Anthony “Tony” L. Abram, 78 years old, passed away Mar. 13, 2026. Tony was born July 10, 1947. Husband of the late Nancy (nee Nelson). Father of Joseph R. Abram (Pam) and Juliet H. Abram (William). Grandfather of Gracelin, Jacob, and Madeline. Brother of Joseph Abram, Albin Abram (Donna) and the late Marian Abram. Uncle and great uncle to many. Anthony was a former city council member for the City of Avon Lake and served as a member of the Avon Lake Board of Municipal Utilities. Tony was a member and longtime volunteer at the home office of American Mutual Life Association (AMLA), previously known as “SDZ.” Funeral Mass of Christian Burial was at Holy Spirit Church where viewing occurred one hour prior to the funeral Mass. All arrangements were handled by Busch Funeral Home. At the request of the family, donations may be made to American Cancer Society. 

Daniella Avsec (nee Cesen), 93 years old, passed away Mar. 17, 2026. Wife of the late Edward (Veteran, US Armed Forces).Mother of Mark Avsec (Yvette Williams), Sandy Petrovic (Frank) and Ken Avsec (Patrice). Grandmother of Danna Avsec, Steve Petrovic (Claire), Craig Petrovic (Paige), Ellen Contrucci (Tony), David Petrovic, Austin Avsec; and great-grandmother of nine. Daughter of the late August and Mary M. Cesen (nee Nemec). Sister of the late August Cesen (Babe, deceased). Daniella was born on Dec. 23, 1932 in Cleveland, Ohio. She graduated from Notre Dame High School. She resided in the St. Clair neighborhood until she moved to Willowick in the mid-1990s. Daniella took great pride in her life as a housewife and was an incredible cook and baker and greatly enjoyed gardening. She spent a brief time working in the office of Richman Brothers on E. 55th in the 70s. She was a member of many organizations and fraternal lodges. Daniella was a very active parishioner of St. Vitus Church for many decades. Member, St. Vitus Parish, St. Vitus Alumni, St. Vitus Holy Name Society, St. Vitus Auxiliary Catholic War Veterans Post 1655, and Slovenian Home St. Clair Pensioners. Former member, St. Vitus Mothers’ Club. Daniella loved dancing with her beloved husband, Edward, with whom she shared an incredible marriage for 44 years. She loved all things Slovenian, including polkas. She enjoyed attending St. Vitus events as well as plays, concerts and activities that her six grandchildren. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial was at St. Vitus Church, followed by burial at All Souls Cemetery. Family and friends were received at DeJohn-Flynn-Mylott Funeral Home, Chardon Road. 

John Joseph Bokar, 81 years old, passed away Mar. 21, 2026. He was born Jan. 12, 1945 in Cleveland, Ohio as the son of the late John and Ruth Bokar.  Veteran, U.S. Navy. John had been employed with Maple Heights Fire Department as a firefighter, retiring in 1995. Member, Holy Family Catholic Church and he enjoyed fishing and golf. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Janis. Husband of Mary Bokar. Father of Debbie Bokar and Rob (Diane). Grandfather of Samantha, A.J., Alexander, Samuel, Mark, Seraphim, Robert; and great-grandfather of Alexus and Bryson. Sibling of James (Marie) Bokar and Donna (Thomas) Brown. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial was at Holy Family Church, Stow, Ohio followed by burial at All Saints Cemetery. 

Mary Ann Drobnick (nee Culkar), 82 years old, passed away Mar. 13, 2026. Wife of the late Kenneth. Mother of Marie Drobnick, Kenny Drobnick, Ed Drobnick (Sharon), and Jennifer Nemeth (Daniel). Grandmother of Michael Drobnick, Colton Fisher, Adeline Nemeth, Gabriel McKey, Myla Drobnick, Nick Nemeth, and Marisa Drobnick. Daughter of the late Frank and Mary Culkar. Sibling of the following, all deceased: Frank Culkar, Jr., Ronald Culkar, and John Culkar. Sister-in-law of Barb, Marcel, Carol, Mary Ellen, William and the late Jeanette and Howard. Aunt and great aunt of many. Mary Ann graduated from Cuyahoga Heights High School, Class of 1961. She then received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Ohio University. Mary Ann taught in the Cleveland Public School District, coached many of her two daughters’ softball teams, served on the Cuyahoga Heights Board of Education for 12 years and was elected to Valley View Village council for 20 years. “Redcoat” volunteer, Cleveland Playhouse. And bus driver, Brooklyn Heights seniors.  She enjoyed gardening, cooking, reading, baking, boating, fishing, singing in Slovenian Choir Triglav and listening to accordion music. Funeral mass of Christian Burial was at St.. Michael Church, Independence, Ohio. Family and friends were received at Ferfolia Funeral Home. 

James E. Gerity, 88 years old, passed away Mar. 13, 2026. He was born July 26, 1937, in Cleveland, Ohio. Member, Ss. Robert and William Parish and Knights of Columbus Euclid Council #3164. Son of the late Emmet J. Gerity Sr. and Mary Wayne (nee Kuhar). Nephew of Frank J. Kuhar and many cousins. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial was at Ss. Robert and William Church, Parish, with viewing prior to the funeral Mass, followed by burial at All Souls Cemetery.

Kenneth R. Kovach, 61 years old, passed away Mar. 15, 2026. Ken was born Mar. 27, 1964, Cleveland, Ohio. He graduated from Jefferson High School and Kent State University (Ashtabula, Oh.). He was a master tool and die maker and become owner and president of Ken Forging, Inc. Husband of Barbara (nee Knapp) Kovach. Father of Connor and Katie. Sibling of Krisi (Steve) Cox and Karen Kovach. Preceded in death by his parents, Richard A. and Jean F. Kovach. Funeral Mass of Christian Buria was at St. Andrew Church followed by burial at Oakdale Cemetery. Family and friends were received at Lake Erie Funeral Home, At the request of the family, donations may be sent to Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD), 2700 Horizon Drive, Suite 120, King of Prussia, PA 19406.

Frank Mozina,96 years old, passed away Mar. 8, 2026. Frank was born Aug. 6, 1929 in Slovenia. He legally immigrated to the USA as an infant, son of the late Frank and Agnes (nee Pintar) Mozina. He was the last of his immediate family. He was preceded in death by siblings, Jennie Jackson, Mary Birchak, and Edward Mozina. Frank graduated from Salem High School (Ohio), and then Youngstown State University, receiving a bachelor’s degree in engineering. He was employed at Mullins Mfg. and General American Transportation Co., along with several other local establishments throughout his career. He had a passion for the rhythm of polka music, a good book, and being with family and friends. Member, Slovenian National Benefit Society (SNPJ), Salem Slovak Club, and American Fraternal Union (AFU), now Catholic Financial. Member, St. Paul Parish, Salem OH.  Funeral Mass of Christian Burial at St. Paul Church,  followed by internment at Grandview Cemetery.

Dr. Franklin Bruce Price, M.D., passed away Mar. 14, 2026. He was born Nov. 22, 1942 in Cleveland, Ohio. Husband of Arline (nee Debelak). Father of Melanie LaCour (Gunner) and Natalie Morgan (Matt). Grandfather of Lily and Tripp Lacour and Talia and August Morgan. Brother of James Price (Kim). Son of Nathan Price and Molly Waldman Price (both deceased). Dr. Price graduated, respectively, from Cleveland Heights High School, Ohio State University (Class of 1963), Bachelor of Arts degree. Member at OSU of Phi Eta Sigma and Alpha Epsilon Delta Honorary Societies. He then graduated from Ohio State University School of Medicine, Class of 1967, receiving Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society and Department of Medicine Student of the Year Awards. He completed his internship at Ohio State University Hospital and then his Residency at Harbor General Hospital in Torrance, CA. Dr. Price enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, achieving the rank of Captain. He served as a Medic in Tuy Hoa, Vietnam, (July, 1969, to July, 1971). He escaped death twice. Dr. Price received the Air Force Commendation Medal from the Republic of Vietnam in 1970. He received his Honorable Discharge from the United States Air Force in July, 1971. Dr. Price then completed his Residency at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, receiving Specialty Fellowship in Hematology and Oncology with the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Dr. Price officially retired in October, 2019. Honor service and burial at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, Ohio. All arrangements handled by Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz.

Steven Pryatel, 66 years old, passed away Mar. 22, 2026. Husband of Eileen B. Pryatel (nee Bares). Father of Michael (Brittany); Steven (Hannah); Meghan (Scott Quertinmont) and Kevin (Natalie Sinak). Son of the late Robert L. and Mary Ann Pryatel (nee Schwartz). Sibling of Mark Pryatel, Keith Pryatel (Terri); and Mary Kay Vareska (Gabe). Uncle and cousin of many. Steve graduated from Gilmour Academy, Class of 1978, then from Xavier University, Class of 1982, and Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, Class of 1985. He worked as an attorney in the Cleveland area for over 40 years, most recently as a Managing Parter of Wegman Hessler Valore. Volunteer, Ronald McDonald House and at St. Francis of Assisi and Gilmour athletics. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial was at Our Lady Chapel at Gilmour Academy, followed by private interment, Gates Mills North Cemetery. Family and friends were received at Schulte & Mahon-Murphy Funeral Home. 

John J. Bokar, 81 years old, passed away Mar. 21, 2026. John was born Jan. 12, 1945 in Cleveland, Ohio. John had been a resident of Stow, Ohio since 1997. Veteran, U.S. Navy. John had been employed with Maple Heights Fire Department as a firefighter, retiring in 1995. Member, Holy Family Parish. He enjoyed fishing and golf. John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ruth Bokar and his sister, Janis. Husband of Mary Bokar. Father of Debbie Bokar and Rob (Diane) Bokar. Grandfather of Samantha, A.J., Alexander, Samuel, Mark, Seraphim, Robert; and great-grandfather of Alexus, Bryson; brother, James (Marie) Bokar. Brother of Donna (Thomas) Brown. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial was at Holy Family Church, followed by interment at All Saints Cemetery. Family and friends were received at Redmon Funeral Home.

Joseph F. Mismas, 54 years old, passed away Mar. 14, 2026. He was born Feb. 23, 1972 as the son of Joseph and Constance (nee Gregor) Mismas in Elyria, Ohio. He graduated from Willoughby South High School, Class of 1990 and then graduated from  Ohio State University, Class of 1995 with a Bachelor of Computer Science. Joe enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. He had a deep love for music, a natural talent for computers, and traveling whenever he could. Father of Charlotte, Veronica, and Ellinor. Sibling of Jeannette (Tad) Clark and John Mismas. Uncle of Tad Clark II, Alan Clark, Aubrey Clark, Madelynn Clark. All services were held at Jakubs-White Funeral Home, Eastlake, Ohio. 

Joseph “Joe” Ribar passed away Apr. 1, 2026 after a long battle with heart disease. Husband of Jan Ribar. Father of Joann Ribar and grandfather of Nora Levy. Joe was born in Cleveland, Ohio as the son of the late Martin and Betty (nee Landers). He grew up in E. 90th and Superior Avenue, in the St. Clair and superior Avenue neighborhood. The family rented two apartments for the family of 11. Joe had six sisters and two brothers. He graduated from, respectively, St. Ignatius High School and John Carroll University. Joe was employed as a teacher early in his career. He then wrote history textbooks and program materials for health advocacy groups. He owned his own communications consulting firm. He ended his career co-founding with the National Council for History Education, an advocacy group for better history education in schools. It was, however, coaching football that was his passion. He began coaching at Our Lady of Lourdes High School, then St. Edward High School, Hawken School, Villa Angela/St. Joe’s, Gilmour Academy and Lincoln West High School. He also coached a semiprofessional team, Millrose and at Case Western Reserve University. Later, he coached CYO football at St. Christopher Elementary School. Al services were private with all arrangements handled by Busch Funeral Home. 

Michael Simcic, 89 years old, passed away Apr. 1, 2026. He was born Jan. 23, 1937 in Cleveland, to the late Matthew and Frances Simcich. Mike grew up enjoying baseball and bowling, often playing alongside his father, cousin, uncles, and especially his brother, Tom. He was a Cleveland Policeman and served for 30 years. After retiring, he joined the Highland Hills Police Department as a clerk and worked there for many years. Husband of Francine. Survivors include his brother, Thomas (Phyllis) Simcich; niece, Karen (Robert) McFee; nephew, Thomas “Tommy” Simcich Jr.; and many nieces and nephews and very close family friends, Jenna, Gianni and Anthony. A memorial Mass was held at St. Bede the Venerable Church, followed by burial at All Souls Cemetery.

William Frank Srnovrsnik Jr., “Bill Srnick,” 77 years old, passed away Mar. 26, 2026. He was born May 23, 1948, in Cleveland, Ohio. Bill spent most of his life in Euclid, Ohio. Bill had a remarkable career as a service tech for over 45 years, retiring in 2011. He was known as a talented percussionist, spending many years playing with local bands, until his retirement from the entertainment industry in the 1980s. Long-time member of Pol-Kats Club. Honored recipient at the Polka Hall of Fame. Husband of Dianne. Father of Jeffrey and Robert “Rob/Bob” Srnovrsnik (both Deceased), Cheryl Kotonski, Kelley (Craig) Koslasky, Kristen White, and John Kotonski. Grandfather of Chelsea and Kennedy Koslasky, Jaden, Parrish and Graceson Srnovrsnik, Summer, George and Sienna White; and great grandfather of Ella and Adelaide. Father-in-Law of Barb Srnovrsnik. Brother of Christine (Len) Crawford, Jim (Claudia) Srnick, Don (Sue) Srnick, Phil Srnick and Jane Srnick Monreal. Uncle and great uncle of many. Family and friends were received at Monreal Srnick Funerals & Cremations, where final funeral services were held. Wr. Note: The late Peter Srnovrsnik was the third organist at St. Vitus Parish into the 1950s. 

Gregory S. Gorsek, 60 years old, passed away November 24, 2023. Gregory was the son of Emil and Marija (Klajderman) Gorsek. He was born on August 29, 1963, in Cleveland, Ohio.  Gregory was a graduate of St. Joseph High School. Gregory is survived by his brother Anthony (Dianne) and nieces Stephanie, Katherine and Victoria.  Even though Gregory endured serious health issues for most of his life, he always had a smile on his face and made his exuberant presence felt among his family and friends. Gregory is interred at All Souls Cemetery with his mother and father. Services were private.

Mary Rot (née Kozelj), age 93, passed away peacefully on March 7th, 2026. Born January 18, 1933, in Hočevje, Slovenia, to the late Ivan and Marija (Horvat) Koželj, Mary was a woman of profound strength. As a young girl, she and her family navigated the hardships of the German occupation of Slovenia, experiences that forged an enduring spirit she carried throughout her life. In 1958, Mary immigrated to the United States, where she dedicated 30 years as a master seamstress at Richman Brothers. Her legendary precision with a needle was matched only by her “green thumb” at home. Mary’s residence was a place of constant growth, always surrounded by blooming flowers and a bountiful garden of peppers, beets, potatoes, lettuce, and onions. A true matriarch of Slovenian tradition, she found her greatest joy in the kitchen. Whether preparing fresh meals from her harvest or baking traditional potica, strudel, flancate, and krofe, Mary took pride in sharing her Slovenian heritage with those she loved. Beloved wife of the late Adolf Rot for 50 years, Mary was a devoted aunt to many nieces and nephews across the United States and Slovenia. She was cherished by her brothers: Jože (Veronika) (both deceased), Ivan (Ančka) (both deceased), Anton (deceased) (Marija), and Stane (deceased) (Anka). She is survived by her brother, France (Tončka). Funeral Mass was held on March 14 at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church, followed by interment at All Souls Cemetery. Link to original obituary: https://www.dejohnfuneral.com/obituaries/mary-rot

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL

M. Maureen Erb (née Ziherl), 84 years old, passed away Feb. 22,  2026. Most recently a resident of Harbor Place, Port Saint Lucie, FL. She was born May 5, 1941, in Cleveland, Ohio, daughter of the late Frank and Rose (nee Tomsic) Ziherl. Maureen graduated from Mayfield High School, Class of 1959 and later attended Ohio University. Mother of Kelly Lachina-Layton, Kevin Ross, and Michael Ross. Grandmother of Louis Farr (Melanie), Alexander Domorasky, Taylor (Shaina) Lachina, Spencer Domorasky, Jaymes Ross, Emily Ross, Allan Ross, and Natalie Ross, and great-grandmother to Connor Reed, Joey Reed, Logan Reed, Myah Yusuf, and Makayla Yusuf. Mother-in-law of Wade Domorasky, grandson-in-law Deri Yusuf, and sister-in-law Jo-ell Ziherl. Preceded in death by husbands, Thomas Ross and John “Skip” Erb; her children Kimberly Domorasky, Shannon Farr, Thomas Ross; and granddaughters Lauren Domorasky and Kristen Yusuf; and her brother, Frank “Bud” Ziherl. Details for a service to be announced at a later date.

John Jelen Sr., 86 years old, Arvada, CO. John was born July 31, 1934 in Slovenia as the son of the late Franz and Elizabeth Jelen. Husband of Irene (nee Lenz) on January 10, 1959 in Berlin, Germany and together they shared 46 years of marriage until her passing in 2005. John was a Sergeant Major, United States Army, serving 27 years. Armor Crewman, in Special Forces, one year in Vietnam with the 5th SF group, as a 1SG in a paratrooper company. Battalion and post sergeant major. He is remembered for his service to his country and as an arborist who planted many trees and shrubs in Denver, CO. and the surrounding areas. Father of John Jelen Jr. and Ricky Jelen (Latta). Grandfather of Megan (Shaun), Christopher, Carson and Cassidy and great-grandfather of Jude, Sonya, Mia, Zeke. Sibling of Elizabeth Paulino and Vida Smith. Also preceded in death by his brothers Franz Jr., Joseph, Stanley, Ferdinand and Michael. Funeral Mass was St. Joan of Arc Church, with private burial with full military honors at Fort Logan National Cemetery. Wr. Note: The Slovenian parish in Denver, CO., was Holy Rosary. It is still open.

Alojz Risa, 89 years old, passed away Mar. 11, 2026 in North Canberra, Australia. He was born June 19, 1936, in Boč, Slovenia. Alojz was a valued and respected member of the Slovenian Australian Association community. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial was at Holy Rosary Catholic Church followed by burial at Gungahlin Cemetery.

Ralph Smolenak, 74 years old, Mountain Top, WY. Ralph was born on Apr. 2, 1951, son of the late John and Ruth (Roberts) Smolenak. Veteran, U.S. Navy. He was an outdoorsman who greatly enjoyed hunting. He was an avid fan of all Philadelphia teams including the Eagles, Phillies, Flyers and 76ers. Husband of Kate Smolenak. Father of Zachary (Kristen), Jacob, Claire Lasoski (Charles); John Paul (Kelly), and Elizabeth Brahm (Jerome). Grandfather of Alexandria Smolenak; Victoria Smolenak; Christopher Smolenak; Hannah Lasoski; Charlie Lasoski; Gemma Smolenak; Isabella Smolenak; Barrett Smolenak; and Samantha Hu (Davis). Great-grandfather of two. Sibling of John, Steven, Kenny and Debbie Dixon. Uncle of many. Also preceded in death by siblings Joe and Ruthann Rolle; and in-laws Eileen Smolenak and Ernest Dixon. Wr. Note: The Rock Springs, WY area had an influx of Slovenian immigrants in the late 1880s and early 1900s mainly due to employment opportunities in mining. There is still a “Slovenski Dom” in Rock Springs in operation. 

Josip Veric, 84 years old, passed away on Mar. 3, 2026 in New Plymouth, New Zealand. Husband of Glenys. Father of Paul (Dana) and Mark (Angela). Stari Ata of Tulley, Milo, Joe Jr., and Max. No other details provided as of this date. 

Joseph C. Godina, Jr., 81 years old, passes away Mar. 2, 2026, following a courageous fight with cancer. He was 81. Joseph was born Feb. 28, 1945, in Greenville, PA., son to the late Joseph C. Godina, Sr. & Josephine J. (nee Valentine). He graduated, respectively, from St. Michael’s High School, Class of 1063, Greenville, and furthered his education at Youngstown State University, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in computer science. Joe was employed from Plumbers and Steamfitters Union Local #47/449 of Monaca & Pittsburgh, mainly in commercial construction, as a plumber steamfitter. He dedicated over 60 years to his craft. Member,  Slovene National Benefit Society, Slovenian Working Men’s Club, Sharon; Penn-Ohio Polka Pals; and National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame. He is remembered from his “Polka Heaven Show” and “The Italian Show” on WPIC-AM 790 radio and other radio stations in the Pittsburgh and Cleveland markets over the past 60 years. He also played polka music on 247polkaheaven.com that was broadcast all over the world by internet. Husband of Paula Ann (nee Gligor). Father of Jeffrey J. Godina (Dawn) and Jessie J. Godina-O’Bruba (Daniel). Stepfather of Michele A. Martin (Richard) and Michael Balluch (Maria). Step grandfather of Jordan & MJ; as well as countless friends. A memorial service was held at Briceland Funeral Service.

Sonia Kovacevic, 94 years old. She was born on the Oct. 23, 1930 in Slovenia. Sister of Magda and the late Milena, all members of the Slovenian Club, Adelaide, New Zealand. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial was at St. Patrick Church, Adelaide, followed by burial and wake at Centennial Park Cemetery Pasadena. May she rest in peace. Naj počiva v miru. Wr. Note: The Slovenian community there is served via “Holy Family Mission,” by a Franciscan.

Stanislav “Stanko” Novak, 93 years old, passed away Mar. 26, 2026, in Canada. Preceded in death by his son, Stanley. Husband of Antonia. Father of Tony, Adam (Heidy), and David. Grandfather of Elisha (Steve), Brock (Kristina), Clark (Sam), Jessica (Jesse), Tony Jr. Jeana, Kyle (Azhia); and great-grandfather of Arielle, Domenik, Damien, Jax, Josie, James, and Henry. Stanko was one of eight siblings, with brothers and one sister, with his sister Martina and brother Martin, and their families, surviving him in Slovenia. Stanko was born Nov. 9, 1932, in Srednje Grčevje, Slovenia, and later made Canada his home, where he built his life and raised his family. He was a proud Slovenian, carrying his heritage with him, maintaining traditions, and the Slovenian culture throughout his life. He was happy to donate his landscaping skills and expertise to his Slovenian church community (St. Gregory The Great Parish, Hamilton, Canada) and was integral to its outdoor beautification. He was a master in his craft of landscape construction. He began Novak Landscaping in 1969, the majority of his work in and around the Burlington and Hamilton area. He enjoyed homemade wine, špeh, zelje, krvavice and more, especially with his family. Thank you to Dom Lipa for the exceptional care they provided to Stanko. Family and friends were received at Donald V. Brown Funeral Home. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial was at St. Gregory the Great Church, followed by interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Burlington. Wr. Note: St. Gregory The Great Parish is served by the Catholic Don Bosco religious order and is the personal Slovenian parish in Hamilton. 

Marija Žekš (nee Kovacic), 109 years old, the oldest living person in Slovenia, passed away Mar. 25, 2026. She passed away at a hospital in Murska Sobota. Marija Žekš was born in the settlement of Drevenik, in northeast Slovenia, on Aug. 12, 1916. She spent her childhood with a foster mother in Maribor after losing both of her parents at an early age. There, she found employment in a textile factory. In 1939, she married Alojz Žekš from Pečarovci. During World War II they moved there together. They had two children, Olga and Mirko. She worked at the local elementary school in Pečarovci as a cook and cleaner, while also assisting her husband, a tailor, with sewing. After retiring in 1969, she and her husband moved to Beltinci in 1977 to live with their daughter. She remained active, hardworking, and deeply devoted to her family. Following her husband’s death in 1999, her health gradually declined, and in 2011 she moved to a nursing home.