, passed away last night (May 7, 2009) at the age of 87, while recovering from a heart attack at the Veterans Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. He resided for over 50 years at 175 Lookout Drive in Oakwood, a suburb of Dayton, Ohio. Stamper was a prominent attorney in Dayton, Ohio, who was decorated with The Bronze Star for heroic achievement in the U.S. Marine Corps in World War II, and was among the first troops to land in Japan and survey the atomic bombsite at Nagasaki. He is survived by his four children, Dr. Bruce Maxwell Stamper, publisher and editor of MaximsNews Network; Robert Hammond Stamper, president of National Databank Service, Inc., and resident of Oakwood; Joan Stamper-Elking, a real estate agent with Prudential One Realtors, and resident of Oakwood; and Christopher Hillman Stamper and his wife, Sharon Schuh of West Carrollton, Ohio. He is also survived by his grandchildren who affectionately referred to him as “Bopple”: Genevieve Clare Stamper, living in New York City; Gwendolyn Amelia Stamper of New York City; Erin Elizabeth Stamper of Washington D.C.; Jonathan Maxwell Elking and Jason Robert Elking of Oakwood and John, Meagen and Kelly, as well as great grandchildren Tyler, Bailey, Jesse, Caitlin, Colton, and Jacob all of the Dayton area. Maxwell H. Stamper, Jr. was born in Middletown, Ohio, on January 22, 1922, to the parents of Maxwell Hammond Stamper, Sr. and Luna Adams Stamper. He was the grandson of Greenbery Stamper, an attorney and politician in eastern Kentucky. Mr. Stamper graduated from Middletown High School in 1940. At Stetson University, he met and later married another freshman, Ruth Amelia Hillman of Orlando, Florida and Paterson, New Jersey. They remained a loving couple for 53 years, until Ruth Stamper passed away in May 1996. His studies at Stetson were interrupted by the attack on Pearl Harbor. He volunteered for the United States Marine Corp, and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Second Marine Division, where he was an expert rifleman and a specialist in demolition. “We were supposed to hit the Japanese beachhead late in September, 1945, and that was the suicide mission. But with the A-bomb, they started thinking that it might not be. And that’s how the A-bomb saved my life.” Lt. Stamper went to Saipan, Tinian, Saipan [again], Okinawa, and Nagasaki and helped capture the islands to build air bases to bomb Japan with B-29s. The planes that later dropped the A-bombs. After landing on the beaches, Lt. Stamper’s rifle platoon specialized in cave fighting and demolition. As a result, he suffered severe and life-long hearing loss from the explosions while he was in the caves. Lt. Stamper was decorated with THE BRONZE STAR METAL, “For heroic achievement…against the enemy while serving with a Marine infantry battalion on Okinawa, on 19 June 1945. In September 1945, Lt. Stamper was among the first troops to land in Japan, where his 8th Regiment marched across the Nagasaki bombsite, a few weeks after the A-bomb was dropped. “When I reached the top of the cup I could view the city — what was the city of Nagasaki, and for miles I couldn’t see a full brick. It was just all twisted steel and rubble of brick debris…for miles. “There was a feeling of sadness… for all the people who had died. And the next thought was that if it hadn’t been for that bomb, all of us would have died, and a million more American soldiers.” Upon returning to the United States, Mr. Stamper finished his BA in history from Stetson University, and then went on to receive his law degree from Harvard Law School, Cambridge, Mass. In 1950, Max and Ruth moved to Dayton, Ohio, and lived in Oakwood where in 1960, they build a post-modern home on Lookout Drive that overlooks Dayton and the Miami Valley. For some 50 years, he was a prominent attorney in Dayton. He joined the firm of Harshman, Young, Colvin and Alexander, and his law practice included a variety of specializations including labor, corporate, and criminal. In 1990, he established his own law firm in Oakwood. Throughout his career, he always devoted a large proportion of his law practice to needy clients. “He carried more poor people on his back than all the rest of the law firm put together,” said Adah Mae Thompson, legal secretary for 40 years. Also, he would often enter as a friend of the court on behalf of needy defendants, and around town the older lawyers greeted him, “Good Morning, Amicus-Curiae.” The Oakwood Rotarians were cheered up with his many speeches, and at the Dayton YMCA he was a skilled and tenacious handball player, who never played with gloves. For years, his main transportation was a ‘57 Ford Thunderbird convertible. “I bought it for Ruthie, it was a great car with the biggest police interceptor engine they made.” For some five decades, Max and Ruth attended the First Baptist Church in downtown Dayton. In the 1950s and 1960s, he formed a business partnership that built hundreds of new homes in East Dayton. Later, he established several manufacturing corporations, one utilizing high-tech plastic injection molding, and another to develop the chemical engineering of “breathing, plastic fabric.” Max loved Tennyson, Burns, Wordsworth, Shelley, Keats, and Byron. He loved books of all kinds, and had a life-long interest in ancient history and old orations. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 23 at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, Monument Street, downtown Dayton.
, age 85, of Kettering, loving and loved husband, father, and grandfather passed away Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at Kettering Medical Center. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Mary Angela Macke and beloved and devoted wife, Dorothy Macke. Survived by his sons, Bruce (Linda) and Rick; grandchildren, Jennifer and John (Brooke); and brother, Edward. Joseph proudly served his country in the United States Air Force in World War II and retired from WPAFB in 1986. Private graveside services will be held in David’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be given in Joseph’s memory to Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, Ohio 45420. Condolences and other remembrances may be sent to the family at www.routsong.com.
, age 59, of Kettering, passed away Tuesday, April 28, 2009 after a brief illness. She is preceded in death by her father, Dr. Jack Randall. She is survived by her loving husband of 40 years, James (Mag) McManus; mother, Mary Randall of Oakwood; sons, Daniel and David; daughter and son-in-law, Jill McManus and Matthew Kerns; grandchildren, Samantha and Emily McManus; siblings, Dr. David (Mary Kay) Randall of CO, Jim (Louise) Randall of Kettering, Patty (Doug) Stansfield of Oakwood, Dr. William (Lauren) Randall of Oakwood; nieces and nephews, Jennie, Ben, Catie, Joey, Sam, Jack, Ellie, and Abby. Susan is a graduate of Oakwood High School 1967 and dedicated her life to her family. Family received friends Thursday, April 30, 2009 at Newcomer Funeral Home, 3940 Kettering Blvd., Kettering. Memorial services followed. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Greater Dayton. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.Newcomer Dayton.com.
, longtime conductor of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and a popular and enduring fixture in the area’s classical music scene, died Sunday morning, May 3, 2009, at Hospice of Dayton. He was 71. According to longtime friends Steve and Rachel Bankey, Mr. Wendelken-Wilson had been in declining health for some time; death was from natural causes. Mr. Wendelken-Wilson became the DPO’s second music director, taking the reins from founding director Paul Katz for the 1975-76 season. He remained at the podium for 12 years, starting a subscription Pops series in 1978-79 and spearheading the still-popular All Orchestra Night Concerts. In 1990, Mr. Wendelken-Wilson became artistic director and conductor for the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra; most recently, he acted as music director for Dayton Public Radio (WDPR 88.1), where he hosted an afternoon show, and an occasional conductor with the Dayton Opera. Tom Bankston, general manager and artistic director for the Dayton Opera, said Mr. Wendelken-Wilson “brought such a sense of history ... We’re going to miss him, for all the things he brought to the city, the voice everyone listened for every afternoon on WDPR — there were so many layers to how he affected the musical life of Dayton.” A native of New Jersey, Mr. Wendelken-Wilson came to Dayton from the New York City Opera Company, where he began his career as an organist and pianist soon after graduating from Mannes College of Music in New York City. Soon, he was promoted to conductor at the New York City Opera before eventually taking a post as an assistant conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra under the renowned Erich Leinsdorf. In Dayton, he is remembered as a “musician’s musician,” said Mike Coogan, a trombone player who worked with Mr. Wendelken-Wilson in the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra. “He was one of the most amazing musicians I’ve ever met, and just a great man.” Neal Gittleman, current music director for the Dayton Philharmonic, remembers Mr. Wendelken-Wilson as an inspiring force. “There was something about his commitment to making music that was just really honest, really inspiring,” Gittleman said. “You could see it in the way musicians played for him; you could see it in the way musicians talked about him. They really liked it when he was on the podium. “He brought a lot of good things to the Dayton Philharmonic,” Gittleman continued. “It was very hard ... Paul Katz had been there for 42 years, and then this guy shows up to be the music director. He really helped the orchestra grow at a very important time, moving beyond the founding music director. He helped it become what it is today.” Rachel Bankey, who worked with Mr. Wendelken-Wilson over the years and, specifically, in the founding of the Opera Funatics, believes opera may have been his first love. “I think he started out wanting to be a tenor, and he really didn’t have the pipes to do that — when his voice changed and he became a bass baritone, it was out of the question,” she laughed. “His love was opera. “In 1991 he started conducting the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra, and made it a force to be reckoned with for people whose first job was not being a musician — schoolteachers, engineers, and young people, too. It’s a great orchestra for people to learn the orchestral repertoire.” Oakwood Register arts critic Dr. Burt Saidel remarked that “we all knew and really loved Charles. His tenure at the DPO was its emergence into a major regional orchestra. He came to us from New York City Opera where he was a major staff conductor and has been acknowledged as Beverly Sills’ favorite conductor by many including Sills. As conductor of the Miami Valley Symphony and most recently as music director of Dayton Public Radio, his contributions were legion! He lived for music and spread his love of the art to all.” Mr. Wendelken-Wilson settled in Dayton, preferring life in the Miami Valley to returning to the East Coast. Friends of Mr. Wendelken-Wilson, who has no surviving family, are planning a memorial service to celebrate his life, details of which are pending.
, age 86, of Kettering, passed away Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at Lincoln Park Manor. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Curt Talmedge Walters and Mrs. Effie Castle Walters; brothers, Paul Walters and Ernest (Lenora) Walters; nephew, Ronald Walters; sister, Esther (James) Anderson; niece, Sharron Anderson. She is survived by her loving husband of 35 years, Ervin L. Welch; step-daughter, Marilyn (Dr. Scott) Hotes of San Francisco; step-son, Dr. Bryant (Debbie) Welch of Hilton Head, SC; step-grandsons, Lucas Welch of NY and Tucker Welch of Boston, Mass; sister, Barbara (Ben) Wardlow of Clarksville, OH; life-long friend, Jean Heinzerling of Cincinnati; niece, Lynn Stinson of Bloomfield Hills, MI; and many nieces and nephews. Wally began a long modeling career at age five with the renowned painter and photographer Nicholas Boris of Cincinnati. Her photograph won first prize in Greece and New York. She continued her work with Mr. Boris until his death in 1934. Her fashion career continued with the Conover agency in New York. She returned to Cincinnati, modeling at various department stores and also in Dayton, modeling at Rike’s for many years. Wally continued her career at the Guenther, Brown and Berne Advertising Agency in Cincinnati. She was a member of David’s United Church of Christ. Family received friends Friday, April 24 at David’s Church, 170 West David Road, Kettering. Services followed with Rev. Becky Erb Strang officiating. Interment in Woodside Cemetery, Middletown, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given in Wally’s memory to the Montgomery County Public Library. Arrangements entrusted to Routsong Funeral Home. Condolences and other remembrances may be sent to the family at www.routsong.com.
, age 52, formerly of Dayton Ohio, a resident of Winston-Salem, North Carolina for the last seven years, passed away Sunday April tle with Breast Cancer. Patty was a Pediatric Registered Nurse at Brenner Childrens Hospital in Winston-Salem for nearly six years. She is survived by her spouse, Joseph Weller, of Panama City, FL. Mother, Glenna Floan, Daughter, Lauren Connell, her brothers, Steve, Craig, Doug and his wife, Eileen, nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, and cousins. Patty was a graduate of the Oakwood High School class of 1975. She received her nursing degree from Christ Hospital and Xavier University in Cincinnati. Patty fought her disease with dignity and a beautiful smile that no one who knew her will ever forget. Patty spent her life nurturing relationships with friends and family. A memorial service was held on Saturday, the 25th of April at the Lutheran Church of Our Saviour, 155 Thruston Blvd E., Oakwood, Ohio.
, age 71, of Dayton, departed this life on Monday, April 20, 2009 after a 2 1⁄2 year battle with prostate cancer. Jim was born on August 10, 1937 near Enterprise AL a son of Herman and Lillie Mae (Crumpler) Dunaway. He is preceded in death by his siblings, Pete, Edsel and Lovie. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Carole (Bock) Dunaway; four sons, David (Rebecca), Dr. Daniel (Angela), Matthew (Kirsten) and Dr. Romeo (Lena) Massoud; 11 grandchildren, Spencer, Ike, Drew, Drake, Darick, Dawson, Grace, Katherine, Christian, Vianna, and Safia; and his extended family, Jerry (Jane) Bock, Marilyn (Richard) Bock Woolums and Michael Bock. He served as pastor in the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church for 50 years. Churches served were Moscow Ohio Charge, Glenwood in Columbus, Somerset, John Wesley in Cincinnati, Christ Church in Kettering, Trinity in Milford, First Church in Van Wert and Centerville Church. He held degrees from Asbury College, METHESCO and United Seminary. Jim loved his family and his churches and was a great friend to all. Jim touched many lives both in and out of the church. He will be greatly missed. Services were held Friday, April 24, 2009 at Centerville United Methodist Church, 63 E. Franklin St., Centerville, Ohio, Dr. L. Steven Fewell, Rev. Patty Matthews and Rev. Greg Crabtree officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, Ohio 45420 or Centerville United Methodist Church. Arrangements in care of TOBIAS FUNERAL HOME – FAR HILLS CHAPEL, Dayton. Condolences may be made to www.tobiasfuneralhome.com. “ROLL TIDE”!
, age 87, of Kettering, OH, passed away Friday, April 24, 2009 in Dayton. He was preceded in death by his wife Ruthella Codispoti, his parents Bruno & Anna Maria Codispoti and sister Elizabeth Codispoti. Doc Codi attended Ohio University and graduated from Ohio State University College of Dentistry in 1950. He joined the Army Air Corps in 1942 and was a Flight Officer in the 8th Air Corps, 401st Bombardment Group, 612th Squadron stationed in England. He practiced dentistry in the Dayton area for 20 years and is remembered fondly by many of his former patients. Doc Codi is survived by his children; Marissa (John) Joseph of Beavercreek, Gregory (Connie) Codispoti of Columbus, OH, Jim (Allison) Codispoti of Kettering, and Michael (Kathy) Codispoti of Sugarcreek Township, OH, grandchildren; Marc, Christopher, Benjamin and Rebecca Codispoti, Jill Joseph and Nikki McKiernan and great-grandson Jared McKiernan, two brothers; Isidore Codispoti of Canton, OH and Andivo Codispoti of Brewster, OH. Doc Codi was an avid fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Cleveland Browns. The family invites guests to show their support by dressing in team colors. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Avenue, Kettering, Ohio 45420. The family would like to express their thanks to the Staff of One Lincoln Park for the last 13 years of excellent care and friendship. Also our thanks to Miami Valley Hospital, 5 Cardiology, CICU Pod 3, and 5 Telemetry for their care. Special thanks to Drs. Clymer, Jain, Evans, Ambalavanan and Leisring. The family will receive friends 4 to 6: 30 PM Wednesday, April 29, 2009 at the Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Rd. Kettering, OH with a Memorial Service to follow with Fr. John Putka officiating. Private burial will be at the convenience of the family. For other remembrances and condolences please visit our website at www.routsong.com.
, age 79, passed away at her residence Monday, April 13, 2009 in Hopkinton, MA. Anne was born on October 6, 1929 in Dayton, Ohio to Walter and Mary McGary. Until the final 1 ? years of her life, Anne was a lifetime resident of Dayton. She graduated from Oakwood High School and was a longtime supporter of the visual and performing arts in Dayton and throughout the state of Ohio. Anne was involved in the Civil Rights movement and was a member of the Dayton Junior League, working to bring positive social change to her Dayton community. From the 1970s to 2008 Anne actively supported numerous local and regional arts organizations both in professional roles and as a tireless volunteer. She was the General Manager of the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company in its founding years, General Manager of the Dayton Children’s Theater, President of the Friends of the Dayton Ballet, Manager of Creativity 80s programs with the Engineering Department at the University of Dayton, and President of the Miami Valley Art Quilt Network. Anne was a member of the Dayton Art Institute, Dayton Visual Arts Center, Ohio Art League, Ohio Designer Craftsmen, and many local and regional art quilt groups. In the early 1990s Anne started her own art career in fiber art. Her goal was to elevate fiber art or womens art, to the status of fine art. She exhibited her work in numerous galleries across the state of Ohio including the Governors Mansion and the White Houses permanent art collections. She won many awards including the Individual Excellence Award from the Ohio Arts Council in 2006, and a lifetime achievement Special Commendation Award from the Board of County Commissioners and the Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District in 2008. Anne was preceded in death by her parents, her 1st husband William Kuntz Jr., and her 2nd husband George Beckman Hubler. Anne is survived by her sisters Ellen Rill, Patricia Mudd and Mary Driscoll; her five children William Kuntz III, George (Pamela) Hubler Jr., James Hubler, Mary (Steven) Ansell, and Hazel (Kent) Chapple; and nine grandchildren, Robert and Andrew Kuntz, Reed, Mitchell and Haley Hubler, Louisa, Rachel and Samuel Ansell, Finley Chapple. A memorial will be held in June in the Dayton area. Please send a donation to a Dayton arts organization in lieu of flowers.
, age 95, of Dayton, Ohio passed away Monday April 13, 2009. A lifelong Daytonian, he was born January 5, 1914. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Preceded in death by his beloved wife, Audrey V. Margolis; he is survived by his sister, Mrs. lrving (Carline) Ravel of Austin, TX.; brother and sister-in-law. John A. and Audrey O. Margolis of Dayton; 2 daughters and son-in-law, Merrie Lyn and Douglas J. Blackford of Dayton, and Cyr V. Daniel of New Boston, N.H.; 2 granddaughters, Ariel and Julia Daniel and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Margolis leaves behind a lifetime of service, a love of community and a legacy of leadership achieved by few. A graduate of the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania - 1936, he served his country as lieutenant commander in the United States Navy from 1942-45. He began his career at the Metropolitan Clothing Company, founded by his father (JH Margolis), serving as President from 1951-1978 and as Chairman of the Board 1979. He left the Met in 1980 to become President of GZK, Inc. Restaurant systems and remained as respected consultant and CEO Emeritus until his death. Mr. Margolis was a lifelong devotee to public service. The organizations he was most proud of being affiliated with are the United Way of Greater Dayton (Campaign Chairman, 1964), the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce (President, 1968), and the Area Progress Council (Chairman 1968-9). In addition, he served on the Board of Directors for many companies including: The Third National Sank and Trust Co., Interstate Financial Corp., Society Corp., Junior Achievement of Dayton and Miami Valley Inc., the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra Assoc., Dayton Retail Merchants Assoc. (where he also was President), Mens Wear Retailers of America, Dayton Better Business Bureaus Downtown Dayton Assoc., the National Conference of Christians and Jews, Temple Israel (9 years) and the Dayton Racquet Club. He served as Trustee for the Montgomery County Public Library, Air Force Museum Foundation, Aviation Hall of Fame, Dayton Boys Club (22 years), Childrens Hospital Society of Dayton, the Cox Heart Institute and, he took great pride in being Officer of the Day for St. Josephs Annual Picnic. He was on the Kettering Memorial Hospital Civic Advisory Board and served as President of their Development Fund as well as Trustee Emeritus for the Kettering Medical Foundation. He served on the Board, was Chairman of the Military Affairs and industrial Development Committees as well as 1st and 2nd VP and President of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce from 1966-68. At United Fund he was Combined Campaign General Chairman (1964) Chairman of the Deferred Giving Fund and 2nd Vice President. He served on the Board of Directors and as president for 3 years on United Way. He was a big believer in the importance of a good education and was Trustee of Sinclair Community College Foundation. At University of Dayton, he was Trustee and served as Co-Chair for Special Gifts for the New Horizons Fund Campaign and the Combined Special Gifts Drive for UD and Wright State. Awards include: Citizens Legion of Honor (1969), Dayton Boys Club Bronze Keystone (1974), Big Brothers/Big Sisters Special Honoree (1985), Brookfield Clothing Academy for Retail Promotion, and the Boy Scouts of America (3 separate awards for special service to scouting). He was a member of the Kiwanis Club, the Hundred Club, the 49 Club, Dayton Racquet Club, Meadowbrook Country Club and Moraine Country Club. His final honor came In July 2008, when he was presented the Legacy Recognition Award for a Life of Leadership and Community Service by the United Way of Greater Dayton. At Mr. Margolis request there will be no service. The family would especially like to thank Teresa, Sherri and Donna from Home Instead Senior Care, for providing such excellent support/care in the last months of his life. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the United Way of Greater Dayton or the charity of your choice.
, passed away April 12, 2009 peacefully at home surrounded by her family after a prolonged battle with breast cancer. Born September 18, 1946 in Dayton, OH to Emily Verwold and James Ellsworth Benham. She graduated from Oakwood High School and William Woods College with a degree in Education, followed by a Masters in Reading Education from the University of Houston. She taught primary school in Spring Branch, TX and in the Centerville School District. While raising a loving family, she devoted her life to extensive volunteer work. She served as Board Member and Chair of the United Way of Greater Dayton, Board of Trustees and Chair of Montgomery County Children Services, past President of the Junior League of Dayton, International Board of Directors of the Association of Junior League, Board of Trustees and Chair of Saint Joseph’s Residential Treatment and Childcare Center, Board of Trustees and Secretary of Senior Citizens’ Center of Greater Dayton Area, Chair of Dayton Art Institute Experiencenter, and Board of Trustees of Planned Parenthood of Montgomery County. Additionally she worked with Dayton Foundation, Designer Show House, Bara Court of Ladies Oriental Shrine, Public Television Auction, Aullwood Audubon Center, Friends of Dayton Ballet, Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission, Leadership Dayton, Kettering Holiday at Home, United Way Task Force, United Issues Forums, Honorary Chair of Susan B Koman Cancer Walk, Voluntary Action Center, and numerous projects with Kettering Foundation. Her favorite activities included performing with Center Stage Show Choir, playing bridge, and traveling. She was a loving Sheltie owner and extraordinary cook, perhaps inspired by the years spent working with her father and grandmother at Benham’s Catering. She was a faithful member of Christ United Methodist Church. Survived by husband of 40 years Stephen; children Brandon (Liz), Ashley (Nick) Heniser, Lindsey (Matt) Bayer, Justen; grandchildren Madison, Graham, Ashlyn; sister Mary Lynn “Mitzi” (Bob) Mittlestead; nephews Brad, Tyler, Todd; aunts “No-no” Covert and Enid Dover; mother-in-law Dorothy (Bob) Masters; and a loving network of friends and relatives. Memorial service was held at Christ United Methodist Church on Saturday, April 18th. In lieu of flowers, Kit requested donations be sent to the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer to support her children’s ongoing participation in the fight for a cure of breast cancer. These donations should be directed to “The Whole Kit and Kaboodle” team found at http://www.avonwalk.org under the New York 2009 Walk.
, age 78, of Dayton, OH, passed away April 10, 2009 at Oak Creek Terrace Nursing Home. Sam was born June 15, 1930 in Gloucester, MA, and graduated from Gloucester High School in June 1948. He enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard in 1950 and married Clara “Molly” Adams in 1951. He received his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Northeastern University in 1959 and immediately accepted a position with General Electric in New York. In 1965 he moved his family to Dayton and began work as a civilian employee at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. While there Sam contributed to avionics developments for a variety of missile projects, including the ALCM (Air Launch Cruise Missile) and Stealth fighter. Sam truly was a rocket scientist and was twice nominated as engineer of the year for his work in the Advanced Systems Division at WPAFB. In June 1972 he earned his Master’s in engineering management from University of Dayton. He retired in 1990, but continued working as a volunteer docent for the Cox Arboretum and as a substitute teacher. In his free time, Sam enjoyed golfing with his friends, skiing and held a private pilot’s license. He traveled back to his hometown of Gloucester often and especially enjoyed attending the St. Peter’s Fiesta. He was an avid RF boat enthusiast and enjoyed traveling, sketching, bicycling and square dancing with his good friend Elaine. He was also a proud member of American Legion Post #598. He was preceded in death by his parents, Captain Joseph and Jennie (Ciarametaro) Auditore of Gloucester; his loving wife of 43 years, Clara “Molly” Adams; daughter, Pamela; and two brothers, John and Joseph; He is survived by three sons Stephen (Vicki) of Dayton, Philip of Dallas, and Thomas (Kelly) of Dayton; daughter, Marie Boughen (Brian) currently living in Bermuda; seven grandchildren, Alexis, Sara, Stephanie, David, Kelsey, Samantha and Sienna; three brothers, Peter, Frank and Vincent; four sisters, Sandra Gray (Claude), Rosemary Ristino (Arthur), Pamela Auditore and Rita Kleiner (Eric); and his long-time companion Elaine Rosenstein as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. A memorial service was held on Monday, April 13 at Tobias Funeral Home, Far Hills Chapel, 5471 Far Hills Rd. at Rahn Rd. The family also received visitors on April 13. Sam will be buried in the Auditore family plot in Seaside Cemetery in Gloucester, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cox Arboretum in Sam’s honor. Sam lived a long and “molto bene” life and will be missed by many. Salute d’Amour!
, age 100, formerly of Oakwood, passed away in Baton Rouge, LA, on March 28, 2009. Ralph was born in Dayton, OH, on March 16, 1909, to the late John and Minnie Tapper. He graduated from Stivers High School and The Ohio State University. In 1935 he received his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. After medical school Ralph served as a captain in the Army Air Corps. He was a flight surgeon during the occupation of Japan after World War II. Ralph married Marjorie Johnson (Oakwood class of 1932) in 1937. They lived on Greenmount Boulevard in Oakwood for 27 years. Dr. Tapper practiced medicine in the Dayton area and in 1950 was the youngest member on the Ohio State Medical Board. He was Chief of Staff of Miami Valley Hospital in 1965. Ralph and Marge retired to Cape Coral, FL, and later to Baton Rouge, LA. He played golf until he was 96 years old. Dr. Tapper was preceded in death by his 3 sisters and by his wife of 70 years, Marjorie. He is survived by daughters Dr. Judie Patrick (Dr. Kirk Patrick) of Baton Rouge, LA, Debbie Novy (Dennis Novy) of Chesterland, OH, and Kris Tapper of Cincinnati, OH. He is also survived by 4 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. A tribute to Dr. Tapper will be made at the Miami Valley Hospital annual medical staff meeting on May 5, 2009.
, age 59, of Oakwood, OH passed away Sunday, April 5, 2009. Larry was the owner of Broadway Sand & Gravel, Cornett Trucking, LC Trucking, and Aces & Eights Harley-Davidson/Buell in Mason, OH. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert Hoover & Edna Mae (Johnson) Cornett. He is survived by his wife, Michelle; two sons, Matthew & Benjamin; sister, Diana Cornett; nephew, Kelly Metcalf; niece, Kerri Metcalf; Cousin, Bobby Johnson; mother-in-law, Sharon Rutan; five great nieces; dearest family friend, Marty Graham; and business partner, Doug Jones. Larry was the type of person that never knew a stranger. He had many lifelong friends and acquaintances that were very fond of him. Always on the go, Larry stopped very seldom to smell the roses or enjoy the fruits of his labor, instead working relentlessly to grow his business. He always tried to help friends in need and be a role model for his two sons and loving husband to his wife Michelle of over 16 years. After years of various busi ness pursuits he finally found his calling in the Harley-Davidson dealership Aces & Eights. His favorite saying was “Find a job that you love and you’ll never work another day in your life”. Harley-Davidson was his passion, he loved to ride, he loved the lifestyle, and he loved the many people that were fortunate to have crossed his path in life. Always the life of the party and the consummate storyteller, Curtis Larry Cornett will live forever in our hearts. Funeral service was held Friday, April 10 at the TOBIAS FUNERAL HOME-FAR HILLS CHAPEL, 5471 Far Hills Ave. at Rahn Road, Rev. David E. Broyles officiating. Interment, David’s Cemetery. The family received friends at the funeral home Thursday, April 9. If desired. Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to Southern Hills Church, 2287 S. Dixie Hwy. Dayton, OH 45409. Condolences may be sent to tobiasfuneralhome.com.
, age 76, a resident of Bethany Lutheran Village, and formerly of Miamisburg and Oakwood, OH, and Martha’s Vineyard, MA, passed away Wednesday, April 1, 2009. Diane was born in Chattanooga, TN September 4, 1932, to the late William “Archie” and Mary “Louise” Altman. She was the librarian at Oakwood Junior/Senior High School for 19 years; retiring in 1987. She was a Past President of the Ohio Assoc. School Librarians; Co-founder of the Southwestern Ohio Young Adult Materials for the Ohio Dept. of Education, Inc. In 1983 she received the Award of Merit, presented by the Ohio Educational Library Media Assoc.; and was a Who’s Who in the Midwest and American Women. She and her husband moved to Martha’s Vineyard in 1994 and spent 14 years enjoying their retirement; returning to Centerville in 2007. Diane loved to knit, paint watercolor; was an avid bridge player, was active in her church knitting group; and was a lover of books. She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Richard Ball; her son, David Ball of Dayton, OH; and her daughter, Anne Alford of Alexandria, VA; 4 grandchildren, Diane (Andrew) Croce, Eli Alford, Jr., Lindsay (Jason) Ramspott and Jordan Ball; her great-grandson, Walker Ramspott; her sister, Kay (Jim) Clawson of Caryville, TN; her brother, Bill Altman of Hendersonville, NC; her sister-in-law, Shirley Brockman of Miamisburg, OH; and numerous nieces and nephews. The Family received friends Saturday, April 4, 2009, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 901 E. Stroop Rd., Kettering, OH, where a Memorial Service will follow with Rev. Thomas D. Prochaska, officiating. Burial will be Private for the Family at David’s Cemetery. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church or to the American Lung Association, 4050 Executive Dr., Suite 402, Cinti, OH 45281. Dalton Funeral Home, Germantown, OH, serving the Family.
, age 84, of Oakwood and formerly of Washington Twp. passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2009. She was a graduate of Fairview High School and received her Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Education and English from Denison University where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. After graduation she taught near Oxford, Ohio for four years while her husband finished his education. Maralyn leaves the loves of her life, her family; husband of 61 years, Thomas Howells Parker; daughters, Leslie and Geordie Mackenzie of Grosse Pointe Farms, MI, Jill and Mark Shepherd of Danville, CA and Jennie and Brad Gingrich of Oakwood, OH; grandchildren, Geordie Mackenzie, Maggie Mackenzie, Alex Shepherd, Abby Shepherd, Tommy Gingrich and Katie Gingrich; as well as her dear friends from high school, college, golf, bridge and those she made through the pleasure of volunteering. The family will receive friends at Jennie and Brad Gingrich’s home on Friday, April 10th from 5:00 – 8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to your charity of choice. Arrangements by Routsong Funeral Home.
, born May 25, 1968 passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 24, 2009. Daughter of Jennifer Ramsey of Oakwood, Rachel lived in Oakwood in her formative years and graduated from Smith Elementary School and Oakwood High School. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy graduating Summa Cum Laude from Miami University. Rachel furthered her education and received a Juris Doctorate degree graduating Cum Laude from the University of Michigan. Rachel practiced law in Tampa, Florida for ten years and was currently residing in Dayton, Ohio. Rachel is survived by her mother, Jennifer Ramsey, by her best friend Laura Elizabeth & daughter Sparrow Elizabeth to whom Rachel was a devoted “big sister,” by her companion cats, especially Stanley, by Michael Fluke, by her aunt Rebecca Bonner and her uncle Allen Burns, by cousins Kristina Dreslinski and Robert Alexander, and by her husband, Gregory Houser. Rachel will be remembered for her love of nature and her kindness to ani mals. Rachel will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her. Family received friends on Friday, March 27, 2009 at Woodland Mausoleum followed by a memorial service, Rabbi Judy Chessin and Rev. C.C. Coltrain officiating. In lieu of flowers and in remembrance of Rachel, please make donations to the Pet Advocate League (PAL), P.O. Box 10742, Dayton, Ohio 45402. Condolences and other remembrances may be sent to the family via the Internet on www.routsong.com.
, A fixture of the Dayton and Oakwood business community for more than 50 years passed away suddenly in Hilton Head, SC on March 26. Max was known by his friends and acquaintances as a fierce competitor with a big heart. He was Chairman and CEO of The Elder-Beerman Stores Corp. in Dayton, OH for 38 years (retired 1991), building that company from a local department store to a major national department store chain. As evidence of his devotion to the company and the community, he came out of retirement in 1996 to lead a successful restructuring of Elder-Beerman, after it had fallen into financial difficulties. Philanthropy was very important to Max Gutmann. He established the Max and Darlene Gutmann Family Foundation to fund worthwhile local charitable activities. He established The Max and Darlene Gutmann Lectureship in Judaic Studies at the University of Dayton, was active in the Jewish Federation of Dayton and was a member of the Beth Abraham and Temple Beth Or Synagogue in Dayton and Beth Yam Synagogue in Hilton Head. Max was an active supporter and promoter of the Dayton business community. He was a director for Dayco Corporation, Frederick Atkins Corporation, Bank One Corporation and chairman for the Ohio Council of Retail Merchants. He was founder of the The Downtown Dayton Partnership, co-founder of the Dayton Development Council, and worked with the Urban League of Dayton, Dayton Philharmonic Board and University of Dayton Business Advisory Council. He also served as Trustee for the University of Dayton. Max was recognized as “1997 Marketer of the Year” by the American Marketing Association. He also received many awards, including the Ohio Merchants Award, the National Conference of Christian and Jews Annual Award, “The Spirit of American Free Enterprise Award,” and the “Humanitarian Award by the National Conference of Christian and Jews.” On July 12, 1991, Dayton Mayor Richard Clay Dixon presented Max Gutmann with “The Key to the City of Dayton” and proclaimed the day “Max Gutmann Day.” Max was born in Niederwerren, Germany on July 12, 1922. His family was persecuted by the Nazis in the 1930s and eventually escaped to France and then Shanghai, China in the early part of World War II. The family eventually made its way to Cincinnati, OH and Max enlisted in the United States Army, serving in U.S. Army Intelligence from 1943 to 1946. Those childhood and early adult experiences had a profound influence on his life and work for the next 50 years. Mr. Gutmann is survived by his wife Darlene; daughters Sharon Wing of Cincinnati, Suzanne Blackburn of Portland, ME; sons and daughters-in-law, Jay and Beverly Gutmann of Dayton, Todd and Holly Meyer of Powell, OH; sister, Ils Schwarz of Pittsburgh, PA; brother, Bernie and wife Mary Gutmann of Dayton; grandchildren, Brent, Derek and Mandy Gutmann, Lisa Groesenek, Jessica Young and Hayley and Carson Meyer; two great-grandchildren, Davis and Eden Young; nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral service was at 1pm Sunday, March 29, 2009, at Beth Abraham Synagogue. Rabbi Judy Chesham and Rabbi Bernard Barsky officiating. Interment was at the Temple of Beth Or Section at David’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton, 33 West First Street, Suite 100, Dayton, OH 45402. Arrangements entrusted to Market and Heller Funeral Home, N. Main Street Chapel.
, passed away March 25, 2009. She was the beloved wife of John C. Ferneding, and mother of eight children. Preceded in death by her husband John C. Ferneding and daughter Kathleen. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Ada (Ryan) and Timothy Alphonsus Ryan and step-Mother Catherine Ryan. She is survived by her seven children and their spouses: Nancy (Ferneding) and Colin Campbell, William and Sue Ferneding, Kathleen (Ferneding) and Michael Tenenbaum of Cincinnati, Joanie (Ferneding) and Mike Smith, John and Julie Ferneding, Daniel and Mary Ferneding , Anita (Ferneding) and Dan Mangin. Grandmother to Colin, Lauren, Leigh (Campbell) and Alex Heltzel, John and Margot Campbell, Elizabeth, Samantha and Caroline Ferneding, Katie, Danny, Joey and Patrick Tenenbaum, Steven and Andy Smith, Claire, Peter and Joe Ferneding, Marie Ferneding, Jacqueline Ada, Tommy, Ryan and Danny Mangin. Great-Grandmother to Margot, Samantha and Madeleine Heltzel. Sister of Dan Ryan of Cleveland, Tim and Mary Ryan of Cleveland, Ann (Ryan) and John Drain (both deceased) of Cleveland. Sister-in-laws Anne M. Ferneding and Jane B. Ferneding (deceased). Brother-in-law Thomas C. and Arlene Ferneding (both deceased) of Tacoma, Washington. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio a graduate of Notre Dame Academy and Ursuline College. Former buyer for the Elder Johnson Company and Bookkeeper for John C. Ferneding Insurance for 50 years. She served on the boards of the Christ Child Society, The Junior League of Dayton, Womanline Auxiliary, The Hamlets Drama Club and the World’s Greatest Bridge Club. Volunteered at the Dakota Center and Docent at the Dayton Art Institute. She was a member of the Resurrection Choir and Eucharistic Minister at St. Albert the Great Church. A Mass of Christian burial was held on Saturday, March 28, 2009 at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church, 3033 Far Hills Ave., Kettering, Ohio. Visitation with friends was held Friday, March 27 at Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Rd., Kettering. Burial in Calvary Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers the family requests contributions to the charity of your choice. Condolences and other remembrances may be sent to the family at www.routsong.com.
, of Beavercreek, formerly of Oakwood, passed away on Monday, March 23, 2009 at Heartland of Beavercreek following a long battle with diabetes. He was 67. Bill was born on June 9, 1941, in Elyria, Ohio. He attended Oakwood High School and graduated from Fairmont High School in 1959. Bill was a 1965 graduate of The Ohio State University, where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity and played football his freshman year for Coach Woody Hayes. Following graduation, he joined the Navy and attended the Navy Supply Corps School in Athens, Georgia, where he met his future wife Betsy, a student at the University of Georgia. After serving as a Lieutenant with the Navy in Vietnam, Bill returned to the Dayton area and worked for years as a manufacturers’ representative for industrial equipment. He was a dedicated supporter of educational and cultural opportunities for students around the world. Through a variety of student exchange programs, he and his family hosted over 25 students from more than 20 different countries. He served as the Youth Exchange Director for Oakwood Sister Cities Association and the Youth Service Director for international student exchange for the Rotary Club of Oakwood, of which he was a charter member. Bill was also active in youth programs at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, where he was a youth group leader and Sunday School teacher. Along with his wife Betsy, he was a member of Country Club of the North in Beavercreek. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Myrtle Clymer. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Elizabeth (Betsy) Clymer, who donated her kidney to Bill in 2000. He is also survived by his two daughters, Ashley Clymer Bashore and her husband Todd Bashore (Plainsboro, NJ), and Elizabeth Clymer Jones and her husband Dominic Jones (London, England); and three grandchildren, Catherine Bashore, William Bashore, and Avelyn Jones. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, March 31 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Oakwood. The family received friends on Monday, March 30 at the Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Rd., Kettering. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Memorial Fund, 33 W. Dixon Ave., Oakwood, OH 45419, Rotary International Foundation, One Rotary Center, 1560 Sherman Ave. Evanston, IL 60201 or to a charity of your choice. Condolences and other remembrances may be sent to the family at www.routsong.com.
, age 87, of Oakwood. Devoted husband of Marilyn Braham Vance of 52 years; father of Wendy Sue Carmichael ( Evanston, IL), Constance Lucille Dewitt (Gainesville, FL), Joan Irene Johnson (Arlington, VA), David Owen Vance (San Diego, CA), and Sally Jo Vance Kronauge (Dayton, OH). He was father-in-law to Ray Carmichael, Ross DeWitt, and David Kronauge. Owen had two sisters, Doris Schickling (deceased) and Patricia Jean Koenig (brother-in-law Robert Koenig). He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. He was especially important to his grandsons Rudy Kronauge and Joe Kronauge (Miamisburg, OH), as he was a daily role model in their lives and are better boys having known him. His parents were Lucille Steger Vance and Jefferson Davis Vance. He was born in Dayton, OH on Randolph Street August 26, 1921, and resided in Oakwood. He graduated from Steele High School 1939 and the University of Kentucky where he was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. He enlisted at WPAFB for WWII and served with the 8th Air Force (England), 492nd Bomb Squadron (Carpet Baggers) as a nose gunner on the B-24 Liberator and was recently awarded the French Jubile de la Liberte medal for having participated in the battle and liberation of Normandy. Owen was a member of Millennium Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, Antioch Shrine, Dayton Amateur Radio Association (W8PHW), the Oakwood Accordion Band, and Chairman of the Board of The Listening Post. He was a manufacturer’s representative and in recent years was employed by the Lenz Company, Dayton, OH, where he worked til deceased. Owen was an organ donor and donated his body to the Wright State Medical School and requested there be no memorial service. He will truly be missed.
. age 75, of Evanston IL, formerly of Oakwood OH, passed away Feb. 17, 2009 in Evanston. She was the fifth daughter of six children of Elmer J. Focke and Marie Berno Focke. Her father was treasurer of the William Focke and Sons Co., a Dayton meat packing firm. Her mother had been a well-known Broadway opera singer and danced with Fred Astaire. Gretchen graduated from Oakwood High School in 1950 and moved to Chicago while in her early 20s. She worked at Lerner Newspapers, Inc. for many years. She was a talented artist and avid tennis player as well as a good skier. Gretchen was preceded in death by her longtime companion, Richard Netzorg in 1984 and by her sister, Mary Cochran. She is survived by sisters Connie Breen of Kettering OH, Ann Stemple of Sea Girt, NJ, Helen Brown of Winnetka, IL, and her brother, William Focke of Mt. Desert Island, ME, as well as many nieces and nephews. A memorial mass and Christian burial officiated by Fr. Joseph Goetz will take place on Saturday, March 14, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at the church on the grounds of Calvary Cemetery, 1625 Calvary Dr., off Patterson Blvd. Contributions to the Seedling Foundation for Stivers School for the Arts, 1313 E. Fifth St., Dayton OH 45402 appreciated.
, age 81, of Oakwood passed away Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at Hospice of Dayton. He was a member of Christ United Methodist Church, Masonic Lodge #61 in Wilkes-Barre, PA and Caldwell Consistory, Bloomsburg, PA. Kenneth retired from NCR after 44 years of service. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Mabel Everett, a brother and two sisters. Kenneth is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Marilyn I. Everett; daughter, Joan (Michael) Laiman, grandchildren, John and Kathryn Laiman all of Fontana, CA; sister, Rose Steele of Morrow, OH and several nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, OH 45420 or The Christ United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 3440 Shroyer Rd., Kettering, OH 45429. Condolences and other remembrances may be sent to www.routsong.com.
, age 44, of Canyon Lake, Texas, passed away Sunday, February 15, 2009. John David was born April 1, 1964 in Dayton, Ohio. He was a graduate of Oakwood High School and Ohio State University. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. He was preceded in death by his mother, Jana Lowe Matthews. He is survived by his father, John K. Matthews, Jr. (Emma) and his sister Minda Matthews Smith (Barry). A memorial service will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 33 West Dixon Ave., Dayton, Ohio on Friday, February 27, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice or to SICSA.
, age 21, of Oakwood, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 4, 2009 at her home. She is survived by her parents Dave and Angie Seltzer; sister Carrie Seltzer; numerous relatives and friends. Laura graduated from Glenbrook South High School in Glenview, IL and attended Curve Metric School of Cosmetology in Elmwood Park, IL. She was employed at SuperCuts in Bellbrook. She was a member of Living Water Worship Center and was active in Youth With a Mission (YWAM). Funeral services were held Monday, February 9, 2009 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Kettering, with Rev. Thomas Prochaska and Rev. Jeff Burke officiating. Family received friends prior to services at the church. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.NewcomerDayton.com.
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