WEDINA GISMONDI

Wedina Gismondi (nee: Citro), 89, passed away, Monday, July 27, 2009 at Community Health Partners, Lorain.

Wedina was born February 17, 1920 in Scottsdale, PA, daughter of the late Ralph and Theresa Citro. Wedina was married to her loving husband, Andy “Aniello” Gismondi on April 21, 1954 in Pompeii, Italy. She moved to Lorain in 1954 where she resided for the remainder of her life.

She was a member of St. Vincent DePaul Church in Elyria and was a past member of the Altar and Rosary Society. Wedina and her sister, Lucia were caretakers of the Santismo Salvatore Church in Calvanico, Italy. She would arrange the flowers for the altar and she also embroidered beautiful altar cloths that she donated to the church. Throughout her life she was an active member of the church and its upkeep. Wedina retired from Joseph and Feis Co. in the 1980’s.

She also enjoyed sharing her Italian cooking with family and friends throughout the year and especially during the holiday season. No one would leave her home hungry or empty handed. She enjoyed canning, crocheting, knitting and she loved flowers.

She is survived by her adored daughter, Nadine (John) Baloun; her cherished grandchildren, Matthew, Nina and Andrew Baloun; her brother-in-law, Raffaele Gismondi of Italy; and her adored nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, she is preceded in death by her loving husband, Andy “Aniello” Gismondi; daughter, Mary Gismondi; sister, Lucia Sabbarese; brothers, Michael, Leo and William Citro.

The family will receive friends at Reidy-Scanlan-Giovannazzo Funeral Home, 2150 Broadway, Lorain, (440) 244-1961, on Thursday, July 30, 2009 from 2-8 PM. There will be a prayer service at the funeral home on Friday at 9:20 AM.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM, Friday, July 31, 2009 at St. Vincent DePaul Church, 41295 N. Ridge Rd, Elyria. Entombment Calvary Cemetery, Lorain.

RENEE' MARIE ELBERT-LAUBENTHAL

Renee’ Elbert- Laubenthal, 48, lost her 9 year courageous battle to cancer on July 21, 2009, peacefully at her home, surrounded by family. Renee’ was born in Elyria on June 12, 1961 and resided in Grafton most of her life.

She is survived by her husband of 25 years, R. Thomas Laubenthal; her beloved parents: Lorne J. Jr. and Lorene (nee Gannon) of Grafton; loving Jack Russell companions: Pita Marie and Looney- Tune; Sister: Lisa (Barret) Pulver of Manhattan Beach, CA; 4 brothers: Louis J. (Colleen) Elbert of Grafton; Dr. Patrick J. Elbert of Amherst; Lorne J. III (Gwen) Elbert of Merritt Island, FL; and Joseph J. (Jenny) Elbert of Elyria; and her Grandmother: Frances Elbert (nee Maslyk) of Elyria and Nieces and Nephews: Katherine, Louis Jr., Kelly, Victoria, Matthew, Luke, Danielle, Lorne IV, Elizabeth, Alexix, Joseph J., Jr., and Benjamin Elbert; Erin, Ryan, and Lyndsey Renee’ Pulver; Amber Bollon; Matthew, Gabrielle, and Benjamin Whatmore; and Hannah, Joshua, and Emily Laubenthal; and Great Niece: Emily Helton; Father-in-law: Richard (Chris) Laubenthal of Grafton; and Mother-in- law: Judy Laubenthal of Elyria and Brother-in-law: Jeff Laubenthal of Elyria, and Sister-In-Law: Laurie (Joe) Whatmore of Grafton.

Renee’ is preceded in death by Grandparents: Lorne J. Elbert Sr., and Patrick and Thelma (Dee) Gannon; and devoted companions: Nipper, Chester, Babe, and Poochie.

Renee’ was a graduate of Elyria Catholic H.S., 1979. In 1984, she was a cum laude graduate of The Ohio State University with a B.S. in Business Administration, with the following Honoraries: Phi Eta Sigma, Alpha Lambda Delta, and Beta Gamma Delta. She was also an active member of Phi Mu Sorority while attending OSU. In 1999, Renee’ was conferred an MBA, from Ashland University, with a Delta Mu Delta Business Honorary. Renee’ was a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, where she served on the Finance Committee. Renee’ was employed by Hospice of the Western Reserve, and she embraced her position as the Director of Alternative Home Care.

Interior decorating was a passion of Renee’s; every detail was a reflection of her warmth and exquisite taste. Throughout her life, she was an avid traveler and treasured new experiences. Renee’ loved the arts- all venues of music as well as the theater. As an OSU alumna, she was a spirited fan of OSU football and the Marching Band. Whole-heartedly, Renee’ valued her friendships and family, and cherished sharing good meals with good company.

In 2007, Renee’ was honored to be a Special Guest Speaker for a fundraiser for Horizon of Hope (foundation to fight breast cancer). True to Renee’s nature, she faced her illness with extreme courage and fortitude. She fought the ultimate fight with the utmost dignity and grace. For all those who were lucky enough to know her, our lives have been truly enriched and blessed; Renee’ will remain in our hearts forever. “Good friends are like sound health. The value is seldom known until lost.”

The family will receive friends at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church 1033 Elm St., Grafton, Ohio 44044 on Friday July 24 from 2- 8:00 pm, where wake service will be conducted at 8pm.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday July 25th at 10:00am at the church (please meet at church). Reverend Father John P. Seabold, Pastor will be the celebrant.

Entombment will be at Calvary Cemetery, Lorain where the Reverend Father Allan R. Laubenthal will conduct committal services.

The family strongly suggests Memorial Contributions to be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve Memorial Program at 300 East 185th St., Cleveland Ohio 44119 or Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Grafton Ohio, or Three Day Breast Cancer Walk Campaign-

Donations can be made to www.the3day.org- in memory of Renee’ Elbert Laubenthal (contact Lisa Elbert Pulver at sed8s@aol.com).

Funeral Arrangements are handled by Bauer- Laubenthal- Mercado Funeral Home, Elyria (440-322-4626).

ANTHONY J. MOTTO SR.

Anthony J. Motto Sr., 82, passed away on Friday, July 17, 2009.

Anthony was born on March 3, 1927 in Lorain, OH, a son of Nick and Concetta (nee: Rosso) Motto.

He was a life long member of St. Peter Church and a member of the Holy Name Society. He was a member of the Polish Fisherman’s Club, a social member of the VFW Post #451 and a past member of both the IAV Post #1 and Knights of St. John’s. In his lifetime he was a 20 gallon blood donor. He attended Lorain Schools as a boy. He worked at Fruehauf for over 20 years as a stock chaser and at St. Peter Church in maintenance. He retired on March 31, 1992 from the City of Lorain, Utility Department. He worked many Christmas seasons as Santa Clause for private parties and organizations. He enjoyed fishing and in his younger years he liked to bowl.

Anthony is survived by his sons, Nicholas (Gail) Motto of Elk Grove, CA and Anthony J. (Irene) Motto Jr. of Sheffield Village; daughters, Connie Motto and Patty Cromer of Lorain; brother, John J. Motto of Lorain; grandchildren, Andrea, Christina, Kathryn, Nicholas, Danny, Angela, Nicole, Andrew and Philip; and his great grandchildren, Antonio, Vincent, Aaron, Evan and Gianna.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Nick and Concetta Motto; and his loving wife, Louise M. (nee: Villanucci) Motto;

The family will receive friends at Reidy-Scanlan-Giovannazzo Funeral Home, 2150 Broadway, Lorain (440) 244-1961 on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 from 4-8 PM. Closing prayers will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday at 9:20 A.M. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM, on Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at St. Peter Church, 3655 Oberlin Ave. Lorain, Fr. Chuck Henkle, O.F.M., Conv., officiating. Interment Calvary Cemetery, Lorain.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Endowment and Maintenance Fund of St. Peter Church, 3655 Oberlin Ave., Lorain, OH 44052.

MICHAEL C. KELLEY

Michael C. Kelley, 47, was born in Los Angeles, California on November 3, 1961. He died Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at Metro Health Hospital from a motor scooter accident.

He attended St. Peter’s grade school and played CYO football for four years. He graduated in 1980 from Marion L. Steele High School where he excelled in sports. He was a three year, two way starter and all conference lineman for the Comets football team. In wrestling, he was a three year all conference heavy weight champion for the Lakeland Conference and State qualifier and MVP for the Comets. He went on to play football and graduate from Saginaw Valley State College, A National Champion Division 2-A Team. He worked as an Insurance Agent for New York Life, where he was named “New Agent of the Year” and won many sales and service accolades. Later he went to work for his father Jack Kelley, CLU & Associates Insurance Agency as Sales Manager where he attended many leader conferences as a health insurance Sales leader.

He was preceded in death by his brother, John Kelley; grandparents; uncle; and cousin.

He is survived by his son, Johnny Kelley; his parents, Jack and Barbara Kelley of Lorain; sister, Kathleen Kelley of Lorain; his brothers, Patrick Kelley of Sheffield Lake, Kevin Kelley of Wellington and Daniel J. Kelley of Sheffield Village. He had seven nieces and nephews and was a devoted father, son, brother and friend. He was a generous helpful person, who was always willing to “give you the shirt off his back”. He loved to cook and entertain for his family and friends.

The family will receive friends at Reidy-Scanlan-Giovannazzo Funeral Home, 2150 Broadway, Lorain (440) 244-1961 on Sunday, July 19, 2009 from 1-5 P.M.

Closing prayers will be held at the funeral home on Monday at 9:20 A.M. A Mass of Christian burial will be held 10 A.M., Monday, July 20, 2009 at St. Peter Church, 3655 Oberlin Ave., Lorain, Fr. Chuck Henkle, O.F.M., Conv., officiating and Fr. Connie Murray, concelebrating. Interment Calvary Cemetery, Lorain.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Blessing House, 5440 Grove Avenue, Lorain, OH 44055.

JAMES E. STENCIL

James E. Stencil, 77, passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 following a lengthy illness. James was born on October 4, 1931 to William and Rosamond (nee: Geiger) Stencil in Lorain, Ohio.

James was a graduate of Lorain High School and a Veteran of the Korean War serving in the Infantry Division of the United States Army. He had been retired from U.S. Steel after being employed 43 years. He was a former member of the Delaware Avenue Methodist Church in Lorain, Ohio.

James is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Mary (nee: George) Stencil; sons, Richard (Theresa) Stencil of Amherst, Ohio and William (Jackie) Stencil of Avon, Ohio; loving grandchildren, Chad Stencil of Tucson, Arizona, Shawn Stencil of Columbus, Ohio, Matthew (Teri) Stencil of Amherst, Ohio, Ross Stencil of Morris Connecticut, Helen (Galal) Radwan of Columbus, Ohio and Dixie Stencil of Columbus, Ohio. Great grandfather of Ethan and Blaine Stencil (children of Matthew and Teri Stencil) of Amherst, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Francis Stencil.

The family will receive friends at Reidy-Scanlan-Giovannazzo Funeral Home, 2150 Broadway, Lorain, (440) 244-1961 on Friday, July 17, 2009 from 1-3 and 6-8 PM. A Funeral Service will be held at 8 P.M. on Friday, July 17, 2009 at the funeral home, Chuck Boals, chaplain, officiating.

A private burial service will be held at a later date at Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Twp. The family requests that donations be made to an Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s Foundation in lieu of flowers.