Dorothy J. Ristich 1941-2026

Dorothy was born Jan. 29, 1941, in Cleveland, the adopted daughter of the late Michael J. Pietruch and Josephine T. Benedict Pietruch, and was a lifelong area resident.

She was a 1959 graduate of The Rayen School and worked at the General Electric Mazda Lamp Plant prior to her marriage before dedicating herself to raising her family. After her children were grown, Dorothy returned to the workforce as a bankteller with Farmers National Bank, serving in both Cornersburg and Niles. She retired in April 2017 at the age of 76.

Mrs. Ristich was a member of St. Michael Church in Canfield. She enjoyed watching movies and was an avid reader with a lifelong love of books. She was very proud of her Croatian heritage and enjoyed listening to Croatian music on the radio.

Dorothy shared a close and special bond with her late cousin, Marcia Tekach, and will be fondly remembered for her baking — especially for generously sharing her delicious pumpkin pies each Thanksgiving. Above all, Dorothy cherished time spent with her family.

Left to forever cherish Dorothy’s memory are her three daughters, Michele (James) Gatts of Austintown, Melanie (Michael) Fromel of Berlin Center and Marsha (James) Mannion of Bowling Green, Kentucky; five grandchildren, India Gatts, Sabrina Gatts, Alex Fromel, Andrew Fromel and Carissa Mannion; her sister, Judy Stinson of Hubbard; and many extended family members and friends.

Her husband, Milan W. Ristich, whom she married Sept. 18, 1965, died March 22, 1998. Dorothy was also preceded in death by her brother, Jon Halicki.

Family and friends may call 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Road, Youngstown, and again 9 to 9:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 9, at the funeral home, where prayers will be offered at 9:30 a.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Michael Church, 300 N. Broad St., Canfield.

Interment will follow in Resurrection Cemetery in Austintown, where Dorothy will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband.

Dorothy’s greatest joy was her family and she leaves behind a legacy of love, warmth and cherished memories that will be treasured for generations to come. Though she will be deeply missed, her gentle spirit and loving presence will remain a lasting comfort to all who knew and loved her.

Visit kinnickfuneralhome.com to send condolences to Dorothy’s family.

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