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Obituaries

Jeff Stassin 1957-2025

WARREN — Jeff Stassin, 68, died Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, at St. Joseph Warren Hospital with his family by his side. He died from complications from ankylosing spondylitis. Jeff was born May 12, 1957, in Warren, to Arthur and Virginia Stassin. Jeff graduated from Western Reserve High School in 1975. He studied at Stevens Institute and then went on to get his bachelor’s degree in engineering from YSU. He was a member of Tau Beta Pi fraternity. He went on to get his master’s degree in engineering from MIT. He worked for Goodyear in Knoxville, Tennessee, specializing in ...

Roland Taylor Sr. 1937-2025

CHAMPION — It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Roland “Butch” Taylor Sr., a longtime resident of Champion Township who died peacefully in his sleep on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Plymouth, Michigan, at the age of 88. Butch was born in Warren on Aug. 14, 1937, to ...

Christopher Contestabile 1944-2025

WARREN — Christopher Contestabile, 81, died Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, at home. He was born Oct. 14, 1944, in Youngstown, a son of Christopher and Caroline Jordan Contestabile. He was employed in various trades, as a pest controller at Commonwealth Exterminating and in carpentry and maintenance at Sac of Suds Laundromat. Survivors include his wife, Mildred Hoover Contestabile; children, Andrew, Marty, Anthony and Melissa Contestabile; brother, Geno Contestabile; one grandchild; and one great-grandchild. Christopher was preceded in death by two brothers. A visitation will be ...

Services

ALPHONSE D. CONTI JR., 82, Niles. SERVICES: 11 a.m. Wednesday, St. Stephen Church, Niles.. ARTHUR G. BANGERT, 95, Cortland. SERVICES: 9 a.m. Tuesday, Pine Knoll Cemetery Chapel. MARY E. BODIFORD, 73, Lordstown. SERVICES: noon, Tuesday, Third Christian Church. CALLING HOURS: 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday, church. LOUIS J. FURANO, 93, Warren. SERVICES: 11 a.m. Tuesday, St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish-St. Mary Church, Warren. CALLING HOURS: 9:30 to 10:25 a.m. Tuesday, Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel, Warren. WILBUR R. GARLAND, 89, Leavittsburg. SERVICES: 1 p.m. Friday, Life Church of ...

A look back at 2025 deaths

The world lost influential people in 2025, and some of their deaths had significant impacts. Pope Francis died in April, leading to the election of the first American pope. The fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in September sparked discussions about political violence. Virginia Giuffre’s suicide in April brought renewed attention to the Jeffrey Epstein case. Former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney and other notable politicians also died. The entertainment industry mourned the loss of Gene Hackman, David Lynch, Roberta Flack, Hulk Hogan and other stars. Here is a ...

Jerre L. Riggle 1954-2025

WARREN — Jerre Lynn Riggle, 71, died Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025, in Cleveland, following a brief illness. He was born Oct. 31, 1954, in Warren, to Paul and Betty Jane Williams Riggle. Jerre was a retired journeyman bricklayer and former union field representative for Bricklayers Local 43 ...