Irene C. Sinkovich 1923-2026
YOUNGSTOWN — It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, Irene C. Sinkovich, who passed away Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 102 years old. She was surrounded by her daughter Darlene, whom she resided with, and her granddaughter Melissa.
She was born at 5:35 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, 1923. She was the second daughter of seven children to Frank and Veronica Jessico Kraynak and lived all her life in the Mahoning Valley.
Later in her life, she worked for Humes Carriage House and retired after 25 years as their bookkeeper. She also worked for Youngstown City Schools, at various buildings, as a teacher’s aide. Early in her marriage, Irene worked for the Youngstown Water Department and Ohio Notion.
Upon starting her family, she chose to be a stay-at-home mom for her three daughters and a caregiver for her father.
Irene was very active in several organizations. She belonged to the Rosary Altar Society of St. Dominic Church, and also a Bluebird and Campfire Girls leader, taking her groups on multiple trips to Washington, D.C., over the years. She belonged to the Kent State Mother’s Association. She was also an honorary member of the Tri-County Association of Medical Assistants for her volunteer work. Mom was a member of a ladies’ card club that consisted of family and friends, who met once a month at area restaurants for over a decade.
She leaves to mourn her passing, three daughters, Karen (Ken) Perry of Liberty, Darlene Millosin of Austintown and Joanne (Kevin) Smotrilla of Austintown; granddaughter Melissa (Dave) Copanic of Boardman; and two sisters, Jean DiCicco and Betty (John) Malenic, both of Boardman.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Joseph “Doc”, whom she married July 31, 1948, and who passed Nov. 13, 1995; great granddaughters, Lilah and Cora Copanic; and son-in-law, Charles Millosin. Also preceding her in death were both her parents, Frank and Veronica Kraynak; a brother, Charles Kraynak; and sisters, Mary Louise Warga, Lucille Zyznar and Ruth Aikey.
The family would like to thank Dr. Nino Rubino for his years of taking wonderful care of our mother and Mercy Health Hospice for the care and compassion they gave us through this difficult time.
A memorial Mass will be 10 a.m. Friday, April 10, 2026, at St. Dominic Church in Youngstown.
The family requests no flowers; instead, consider a Mass in Irene’s name; send a donation to the Olivia Grace Foundation, a local organization that helps support women who have lost babies at birth, Olivia Grace, 1010 Pawnee Lane, Girard, OH 44420; or donate to the National MS Society, P.O. Box 91891, Washington, DC 20090-1891.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the professional care of the Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave., Boardman. Family and friends are encouraged to offer prayers for the family by visiting the Book of Memories at www.rossifunerals.com.
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