Prentice Funeral Home

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Akron, OH
Prentice Funeral Home

Prentice Funeral Home
1154 Kenmore Blvd. Akron, OH 44314
(330) 753-7721 Prentice Funeral Home has been family owned and in this community since 1914.

My husband Tom Prentice was the fourth generation to own and operate this funeral home. He died unexpectedly from cancer in July of 2014. Since that time, I have been taking care of the families we serve along with several area funeral directors. I have discovered that this is my calling. I love helping families during their worst days. I know what they are feeling and are going through. I love helping them create a meaningful tribute to their loved one. I encourage them to bring mementos to display that their loved ones collected and cherished, to play their loved one’s favorite music, to bring poster boards of pictures, videos of pictures, scrapbooks, and framed family pictures to display. Prentice Funeral Home is proud to offer a variety of services. We can assist you in completing all of the arrangements with the special preferences you desire. Our intention is to help make every ceremony personal and meaningful, truly reflective of the life that was lived. Most people today bring their children and they get restless, so we have a playroom to keep them occupied. Also, ask about our services for veterans. In addition to the wide range of services we offer, you will receive an online memorial that you can share with family and friends. We also post your loved one’s obituary on Facebook so that you are able to share it on your own page. While honoring your loved one is our top priority, we also want to help you through this difficult time. We have a wide range of resources to support you not only today, but in the weeks and months to come. Sincerely,

Lori Gardner Prentice

10/04/2025

It is with great sadness that I inform my friends & family of the loss of the “love of my life & soulmate”, John. We were married almost 31 years. He passed away on July 8, 2025, after fighting a courageous battle with cancer.
John was born December 25, 1953, he grew up in Norton, went to school at Norton High school, and graduated from Akron University & Walsh University.
John had many different career paths in his life. He joined the Navy right out of high school, went to college for a Business Degree, and rejoined the military as an officer in the Air Force. After 4 years, he was discharged, and he was hired as a park ranger, then became a Copley Police Officer. He was later hired at FirstEnergy and held many different positions during the 10 years he worked there.
He decided to go back to college & graduated with his Masters in Clinical Counseling. He worked in the counselling field for over 30 years. He did mental health, drug & alcohol and family counseling. His favorite job was when he was the Director of Mental Health at Summit County Jail. John loved helping people, and he touched the hearts of many people.
John was a very special man. He was the best husband, amazing father, grandfather and he was recently made a great-grandfather. His grandchildren were the sunshine in his life and always made him smile.
John is preceded in death by his father, John Balash, his mother, Irene Balash, his brother, Richard Balash and his stepdaughter Melissa Fielding. He is survived by his wife, Lynn, daughter Kimberly (Ryan) Prentice, son Johnny Balash, stepdaughter Michelle Wagner, stepson Michael (Erin) Leonardi, son-in-law Dennis Fielding, and 7 grandchildren: Austin, Mercedes, Mason, Constantine, Quinton, Grayson, and Ireland one great grandson Liam.
It’s so hard to lose someone you love so much, but I know he isn’t suffering anymore and is in heaven with Jesus, my daughter and his other family members. I love you John… you will always be in my heart, and I know we will be together again.
“Happiness is being married to someone who is not just your partner, but is your safe place, your peace in the everyday chaos, your hope when you feel a little lost, your strength when you need it most, and the true love of your life!”
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Prentice Funeral Home, 1154 Kenmore Blvd., Akron on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor Janet Zimmerman. Calling hours will be from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations in John’s name to the American Cancer Society or Safety Forces Support Center, in Akron, OH or Greenleaf Family Center in Akron, OH.

09/30/2025

Robert W. “Bob” Kerns of Green passed away on September 27, 2025. Born in Altoona, PA on April 7, 1939, he was raised in East Loop, PA at the foot of Locke Mountain, by Frank and Rita Kerns, deceased.
Bob graduated from Hollidaysburgh High School in 1957, then went into the U.S. Navy where he served on the USS Dashiell 659. He then went to work in automobile and bus parts and finished his career in heavy truck sales where he retired from Quality Truck Body selling solid waste removal equipment. He spent five years running Boyd Sanitary Equipment Co. in Canton, OH. He was a licensed auctioneer for 30 years.
Bob was also a member of F.O.P.A. in Akron, OH and a 30-year-old member of North Lawrence Fish & Game. He spent almost 20 years as an instructor for hunter Education Program for the Ohio Division of Wildlife. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, teaching kids to fish, gardening and working outside.
Bob is preceded by his father Francis (Rita) Kerns, sisters Carol and Frances, loving wife of 38 years Linda, and her parents Frank & Gilda.
Bob is survived by son Robert (Deb) Benton, daughter Dawn Fayard, son-in-law Marc Fayard, grandchildren Danelle (Mike) Pettini, Nicholas Benton and Ryleigh Fayard, great-granddaughter Cataleya Pettini and special little girl Rosie.
Funeral services will be held at the Prentice Funeral Home, 1154 Kenmore Blvd., on Friday October 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., officiated by Father Jeremy Merzweiler, followed by burial at Holy Cross Cemetery. Friends may call on Thursday, October 2, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Special thanks to Traditions Health for the outstanding service; especially to Bridgett and Cheryl.
Donations, if desired may be made to Haven of Rest, 175 E. Market St., Akron, OH 44308.

09/15/2025

Ronald Oaks, born May 14, 1943, passed away peacefully September 14, 2025.
Ron was a 1961 graduate of Hower Vocational High School. He then went into the National Guard. Ron went on to work as a custodian for the Akron Public School System. He became a deputy sheriff in 1978. He worked two jobs to support his family. Ron retired in 1983.
Ron married his beloved wife Barbara in 1984 on the island of Kaui. One of Ron’s greatest accomplishments came October 19, 2006, the day he became sober. Ron worked tirelessly on his 12-step program.
Ron is survived by his wife of 46 years Barbara, son Dean (Mitzi) Oaks, daughter Wendy Ellis, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, and many friends of Dr. Bob’s.
The family will hold private services at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Akron North Hill Men’s Group of Alcoholics Anonymous.

09/05/2025

Carl Harris, 78 of Wadsworth passed away on September 3, 2025, surrounded by family and the loving, caring staff of the SCI and MCIU units at Louis Stokes Cleveland V.A. Hospital. Carl was born in Barberton, grew up in Kenmore, and graduated from Kenmore High School. He then went into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era. He was very involved in the Buckeye Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America. He was a board member of the national PVA, participated in the Paralyzed Veterans Wheelchair Games, was inducted into the Ohio State Veterans Hall of Fame in 2022 and won the Outstanding Member Award in 2022. He held national and state records for archery and air rifle and was a past member of the YK Rod Club.
Carl is preceded by his parents Dale and Betty Harris and his wife of 49 years Patty Ann Harris. He is survived by his daughter Christine (Lou) LoCoco, grandchildren Paul Nash (Best Buddy) and Andie Nash (Little Angel), brothers and sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at the Prentice Funeral Home, 1154 Kenmore Blvd., on Monday, September 8. 2025 at 11:00 a.m., followed by burial at Lakewood Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday, September 7, 2025, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Donations, if desired may be made to Buckeye PVA, 2775 Bishop Rd., Suite B, Willoughby Hills, OH 44092.

08/07/2025

Linda D. Kerns (nee Jarvis, nee Benton) 76 of Green passed away on August 4, 2025. She was born in Akron, grew up in Kenmore and graduated from Kenmore High School in 1967. She was a mother and homemaker in Arizona, working in a school cafeteria, so she could be home when her kids were home. After moving back to Akron, she worked at IRBF as general manager. She was very devoted to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. She loved feeding birds and other critters. She put her heart and soul into everything she did.

Linda is preceded by her parents Frank and Gilda Jarvis, brothers Frank Jarvis Jr. and William “Billy” Jarvis. She will be deeply missed by her husband of 38 years Bob Kerns, son Robert (Deb) Benton, daughter Dawn Fayard, son-in-law Marc Fayard, grandchildren Danelle (Mike) Pettini, Nicholas Benton and Ryleigh Fayard, great-granddaughter Catalya Pettini and special little girl Rosie.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 2101 17th St. SW on Tuesday, August 12th at 10:00 a.m., officiated by Father Jeremy Merzweiler. Friends may call at the Prentice Funeral Home, 1154 Kenmore Blvd. on Monday, August 11th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Special thanks to Traditions Health for the outstanding service; especially to Bridgett and Cheryl.

Donations, if desired may be made to Haven of Rest, 175 E. Market St., Akron, OH 44308.

08/04/2025

I have a lady who will make a bear or pillow out of your loved ones clothing! ❤️

07/28/2025

Grief is how we come to terms with our new reality. It’s the process in which the old is mourned and released, and the new is accepted and assimilated into what’s new. Without proper grieving, you will be forever stuck in the in-between — struggling with the loss but never accepting the new life you live in.

07/26/2025

Grief, I've learned, is really just love.
It's all the love you want to give, but cannot. All of that unspent love gathers in the corners of your eyes, the lump in your throat, and the hallow part of your chest.
Grief is just love with no place to go.

07/11/2025

Diana Kardos, 79 of Massillon, passed away on July 9, 2025. She was born in Akron and graduated from Kenmore High School. Later in life she became a nurse and retired from Akron City Hospital in coronary care. She loved to crochet, her church and her dog Rocky.

Diana is preceded by her parents George and Fay Kardos, daughter Lisa Bergstrom and brother Jim Kardos. She is survived by her children Michael (Leila) Sparks, Kelly M. Sparks, John (Tina) Sparks, Erik Bergstrom and Kyle Bergstrom, 20 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at the Prentice Funeral Home, 1154 Kenmore Blvd., on Thursday July 17, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. Friends may call from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

She will be laid to rest at Greenlawn Memorial Park on Friday July 18th at 11 a.m.

07/09/2025

Dale Marvin, 68 of Akron, passed away on July 2, 2025, due to cancer. He was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. He worked at Ace Hardware as a manager for 17 years. He liked to work with his hands and working on home projects. He enjoyed watching Indiecar racing. He also loved corvettes. Dale had a great sense of humor and always had something witty to say all the way to the end.
Dale is preceded by his parents Bill and Rose Marvin. He is survived by his wife of 48 years Elizabeth Marvin, sons Greg (Victoria) Marvin and Adam (Katrina) Marvin, grandchildren Ava Marvin and Maverick Marvin, sisters Donna Finocchiaro and Mary Ellen (Rich) Allen.
There will be a Cebration of Life at the Prentice Funeral Home, 1154 Kenmore Blvd. on Saturday, August 16, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

07/07/2025

Our mother, Carolyn Sue (Riffle) Dooley Turner was born July 1, 1947 in Summersville, West Virginia and passed away June 22, 2025. Carolyn lived in West Virginia as a young child along with her ten brothers and sisters before moving to the Akron area where she lived the rest of her life. She loved to travel to the ocean and visit the lighthouses on family vacations. Carolyn attended Allenside Presbyterian Church in Kenmore and worked as a Home Health Aid, always caring for others.

She is preceded in death by her parents Thomas and Edith (Jones) Riffle; siblings Chester, Adrian, Kinard, Conrad, Charlene and Dan.

Carolyn is survived by her children Ray Dooley, Carol Diane Dooley, Tracy Reighard (Edwin), Steven Dooley (Mallory); brother Charvin; sisters Anna Marie Jones(Bill), Linda Moore(Clarence), Sharon McCormick(Dave); sister-in-law Darlene Riffle; grandchildren Jacob, Ryan, Matthew, Daniel, Nathan, Erik; great grandson Oliver and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday July 26 from 12:00 to 2:00 pm at the Prentice Funeral Home, 1154 Kenmore Boulevard, Akron, Ohio 44314.

Carolyn will be laid to rest at 10:30 a.m. Saturday July 26 at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 2580 Romig Road, Akron, Ohio 44314

07/01/2025

Donald M. McNeil, 76 of Akron, passed away on June 29, 2025. He was born in Akron, grew up in Bath on a farm across from Hale Farm. He graduated from Central High School and the University of Akron. He worked in computer operations at BFGoodrich, then worked as a teacher at Resnik Elementary for 17 years. He was a member of the Chapel for 38 years, in the choir for 34 years and in the children’s ministry. He also volunteered at First Glance Student Center for many years.

Don is preceded by his father Marvin McNeil, mother Mildred (Thurman) Brown, brothers Charles McNeil, Ronald McNeil and Larry McNeil, aunts Pat Morse and Susan McNeil, and beloved dog Cubby. He is survived by his wife of 53 years Emilie McNeil, daughters Dawn (Gene) Street and Brea Moffett, granddaughters Aalayah Walker and Nayeli Walker, brother Roger (Barbara) McNeil, and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at the Chapel, 135 Fir Hill, on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in the Memorial Chapel officiated by Pastor Robert Schneider. Calling hours will be at the Prentice Funeral Home, 1154 Kenmore Blvd., on Wednesday, July 2nd from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., and at the church Thursday from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

It was Don’s wish that everyone wear bright colors to his funeral. Donations, if desired, may be made to The Chapel or First Glance Student Center.

Address

1154 Kenmore Boulevard
Akron, OH
44314

Telephone

+13307537721

Website

http://www.prenticefuneralhome.com/

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