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Raisian Family Funeral Home, 581 Harbor Street, Conneaut, OH (2025)

12/01/2025

The Raisian Family and Staff extend our heartfelt sympathy
to the family and friends of GARY EDGE DREW.
Please visit www.raisianfuneralhome.com for condolences.

GARY EDGE DREW, age 41, of Conneaut, passed away November 28, 2025, at UH Lake West Medical Center.

Gary was born on January 15, 1984, in Conneaut, the son of Gary John Drew and Sandra Goldberg. He was a 2003 graduate of Conneaut High School and worked at Orlando Bros. Golden Dawn during that time. He later worked for Custom Engineering and General Electric as a welder in Erie, Pa. until he became disabled from an injury at work.

Gary loved Conneaut Creek, camping and being outdoors. He enjoyed his 4-wheelers, video games and playing his drums. Gary was most proud of his family and two children, Marcus and Makyiah.

Gary was preceded in death by his father Gary John Drew.
He is survived by his mother Sandra Goldberg of Conneaut, son Marcus Edge Drew, daughter Makyiah Lynn Drew, sisters Candy J. Drew, Patricia A. Drew, brother Aaron Reed and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at the Raisian Funeral Home.

Burial will take place at the convenience of the family in Glenwood Cemetery.

Condolences at www.raisianfuneralhome.com

11/25/2025

The Raisian Family and Staff extend our heartfelt condolences
to the family and friends of SOPHIA DRESLINSKI.

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Sophia (Brenkus) Dreslinski, age 92, of Kingsville, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 24, 2025, at her daughters’ home in Orwell.

Sophia was born January 1, 1933 in Jefferson, Ohio the daughter of Simon and Barbara (Bieber) Brenkus. She was a proud 1951 graduate of Jefferson High School.

Sophia was a member of St. Andrew Bobola Catholic Church in Sheffield. She was a very active member at the church over the years and served on the Council of Women. For 13 years, Sophia worked at True Temper in Saybrook before becoming a nurses’ aide at ACMC Hospital until her retirement. Sophia’s greatest joy and most important role was her family. She was a devoted caretaker who raised nine children and continued to look after others throughout her retirement by helping with errands and cleaning houses. She was renowned for her pies, but more importantly for the love and care she poured into everyone she met. She will be dearly missed as a loving Mom and Grandma to all. Sophia enjoyed her garden and traveling, though nothing superseded the time she spent with her family.

Sophia was preceded in death by her parents and siblings. Brothers Martin, Charles, Benjamin, John, sisters Helen Shiedel, Frances Downs, two grandchildren Carmen Sweeney and Joe Dreslinski, and great grandchild Silas Barnes.

Sophia is survived by sons Douglas (Alice) Dreslinski, Fred (Elaine) Dreslinski, David (Brenda) Dreslinski, Daniel (Jackie Armeni) Dreslinski, Charles (Susan Goodell) Dreslinski, daughters Joan Sharon, Debra (Ray) Geiger, Donna (David) Manupella, Ann (George) Ferl, 20 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild and one more on the way.

Visitation will be held Friday, November 28, 2025, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Raisian Funeral Home, 581 Harbor St, Conneaut.
Mass of the Christian Burial will be held Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St Andrews Bobola Church, 3700 Rout193, Kingsville, Ohio.

Burial will follow at LuLu Falls Cemetery, Kingsville, Ohio.

Memorial contribution in Sophia’s memory can be made to the Kingsville Public Library, P.O. Box 57, Kingsville, Ohio 44048 or to the Aero Ministries, P.O. Box 202, Orwell, Ohio 44076.

Condolences at www.raisianfuneralhome.com

11/21/2025

The Raisian Family and Staff extend our heartfelt sympathy
to the family and friends of SHIRLEY BONDY.
Please visit www.raisianfuneralhome.com for condolences.

Shirley M. Bondy, age 83, formerly of West Springfield, PA, passed away Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at Lake Point Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Conneaut.
Shirley was born May 5, 1942, in Ashtabula, Ohio, the daughter of Mead R. Lilac and Mary Seaman. Following high school, Shirley worked at the former News Herald Newspaper and later at the Astatic Corporation making microphones. Shirley was a member of the Red Hat Ladies Society and American Legion Post #151. For many years she was a very good seamstress. She operated her business known as “Common Threads” for many years from her home. She loved to travel with her late husband Robert Bondy in their RV all over the United States. She enjoyed her plants, cats, roller skating and Lake Erie. She most loved spending time with her grandchildren and family.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Robert W. Bondy, and a sister Jody Gregg.
Shirley is survived by her children, Stephen (Tabitha) Coates, Conneaut, Mark A. (Shannon) Coates of Statesville, NC, seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, brother William Lilac and a sister Janice Lilac Powell.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the Raisian Funeral Home, 581 Harbor Street, Conneaut.
Burial will be held at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contribution in Shirley’s name can be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve.

10/13/2025

The Raisian Family and Staff extend our heartfelt sympathy
to the family and friends of REBECCA BOWERS.

Please visit www.raisianfuneralhome.com for condolences.

REBECCA E. BOWERS, age 81, of Conneaut, OH passed away on Friday, October 10, 2025 at UH Conneaut Medical Center.
Rebecca was born on February 11, 1944 in Kane, PA, the daughter of Richard and Lillian (Holtman) Westerburg. She was a 1959 graduate of Kane High School and later moved to Conneaut. Rebecca dedicated 43 years of service as a laboratory technician at the former Brown Memorial Hospital, where she was known for her kindness and strong work ethic.
Outside of work, Rebecca lived life to the fullest. She loved playing bingo, reading, painting, and working on arts and crafts. For many years she owned and operated a local ceramic shop, where she shared her creativity and talent with friends and neighbors. She especially cherished spending time with her “grand-babies”, who were the light of her life. Camping trips and family reunions in Kane, PA were among her happiest memories.
Rebecca was preceded in death by her parents, loving husband Arthur Bowers, son Tim Bowers, one brother, Carl Westerburg Sr. and one sister, Carol Brinkman.
She is survived by one son Doug (Ema) Bowers of Xenia, Ohio, two daughters, Tina (Brian Lawler) Bowers of South Carolina and Sheila (Bill) Sharp of Conneaut, eight siblings, Peggy (Charles) Williams, Richard (Sandra) Westerburg Jr., Gwen Green, Charles (Maricel) Westerburg, Kathy Krause, Janet (Bob) Gadley, Patrick (Tina) Westerburg and Robert Westerburg, twelve grandchildren, Amber (Kyle) Irish, Sarina Bowers, Mercedes (Mike) Beck, Kaley Robison, Brandon Robison, Justin (Lauren) Robison, Bailey Bowers, Adam (Ashley) Sharp, Paige Sharp, Stephanie Bowers, Aaron Bowers, Sarah Bowers and twelve great-grandchildren.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Raisian Family Funeral Home, 581 Harbor St. Conneaut, Ohio.
Condolences at www.raisianfuneralhome.com

10/13/2025

The Raisian Family and Staff extend our sincere condolences
to the family and friends of ROBERT J. MEANEY.

Please visit www.raisianfuneralhome.com for condolences.

ROBERT J. MEANEY, age 73, passed away October 10, 2025, at the Ashtabula County Nursing Home.
Bob was born on February 26, 1952, in Conneaut, the son of Richard and Shirley Miller Meaney. He was a heavy equipment operator at the P & C Dock Company for over 40 years until his retirement. Bob was a member of Corpus Christi Parish.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, son Jeffrey Meaney in 2025, brother Paul Meaney and sisters Barbara Meaney and LouAnn Harlacher, stepson Paul Zed Johnson.
He is survived by his wife Kimberly Becker Meaney, daughters Jill Bryant, stepchildren Brooke Johnson, Jamie Bowers, and Jeremy (Christine) Young, brothers Tom Meaney, Rick Meaney, Edward Meaney, Donald Meaney, sisters Susan Meaney, Cynthia (Albert) Cropeck and Cathy Smith, two grandchildren, five step grandchildren, one step great grandchild, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
At Bob’s request no services will be held. The Raisian Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
Condolences at www.raisianfuneralhome.com.

10/09/2025

The Raisian Family and Staff extend our most heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of BERNARDINE A. "BERNIE" MILTNER.

Please visit www.raisianfuneralhome.com for condolences.

BERNARDINE ANDREA "BERNIE" MILTNER (5/26/1933 - 10/4/2025) lived a life defined by compassion, courage, and an unwavering commitment to caring for others. Born in Espyville, Pennsylvania, to Andrew and Mary Lucas, Bernie's journey was a testament to the power of dedication, service, faith, and love.

A distinguished academic from the start, Bernie graduated as valedictorian from North Shenango High School before earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Spencer School of Nursing. Her nursing career was nothing short of extraordinary, spanning decades and touching countless lives. At Brown Memorial Hospital in Conneaut, Ohio, she served in multiple critical roles—from surgical nurse to ER charge nurse and beloved obstetrics nurse who helped deliver hundreds of Conneaut babies.

Later in her career, she worked with Ashtabula County Home Health Agency, was the school nurse for Conneaut City Schools, and was the Industrial Nurse at the Pittsburgh and Conneaut Dock Company (her favorite job). At P&C, Bernie had many memorable adventures, including a ride on the Edgar Speer and a “ride” in a Hewlett to rescue a man who had a heart attack while hundreds of feet in the air. Legend has it, when told she could not go up that high to rescue one of her men, Bernie allegedly (and inaccurately) coined the phrase “Hold my beer.”

In 1956, her landlords introduced her to the “nice boy who delivered bakery goods,” Jim Miltner, who worked in the family-owned Miltner’s Bakery. Mrs. Leach joked that if she and Jim married, Bernie “would always have a lot of dough.” They were engaged soon after, but the groom was deployed to Korea during the war. They maintained a passionate, daily correspondence (Jim saved those letters but kept them in a container marked “Do not read until after I am dead”). Their love letters later became a source of both inspiration and humor for their children, who realized how lovesick and adorable their parents were.

Their family grew quickly, welcoming four children—Maribeth (Robert) Davis, James David (Karen) Miltner, Kathy Anne (Jerry) Parise, and, after several losses, their "miracle baby" Lesley Jennifer (who may or may not have written this obituary) Miltner. Bernie's role as a mother and later Grandma to Keelia (Mitchell) Morris, Matthew (Kyra) Miltner, Dominick (Taylor) Parise, Katie (Chris) Hauenstein, and "Oma Great" to Finley Jae and Piper “Pip” Morris was her most cherished achievement, marked by unconditional love and unwavering support.

It would be criminal to neglect to mention that Bernie is survived by her precious cat, Callie, who never left Bernie’s side after Jim’s death 21 months before her own Heavenly promotion.

A devout Catholic, Bernie was a proud member of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church and Corpus Christi Parish (Father John Miller and Deacon Nick Iarocci) in Conneat. Until shortly before her death, Bernie would say the rosary several times a day. Some of her best memories were as a member of St. Mary’s Choir. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America, and the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association. After Jim’s death, Bernie was embraced by the members of JUMC in Jefferson, and the community at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Andover, where she enjoyed mass led by her “ #1 guy” Father John Ettinger. Bernie’s faith was a cornerstone of her identity, providing strength through personal losses and challenges.

Even in her final days, surrounded by family and her beloved cat Callie at her daughter, Maribeth’s, home in Andover, Bernie remained sweet and compassionate. She was gloriously reunited with her Jim on October 4, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of giving, resilience, and love that will continue to inspire her family and community for generations to come.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Monday, October 13, 2025 at the Raisian Funeral Home, 581 Harbor Street, Conneaut.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, October 13, 2025 at St. Frances Cabrini Church, 744 Mill Street, Conneaut.

Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Conneaut.

Donations can be made in her memory to Maddox & Friends Cat Rescue, Conneaut, Ohio.

10/07/2025

The Raisian Family and Staff extend our heartfelt sympathy
to the family and friends of DR. NEAL W. FREY

Please visit www.raisianfuneralhome.com for condolences.

Dr. Neal W. Frey, age 90, formerly of Conneaut, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2025, at the Ashtabula County Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.
Born on November 25, 1934, in Fremont, Ohio, Neal was the son of Henry Gilmore Frey and Cleva (Weller) Frey. He earned his Doctorate in Dentistry from The Ohio State University in 1958 and was elected to membership in Theta Chapter of Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the National Honor Dental Society.
From 1959 to 1964, Neal proudly served as a Lieutenant in the United States Army, stationed in Texas and Honolulu, Hawaii, before being honorably discharged.
After leaving Hawaii, Neal and his family settled in Cambridge, Ohio, where he partnered in a dental practice. Always eager to expand his knowledge, he went on to earn a Master of Science in Dentistry from the University of Alabama in Birmingham in 1973. He later taught Dental Radiology at UCLA in Van Nuys, California, and continued teaching in Jackson, Mississippi.
Eventually, Neal and his family returned to Ohio and made their home in Conneaut. There, he opened a dental practice in the J.C. Penney building and, later in his career, continued his work at the Ashtabula Dental Clinic until his retirement.
A man of many interests, Neal was a passionate history enthusiast—particularly of the Civil War—a gifted watercolor artist, and an avid reader. He also took great pride in maintaining his yard and had a deep love for nature.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Tex and Harold Frey; and his sister, Tody Brown.
Neal is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Gretchen (Pfleiderer) Frey; his children, Betsy (Steve) Elwood of Atlanta, GA; Henry (Terry) Frey of Gates Mills, OH; and Eric (Susan) Frey of Conneaut, OH. He is also survived by his sister, Joanne Scott of St. Louis, MO; grandchildren, Heather Frey, Haley (Brian) Morgan, Paige Frey, and Sydney Frey; and one great-grandchild, Landon Rodinis.
In accordance with the family’s wishes, private services with military honors will be held at Lulu Falls Cemetery at their convenience.
Condolences at www.raisianfuneralhome.com

09/22/2025

The Raisian Family and staff extend our heartfelt sympathy on the loss of our cousin
JOHN S. ERICKSEN.

Please visit www.raisianfuneralhome.com for condolences.

September 21, 2025, the patriarch of the Ericksen household left this worldly place for his heavenly home, with his family by his side.
John S. Ericksen was born December 24, 1953, in Conneaut, OH, to John and Sara (Hews) Ericksen. He attended Conneaut schools through middle school, then his family moved to Warren, OH. He graduated from Howland High School in 1972. John then returned to Conneaut and was employed by the Conneaut Police Department until 1979 at which time he started working at the Ashtabula Bow Socket. His employment then took him to various positions as the factories all seemed to close while he was there. In 1982 John returned to school attending KSU-Ashtabula receiving an Associate Degree in Accounting in 1985, then Edinboro University of PA, graduating Cum Laude in May of 1991. John used to tease he was a ‘Jack of all trades’ holding many jobs over the years. He officially retired from accounting in January 2016 but kept up his skills working for his son Joe at Heavenly Creamery.
Of all the positions John held over the years his favorite ones were husband, father and grandfather. Supporting his family’s activities no matter what they were. Always ready to help the kids, family members or friends whenever/wherever needed. John enjoyed people. No one was a stranger for long. He enjoyed gatherings with family and friends; often smoking ribs, frying turkeys or making “grandpas world famous spaghetti sauce” (per grandson Brandon). He had a love of guitars, and the last few years had the opportunity to build an acoustic guitar from design to finished project, and two kit guitars, with Oakey Emery. John loved traveling – especially to NC or wherever the kids were. He loved going to battlefield sites wherever he could find them. He enjoyed his two trips to Italy and had hoped to return to Rome one day. A history buff, he loved to watch historic documentaries, and he loved motorcycles. His favorite ride was to skyline drive and Gettysburg for their 25th anniversary, riding separate cycles and meeting people from all over. He was amazed at how many people talk to you when you’re on a motorcycle ride. A lover of animals he looked forward to cuddle times with Holly and grand-puppy Bean.
John married Barb (Ozolek) Ericksen at St. Mary’s Church in Conneaut, September 18, 1976. Besides his wife John is survived by his children; Tom (TJ) & Nikki Ericksen of Youngstown, Joe & Chrissy Ericksen of Conneaut, Kristen & Dave Miller of Gastonia, NC. His beloved grandchildren Brandon & Ethan Ericksen of Youngstown, and Abigail & Donovan Miller of Gastonia. He is also survived by his brother Lief Ericksen of Parma Heights, OH, brother-in-law Patrick Reich of Washington State, many cousins, and his ‘baby girl schnauzer’ Holly.
John was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Thomine Ericksen Reich, maternal grandparents T.H. and Alice Hews, paternal grandparents Eric and Ruby Ericksen, several aunts, uncles, cousins and his in-laws Walt and Theresa (Zappitelli) Ozolek.
Calling hours will be Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Raisian Family Funeral Home, 581 Harbor St. Conneaut, OH 44030.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Corpus Christi Parish, Mother Cabrini Church, Friday, September 26, 2025 at 11:00 AM, followed by burial at St. Joseph Cemetery, Conneaut.
Memorial contributions can be made to Corpus Christi Parish Memorial Fund, or Hospice of the Western Reserve

09/14/2025

The Raisian Family and Staff extend our most heartfelt
love and prayers to the family of MARY T. COLBY.

Please visit www.raisianfuneralhome.com for condolences.

MARY T. COLBY, age 74, of Conneaut, passed away on September 12, 2025, at the Saybrook Landing Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.
Mary was born on May 26, 1951, in Conneaut, the daughter of Anthony and Louise Narducci Bartone. She was a 1969 graduate of Conneaut High School and later retired from Andrew & Pontius Law Firm where she was a receptionist/secretary.

Mary was a member of Corpus Christi Parish and a former member of the St. Mary Church choir. She was an outstanding cook and loved making pizza and Italian foods. Mary made her famous homemade pizza every week for her family, and occasionally her friends. She enjoyed landscaping and collecting dolls as well as walking her beloved dogs, Gus and Max. For her friends and family, she made wreaths for all the seasons of the year. Mary enjoyed gambling and going to the casinos. She especially loved the time she spent with her family and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents and sister-in-law Mary Jo Muck.

She is survived by her husband, Nicholas JP Colby, whom she married November 28, 1970, at St. Frances Cabrini Church, sons A.J. Colby of North Ridgeville, Pete Colby of Ashtabula, Nicholas (Jena) Colby of Concord Township, daughter Nichole David of Myrtle Beach, S.C., sisters Sharon Palko and Sandy (Scott) Spees of Conneaut, brothers Marty (Diane) Bartone of Geneva and Phil (Julie) Bartone of Eastlake, sister-in-law Kathie Spore of Conneaut, brothers-in-law Danny Muck of Kingsville, Joseph (Memory) Colby of North Kingsville, and many nieces and nephews. Mary took special joy in being with her five grandchildren Hope, Dominick, Abby, Josephine and Thomas.

Visitation for Mary will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at the Raisian Funeral Home, 581 Harbor Street, Conneaut.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at St. Frances Cabrini Church, with Fr. Philip Miller of Corpus Christi Parish officiating.

Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Conneaut.

Memorial contributions in Mary’s memory may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee, 38105.

Condolences at www.raisianfuneralhome.com

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