Author: mkatzmark

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TOM BECZE UPDATE

Tom Becze was the significant other of Theresa Heaton from the violin section. Tom passed away Saturday November 13th from lung cancer. There will be no funeral arrangements other than he will be cremated and his ashes will be taken to several of his favorite places. This seems very fitting considering he was an adventurous soul whose work took him all over the world. Please keep Theresa and his family in your prayers as they go through the grieving process.

Below is Tom’s obituary:

Thomas David Becze

Born: 06/10/1948 Passed: 

Thomas David Becze, age 73 of Akron, Ohio, passed away peacefully, November 13, 2021, after a valiant battle with lung cancer. He was born in Homestead, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late William and Ethel Becze.  Tom was a 1966 graduate of West Mifflin North High School where he sang in many school musicals. He graduated from Bethany College in 1970 where he was a member of Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity. While at Bethany his musical and artistic talents were evident in the one-man art show he produced, as well as the musical productions he participated in. His junior year, he studied at Wroxton College in England and created two authentic brass rubbings of a 15th century English knight and lady, which today are collector’s items.

Tom adored Bernese Mountain dogs and was the proud owner of at least four of them over the years. He loved Hungarian food and was immensely proud of his Hungarian heritage. He was an avid Pittsburgh Steeler fan and wore his Steeler Polamalu jersey with great pride. He sang with the Bucks County Choral Society and other regional choirs in the various towns in which he lived.

He was the president and founder of Princeton Regulatory Associates, where he specialized in market pharmaceutical consulting services domestically and globally. He was proud of his 30+ years in consulting and pharmaceutical regulatory affairs.

Tom is survived by his beloved partner, Theresa Heaton; his two sons, Christopher (Elizabeth) Becze and Bryan (Kristin Dittmer) Becze of Colorado; three grandchildren, Savannah, Sophia and Sebastian Becze; brothers, Steve (Mary Ellen) Becze and William (Cathy) Becze; sister, Suzie (Alan) Alesius; four nieces and two nephews.

There will be no services, cremation has taken place and his ashes will be taken to several of his favorite places. This seems very fitting considering he was an adventurous soul, whose work took him all over the world. If you wish to send condolences, please direct them to Theresa Heaton, 1331 Village Dr., Akron, OH 44313.Print

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JOHN “JACK” WEAVER

We recently were asked to pray for Kathryn Weaver’s (violin) father-in-law, Jack Weaver, who was struggling with cancer. His fight ended Friday November 12th. Funeral arrangements are unknown at this time, but he will be buried at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Rittman. Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.

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KATHRYN WEAVER

Kathryn Weaver’s (violin) father-in-law, John (Jack) Weaver, has been maintaining with leukemia for some time. Unfortunately he has developed some new symptoms that indicate his health is spiraling downhill fast. He is unable to eat and his kidneys are shutting down. It is his desire to stay home, so even though hospice will be involved , Kathryn and her husband Bob will be at the house providing much of his care. Kathryn is going to try to make it to the Harvest Home dinner tonight but that may be the last time we see her with New Horizons for awhile. Please pray for strength for Kathryn and Bob and any other family members involved. And more importantly, pray for Jack’s comfort and peace.

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JAMES F. LONGFELLOW

As you may remember, Tim Longfellow’s mom passed away in July. Tim accompanies New Horizons on the piano. He can also be seen jamming on the keyboard at the Houston Pub when the guys are doing their jazz night. But not many of you may know that his dad, Jim Longfellow, would often step in for a song or two and play the drums.

Jim passed away on Monday, so needless to say, this family has seen a lot of loss this year. Below, the obituary will be posted. If you would like to send Tim and Donna a card, they live at: 3272 Cherrywood Street, Norton, OH. 44203.Ji

James F. Longfellow

James F. Longfellow, “Jim”, 86, recently of North Canton, formerly of New Franklin, Ohio, peacefully left this Earth to join his best friend and wife, Mary Jane, on October 11, 2021, at his home at Sanctuary Grande.

Jim was born November 17, 1934, in Barberton, Ohio to the late Charles and Helen Longfellow. He and Mary Jane had been residents of Melody Village for over 60 years.
Jim was a Private First Class of the United States Marine Corp Air Reserve, and a machinist by trade, spending many years at Brubaker Gear & Manufacturing Co., retiring from the Will-Burt Co. in 1996. He was also a musician by heart. He played with the band Nite Life as drummer for many years, which included the long-term gig as house band for Bill Lezo’s Gaslight Room at the Brown Derby in Norton. Some of his favorite memories were playing with his son Tim–early days, when he sat in on keyboards during the summers; and most recently the “house band” for Wolf Creek Players in Norton (Tim forced him out of retirement).
Grandpa Jim never missed a Norton High School band performance while his grandchild Gray marched. He was the mastermind of Team Longfellow during Gray’s years of racing Soap Box Derby. Jim also was quite a wood craftsman. Other great memories were traveling through Europe with Mary Jane in 1985, including Germany to visit his son Mike while he was stationed there; however, the perk was seeing his first grandchild, Phoenix as well. Then just a few years ago, they flew to Seattle and spent time with Mike, Jennifer, Allie, Phoenix, Maddie, and their families. Favorite pastimes/adventures included golfing, bowling, camping, traveling, cards, and casinos with his partner of 62 years, Mary Jane. Family truly was his life, and he supported both his sons and their families, as well as the many nieces and nephews. It was a party at Jim and Mary Jane’s, especially at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Their home was always open for visits and gatherings. Jim enjoyed history and tracking the genealogy of the Longfellow Family. Yes, he is a distant relative of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

Jim was a member of St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church via St. George’s in Clinton. His deep-rooted faith was ever present and never failed him throughout his life.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jane (this past July); infant daughter, Suzanne Marie; brothers, Carl Longfellow and Clarence Longfellow; sisters Eileen Weaver and Viola Christian. Jim is survived by his children, Michael (Jennifer) Longfellow; and Timothy (Donna) Longfellow; grandchildren, Phoenix (Brandon) Cornwell; Allegra (Jonathon) McFadden; Christopher (Jeweli) Longfellow; Madison (Ryan) Peters; Gray Longfellow; 9 great-grandchildren, Leilani, Hayleigh James, Avalon, Patrick, Hudson, Aryanna, Aiden, Aurora, Alayna; sister-in-law, Joanne Wesley; numerous nieces and nephews; and longtime best friends, Bud and Lucy Snow.

Special thank you to Heather Maxwell and all the staff at Sanctuary Grande; Absolute Home Health, especially PT Courtney; and Absolute Hospice, Tara and Tiffany, for their outstanding compassion and care during Jim’s last days. Jim and Mary Jane called Sanctuary Grande their home since October 2020, and we will be forever grateful.

Friends may call at Bacher-Moore Funeral Home, 3250 Greenwich Rd., Norton, Ohio on Thursday, October 14, 2021 from 5:00-8:00 pm
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, October 15, 2021, at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, 4022 Johnson Rd., Norton, Ohio. Interment Greenlawn Memorial Park.

Donations in Jim’s memory may be made to the Norton Music Boosters, REF The Longfellow Family Scholarship, c/o Norton Music Boosters, PO Box 1335, Norton, OH 44203.

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THERESA HEATON AND TOM BECZE

Theresa Heaton’s (violin) significant other, Tom, has been fighting his second bout of lung cancer for about a year and a half. Yesterday they were told that it had metastasized. Theresa will be unable to practice with us for awhile as she feels she needs to spend her time with him. Please pray for his situation. They will be meeting with a Palliative Care nurse tomorrow to make some decisions.

If you would like to send them a card, their address is: 1331 Village Dr., Akron, OH 44313.

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UPDATE ON MARGARET HUBMAN

For those of you who were not at rehearsal last week, we wanted to let you know that Jim Adkins’ mother-in-law, Peggy Hubman, passed away last week. There will be a graveside service tomorrow for family, and there will no public calling hours. Per the family’s request, no flowers or donations are needed. If you would like to send a card, you can send it to : Jim and Lynne Adkins, 3333 Mark Ln, Norton, OH. 44203.

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KEN SLEZAK

A few months ago Ken was diagnosed with a serious illness. We have been hoping and praying for his recovery. Unfortunately he lost his fight yesterday. As a clarinet player Ken has been one of the longest standing members of New Horizons. We are going to miss his quiet sense of humor. If you would like to send a card to his family, please send it to : Loretta Slezak, 3119 Grill Rd, New Franklin, OH 44216.

Kenneth D. Slezak

February 24, 1954 ~ September 17, 2021 (age 67)

Obituary

Kenneth D. Slezak, 67, went home to be with the Lord on September 17, 2021.  He was born February 24, 1954 in Akron to Andrew and Betty Slezak.  He worked as an electrical engineer for Diebold Nixdorf. For many years, he ministered to young men at Stony Glen Camp through Christian Service Brigade by being a scuba instructor. Ken loved playing music with the Wadsworth Community Band, New Horizons Band, and served in his church choir.  He enjoyed participating in the Metro Parks Fall Hiking Spree with his family since 1980.

Ken was preceded in death by his father, Andrew Slezak.  He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Loretta; sons, Eric (Nikki) and Ryan(Paula); mother, Betty Slezak; sister, Sue (Jeff) Wilson; grandchildren, Nevaeh and Leslie; and beloved cat, Brina.

Friends may call at Community Church of Portage Lakes, 3260 Cormany Rd., Akron on Thursday, September 23, 2021 from 5 to 7 p.m. and Friday, September 24 from 10 to 11 a.m, with the service beginning at 11 a.m., Pastor David Schroyer officiating.  Interment at Hillside Memorial Park. 

In memory of Ken, please consider supporting a camper through the scholarship fund at ohiobrigadecamp.org or mail a check to Ohio Valley CSB, P.O. Box 195, Brookfield, OH 44403.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kenneth D. Slezak, please visit our floral store.

Services

VISITATION – Thursday
September 23, 2021
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Community Church of Portage Lakes
3260 Cormany Rd
Akron, Ohio 44319
Directions
Send Flowers to Kenneth’s Visitation
Guaranteed delivery before the Visitation begins

VISITATION – Friday
September 24, 2021
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Community Church of Portage Lakes
3260 Cormany Rd
Akron, Ohio 44319
Directions
Send Flowers to Kenneth’s Visitation
Guaranteed delivery before the Visitation begins

FUNERAL SERVICE – Friday
September 24, 2021
11:00 AM
Community Church of Portage Lakes
3260 Cormany Rd
Akron, Ohio 44319
Directions
Send Flowers to Kenneth’s Funeral Service
Guaranteed delivery before the Funeral Service begins

© 2021 The Moore Family Funeral Homes. All Rights Reserved.

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MARGARET “PEGGY” HUBMAN

Jim Adkins mentioned at our last rehearsal that he and Lynne had reluctantly placed his mother-in-law, Peggy Hubman, in to Hospice. He and Lynne have cared for her in their home for the last 10 years; she is now 97 years old. Once she became bed bound and the care became 24/7, it became evident that more help was needed.

At the moment, she is sleeping most of the time. Despite her dementia she still has her moments of lucidity. A couple days ago Lynne and one of her sisters were able to visit with their mom for a couple hours and she was fairly alert and oriented. They were able to reminisce and say their good-byes. This in itself was a blessing.

Jim wanted everyone to know that Peggy requested to have a small service with only family present. Flowers and donations are discouraged but our prayers are coveted.

Dear Lord: Be with Peggy as she makes a peaceful transition into Your arms. She has lived a long amazing life and has been blessed with the love of a wonderful family. Wrap Your arms around each member of the family and give them comfort, strength, rest, and peace. And bless them with wonderful memories.

Amen

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PIANO AND DISHES TO GO

Sue Berkey from the violin section has a spinet Wurlitzer piano that she would like to give away to a good home. It would be up to whoever takes it, to move it from her basement.

She also has a set of dishes with the China Pearl Josephine pattern. This would include service for 12 and accessories. She is asking for $100 for everything.

Andy will post pictures of both items. Contact Sue if you are interested at either sburkey2@neo.rr.com or at (330)704-4904.

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PRAYER REQUEST – JOYCE EVANS

Just wanted to let you all know that Joyce (saxophone is her instrument of choice) spent a couple days in the hospital getting her heart regulated to a normal rhythm. She’s home now and doing well but she won’t be at Sunday’s concert. As an FYI, she happened to mention that heat and dehydration are triggers for people with a-fib, so for those of us with issues, make sure you try to keep as cool as possible at this weekend’s concert, and have a water bottle handy.

If any of you would like to send Joyce a card and let her know you’re thinking of her, her address is: 1165 Falling Brook Circle, Louisville, OH. 44641.

Take care Joyce and come back soon!