Donovan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

Donovan Funeral Home & Cremation Services Your Tallmadge and Mogadore area funeral home. Family owned and operated since 2003.

Marie A SantiMarie A Santi, 91, short of 2 weeks of Maries 92nd birthday, passed away February 26, 2026.  Born in Akron,...
03/02/2026

Marie A Santi

Marie A Santi, 91, short of 2 weeks of Maries 92nd birthday, passed away February 26, 2026. Born in Akron, Ohio where she lived her whole life.

She was a member of St. Martha’s Church in North Hill. Marie was a passionate Catholic. She loved the Lord. Marie A Santi enjoyed playing the piano, crocheted countless afghans and loved working in her rose garden.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John; parents, Paul and Rose Sprochi; sister, Terry Baxter:

Marie is survived by her sister Lucille (Lucy) Bernard; daughters, Denise Peercy; Cindy Babson, grandchildren, Gary Peercy. Stacy Zopfi, McCray Babson, Kelvin Babson Jr; great-grandchildren; Kameron Pittman, Jackson Babson, McKenna Babson, Wyatt Zopfi, Parker Zopfi: many nieces, nephews and friends.

Per her wishes, cremation has taken place. Private ceremony will be set later.

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Allen J. ChristianAllen J. Christian, Jr. has gone home to Heaven on February 24, 2026. Better known as “Farmer Al” and ...
02/26/2026

Allen J. Christian

Allen J. Christian, Jr. has gone home to Heaven on February 24, 2026. Better known as “Farmer Al” and even more as “Crazy Al” for all of his shenanigans.

As a graduate of Eastlake North high School, he shared his love of football and wrestling to the adult past times of softball, golf, bowling and watching Nascar. From horses running away to vehicles on fire, from the depths of furnaces, he was a devout believer of Jesus Christ, loving his wife of 46 years, chasing her around the house until she yelled “Al”.

He was a teacher of many things, but food was his greatest. He found the best places and craziest combos like peanut butter and pickle sandwiches.

He was a long-time resident of Northeast Ohio and was preceded in death by his wife, Barb Christian and his parents.

Al is survived by his children, David (Jeanie), Aimee (Joe), Amanda, Andrew (Sharon); grandchildren, Daniel (Erica), Jesse, Alex, Lamont, Naomi, Jayden and AJ; and his long time best friend brother, Mike (Mary) Levan.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Shriners or St. Jude Children’s Hospital in his name.

Graveside interment and Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

For further information, please watch for updates.

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Ray Eugene Hartman, Jr.Ray Hartman, 89 of North Canton, OH went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Tue...
02/23/2026

Ray Eugene Hartman, Jr.

Ray Hartman, 89 of North Canton, OH went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Ray was the son of the late Ray Hartman and Evely (Boosinger) Setlak. Ray’s family was the center of his life, along with his wife of 66 years, Joann. Ray served in the U.S. Air force from 1956 -1959. Ray professional career was working at western Union and Humbert Sanitation Service. When he was not working, he cherished times camping.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Joann (Imperial) Hartman; children, Christina (Larry) Froelich, Julie Hartman, Teresa Snyder and Daniel Hartman; grandchildren, Shauna (Adam, Jonathan (Lyndsey), April (Shane), Matthew (Brianna), Sarah and Hannah; seven great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and friends.

Ray is preceded in death by his parents, Ray E. Hartman, Sr. and Evelyn Setlock; sister, Deanna (Jack) Kline, Peggy Peters; and mother-in-law, Vera Imperial.

Special thanks to Larry and Sherry Seeton, Crossroads Hospice, Tanya Hartman and Deanna Eders.

Funeral services will be held at a later date.

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John Harold KittleJohn Harold Kittle, 77, passed away on January 29, 2026. He was born in Green and lived most his life ...
02/23/2026

John Harold Kittle

John Harold Kittle, 77, passed away on January 29, 2026. He was born in Green and lived most his life in the Akron area.

John worked for Prudential Insurance as a manager before retiring. He was a member of the Unity Chapel of Light in Tallmadge, and was a Spiritualist Minister for over 40 years. He was very creative and artistic. After retiring he worked as a tour guide at Stan Hywett Hall for several years. He also worked at the Wine Merchant in the Merriman Valley.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Irene Kittle; and sister, Roxanne.

John is survived by all his cousins and close friends.

Services will be announced at a later date.

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Patricia E. ReifsnyderPatricia E. Reifsnyder, passed away February 17, 2026.Born in Bakersfield, CA she lived most of he...
02/20/2026

Patricia E. Reifsnyder

Patricia E. Reifsnyder, passed away February 17, 2026.

Born in Bakersfield, CA she lived most of her life in the Akron area. She was a homemaker and enjoyed Sunday dinners with her family.

She was preceded by her husband, Kenneth; parents, Emil and Ethel McNeal; sister, Michelle Harpster; brother, Robert McNeal.

Patricia is survived by daughters, Katherine Mayton of Akron, Christine Reifsnyder of Akron; son, Dave (Pam) Reifsnyder of Tallmadge; grandchildren, Steven Reifsnyder, Mark (Christina) Reifsnyder; great grandchildren Mason, Evan, Owen; niece Terry; nephews, Bruce, Tim and Randy Harpster.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Arbors of Stow for their excellent care during her last days.

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

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Michael Charles LeymonMichael “Mike” Charles Leymon, age 68 of Mogadore went home to be with the Lord on February 15, 20...
02/19/2026

Michael Charles Leymon

Michael “Mike” Charles Leymon, age 68 of Mogadore went home to be with the Lord on February 15, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on March 18, 1957 to the late Jack and Wavelene Leymon.

In addition to his parents, Mike is preceded in death by his brother, Patrick Leymon.

Mike was often described as a ‘man of few words,’ but carried a significant presence that filled any room he entered. He possessed a wonderful sense of humor and never missed an opportunity to bring a smile or laugh to those around him. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Mike took great joy in supporting and spoiling his grandchildren.

Mike was an avid sports fan who loved watching, playing, and coaching sports throughout his life. In addition to sports, Mike dedicated many years to mentoring and encouraging young people through his involvement with Middlebury Chapel.

Mike is survived by his wife, Terri; children, Kelli, Angela, and Michael (Dawn) Leymon; grandchildren, Sean Michael, Makayla, Cooper, Milo, and Willow; brother, Martin (Linda) Leymon; and many friends and extended family.

Mike was an unforgettable, warm, and caring person who will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

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

Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery.

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Paul George RobinsonPaul George Robinson, 83, of Palm Coast, Florida, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2026 at home...
02/13/2026

Paul George Robinson

Paul George Robinson, 83, of Palm Coast, Florida, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2026 at home with his wife by his side.

Paul was born on February 15, 1942, in Akron, Ohio, to the late George and Martha Robinson. He attended St. Paul’s Elementary School and Archbishop Hoban High School, and in December of 1972 he graduated from the University of Akron with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting.

On August 1, 1970, he married the love of his life, Ann Marie Pachipka, in Akron, Ohio.

Paul worked as a Certified Public Accountant with the State of Ohio Auditor’s Office for 28 years, where he was responsible for auditing schools, hospitals, townships, villages, and housing authorities within his district.

He was a member of Beta Alpha Psi, the National Accounting Fraternity, and Santa Maria del Mar Catholic Church in Flagler Beach. While living in Ohio, he was a member of St. Paul’s and St. John’s Catholic Churches. Paul also served as a board member for two youth soccer clubs - Northwest/Jackson Soccer NJSL League (recreational) and Wales Road (travel teams) - and coached for many years. He served on the Audit Committee for St. Paul’s Parish Credit Union and was President of the Woodmoor HOA for more than 20 years.

Paul and Ann Marie moved to Palm Coast in 2017, coming from Massillon, Ohio (Jackson Township).

Paul enjoyed fishing in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, at Portage Lakes, and at Apple Valley in Ohio. He loved coaching soccer for children of all ages and watching his sons play sports through the years. He enjoyed working outdoors, especially landscaping, and the Florida heat was never too much for him. Paul always had his camera at every event and often said, “A picture not taken is a moment in time lost,” leaving his family with thousands of cherished photographs.

Family was the joy and love of his life, especially his three sons and the men they have become, which he considered his greatest achievement. He was a devoted grandfather who loved to play, make up stories, tell “Grandpa” jokes, and spend time talking with his grandchildren, loving them with his whole heart.

Paul is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Ann Marie Robinson; his sons, John Robinson and his wife Angela, Shawn Robinson and his wife Elsie, and Paul S. Robinson and his wife Anna; his sisters, Susan Turpin and her husband Scott, and Kathleen Little and her husband Ron; his brothers, James Robinson and his wife Nancy, Robert Robinson and his wife Michele, Richard Robinson and his wife June, and Michael Robinson and his wife Denise; his sister-in-law, Laura Robinson; his grandchildren, Ethan Robinson, Andrew Robinson, Zachary Robinson, Emily Robinson, Gabriel Robinson, Claire Robinson, and Jake Davison; his great-grandchild, Ella Davison; and many nieces, nephews, and longtime friends both in Ohio and Florida.

He was preceded in death by his brother, David Robinson, and his sister, Mary Anne Myslinski.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Santa Maria del Mar Catholic Church on Friday, February 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. Paul will be inurned at Holy Cross Cemetery in Akron, Ohio, at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made in Paul Robinson’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to a charity of one’s choice.

The family of Mr. Robinson entrusted his arrangements to Clymer Funeral Home & Cremations.

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Betty I. FirthBetty I. Firth, 101, passed away February 11, 2026. Born in Akron, she lived most of her life in Tallmadge...
02/12/2026

Betty I. Firth

Betty I. Firth, 101, passed away February 11, 2026. Born in Akron, she lived most of her life in Tallmadge.

Betty went back to school in her 40’s to become a LPN and retired from Robinson Memorial Hospital. She was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Victory and the Squad at Goodyear Aircraft.

Betty was kind and caring, who put the needs of her family before her own. She was a strong woman who faced every challenge in her life with courage and dignity. While her husband was in WWII, Betty taught herself how to drive and worked as a Rosie the Riveter. She saved enough money to buy land in Tallmadge, where her husband built the house and raised six children.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Francis; parents, Fred and Lura Gates; infant son, Timothy Firth; daughter, Rebecca Mishler; grandson, Christopher Messina; sisters, Helouise Gates, Lola DeMarco, Madelyn Brinkley; brothers, Gerald Gates, Kenneth Gates, Paul Gates, Samuel Gates, William Gates; daughter in law, Theresa Firth; and son in law, Paul Haralson

Betty leaves many behind to mourn her loss: her daughters, Nancy Haralson, Kimberly (Dave) Freiman; sons, Daniel (Flos) Firth, Michael (Carole) Firth, Kirk (Kimberly) Firth; grandchildren, Tammy (Rusty) Haught, Dustin (Trish) Haralson, Josh (Shelly) Messina, Ashley (Jason) Zuponcic, Kevin Freiman, Brian (Shannon) Mishler, Chris (Carrie) Firth, Jeff (Alipsa) Firth, Chad Firth, Christina Firth, Adam (Monica) Firth, Jamie (TJ) Vargo; 13 great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation will be 4:00 until 6:00 p.m., Monday, February 16, 2026 at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave. (On the Historic Tallmadge Circle).

Mass of Christian burial will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at Our Lady of Victory, 73 North Ave., Tallmadge with Rev. Michael Williamson officiating. Procession to form at the church.

Interment will be at Tallmadge Cemetery.

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Marie M PappanoMarie M. Pappano, 96, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2026 at The Gables of Green, where she receiv...
02/11/2026

Marie M Pappano

Marie M. Pappano, 96, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2026 at The Gables of Green, where she received wonderful care. Previously she was lovingly cared for at Shepherd’s Gate in Hartville by Marina Showalter.

Marie was born in Akron, Ohio (in North Hill, among many of her neighbors as relatives) to Rose and Michael Pappano. She attended North High School, Class of 1947, where she had perfect attendance all twelve years of her schooling. Marie then began working at Goodyear Tire and Rubber for well over forty years, (where she also never missed a day of work).

Marie was preceded in death by her brother, Joseph (Grace); sister, Carmel Julius (Anthony); niece and nephew, Lorraine and John Julius.

She is survived by her nieces, Janet McMasters (John), Marilyn DiMauro (Frank); and great niece, Jill Dixon.

Visitation will be 10:00 until 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 14, 2026 at Blessed Trinity Church, 300 E Tallmadge Avenue, Akron.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00 a.m. following visitation at the church.

Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, any donations may be made to your favorite charity.

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Penny H. PricePenny Hattie Price, born April 21, 1937 in Lexington, Kentucky left behind a beautiful legacy of kindness,...
02/09/2026

Penny H. Price

Penny Hattie Price, born April 21, 1937 in Lexington, Kentucky left behind a beautiful legacy of kindness, creativity and a deep love for her family and friends.

She was a beloved daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Claude T. Gilbert of Paris, Kentucky. Those preceding her in death was her husband, Richard Dean Price; her brother, Claude Gilbert, Jr; her sister, Shirley Burgess; her brother Jerry T. Gilbert; and her son, Rick Dean Price.

Penny leaves behind her loving son, Mark DeWayne Price; her brother, Rick Gilbert; her grandson, Jeremiah Dean Price; and many nieces and nephews.

Penny was known for her gentle spirit and generous heart, always cherishing time spent with those she loved. She devoted many years to her craft of painting. Penny was a Bob Ross certified instructor. She found great joy in sharing her talent and passion for painting and teaching at Stark State College. When she was not painting, she would often be found working in her yard, earning multiple awards for her lawn and flower garden. Penny also dedicated 25 years to JC Penney, where she was deeply valued for her reliability, warmth, and welcoming presence.

Penny H. Price will be remembered for her artistic soul, her love of nature and quiet grace she lived her life. Faith was her foundation guiding the way she treated others with love and compassion and kindness. She held her beliefs close to her heart and lived them faithfully. Penny will rest gently in the arms of our Lord and Savior. Her journey continues living on in those left behind.

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In Loving Memory of Robert "Coach Bobby" Newell SmithRobert “Coach Bobby” Smith, 79, passed away on January 21, 2026. He...
01/23/2026

In Loving Memory of Robert "Coach Bobby" Newell Smith

Robert “Coach Bobby” Smith, 79, passed away on January 21, 2026. He was born in Akron where he would live for most all his life.

Bob was an outstanding basketball player at Ellet High School and The University of Akron. After graduation, he coached at Akron South and retired from teaching and coaching at Akron East. His greatest pleasures were golfing, fishing, playing cards, and a good cigar.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Newell and Mattie Smith.

Bob is survived by his sisters, Karen (Ray) Maravich and Sandy (George Rance) Culver; nephews, Steve (Cindi) Maravich, Jerry Culver, and Danny Culver; and niece, Sharmel (Itsy) Mathis.

Per his wishes, cremation has taken place and private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Memorial donations in Robert’s name can be made to the Habitat for Humanity of Portage County, PO Box 306 - 6630 Cleveland Road Ravenna, OH 44266.

The family would like to thank Harmony Hospice for their loving care of Coach and kindness to the family.

View Robert "Coach Bobby" Newell Smith's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

In Loving Memory of Michael "Mike" Edward CasamentoMichael “Mike” Edward Casamento, 66, of Brimfield, Ohio, passed away ...
01/20/2026

In Loving Memory of Michael "Mike" Edward Casamento

Michael “Mike” Edward Casamento, 66, of Brimfield, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

Mike was born on February 5, 1959, in Akron, Ohio, to Donna (Dawson) and Edward Waller of Kent, Ohio. He was a devoted son, brother, and friend whose quick wit, humor, and presence left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Mike had a deep love for music and was a loyal Cleveland sports fan.

He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Brody, and his brother, John.

Mike is survived by his loving mother, Donna Casamento; father, Michael Casamento; grandson, Brody Jr.; siblings Toni (Dave), Matt, Jim, Joe, Russ (Jay), and Jodi (Tom); close family Tami and Mark Herman, and many nieces and nephews who will fondly remember him.

Mike was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Friends and family will be received at 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave. Tallmadge, OH 44278.

Memorial service will follow visitation at the funeral at 7:00 p.m.

The family extends a special thank you to the staff at Timberland Ridge Memory Care for the care and kindness they provided.

View Michael "Mike" Edward Casamento's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

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17 Southwest Avenue
Tallmadge, OH
44278

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About Us

A letter from Jim Donovan, owner of Donovan Funeral Home.

Although my family and I have been residents of Tallmadge most of our lives, and have many friends and deep ties to our community, I would like to introduce myself and our funeral home to those of you whom I have not yet had the opportunity to meet. In the spring of 2003, I purchased the funeral home on Tallmadge Circle and we have since then brought three different generations of funeral professionals within our family to our business: my father-in-law, my son, and myself. My father’s parents, Jim and Dorothy Donovan of Elm Avenue, had five children here in Tallmadge, and my mother’s parents, Homer and Evelyn Heiser, had ten children here in Tallmadge, and now my wife, the former Julie Bagnoli, and I have three children of our own whom were born and raised here: James, Courtney and Kendall. Julie’s parents, Larry and Brenda Bagnoli, have been Tallmadge residents for a long time and raised their two daughters here.

It was my father-in-law, Larry Bagnoli, who showed me how much I could help people through the funeral profession. I have done my best to follow in his footsteps as a funeral director. We share the same beliefs and philosophies about helping people in their time of need. And now that my son, James, has graduated college and begun working full-time, he too is working hard to ensure only the best and most compassionate care for all our families that come to us in their time of need.