obituaries

Obituaries for Heitger Funeral and Cremation Service

Emmanuel D. Paradeses

Emmanuel D. Paradeses

Apr 28, 2026

Emmanuel D. Paradeses, age 92 of Massillon, passed away Tuesday, April 28, 2026.

He was born March 17, 1934, in Massillon, the son of the late James and Rose Ann (Toal) Paradeses.

Emmanuel retired from First Merit Bank after many years of service in the savings and loan department.

He was a member of Divine Mercy Parish - St. Mary Campus. He was...

Richard W. Esposito

Richard W. Esposito

Apr 17, 2026

Richard W. Esposito, age 79, of Massillon, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Aultman Compassionate Care Center.

He was born on June 25, 1946, in Brooklyn, New York, to the late Ralph and Filomenia Esposito.

Richard dedicated 50 years of his life to sales and service, building a career defined by hard work and commitment, eventually retiring from Orkin...

Charles "Chuck" Benzo

Charles "Chuck" Benzo

Apr 17, 2026

Charles “Chuck” David Benzo passed peacefully at home with his family by his side, after courageously fighting pancreatic cancer for three years. Chuck is preceded in death by his parents, Elizabeth (Surgenor) & Charles Benzo, brothers Alan Benzo and Dewey Pinnell, mother- and father-in-law JoAnn & George Creegan, and sister-in-law and friend, Mary Elaine Feist. 

Chuck is survived by his devoted wife...

Benjamin Wayne Proudfoot

Benjamin Wayne Proudfoot

Apr 15, 2026

Benjamin W. Proudfoot, age 41, of Green passed away on April 15, 2026 at Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital.

He was born January 14, 1985 in Massillon, the son of Wayne and Sharon (Lawson) Proudfoot.

He was a 2003 graduate of Perry High School and University of Akron.

Ben worked at Canton Christian Home as a cherished cook for 10 years.

He was an avid...

John "Rach" Rachel

John "Rach" Rachel

Apr 13, 2026

John D. Rachel "Rach", age 88, of Massillon, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 13, 2026, at his

home surrounded by his family.

He was born October 24, 1937, in Massillon the son of the late John and Agnes (Duffy) Rachel.

John supported and raised his family as a steelworker with the Timken Company, retiring in 1999.

In retirement he spent his time starting...

Arlene "Shelly" Bilby

Arlene "Shelly" Bilby

Apr 6, 2026

Arlene M. Bilby “Shelly”, age 72 formerly of Rootstown, passed away Monday, April 6, 2026 at her home.

She was born July 28, 1953, in Ravenna, Ohio the daughter of the late Joseph and Nona (Potter) Kerr.

Shelly retired from Chrysler after 30 years of service.

Shelly was an avid foodie who loved baking, cooking, knitting, crocheting, photography, and puzzles.

Shelly is survived by...

Douglas J. Knox

Douglas J. Knox

Apr 4, 2026

Douglas J. Knox passed away peacefully Saturday, April 4, 2026.

Doug was born on September 19, 1967, to William and Daina (Wozniak) Knox in Canton, Ohio. He was known for his joyful demeanor and infectious laugh. He had an endearing smile that showed his warm personality. He was a truly generous man who never passed judgment and was grateful for the...

Robert A. Jaggers

Robert A. Jaggers

Apr 3, 2026

Robert "Bob" A. Jaggers, age 74, of Jackson Twp., passed away Friday, April 3, 2026.

He was born in Akron, Ohio, on June 27, 1951 and was the son of the late James and Mary (Flint) Jaggers.

Bob retired from Akron City Schools where he was a teacher for over 30 years. The beginning of his career, he taught special needs for...

Mark S. Mellinger

Mark S. Mellinger

Apr 1, 2026

Mark S. Mellinger, age 79 of Canton, passed away Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at home surrounded by his family.

He was born July 31, 1946, in Elyria, the son of the late William and Helen (Sorrell) Mellinger.

He was a veteran of the Army serving in Korea during Vietnam.

He was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church.

Mark is survived by his wife,...

Michele Bell

Michele Bell

Mar 31, 2026

Michele M. Bell, age 68, of Massillon, passed away Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at her residence surrounded by her family.

She was born March 10, 1958, in Massillon, the daughter of the late Phillip and Doris (Cook) Flood.

Michele retired from the State of Ohio after 20 years of working as a TPW.

She was a crafter and enjoyed being with her family...

Tonya L. McCarty

Tonya L. McCarty

Mar 28, 2026

Tonya L. McCarty, age 55 of Massillon passed away March 28, 2026 at home surrounded by family.

She was born October 16, 1970 in Canton.

Tonya loved to shop, travel and being a new grandma. She loved spending time with her family and friends.

She was survived by her husband, Wayne McCarty; son, Kyle (Brie) Salehi; grandson, Roman Salehi; sister, Missy (Miles) Leapline;...

Thomas M. Demchak

Thomas M. Demchak

Mar 26, 2026

Thomas M. Demchak, age 77, of Massillon, passed away Thursday, March 26, 2026.

He was born June 24, 1948, in Canton, the son of the late Michael and Mildred (Frantz) Demchak.

Thomas served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam Era and was stationed in Germany for four years.

Thomas retired from Timken Co. after 38 years of service.

He enjoyed golfing at...

Larry E. Fuller

Larry E. Fuller

Mar 26, 2026

Larry E. Fuller, age 83 of Massillon, passed away Thursday, March 26, 2026 at his home.

He was born January 5, 1943, in Dover.

Larry retired from the railroad in Brewster after 43 years of service.

He was a member of Massillon Wesleyan Methodist Church and Massillon Tiger Booster Club. He enjoyed watching Massillon High School football, band, auctions, fishing, day trips, and...

James "Jimmy" Boykin

James "Jimmy" Boykin

Mar 26, 2026

James “Jimmy” Boykin, affectionately known as “Pops,” age 77, of Massillon, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, March 26, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born March 2, 1949, in Carrollton, Ga, to the late Joe and Mary (Smith) Boykin.

Jimmy was a retired foreman on oil rigs and a faithful member of The Jesus Spot. He was...

Cheryl McAnany

Cheryl McAnany

Mar 25, 2026

Cheryl McAnany got her wings.

1976-2026. Cheryl passed on March 25, 2026. This woman lived her dash on her terms. Never took the Lords name in vain. Lived hard, loved hard and gave selflessly to all if she had it to give. All family and friends are invited to her celebration of life. It will be held on April 12, 2026...

Andrew Scott Pribonic

Andrew Scott Pribonic

Mar 21, 2026

PRIBONIC, Andrew Scott, 36, of Clinton, passed away March 21, 2026.

Born November 2, 1989, he was known for his strong work ethic and sense of adventure. He worked as a coal miner and an accountant. He enjoyed bird hunting, trapping, calf roping, playing guitar, singing, and songwriting.

Survived by his father, Peter Pribonic; his mother, Susan Pribonic; and his brothers, Jimmy...

Patricia Ann West

Patricia Ann West

Mar 17, 2026

Patricia Ann West went to be with the Lord on March 17, 2026 after a long-term illness. She had been a resident at Hennis Care Center in Bolivar for the past year.Patricia was born on November 5, 1941 in Canton, to the late Youry and Verda Jones. She grew up in Fairhope (Louisville) area where she attended school and graduated...

Nancy Grace Eberhardt

Nancy Grace Eberhardt

Mar 11, 2026

Nancy Grace Eberhardt, age 84 of Massillon, passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at Mercy Medical Center.

She was born March 9, 1942, in Massillon, the daughter of the late Robert and Anna (Tully) Lehnert.

Nancy retired from the Laurels of Massillon where she was a nurse for many years.

She was a member of the Columbian Ladies Guild Council 554 and Divine...

Barbara J. Piper

Barbara J. Piper

Mar 11, 2026

Barbara J. Piper, affectionately known as Barb, passed away on March 11, 2026, at the Cleveland Clinic Mercy Medical Center, leaving behind an indelible legacy of dedication and love. Born on January 25, 1946, in Wooster, her life was marked by unwavering commitment, both in her career and in her family.

For an impressive 44 years, Barb devoted herself to Desenco...

Margaret Bowman

Margaret Bowman

Mar 9, 2026

Margaret M. Bowman, age 73 of Canton, passed away Monday, March 9, 2026 at her home.

She was born November 10, 1952, in Cleveland, the daughter of the late George and Marine (Seaman) Abood.

Margaret enjoyed celebrating all the holidays with her family, gardening, decorating, raising her children, and spending time with her grandchildren. She was also a very talented artist who...

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