Donovan Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services

01/06/2026

In Loving Memory of Sally A ((Smith)) Holodnak

Sally A. Holodnak, 80, passed away January 2, 2025. Born in Canton, Ohio, she lived most of her life in Brimfield.

Sally enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, traveling and visiting the beach.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Dennis; and parents, Paul and Dorothy Smith.

Sally is survived by her son, Dennis (Amanda) Holodnak, and many friends.

Visitation will be Saturday, January 10, 2026 from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. at Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave. Tallmadge, OH 44278.

Funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.

Interment will be at Tallmadge Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 223 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 350, Chicago, IL 60606. https://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org

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01/05/2026

In Loving Memory of Shirley A ((Dean)) Boatman

Shirey A, Boatman, 80, passed away December 15, 2025. Born in New Castle, Pennsylvania on December 4, 1945, she had lived in Austintown, Florida and Arizona before moving to Ravenna five years ago.

Shirley was an office manager for Dr. Ventresco for over 30 years. She enjoyed gambling and playing bingo.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack; brothers, John Dean and Edward Dean.

Shirley is survived by her daughters, Rhonda Boatman, Crystal (Charles) Clang and Lisa Boatman; grandchildren, Sarah Brown, David Boatman, Richard Brown Jr.; great grandchild, Jake Roegge; sister, Donna Bartlett of Harlandsburg, PA; brothers, Jerry (Joyce) Dean and Samuel Dean both of New Castle, PA; many nieces, nephews and friends.

Per her wishes, there will be no services.

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01/05/2026

In Loving Memory of Stephen Edmond Taylor

Stephen Edmond Taylor, age 71, of Munroe Falls, passed away unexpectedly on January 1, 2026.

Steve was born in Akron, Ohio, and grew up in Cuyahoga Falls. After marrying the love of his life, Shelley, he made Munroe Falls his home, where they built a life filled with family, faith, and lasting memories. Steve retired in August 2024 after many dedicated years with Hasenstab Architects. He was a devoted member of St. Eugene Church and lived his life guided by faith, kindness, and integrity.

An avid outdoorsman, Steve found joy in hunting, fishing, traveling and photography, often capturing the beauty of nature through his lens. Above all else, he treasured time with his family. Known lovingly as “Pa” to all his grandchildren—and even their friends—Steve was a proud and devoted grandfather who never missed an opportunity to watch them play sports, faithfully cheering them on at every activity. He also enjoyed Cleveland sports, with the Cleveland Guardians holding a special place in his heart, especially the time he spent attending games with his daughter and grandchildren, creating memories he cherished deeply.

Steve was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 45 years, Shelley Taylor, who passed away in June 2023. They are now reunited once again. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Alton and Julia Taylor.

He is survived by his beloved daughter, Jaclyn (Shane) Golden; his grandchildren, Nicholas, McKenna (Robert), Alexander (Hailey), and Olivia; his sister, Jeanne (William) Jasso; his brothers, Alton and Charles Taylor; his niece, Megan (Max); great-nephew Kai and great-niece Poppy; niece Shannon Taylor; along with many other nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends who will deeply miss him.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Donovan Funeral Home, located at 17 Southwest Avenue, Tallmadge, on the Historic Tallmadge Circle. A memorial service will follow at 6:00 p.m., with Rev. Jim Case officiating. Interment will take place at Tallmadge Cemetery.

Steve will be remembered for his quiet strength, deep love for his family, and the steady presence he offered to all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Steve’s memory to:

American Cancer Society – National, P.O. Box 6704 Hagerstown, MD 21741 1-800-227-2345 https://donate3.cancer.org/

or

Alpha-1 Foundation, 3300 Ponce de Leon, Coral Gables, FL 33134, 1-305-567-9888, https://www.alpha1.org/

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12/31/2025

In Loving Memory of Sarah ((Sipe)) Hagenbush

Sarah Hagenbush, age 91, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025. She was born in Akron, Ohio, and lived most of her life in the Akron and Tallmadge area.

Sarah was a devoted member of The Chapel. A proud homemaker, she was well known for her cooking and baking, which she generously shared with family and friends. She was an avid supporter of her boys in wrestling and took great joy in attending the activities of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Sarah was also a cherished member of the “Golden Girls,” her high school friends, and looked forward to their monthly dinners together. Above all, she loved sitting in front of her home on Strecker Drive, watching the animals and birds that brought her so much peace.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Frank Hagenbush; her son, Don Hagenbush, and his wife, Patricia; her mother, Margaret Sipe; three sisters; and six brothers.

Sarah is survived by her sons, Jon (Stephanie) Hagenbush of Norton and Jim (Kim) Hagenbush of North Carolina; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the staff of Maplewood Assisted Living of Cuyahoga Falls and Crossroads Hospice for their loving care and compassion.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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12/26/2025

In Loving Memory of Kay F. Serian

Kay F. Serian, 88, passed away December 23, 2025. Born in Adrian, Pennsylvania, she lived most of her life in the Akron area.

Kay was a graduate of East Brady High School and was a member of Visitation of Mary Parish. She had worked as a cashier at Acme and at La Pizza. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, baking, cooking, walking and her Pittsburgh Steelers. Kay loved to collect teacups and pennies. She never met a stranger and was an avid caller on WNIR talk of Akron for many years. The callers loved to hear her conversations.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Joseph Serian; parents, Lloyd and Nancy Alexander; sisters, Margaret Mitchell and Amanda Mauthe; and five brothers-in-law.

Kay is survived by her daughter, Marianne (Richard) of Tallmadge; sons, Mark Serian of Akron and Paul Serian of Cuyahoga Falls; grandchildren, Richard, Amanda, Kelsey, Regan and Melissa; and four great grandsons; sisters, Arlene Scholl, Nancy Passarelli, Betsy Garmong; sister-in-law, Joanne Stevic; many nieces, nephews and friends.

The family would like to thank her neighbor and special friend Becky Farrell for her friendship and care.

Visitation will be 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday December 29, 2025 at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southeast Ave. (On the Historic Tallmadge Circle).

Mass of the Christian Burial will be at Visitation of Mary; 55 Broad Street on Tuesday December 30, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Father B. Dismas officiating.

Internment at Tallmadge Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

P.O Box 7023 Merrifield, VA 22116

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12/23/2025

In Loving Memory of John A. Huffman

John Huffman went to be with the Lord on December 19 at the age of 92.

Born to Keith and Emma Huffman, in Flushing Ohio, January 24, 1933, John grew up with a strong sense of family, faith and hard work that shaped the man he became.

John was a devoted husband to Jane, his wife of 65 years, together they built a life marked by faith, love, and steady devotion. You rarely saw one without the other. They loved to travel and especially going on cruises.

After completing studies at The Elliott School of Business, John spent over 35 years at Goodyear working in various accounting positions, many years with perfect attendance.

He was raised in the Disciples of Church faith, spent many years singing in choirs and a substitute organist when needed. He served two years in the Army stationed in Fort Knox where he was a Pastor's Assistant. After moving to Tallmadge, he became an active member of The First Congregational Church, singing in the choir and serving on various Boards, and was a long time Stephen Minister always reaching out to those who needed comfort and care.

John was devoted to son, Scott. Always attending Band events and various other activities Scott was involved in.

He will be remembered as a man of character, kindness, and his unwavering love of the Lord.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM Sunday, January 11 at The First Congregational Church, 85 Heritage Drive, Tallmadge with Rev. Daniel Doty and Rev Dr John Schluep officiating.

Visitation will begin at 12 noon. Memorial contributions may be made to the church's music department

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12/22/2025

In Loving Memory of Ronald L Burkhart

Ronald L. Burkhart, 73, passed away December 21, 2025, at home after a lengthy battle with cancer. Born in Canton, he travelled many years for work and recently returning to the Tallmadge area, where he resided with his daughter, Betsy.

Ron retired from The City of Canton in the Maintenance and Millwright department. He enjoyed hunting and loved spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Diane; parents, Frederick and Viola Burkhart; brothers, Kenneth, Frederick Jr., James.

Ron is survived by his daughter, Betsy Blackiston of Tallmadge; grandchildren, Tyler (Melissa) Blackiston, Joshua (Briley) Blackiston, Zachary (Isabella) Blackiston; great grandchildren, Blake, Xaden, Georgia; sisters, Darlene (Jim) Cantley, Donna Daugherty, Janet (Dale) Scott; brothers, Larry (Theresa), John (Teresa), Lenny (Diane), Carl; sister in law, Nancy Burkhart; many nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation will be 10:00 until 12:00 p.m. Saturday, December 27, 2025 at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave. (On the Historic Tallmadge Circle).

Funeral service will follow visitation at the funeral home at 12:00 p.m. with Rev. Jim Case officiating,

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12/12/2025

In Loving Memory of C. David Cox

C David Cox, 85, passed away December 11, 2025. Born in Akron, he lived most of his life in Cuyahoga Falls.

David served in the National Guard and had his own State Farm Agency for 50 years. He enjoyed playing tennis, boating, jet skiing, snowmobiling, motorcycles and cars.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Eleana Cox and brother, Douglas Cox.

David is survived by his wife, Cheryl, whom he loved very much; stepdaughter, Rachael Jagger of Canton; stepsons, David (Denise) Jagger of Uniontown, James (Stephanie) Yost of Biglerville, PA; 12 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and 1 great great-grandchild; brother, Gary (Marylou) Cox of Mogadore; nieces, Susan Cox and Lesa Stott; nephew, Christopher Cox; his cat, Summer; his dog, Simba; and many many friends.

Visitation will be 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave. (On the Historic Tallmadge Circle) and 10:00 until 11:00 a.m., Wednesday at the church.

Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at the Evermore Community Church, 1470 Smith Kramer St. NE, Hartville with Pastor Ross Miller officiating. There will be a livestream on the Evermore Community Church website: https://www.evermorecc.org.

Interment will be at Chestnut Hill Memorial Park.

12/12/2025

In Loving Memory of Thomas A. Johnson

Thomas A. Johnson, 88, passed away December 10, 2025. Born in Akron, He lived most of his life in Akron before moving to New Franklin.

Thomas served in the U.S. Navy Reserves and was self-employed. He was a member of Goodyear Heights Baptist Church. Thomas enjoyed hiking especially in the Metro parks.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Maynard and Ruth Johnson.

Thomas is survived by his daughters, Denise Joy (Norvel) Lane of New Franklin, Kimberlyn Ruth Oman (Daniel Abbott) of Tallmadge, Kelly Ann (Dave) Kelly-Fritz of Clearwater, Fl; grandchildren, Lisa, Erin, Laura, Kevin, Jace; great grandchildren, Spencer, Amia, Dominic, Sofia; sister, Jane Johnson of Canal Fulton; nephews, Jeff and Dan Heater; and many friends.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Summa Hospice.

12/12/2025

In Loving Memory of Thomas G. Knapp

With deep love and heavy hearts, we share that Thomas G. Knapp, 69, passed away December 5, 2025 at his home in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

Born and raised on North Hill in Akron, he attended college in Missouri and Tucson, AZ before working in accounting for various hotels and country clubs around the U.S. in West Palm Beach, FL, Atlanta, GA, and Hershey, PA, to name a few, before ultimately settling in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1999, where he raised his son, Greg, with his wife, Margaret Sainato, a fellow Akron native, whom he married in Florida in 1991.

Those who knew Tom will remember his sense of humor, devotion to family, big teddy bear hugs, strong work ethic, and kind considerate heart. He was also an avid lifelong Cleveland Browns/Cavs/Guardians (Indians) and Ohio State fan, but by far his favorite sport was basketball.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret; parents, Harry and Lucille Knapp; sisters, Judith (Roger) Trego, Joyce (Larry) Hoffman, Nancy DeOrio; father-in-law Nick Sainato, sister-in-law Joyce Sainato.

Thomas is survived by his son, Greg; daughter, Jennifer (Chris); brother, Tony (Michelle) Knapp; sisters-in-law, Theresa (Billy) Dyer, Marcia Sainato, Carla Sainato; brothers-in-law, Mike DeOrio, Frank Sainato, Jim (Terri) Sainato, Tom (Kay) Sainato; and many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, neighbors and members of the Golf Club of Oklahoma.

Visitation will be 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave. (On the Historic Tallmadge Circle).

Funeral service will follow visitation at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Interment will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery, Randolph, Ohio.

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12/10/2025

In Loving Memory of James "Beard" H. Baccaire

James H. Baccaire, 63, passed away December 8, 2025. Born in Akron he had lived most of his life in Cuyahoga Falls.

James worked as a plumber for most of his life, retiring from Bechter Plumbing in 2025. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, boating, kayaking, target shooting, and most recently, wood working and rock polishing. Beard would do anything he could for anyone. He was a very humble man who always avoided boasting about his achievements or talents.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Ralph and Elva Hodgen; parents, Raymond and Loretta Baccaire; sister, Annie Flahan and granddaughter, Lettie Baccaire.

James is survived by his wife, Diane; sons, Bryan (Melissa) Baccaire and Brandon (Lyssa) Baccaire; step-daughter, Nicole McQuillen; grandchildren, Kiley, Kassidy, and Ella; Aunt Lil; and many other friends and family.

Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at the Donovan Funeral Home 17 Southwest Ave. (On the Historic Tallmadge Circle).

Funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Jim Case officiating.

Interment will be at Northampton Cemetery.

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12/09/2025

In Loving Memory of Robert Darryl Moore

Robert Darryl Moore, 90, passed away in his home on December 6, 2025. Born in Coventry Township he lived most of his life in Mogadore.

Robert served in the Marines and worked most of his life as a Manager at Seiberling and later in life as an installer with Jennings Heating and Cooling. He loved music, travelling with his wife, and spending time with his family. Robert was a very handy man; he built his own home in Mogadore where he raised his children and even built a winning Soap Box Derby car. He was devout in his faith and was a member of Community Life Church in Mogadore.

He is preceded in death by his son, Robert Moore Jr.; his parents; and his siblings.

Robert is survived by his wife of 71 years, Elva; son, John (Barb) Moore; grandchildren, Michelle (Kevin) Aurand, Alyson (Andrew) Armbruster, Bryce (Elizabeth) Moore, and Paul Moore; and great-grandchildren, Jacob, Asher, Lilly, Millie, Addie, Nicholas, and Ava.

Per his wishes, private services were held by the family.

Interment will be at Hillside Memorial Park.

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