James J. Lavernuick 1948-2026
CAMPBELL — James J. “Hoppy” Lavernuick, 77, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026.
James was born May 19, 1948 in Youngstown, the son of James and Agnes Rovder Lavernuick.
A U.S. Marine Corps Reserve veteran, he was a proud 1966 graduate of Campbell Memorial High School and was a lifelong resident of Campbell.
Hoppy married the love of his life, the former Patricia Stellmar, on Oct. 24, 1970, and they shared almost 54 years of marriage until her passing on May 30, 2024.
James was an ironworker for Riger at Youngstown Sheet and Tube and later became a truck driver for Yourga Trucking in Wheatland, Pa., until retiring in the late 1990s.
He was a member of several golf leagues over the years, especially at Tanglewood and the former Rolling Hills Golf Course. In his younger years he enjoyed coaching Little League baseball and took his team to the championship with a 17-0 season.
Hoppy loved to tell a good joke. He had a love for cars, motorcycles and boats. Hoppy also enjoyed vacations, trips to the casinos, golfing, hunting and fishing, along with anything that could be done outdoors. He truly loved his wife and his mom and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Hoppy will be deeply missed and always remembered by his sons, Jason (Danelle) Lavernuick of Mogadore, Mark (Chelsea) Lavernuick of Westerville and Jesse (Caroline) Lavernuick of Coitsville; and grandchildren, Lili, Lucy, Alex, Vivian, Henry, Anna, Olivia, Nathan and James Lavernuick.
He was preceded in death by his parents and by his wife, Patricia.
The Lavernuick family has entrusted Hoppy’s care to the Wasko Funeral Home in Campbell.
Calling hours will be 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, at the funeral home. Family and friends may also call 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, with funeral services to follow at 10:30 a.m., all at the Wasko Funeral Home in Campbell.
Hoppy will be laid to rest next to his wife, Patricia, in St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Cemetery in Lowellville.
Visit www.waskofamily.com to view this obituary and to leave condolences with the family.
(special notice)