Breaking News

Area death

JEFFREY M. LUCAS, 59, of Windham, died June 22, at his residence. (Borowski/Oak Meadow)

Optimus Prime, Eeyore voice actor dies at 85

NEW YORK (AP) — Peter Cullen, a prolific voice actor who enlivened scores of TV series, specials and movies, including Optimus Prime in the syndicated 1984 series “Transformers” and Eeyore in the Winnie the Pooh cartoon franchise, has died. He was 85. His agent, Kevin Motley, said Cullen died Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles. “His family asks that you honor his remarkable legacy by serving your communities and leading others with compassion, integrity, and loyalty and always remember ‘be strong enough to be gentle,’” said a family statement. Cullen’s career ...

Theresa Sherock 1940-2026

AUSTINTOWN — Theresa Sherock, 86, of Austintown, formerly of Girard, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, at Brookdale Austintown. She was born on Feb. 2, 1940, in Girard, a daughter to the late Joseph and Catherine Acerra Sherock. A graduate of Ursuline High School, Theresa ...

John M. Kassai 1947-2026

CAMPBELL — John M. Kassai, 78, affectionately known as Johnny, passed away at his home on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026. He was born on Dec. 15, 1947, in Youngstown, and was a 1966 graduate of Campbell Memorial High School. Johnny served in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1969, stationed in Germany. He was a member of the Hungarian Presbyterian Church and worked at Youngstown Sheet and Tube for five years and as an assistant manager at Nemenz IGA in Struthers for 25 years. Johnny will be remembered with love by those closest to him. He is survived by his sister, Linda Xereas; his ...

Area death

ANN STANAVICH, 70, of Youngstown, died Monday. SERVICES: 3 p.m. Saturday, Davis-Becker Funeral Home, Boardman. CALLING HOURS: 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, funeral home.

Services

THOMAS E. BALINT, 57, Stow. SERVICES: 6 p.m. Thursday, Lane Funeral Home, Austintown. CALLING HOURS: 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, funeral home. BEVERLY A. BISCONTI, 83, Poland. SERVICES: 10 a.m. Thursday, Holy Rosary Church, Lowellville. CALLING HOURS: 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. Thursday, Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, Boardman. ROBERT E. BUSH JR., 79, Youngstown. SERVICES: 10 a.m. Saturday, Beulah Temple United Holy Church, Youngstown. CALLING HOURS: 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, L.E. Black, Phillips and Holden Funeral Home, Youngstown and from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, church. JOHN HENDERSHOT JR., ...