All Obituaries

Victor T. Norman Jr. -- a strong and fearless man with a gentle soul and inquisitive mind -- was the solid rock of his family. A classic tough guy, he spent more than three decades working as an officer with the Akron Police Department. But he was a dreamer and philosopher and a compassionate man, too. He loved to talk about religion, the origins of the universe and our special place in it. He dug all kinds of music (but Pink Floyd most of all), loved good wine (and any kind of beer), played...

A son, brother, and friend to be proud of.  Christopher Paul de Souza Lourenco Smyers not only had a very long name, he was a wonderful – funny, sensible, talented, intelligent, and kind- person.  Chris was his dad’s buddy from birth, the best son, a father could ask for.  Chris was also his mom’s pride and joy – dedicated to make the world a little bit better just by being himself.  He had a great laugh and a magnetic smile that disarmed...

James M Durkin ,88, passed away September 24th, 2020. He was born on his grandfather’s farm in Mogadore, Ohio and lived in Akron his entire life. He served in the United States Air Force.  Jim was an Akron firefighter, retiring after 30 years of service. As a member of St. Francis de Sales Parish, he was a Eucharistic minister and was the volunteer coordinator for the bagged lunch program at St. Bernard’s Church for 23 years. Jim loved a simple life and cherished his...

Johnnie D. (John) Hatfield went home to be with the Lord peacefully on September 20th. John Hatfield was a revered husband, father, grandfather (“papaw”) and great grandfather. He was a hardworking military man, earning high honors in the Veteran’s Hall of Fame (2015) for his service in the Army as a Nuclear Weapons Specialist. He also served his country in the National Guard. He was passionate about serving his community and did so as the President of the Canal Fulton...

Jeffrey "Jay" Jackson, 64, of Manchester has passed away. He is preceded in death by his father Donald L Jackson and brother, Jamie L Jackson. He is survived by his Mother Peggy (Wesley) Snyder and Sister Renee (Jim) Gregory and two sons, Dylan and Jerimiah. He graduated from Manchester High School in 1974. He was a machinist like his dad, and also serviced in the US Air Force. He enjoyed sports and watching his favorite westerns. He will be greatly missed by all his family and...

Gae Caldren Kesselring passed away on September 10, 2020 at the age of 93. She was born on February 25, 1927, to Herman and Nettie Caldren of Uniontown, Ohio.  She was a graduate of Uniontown High School.  She received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Kent State University where she was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority. She was a member of The Chapel in Green.     She was employed as a teacher at Brimfield Elementary School for 21 years, where...

Vera Jane Simpson Smith was born March 12, 1918, In Rushtown, Ohio and graduated from North high school in 1936. She came to Akron as a child where she remembered arriving in Akron on a train with her Mom. She became a Master musician of the Hammond organ, and a drummer early on.  She knew Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa. Making her career in music she entertained many residents in many local dinner clubs, including Seven Gables, The Manicoor Club, The Harbor Inn, Karams, and...

Robert (Bob) Eugene Shetler, 72, passed away on August 2, 2020. Bob was born in Akron, Ohio on February 15, 1948 to Robert and Jenny Shetler. Right out of high school, he spent four years in the military including a tour in Vietnam. Bob traveled to many places throughout his lifetime as he worked as a Project Manager for various construction companies. He worked over 40 years in construction before he moved back to New Franklin, Ohio to work as a groundskeeper at the Tudor House. He was...

Johnny L. Tyler, 90, passed away July 29, 2020 peacefully at home.  Born in Wainville, WV, he was a resident of Manchester (New Franklin) for 52 years and retired from ACC Automation.  He was lifelong Nazarene and member of Arlington Nazarene Church for 41 years and for 18 years has also attended first service at Cornerstone Church.  He was an avid hiker, 43 years hiking the Metropolitan Parks, he enjoyed reading, crossword and jigsaw puzzles, woodworking and fabricating...

Duane Sanders, 86, passed away peacefully at his home July 22 surrounded by his loving family. Preceded in death by his son-in-law Berry Burke, leaving to cherish his memory are his loving wife Barbara, daughters, Sandra Burke, Cheryl (Bill) May, and Michele (John) Ciocca; grandchildren, Brandon (Christy) Burke, Stacey (Brian) Dooley, Nathan Burke, William (Katie) May, Chelsea May, Lauren (Joshua) Gardner, Leann, Alex, Angela, and Zachary Ciocca; great grandchildren Lexi, Hannah, Mason,...