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CHAMPION -- It is with heavy hearts and a sense of loss like no other we've ever experienced that we have to announce the sudden passing of Shiye William Schlesinger of Champion Heights. He passed unexpectedly on Monday, July 13, 2026, leaving his family and many in his small community reeling from the abrupt and tragic loss.
Born in Aultman Hospital on May 20, 2008, in Canton, Shiye was the beloved child of Samantha Ferrel and Eric Schlesinger. He graduated from Champion High School and TCTC this past year and was looking forward to continuing his efforts to build a rewarding career as an electrician.
Beyond his plans for a successful professional life, Shiye was known for his beautiful smile and kind heart. He was indeed a gentle giant. He took care of his family, loved God and had just found a new home with his youth group. He was learning to ride his motorcycle, practicing jiu-jitsu and loved his classmates, co-workers, bowling team members, choir and football friends. He was always running around the house singing Frank Sinatra songs, filling every room with music and laughter. He had an interest in the culinary arts. He was the best son, brother, grandson and family member anyone could ask for. He possessed an adventurous, generous, caring spirit and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He lived every day to the best of his ability and brought an irreplaceable light to everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Shiye is survived by his loving parents and stepparents, Samantha Ferrel and Eric Schlesinger, and Mark Ferrel and Jennifer Schlesinger; his sisters, Bailye, Dalaney and Bethany; his brother-in-law, Chris; his niece, Wren; and his stepsiblings, Sydney and Brooklyn, and Aaron, Ashley (Frank), Nick, Trenton and Vincent; his grandparents, Cherre and Arthur Spagnoletta, and Kathy Schlesinger; his great-grandmother, Nancy Kovach; his cousin, Rooke; and his aunts and uncles, Charly and Matt Lowry, Debra Loftus, Kim Flynn, and Joseph and Theresa Spagnoletta; and many more cousins and extended family members by whom he was dearly loved.
He was preceded in death by his uncles, William and Timothy Loftus; and his great-grandparents, William and Elizabeth Loftus.
Friends and family may visit 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 19, 2026, and are invited to participate in his celebration of life at 5:30 p.m., all at Life Church of God, at 610 S. Leavitt Road, Leavittsburg.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Lane Funeral Homes, Shafer-Winans Chapel, 164 N. High St., Cortland. Family and friends may send their heartfelt condolences by visiting www.lanefuneral
homes.com.
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