Donovan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

01/23/2026

In Loving Memory of Robert "Coach Bobby" Newell Smith

Robert “Coach Bobby” Smith, 79, passed away on January 21, 2026. He was born in Akron where he would live for most all his life.

Bob was an outstanding basketball player at Ellet High School and The University of Akron. After graduation, he coached at Akron South and retired from teaching and coaching at Akron East. His greatest pleasures were golfing, fishing, playing cards, and a good cigar.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Newell and Mattie Smith.

Bob is survived by his sisters, Karen (Ray) Maravich and Sandy (George Rance) Culver; nephews, Steve (Cindi) Maravich, Jerry Culver, and Danny Culver; and niece, Sharmel (Itsy) Mathis.

Per his wishes, cremation has taken place and private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Memorial donations in Robert’s name can be made to the Habitat for Humanity of Portage County, PO Box 306 - 6630 Cleveland Road Ravenna, OH 44266.

The family would like to thank Harmony Hospice for their loving care of Coach and kindness to the family.

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01/20/2026

In Loving Memory of Michael "Mike" Edward Casamento

Michael “Mike” Edward Casamento, 66, of Brimfield, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

Mike was born on February 5, 1959, in Akron, Ohio, to Donna (Dawson) and Edward Waller of Kent, Ohio. He was a devoted son, brother, and friend whose quick wit, humor, and presence left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Mike had a deep love for music and was a loyal Cleveland sports fan.

He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Brody, and his brother, John.

Mike is survived by his loving mother, Donna Casamento; father, Michael Casamento; grandson, Brody Jr.; siblings Toni (Dave), Matt, Jim, Joe, Russ (Jay), and Jodi (Tom); close family Tami and Mark Herman, and many nieces and nephews who will fondly remember him.

Mike was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Friends and family will be received at 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave. Tallmadge, OH 44278.

Memorial service will follow visitation at the funeral at 7:00 p.m.

The family extends a special thank you to the staff at Timberland Ridge Memory Care for the care and kindness they provided.

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01/20/2026

In Loving Memory of Andrew Jerome Carney

Andrew Jerome Carney, 31, passed away January 8, 2026. Born in Mayfield Hts, he spent most of his life in the Mantua area. Andrew was witty with a sarcastic humor appreciated by those who knew him best. He lived and loved fiercely and left a lasting impression on all he met.

Andrew enjoyed computers and video games, especially Pokemon. He loved to fish and spend time outdoors snowmobiling, dirt biking, doing yard work/gardening, and playing with his niece. He had a deep love for his family and cat, Cali, and was a loyal friend.

He is survived by his mother, Allyson (Cade) Pierce; father, Mark Carney; brother, Matt (Liz) Carney; grandfather, Wayne (Toni) Carney; many aunts and uncles and cousins; his cat, Cali; and his niece, Evelyn.

Private service will be held at the convenience of the family.

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01/19/2026

Tony Yu-San Yui, 89, passed away on January 14, 2026. Born in Shanghai, China, he lived most of his life in Tallmadge.

Tony graduated with a Master’s Degree from the University of Massachusetts. He was the owner of Panda Chinese Restaurant and the Far East Oriental Market where he worked for 20 years before retiring in 1996.

Read full obituary at donovanfuneralhome.com

01/16/2026

In Loving Memory of Tony Yu-San Yui

Tony Yu-San Yui, 89, passed away on January 14, 2026. Born in Shanghai, China, he lived most of his life in Tallmadge.

Tony graduated with a Master’s Degree from the University of Massachusetts. He was the owner of Panda Chinese Restaurant and the Far East Oriental Market where he worked for 20 years before retiring in 1996.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Pong and Li Fong Yui; sister, Cecilia Hu; and brother, Robert Yui.

Tony is survived by his wife, Alice; son, George (Miriam) Yui; daughter, Stephanie (Michael) Anderson; grandchildren, Asher, Hayden, and Morgan; sisters, Suzanne Soong, Ivy Cheng, and Maudie (Leroy) Lin; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Visitation will be Monday, January 19, 2026, from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave. Tallmadge, OH.

Funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.

Interment will be at Chestnut Hill Memorial Park.

Floral arrangement ordering and the livestream viewing of the funeral service can be done on Tony’s obituary at donovanfuneralhome.com.

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01/15/2026

In Loving Memory of Agnes Mary Pauline ((Nicholas)) Tinker

Agnes Mary Pauline Tinker, 93, of Akron, passed away peacefully at her home, on January 13, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Pauline lived a truly remarkable life. She was born on July 6, 1932, in Penzance, Cornwall, England, to William and Elizabeth Nicholas. In 1937, she came to America and made Akron her home for the remainder of her life. Pauline was a naturalized citizen of the United States and took great pride in both her British roots and her American citizenship.

After graduating from Akron East High School, Pauline worked as a bookkeeper for Bond Clothing Store in downtown Akron. She later devoted many years of faithful service as the Christian Education Secretary at Goodyear Heights Presbyterian Church.

Pauline found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She enjoyed taking cruises with her husband, sewing, canning, baking cookies, making jam, listening to John Philip Sousa marches and old-time hymns, and making special trips to Handel’s for vanilla ice cream. She also served as an adult leader in Job’s Daughters International, where she had a meaningful and lasting influence on the lives of many young people. Above all else, Pauline cherished time with her family—especially family dinners—and delighted in celebrating their accomplishments and simply being together.

A devoted member of the Presbyterian Church (USA), Pauline taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and served as a Deacon. Most recently, she attended First Presbyterian Church of Hudson, PCUSA.

Pauline was a sixty-year member and Past Worthy Matron of Billow Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star. She was a Past Grand Guardian of Ohio Job’s Daughters International and was honored with the Emma Tedrick Service Award in recognition of her dedicated service.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 62 years, William Francis Tinker, Sr.; her parents, William and Elizabeth Nicholas; and her brothers, James “Gil” Nicholas and Nick Nicholas.

Pauline is survived by her loving children, William F. Tinker, Jr. (Joan), E. Sue Roseman (Ronald), and Diana L. Tinker; cherished grandchildren, Jessica Dunegan (John) and Jonathan Tinker (Sarah); precious great-grandsons, William, Elijah, and Nicholas; her sister, Marlene (Cliff) Baker; brother, Jack (Linda) Nicholas; sisters-in-law, Catherine Nicholas and Lynda Nicholas; brother-in-law, Donald (Hope) Tinker; many nieces, nephews, and dear friends; special family friend, Najat Tebcherani; and her faithful and loving grand-dog, Zoey.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Goodyear Heights Presbyterian Church, 1430 Goodyear Blvd., Akron.

Friends may call at the church prior to the service from 11:00 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. An Eastern Star service will be held at 12:45 p.m.

A graveside service will follow at Rose Hill Burial Park.

The family thanks Donovan Funeral Home -Tallmadge, for the prearrangements for her service.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to First Presbyterian Church of Hudson, 21 Aurora Street, Hudson, Ohio 44236.

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01/13/2026

In Loving Memory of Monica Sue Krabill

Monica Sue Krabill, 55, passed away peacefully January 10, 2026. Born in Alliance, Ohio, she had made Tallmadge her home for the past 4 years.

Monica‘s greatest joy in life was her family, and she enjoyed traveling; riding motorcycles with her husband, Steven, and boating with the grandkids.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Sheila May; brother, Jason West; and granddaughter, Sophia Peterson.

Monica is survived by her husband of 19 years, Steven; sons, Zach (Ashley) Peterson, Magnuson (McKenna Muska) Mull; step children, Kathleen (Tim) Krabill, Brent Krabill, Matthew Krabill; grandchildren, Emma, Jocelyn, Greyson, Jace, Gwen, Ella, and Magnuson Jr. (on the way); sister, Chrissie Hopper; nephew, Dustin West, niece, Amberjoy Safreed, nephew, Samual Hopper; and many cherished friends, whose lives she’s touched deeply.

Visitation will be 3:00 until 6:00 p.m., Friday, January 16, 2026 at the Donovan Funeral Home 17 Southwest Ave. (On the Historic Tallmadge Circle).

Funeral service will follow visitation at 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

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01/12/2026

In Loving Memory of Julie ((Hennessy)) Winebrenner

On Jan 7, 2026, our family lost a great love, Julie Ann Winebrenner. She was the daughter of Terrance and Patricia Hennessy. She had three sisters, Susan, Amy, and Colleen. She relished her different relationships with each of them. Then there was her brother, Terry. Her love for him was very deep and protective. She had a special bond with Lisa, whom she never considered anything other than a sister. In fact, her love for her siblings stretched to their spouses equally. She never used nor knew the word in-law.

Julie’s greatest gift was love. She felt and gave that love to the depth of her soul. It started with her first love, music. Julie loved to listen loudly and to belt out tunes until the walls shook! She shared her love with her childhood and lifelong friend, Joni. They shared many adventures together and laughed through them all! She attended and graduated high school from St. Vincent-St Mary. It was there that she met some more of her life-long loves, Mary and Peggy. Once again, Julie loved and laughed through countless experiences with her girls.

She then went on to her next great love, her daughter, Emily Winebrenner. It goes without saying that Emily stole a large chunk of that amazing heart. Julie then loved Lee Kail and had the most amazing and resilient son, Samuel Kail. Julie’s love for Sam will live on in the travels they took together and the deep talks they had. She shared her love of music, humor, and kindness with him. He exudes the best of her.

Julie was very proud of starting and running her own cleaning business for many years. She was also proud to work for her nephew, Eric. Julie had tremendous pride in her many nieces, nephews, great nephews, and two grandchildren (Andrew and Riley) whose pictures she displayed around a mirror in her room. She will be greatly missed by her aunts and many cousins. Julie loved more deeply than any of us could have known, and the hole that she’s left in our hearts will forever be felt. Rest in Peace, our love.

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01/09/2026

In Loving Memory of Ruth Jane ((Votaw)) Stanley

Ruth Jane Stanley, 94, passed away January 5, 2026. Born in Wadsworth, she lived most of her life in the Akron area.

Ruth was a manager with the west Mogadore Country Club and had also worked at the Grace Cathedral, Lawsons and owned a restaurant in Bucyrus. She was a member of Grace Cathedral where she enjoyed participating with the Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She was a current member of Bethel Church of Tallmadge.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Walter Stanley, Sr.; parents, Clyde and Lillian Votaw; five sisters and six brothers.

Ruth is survived by her sons, Kenneth Walter (Jill) Stanley, Jr. of Colorado, Charles William (Joy) Stanley of Munroe Falls; seven grandchildren and ten great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, friends, and her entire church family.

Visitation will be Saturday, January 17, 2026 from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. at Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave. Tallmadge, OH 44278.

Funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Phil Anderson officiating.

Private interment will be at Hillside Memorial Gardens at a later date.

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01/08/2026

In Loving Memory of José Rafael Brenes II

José Rafael Brenes II, 62, passed away January 7, 2026. Born in Fort Moore, Georgia, he had lived in Akron for the past 30 years.

José retired as a machinist at Sattler Machine Products, Inc. and was a member of Living Water Ministries officiated by Pastor Shelby Gene Mullins. Jose volunteered for 20 years as a Scout Master for Troop 559 and was a wrestling coach at Waterloo Schools. He loved the scouts and coaching and still volunteered up until he passed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, José Rafael Brenes I and Sandra Seyfarth; son, José Rafael Brenes III; and brother, Ricardo Brenes.

José is survived by his wife, Romie Jean Brenes; son, Brandon Carlos Brenes; step father, Kenneth Seyfarth; step children, Ashley (Jared) Monroe, Celina Esperanza Martinez, and Romey Ismael (Karen) Martinez; brothers, Juan (Wanita) Brenes and Nicholas Seyfarth; step brother, Kenneth Seyfarth; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation will be Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 12:00 until 3:00 p.m. at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave. Tallmadge, OH 44278.

Funeral service will follow at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Russ Bowman officiating.

Interment will be at Hillside Memorial Gardens on Monday, January 19, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.

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01/07/2026

In Loving Memory of Lawrence William Kovalcik

Lawrence Kovalcik, 91, passed away January 6, 2026. Born in East Vandergrift, Pennsylvania, he lived most of his life in the Tallmadge and the Akron North Hill area.

Lawrence served in the U.S. Marine Corps and retired from TRW Inc as a Data Processing Auditor. He was a member of Our Lady of Victory Church. Lawrence enjoyed fishing, hunting, boating and traveling the world. He was a Ward 1 Tallmadge Councilman. In his retirement he enjoyed woodworking, spending time with his family and enjoying fine wine.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan; sister, Catherine and brother, John “Sonny”.

Lawrence is survived by his daughter, Paulette (Peter) Grant of Sandusky; sons, Lawrence (Stephanie) Kovalcik of Wellington and Paul (Renee) Kovalcik of Euclid; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Madeline, Abigail, David, Kaitlyn, Cara, Andrew, Elaina, sisters, Regina and Martha; brother, Joseph; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation will be 12:00 until 3:00 p.m., Sunday, January 11, 2026 at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave., (On the Historic Tallmadge Circle).

Mass of Christian burial will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 12, 2026 at Our Lady of Victory Church, 73 North Ave., Tallmadge with Rev. Michael Williamson officiating.

Interment will be at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the IBH – Addiction Recovery, 3445 S. Main Street, Akron OH 44319.

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01/06/2026

In Loving Memory of Sally A ((Smith)) Holodnak

Sally A. Holodnak, 80, passed away January 2, 2025. Born in Canton, Ohio, she lived most of her life in Brimfield.

Sally enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, traveling and visiting the beach.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Dennis; and parents, Paul and Dorothy Smith.

Sally is survived by her son, Dennis (Amanda) Holodnak, and many friends.

Visitation will be Saturday, January 10, 2026 from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. at Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave. Tallmadge, OH 44278.

Funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.

Interment will be at Tallmadge Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 223 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 350, Chicago, IL 60606. https://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org

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