Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
John E. Parker
Jul 1, 2026
John E. Parker, a man of hard work, deep passions, and a love for the open road, passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of devotion to his family and friends.
A familiar face in the local automotive community, John was the proud owner of River Motors Used Cars in Sheffield Village, where he shared his lifelong...
Thomas W. Comrie
Jun 26, 2026
Thomas “Tom” W. Comrie, age 71 and a resident of Elyria, passed away on Friday, June 26, 2026.
Tom found joy in the outdoors and loved gardening, boating, fishing, and gymnastics. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and will be remembered for his kind heart, generous spirit, and love for family and friends.
He is survived by his children,...
James "Jim" Michael Balog
Jun 24, 2026
James "Jim" Michael Balog, age 76, a lifelong resident of South Amherst, passed away on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
James was born in Amherst to the late James S. and Mary Ann Balog (nee Smith).
A 1968 graduate of South Amherst High School, Jim was drafted into the United States Army before later enlisting in the United States Marine Corps on September...
Lisa La'Saundra Ortiz
Jun 12, 2026
Mama Lisa, a name that rings in the hearts of many, Lisa La'Saundra Ortiz, the imperial force who loved and protected all, the mama bear and oldest who protected all with lethal force, passed away on Friday, June 12, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. The impenetrable force that, at age 52, almost did it all.
She's embraced by her father,...
David E. Keathley
Jun 11, 2026
David E. Keathley, age 67, and a lifelong resident of Lorain, passed away Thursday, June 11, 2026, in his home.
David was born May 10, 1959, to the late Herbet and Josephine Keathley.
He proudly enlisted in March of 1982 and served in the United States Marine Corps, earning the rank of Lance Corporal before being honorably discharged in January of 1985.
He...
James Eugene Burgess
Jun 11, 2026
James Eugene Burgess, age 71 and a resident of Amherst, passed away at Amherst Manor on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
He was born in Amherst to the late James Lee Burgess and Augusta Francis (nee Simpson) Burgess. He was a motorcycle mechanic by trade.
Andras Crematory & Funeral Home, Lorain entrusted with arrangements.
Rebecca Endrai
Jun 3, 2026
Rebecca Endrai was born on February 28, 1947, and passed away peacefully on June 3, 2026, in Lorain, Ohio, at the age of 79.Rebecca was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose warmth and kindness touched the lives of all who knew her. She graduated from Vermilion High School and carried throughout her life a love of learning, especially...
Brenda Zirkle
Jun 2, 2026
Brenda Lee Zirkle (née Chandler), of Lorain, Ohio, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2026, at the age of 63, surrounded by her loving family.Born on November 26, 1962, in Amherst, Ohio, Brenda was the beloved daughter of Robert Chandler Sr. and Jeanette Chandler (née Kidd). She graduated from Vermilion High School and later attended Lorain County Community College.Brenda was...
Rebecca J. Keenan
Jun 1, 2026
Rebecca "Becky" J. Keenan, age 63, and a resident of Lorain, passed away on Monday, June 1, 2026. Becky spent much of her life in Lorain County and graduated from Vermilion High School before raising her family in Lorain. Becky was unapologetically herself — loud, funny, feisty, and never afraid to say exactly what was on her mind. She built lasting...
Howard "Howie" Simons Jr.
May 27, 2026
Howard “Howie” A. Simons Jr., 57, passed away on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, unexpectedly, surrounded by the love of his family and those who knew him best. Born and raised in Rocky River, Howie carried with him the strong values of family and loyalty throughout his life.
Howie will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 22 years, Deborah Simons...
Johnny Dean Miller
May 23, 2026
Johnny Dean Miller, age 56, of LaGrange, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, May 23, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on April 3, 1970, in Parma, he was the son of Charles Miller and Woneda Blauvelt. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Cheri Spitzer.
Johnny is survived by his fiancée...
Marsha Ann Diaz
May 23, 2026
Marsha Ann Diaz (nee Gilbert) was born May 27, 1953, and passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family, on May 23, 2026, at the age of 72.
She was a strong, spirited woman whose toughness was matched only by the love she had for her family. As a grandmother to many grandchildren, she created a home filled with...
Helen Louise Woods
May 20, 2026
Beloved mother and grandmother, Helen Louise Woods of Lorain, OH, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2026, at the age of 77. She was born on November 23, 1948, to Frenchie Ware and Willa Nichols in Pennsboro, WV.
She is survived by her children, Monica Grabiak (William) and Chad Woods; her grandchildren, Julie Grabiak (James) and Robert Grabiak (Samantha); her brothers,...
Sara Beth Velazquez
May 18, 2026
Sara Beth Frasher Velazquez, age 40, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2026. She was born on January 11, 1986, and will be forever remembered for her loving heart, beautiful spirit, and the joy she brought to everyone who knew her.
Sara was a devoted and loving mother to her two beautiful daughters, Isabella Beth and Madilynn Rosa, who were the...
Peggy M. Hunker
May 15, 2026
Peggy M. Hunker, age 84 and a resident of Oberlin, passed away Friday, May 15, 2026, after a short illness.
She was born in Big Sandy, West Virginia, and resided in Oberlin for the past 55 years. Peggy was retired and previously was employed at the Village Market of Wellington as a meat wrapper.
Peggy is survived by her daughters, Ruth Johnson...
Diane Hartley
May 14, 2026
Caroline D. Hartley, lovingly known as Diane, Granny, and Aunt Dee, passed away surrounded by the love of her family. She was the cherished daughter of Cleo William and Lora Mae (née Raines) Phillips.
Diane is survived by her lifelong companion of 40 years, Phil Cruz; her daughters, Angel (Jose) Leos and Sunny Hartley; her stepsons, Shawn (Latika) Cruz and Brandon...
Christie J. Biggs
May 11, 2026
Christie J. Biggs, age 68, of Lorain, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, May 11, 2026.She leaves behind her loving husband, Ronald Biggs, and her cherished daughters, Turquoise and Jacara Biggs. Christie was a devoted grandmother to Nylah, Isabel, Greyson, Symple, Elias, and Elijah. She is also survived by her brothers, Kenny and O'Bryant O'Neal, and her sisters,...
Anthony "Tony" Gargasz
May 8, 2026
Anthony “Tony” Gargasz, age 70, and a resident of Lorain, Ohio, passed away on May 8, 2026, surrounded by his family.
Tony spent his career as an engineer developing industrial software systems for Ohio’s steel industry, driven by a genuine passion for computers and electronics that never left him. He held professional Microsoft and HAM radio certifications that spoke to his...
James "Jim" A. Taddeo
May 6, 2026
James "Jim" A. Taddeo, age 64, and a resident of Lorain, passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.
Jim was born in Lorain to the late Julius and Rosemary Taddeo (nee Spaetzel). He attended Avon Lake High School. Jim worked for Bonne Bell, Westlake, and PolyOne in Avon Lake.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister...
Jill Wickline
May 2, 2026
Jill Wickline (nee Naelitz), 62, of Lorain, went peacefully home to the Lord on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
She was born on July 16, 1963, in Lorain.
Jill was a 1981 graduate of Admiral King High School and was employed by First Federal Bank and Lorain Products. She was a lifelong Cleveland sports fan who loved cheering on the Cavaliers, Browns, and...
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