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JoAnn DelFraino 1946-2026

SEATTLE, Wash. - JoAnn DelFraino, 80, formerly of Austintown, passed away unexpectedly Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, at Swedish Hospital in Seattle, after suffering an apparent heart attack. JoAnn was born July 1, 1946, in Youngstown, a daughter of the late Stephen Sova Sr. and Stella Oleksiuk Sova, and spent nearly her entire life in the Mahoning Valley. A 1964 graduate of The Rayen School, JoAnn began working for Burdman Brothers Companies shortly after graduation as a record keeper. She remained with the company for nearly 50 years, continuing with the Burdman family as the business ...

Ruthann “Rudi” Demechko 1966-2026

COPLEY — Ruthann “Rudi” Demechko, 60, of Copley, passed away peacefully at home on Oct. 5, 2026. She was a collegiate softball athlete with degrees from Youngstown State and Robert Morris universities. Rudi and her husband shared 35 beautiful years of marriage and loved family beach vacations. She fought metastatic breast cancer with unwavering faith, immense courage and positive spirit. Rudi is survived by her husband, Mark Demechko; three daughters, Deanna Singer (husband Ryan), Sydney Demechko (fiance Chris) and Reggi Demechko (partner Ben); mother, Carole Pleskovic; sister, ...

Frank McGovern 1950-2026

BOARDMAN – Family members had the chance to say their final goodbyes to their loved one, Frank McGovern, a longtime Boardman resident and beloved member of many communities, before he passed away suddenly from a heart attack on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, at the age of 76. An Army veteran, Frank devoted himself to his faith, his family, his country, and his communities, especially Alcoholics Anonymous. Born April 27, 1950, in Youngstown, Frank leaves his wife, Patti McGovern; children, Bob McGovern (Kerry Flynn) and Mollie (Bret) Hartup; and grandsons, Caden Hartup and Rowan ...

Laurence M. Smith Jr. 1943-2026

POLAND — Laurence M. Smith Jr., of Youngstown, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, surrounded by family. He was 83. Known to many as “Rabbit,” he was an “Ohio Legend” of motorcycling. He published Northeast Ohio Motorcycle News and Handcrafted American Racing Motorcycles and ...

William R. Peters 1932-2026

POLAND – William “Bill” Raymond Peters, 93, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. William, known by his family and friends as “Bill,” was born on Dec. 30, 1932, in Youngstown, a son of the late Robert C. and Mabel M. Dray Peters. Bill was a graduate of Struthers High School and a lifelong resident of the Mahoning Valley. He proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict before returning home to the area. Bill worked as a lineman for Ohio Edison for more than 42 years before retiring in 1995. He was a ...