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Mary A. Vernars 1941-2026

BOARDMAN — Mary Ann Vernars, 84, died peacefully on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, at her home. She was born May 29, 1941, in Youngstown, a daughter of Nick and Ann Kussic. Mary Ann graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School. She acquired her real estate license. She participated in a bowling ...

Services

MARY GRACE AURANDT, 70, Poland. SERVICES: 5 p.m. Friday, Davis-Becker Funeral Home, Boardman. CALLING HOURS: 3 to 4:45 p.m. Friday, funeral home. JULIUS BALOGH, 87, Youngstown. SERVICES: 1 p.m. Feb. 4, First Presbyterian Church, Youngstown. CALLING HOURS: 12:30 to 12:55 p.m. Feb. 4, church. RICHARD A. BOWEN JR., 57, Berlin Center. CELEBRATION OF LIFE: 11 a.m. Saturday, Canfield Presbyterian Church. CALLING HOURS: 10 a.m. Saturday, church. RUTH ANN BRUDERLY, 76, Salem. SERVICES: 11 a.m. Friday, Stark Memorial Funeral Home, Salem. CALLING HOURS: 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday and 10 to 11 ...

Woman who worked decades in lobster industry dies at 105

The Associated Press Virginia Oliver, one of the oldest lobster fishers in the world who trapped crustaceans in Maine for nearly a century, has died. She was 105. Born in Rockland, Maine, Oliver started trapping lobsters at age 8 alongside her father and older brother at a time when few women worked on the water in the male-dominated industry. She fell in love with the business and went on to become known as the “lobster lady” as she faithfully tended traps for decades.

Joseph A. Tufaro 1955-2026

YOUNGSTOWN — Joseph Anthony Tufaro, 70, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026. Joseph was born April 21, 1955, to Vincent and Connie Tufaro. He was the youngest of four children. He was a graduate of Liberty High School, Class of 1973, and then earned a Bachelor of ...

Denise A. Fosco 1966-2026

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Denise A. Fosco, 59, passed away Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, at her home. She was born April 26, 1966, in Youngstown, the daughter of Augustine and Patricia Ziccardo Carducci. Denise was a 1984 graduate of Poland Seminary High School. She went on to earn her bachelor’s ...

Mary H. Merlino 1931-2026

COLUMBIANA — Mary H. Merlino, a devoted homemaker and loving mother, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 25 2026, at the age of 94. Mary was born Feb. 4, 1931, in New Castle, Pa., the daughter of the late Angelo Ferrare Sr. and Josephine Chill Ferrare. Mary was a proud graduate of ...