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LAKELAND, Fla. -- Craig "Yogi" Vencel, 61, resident of Lakeland, Fla., passed away unexpectedly Monday, March 1, 2021, while vacationing with family in Daytona Beach, Fla.
He was born April 21,1959, the son of Betty and John Vencel Sr.
Yogi graduated from Newton Falls High School in 1977, was a lover and enthusiast of all sports and served his community with pride and honor. His community involvement began with the Newton Falls High School football team while in high school and continued after graduation playing softball for the Newton Falls AMVETS. He was a lifelong member of The Moose No. 2586 in Barboursville, W.Va., a member of the Lakeland Elks Lodge No. 1291 and the American Legion and finally a supporter of veterans and this country.
Yogi was the owner and CEO of CableOne, LLC for more than 17 years and was known as a dedicated veteran of the cable television industry by his peers and colleagues. He traveled the eastern United States hiring teams to sell cable to prospective customers for Armstrong Cable.
Yogi is that special person you would meet at a gathering and laugh all day at his sense of humor and fun-loving spirit, and he captured your attention with delight. He was the "#1 Fan" of The Ohio State Buckeyes, the Cleveland Browns and the Cleveland Indians and definitely wasn't afraid to show it. He loved all sports and the competitive nature of any challenge. His special interests included wagering on sporting events and laughing with his many friends and family. He loved to play pool and all the competitors that would challenge him. Yogi worked hard to play hard.
Yogi was the life of the party and a people person. He was a "Big Deal" to his family and close friends. His personality, character, charm and ability to enjoy life was immeasurable and will be felt for eternity. He had an infectious spirit that was shared freely and not easily forgotten by those who touched him.
Yogi is survived by his loving companion of 23 years, Roberta Edwards of Proctorville, Ohio; Roberta's daughter, Amanda Edwards (Tommy) of Clayton, N.C., and her granddaughter, Madison Edwards; his siblings, John Vencel Jr. (Vonda) of Newton Falls, Paula McCoy (Kenneth) of Lakeland, Fla., Diane Glover (Ricky) of Newton Falls, Keith Vencel (Allison) of Mount Juliet, Tenn., and Carla Clay (Darrell) of Bowling Green, Ky. Yogi was an uncle to 10 nieces and nephews and great-uncle to 19 grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
Yogi was preceded in death by his loving parents, Betty and John Vencel Sr.; his precious niece, April Vencel; and his beloved nephew, Christopher McCoy.
A funeral service will be held at SS. Mary and Joseph Parish, 131 W. Quarry St., Newton Falls, at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 20, 2021. A "Celebration of Life" will follow at Faces Lounge, 13 W. Broad St., Newton Falls.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution, in Craig Vencel's name, to The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, P.O. Box 931517, Cleveland, OH 44193, or call 216-448-1105 for a donation over the phone using a credit card, or make a gift online at https://Give.ccf.org/Craig Vencel.
Arrangements were entrusted to Borowski Memorial Home of Newton Falls.
Condolences can be sent to 914 Christina Chase Drive, Lakeland, FL 33813, or P.O. Box 984, Proctorville, OH 45669.
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