All Obituaries

YOUNGSTOWN - Joseph Ridel, 78, died Sunday, June 13, 2021, at Windsor House at Omni Manor.  He was born October 24, 1942, in Youngstown, the son of Norman Joseph and Dorothy (Pape) Ridel. Joseph was a 1962 graduate of Ursuline High School and worked at Roth Bros. with the Local 71 Union for 25 years. In his younger years, Joseph worked for Search and Rescue as a scuba diver in the United States Coast Guard. Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 pm on Thursday, June 17, 2021, at...

BOARDMAN — Caroline Berg, 80, died peacefully Saturday, June 12, 2021, at Assumption Village Nursing Home, surrounded by her family.  Caroline was born Feb. 22, 1941, in Camden, N.J., the daughter of Joseph and Josephine Damato Cremonese.  She attended Duquesne University and graduated from Mercy Hospital of Nursing.  Caroline worked as a Critical Care registered nurse for 40 years at various hospitals. She ended her career after nine years at St. Elizabeth Hospital,...

AUSTINTOWN — Olive Kathryn Harasyn, 75, died on Thursday, June 10, 2021, at home with her family by her side. She was born Oct. 21, 1945, in Youngstown, a daughter of John and Dora Leak Hoffman. Olive married John “Sox” Harasyn on March 21, 1964, and he preceded her in death on Jan. 16, 2013. Olive is survived by four children, John Harasyn of Austintown, Bridgette (Kevin) Harasyn of Austintown, Peter Harasyn of Austintown and Janice (Jonathan) Davis of Tampa, Fla.; 11...

YOUNGSTOWN — Daniel Joseph Jacobson, 50, died unexpectedly of an apparent heart attack Thursday, June 10, 2021.  Daniel was born May 20, 1971, in Youngstown, the son of Robert and Martha Knapp Jacobson.  He was a graduate of Liberty High School and worked as a machinist for many years.  In his spare time, he enjoyed fixing up houses and walking at Mill Creek Park.  He is survived by his mother, Martha Jacobson of Masury; sister, Heather (Ron) Spuhler of Stow;...

POLAND - James “Jim” Harger unexpectedly went home to Heaven to be healed on Monday June 7, 2021.  Though he has left this Earth he will never leave the hearts of those that knew him. God broke the mold when He made Jim. Jim was born May 11, 1961 to the late Charles and Verda (Fifield) Harger in Youngstown, OH.  He moved to Poland, OH in 1964 and remained there until his passing. Jim was a self-employed tile setter who contracted with his Brother in Tile Emil...

CANFIELD — Sister Jerome Corcoran, OSU, a longtime leader in education in the city of Youngstown and advocate for the poor, died Sunday, June 6, 2021, at the Ursuline Motherhouse after complications from a fall two weeks ago. She was 105. Irene M. Corcoran was born April 21, 1916, in Chicago, the daughter of Austin J. and Rose McDonnell Corcoran, who were immigrants from Ireland. Her family moved to Youngstown in 1923. She entered the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown on Feb. 22, 1935,...

AUSTINTOWN — Elva J. Vargo, 76, died Sunday June 6, 2021, at her residence Elva was born April 5, 1945, in Erie, Pa., a daughter of John and Elvena Chase Borkoski. She attended Harborcreek High School. Before moving to Youngstown, Elva owned and operated a private cleaning business in Erie. She was a parishioner of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Niles. Elva is survived by her husband, Vince Vargo, whom she married July 4, 1969: her son, John Adolphson of Erie; and daughter,...

CANFIELD — Jayne E. Geewax, 68, of Canfield, died Friday, June 4, 2021, at Shepherd of the Valley in Poland. Jayne was born Dec. 22, 1952, in Youngstown, the daughter of Julius and Rita Vitullo Geewax.  Jayne was a 1970 graduate of Cardinal Mooney High School and later earned her bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green University, where she later earned her master’s degree. She was a member of Alpha Delta Phi sorority.  Jayne was an educator for South Range...

YOUNGSTOWN - Albert L. Vega, 77, died peacefully Thursday, June 3, 2021 at home surrounded by his family. Albert was born July 17, 1943, in Coamo, Puerto Rico, the son of Florencio and Engracia Vitalis Vega. He came to the area as a small child. Albert worked for General Motors in the Fabricating Plant for 30 years until retiring. Albert was a jack of all trades and could do just about anything. In his spare time, he enjoyed gardening and painting houses. His wife, the former Pamela...

POLAND — Kimberly A. Johnson, 56, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, June 2, 2021, at St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital.  She was born Feb. 7, 1965, in Bethlehem, Pa., a daughter of Warren and Joan Hall. Kim was a 1983 graduate of Barron Collier High School in Naples, Fla., and received a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University in 1987. She was a lifelong teacher, including over 20 years as a teacher and administrator for The Child Care and Learning Center of New...