of Pennsylvania.
A lifelong Akron native, Candace graduated from Garfield High School and went on to earn her bachelor's degree from the University of...
Baby Sullivan Ira Hartzell
Apr 12, 2025
In Loving Memory of Sullivan Ira Hartzell
April 7, 2025 – April 12, 2025
In his six days of life, Sullivan Ira Hartzell showed more strength, more courage, and more love than many do in a lifetime. Born six weeks early on April 7, 2025, in Akron, Ohio, Sully entered the world with urgency. He came into this world quickly and instantly...
James Lester Vaughn Sr.
Apr 11, 2025
James Lester Vaughn Sr.
James Lester Vaughn Sr. passed away peacefully on Friday, April 11, 2025, just past his 85th birthday. He transitioned while on hospice in Tallmadge, Ohio due to complications surrounding his ongoing battle with Parkinsons Disease. James’s life was about faith, generosity, and fierce loyalty and love of family to not only friends but also those with whom...
Joseph Eugene Williams, PhD
Apr 10, 2025
Joseph Eugene “Joe” Williams, PhD, of Bath Township, died unexpectedly on April 10, 2025, just shy of his 80th birthday. Joe was born in Lima, Ohio on April 24, 1945. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Cecile Williams; his sister, Jan Kuck; and his brother, Jack Williams.
As a teenager, Joe was a star athlete at Lima...
Richard N. Crano
Apr 10, 2025
Richard Nicholas Crano, 79, of Akron, passed away Thursday evening, April 10, 2025.
Born in Akron on December 23, 1945 to Nicholas and Catherine (Scalia) Crano.
Rich worked for and retired from General Tire/Continental and Goodyear after over forty years. His work revolved around tires, his life evolved around family. He was a member of St. Hilary Parish. He was soft-spoken, kind,...
Thomas C. Gates
Apr 9, 2025
Thomas Charles Gates, age 87, passed away peacefully April 9, 2025.
He was born November 3, 1937, in Harrisburg, PA; son of the late Jacob and Cecelia (nee James) Gates. Thomas lived in Commodore, PA and moved to Akron, OH in the 1940s.
Preceded in death by his parents, and his loving wife, Dawn (nee Wilson) Gates.
Thomas is survived by his devoted...
Lisa Ann Owen
Apr 8, 2025
Lisa Ann Owen, 63, passed away at home in Akron, Ohio, on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. She was born in Akron on April 18, 1961 to parents, George and Mona Owen.
Lisa is survived by her sisters, Patty (Mike) Bolton, Gloria Owen, and Joanie (Damian) Ludwiczak. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews: Jason (Melissa) Bolton, David (Jorrie) Bolton,...
Nancy Kay Bell
Apr 8, 2025
Nancy Kay Bell (nee Scharenberg), a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away on April 8, 2025. She was born in Akron, OH on May 21, 1943, to parents Elmer Scharenberg and Georgia Scharenberg (nee Shirk).
Nancy grew up on a farm in Bath with her sister, Sally. She graduated from Revere High School in 1961 and was voted “best...
Paul A Frank Jr.
Apr 6, 2025
Paul A. Frank, Jr., age 99, passed away on April 6th, 2025. He was born April 2, 1926 in Akron to the late Frances H. and Paul A. Frank. Following graduation from Deerfield Academy, he served in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II. After the war, he graduated from Babson Institute and later completed the 1st OPM...
Daniel Francis Luff
Apr 6, 2025
Daniel F. Luff Sr., 76, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, went to be with the Lord, April 6th, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.
Dan was a lifelong resident of Akron OH, born to Clifton and Frances Luff (nee Potter). Dan graduated from Archbishop Hoban High School, and he then obtained a degree from the University of Akron. Dan joined the US...
Charles Lee Mick
Apr 6, 2025
The dance floor will never be the same - Charles Lee Mick passed away on Sunday, April 6, 2025, leaving behind a rhythm that can never be replaced.
He was born August 7, 1946, in Akron, to the late Charles W. and Arlie L. (nee Mullins) Mick. Chuck dedicated over 50 years to his career at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company.
Preceded in...
Sandy Jean Immel
Apr 6, 2025
Sandy Jean (LaRue) Immel, 77, passed away peacefully at home in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, on Sunday, April 6, 2025.
She was born in Akron, Ohio, on July 12, 1947, to B. Jean (Melson) LaRue Samples and Albert LaRue.
Sandy leaves behind her devoted husband of 58 years, Ken Immel, and their five daughters: Judy (Forrest Blackburn) Immel-Blackburn, Debbie (Jon) Truax, Susan (Ron)...
George Gerald Goodrich
Apr 4, 2025
GEORGE GERALD GOODRICH passed away on April 4, 2025. He was 84 years old.
George was a long-time resident of Bath Township.
He is survived by his wife, Elaina (Hartman) of 57 years, his mother, Elizabeth (Moran), his son, Grant (Carina VanVliet), daughter Wendy (Juan Paul Morales), brother Mike, and sisters Sue Earick (Marc- dec; Tommy Arnone - partner) and Carolyn, grandchildren...
Matthew Lee Heidorf
Apr 4, 2025
Matthew L. “Matt” Heidorf passed away in Akron, Ohio on April 2, 2025. He was born in Lakewood, Ohio on December 13, 1937 to Hudson J. and Margaret E. Heidorf. Matt was raised in Brooklyn, Ohio and graduated from Brooklyn High School in 1955. Matt attended Kent State University and served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps (1957 - 1959).
His...
The Billow Funeral Homes & 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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