Donovan Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services

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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12/08/2025

In Loving Memory of John Criss

John Criss 64, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2025 with family by his side.

He was born September 25, 1961 in Akron, Ohio to the late Henry and Billie Sue Criss.

John was a graduate of Ellet High School. After high school, he was employed by Henry Criss Landscaping and Buckeye Parks for several years before retiring.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Billie Sue Criss; brother, Jerry Criss and several aunts and uncles.

John is survived by his wife, Diana Criss; daughter, Brandy Reninger; sister, Vickie (Joe Brown); brother, Jimmy (Carolyn) Criss; step-children, Eddie (Jenny) Kemble, Kyle (Jess) Kemble, Tammy Kemble; 9 grandchildren and his dog Max.

Per his request there will be no calling hours. Cremation has taken place.

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12/06/2025

In Loving Memory of Carole A. ((Sarachia)) Mungo

Carole A. Mungo, a generous and kind-hearted soul, passed away at 88 years on December 4, 2025. Born July 15th, 1937 in Akron, she was a student at St. Vincent’s High School, graduating in 1955.

After high school, Carole was employed at Commonwealth Loans. She loved to serve her community, and this continued throughout her time there. After her marriage to her husband Frank in 1958, she extended her faith by being a member of the Altar Rosary Society, as well as a Mother Monitor at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish.

Anyone who knew Carole knew she loved to feed others. Everyone who walked into her home was immediately offered a cookie, a beverage, if not an entire home cooked meal. Carole never wanted anyone to feel like they had to go without. Carole especially enjoyed spending time around children and animals alike. In her spare time, she also enjoyed bowling, gardening, reading romance novels, watching soap operas, and making her home comfortable for her loved ones.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Chester and Viola Sarchia and twin sister, Patricia Douglas.

Carole is survived by her husband, Frank; daughter, Kimberly Croy of Stow; grandson Sam Croy; niece Robin Weber (Mike); great-nephew Michael Weber (Sharkayla Bender); niece Judy Lalli; beloved cousins Jim Mungo; Richard P. Mungo; Richard Mungo; Mark Mungo; Christy Mungo Woodburn; and Gina Mungo.

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, the family requests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of her mother, Vi.

Card and remembrances may be sent to the funeral home in care of the family.

Visitation will be Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. at Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave. Tallmadge, OH

Funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m.

Interment will be at Northlawn Memorial Gardens.

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12/03/2025

In Loving Memory of Sandra Lee ((Hunter)) Starkey

Sandra Lee Starkey, 87, passed away November 26, 2025. She was born in Akron and lived all of her life in the area.

Sandra worked many years at the Akron Board of Education. She retired from Roadway with over 20 years of service. She was a member of St. Matthew Church. She loved spending time with her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William; daughters Michelle Starkey and Julie Light; brother, Sgt. William Hunter; granddaughter, Lauren Porter; daughter-in-law Jeannie Starkey and son-in-law Paul Light.

Sandra is survived by her daughters, Deborah (Jeff) Porter, Rebecca (Tony) Sims; sons, Timothy Starkey, Todd (Tiffiny) Starkey; half siblings, Robin McClung, Susan Hercules, Michael (Debbie) Dezso; grandchildren, Chris (Dayna) Sims, Jason (Amanda) Sims, Kyle (Heather) Light, Tyler Starkey (Jordan), Samantha Starkey, Sydney Starkey, Nick (Jordan) Porter and great grandchildren Caleb & Josh Sims; Evelyn, Emma, Hannah & Caroline Porter. She will also be missed by a host of other family & friends.

Visitation will be 4:00 until 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave. (On the Historic Tallmadge Circle).

Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at St. Matthew Parish, 2603 Benton Ave. , Akron with Fr. Michael Williamson officiating. Procession to form at the church.

Interment will be at Hillside Memorial Park.

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12/02/2025

In Loving Memory of Alan "Al" Douglas Bowers

On December 1, 2025, Alan (“Al”} Douglas Bowers left this earth and made his glorious appearance in Heaven. I guarantee he entered with a bang and a shout, first because he would finally meet his Lord and Savior, Jesus, secondly, he is out of pain and finally, because, well because that was Al, he really knew how to make an entrance.

Al attended East high school, after which he held several car and appliance sales jobs. He could sell anything to anyone. He lived with our mom after her tragic accident for a while. I believe that is when Al began his substance abuse, living with his paralyzed mom wasn’t easy. Ultimately, he moved to Georgia where he met and married Donna Gagne. He spent many happy years there with his now ex-wife Donna, step-son Kenny and step-daughter Brandy. That evil thing called addiction hit Al hard in the later years of his marriage, causing divorce and ultimately, a move back home to Akron, where he moved in with his sister, Marilyn. While divorce is never a happy thing, it caused Al to take stock of his life. After an empty life of platitudes and promises (and after Tammy and Marilyn hounded him constantly), he finally realized that what he really needed was Jesus. Shortly after coming back home, Al accepted Christ as His Lord and Savior and never looked back. He joined Tallmadge Christian Fellowship, where his high school friend John Knepper was the preacher. He was baptized shortly thereafter and never lost his zeal for the gospel message. He absorbed the Bible and Jesus’ teachings with a real hunger and a lot of questions. Seriously, a lot of questions!

Al was asked to become a member of the Board of Directors at Axxess Point, a local doctor’s office. Did I mention that he made an impact wherever he went? While he was still getting around, he enjoyed going to those meetings as a layperson to all those professionals. Al joined AA here in Akron and volunteered at their main downtown offices. He moderated meetings and sponsored men like himself with addiction problems. Al lived in pain 24/7 from several debilitating back conditions but because of his addiction issues, he took no pain medicine, meaning he lived in constant devastating pain. In April of this year, Al developed chronic hypercapnia, a buildup of carbon dioxide in his lungs and was hospitalized for 8 days. This past October, Al was again hospitalized with complications from his hypercapnia, at which time he was then diagnosed with lung and lymph node cancer as well and spent another 3 weeks in the hospital. Ultimately, it was the carbon dioxide that took him away from us, causing him to peacefully slip away into his Savior’s arms.

Al leaves behind his siblings: Marilyn (Mark) Teuscher, David (Dianna) Bowers, and Tammy (Paul) Lampert; nieces Amanda (Dan) Leffler, Amy (Heath) Cooper, Kim (Ben) Wright, nephews Steven (MaryBeth) Johnson and Ryan (AJ) Johnson along with multiple cousins and countless friends.

Al was preceded in death by his father and mother, James and Alice Bowers.

Visitation will be from 10:00 until 11:30 a.m. Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Avenue (on the Historic Tallmadge Circle).

Funeral service will follow visitation at the funeral home at 11:30 a.m. with Pastor John Knepper officiating. A memorial luncheon will be held after the service at Tallmadge Christian Fellowship.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Tallmadge Christian Fellowship, 406 Tompkins Avenue, Akron, Ohio 44305.

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