Many of you may not remember Ann because she played her cello in the novice class for a few years. But the strings will remember her. She was a very vivacious person with a quick smile. Full of energy, it is hard to understand how she could be taken at such a young age.

Below is her obituary:

Anne Elizabeth Lazzerini

Anne Elizabeth Lazzerini was born on April 14, 1981, three weeks before her due date of May 5. She always joked that she needed to get out and get going!

She had wonderful teachers during her Akron Public School education at King, Litchfield and Firestone schools. She was a member of the class of 1999 at Firestone and was Homecoming Queen.

Annie attended the University of Akron on an Honors Scholarship. She majored in Finance and was awarded the Wall Street Journal Award for outstanding student. Following in the footsteps of her grandfather, Dr. Frank Simonetti, she earned her Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree, both in Business. She was a Financial Business Analyst at First Energy, a position she held for 17 years. She enjoyed her work, loved her colleagues, and did many volunteer activities on behalf of the company such as volunteering at the Soap Box Derby, chairing the Heart Walk which grew tremendously under her leadership, and speaking to area school children about finances. Anne loved Akron and served her community in many ways. Forever a Zip, she served on the National Alumni Board of the College of Business at UA. A lover of flowers and a hater of litter she joined the Board of Trustees of Keep Akron Beautiful. Annie believed in the good work done by Goodwill and helped them raise money at the annual Taste of Vintage by modeling for 15 years. Anne loved clothes, shoes, hats, jewelry and anything that sparkled! She enjoyed decorating for the all the holidays both indoors and outdoors. Multi-colored Christmas lights were a favorite of hers.

An avid traveler, she had many fond memories of trips to Hawaii, Chicago, Niagara Falls and Toronto, New York, Williamsburg and Washington D.C. but her most treasured were those of visits to Italy to see her family and the beauty of the country.

Annie loved to eat and had an adventurous palate. While she would enjoy almost anything her absolute favorites were big salads, pasta, pizza and gelato. She was a member of the Sicilian-American Women’s club and enjoyed their company and the food!

Music was a passion of hers. Annie took dance lessons as a child and was usually the first one to hit the dance floor to get the party started! Her two most memorable concert experiences were touching Taylor Swift’s hand and attending the 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. She truly enjoyed playing her cello with the New Horizons Orchestra for several years.

Anne liked to play tennis and was a member of the Varsity Women’s Tennis team at UA. She did not watch many sporting events on TV but loved the Olympics. She was so looking forward to the upcoming games and was happy they were going to be in Italy.

She had a beautiful smile, a great sense of humor, loved corny jokes and would double up laughing at old Saturday Night Live skits on YouTube.

Above all Anne was a good, kind, caring and loving young woman. She had hundreds of friends because she was a good friend. She had no tolerance for intolerance or discrimination and treated everyone with respect. She loved everyone and they loved her right back. Anne was always helpful to the elderly, sick or disabled. She was a great dog mom to Ebony and Penny who survives and misses her.

She took wonderful care of her loving parents Diane and Dominic as they faced growing older. She deeply loved both of her older siblings, Margaret Jordan (John) and Dr. Frank Lazzerini. In addition to her immediate family she is survived by many relatives both here and in Italy whom she adored and who now mourn her loss. She was preceded in death by her dear grandparents, Dr. Frank and Mim Simonetti and Elio and Margherita Lazzerini and aunts, uncles, and cousins, in both countries.

Anne passed away unexpectedly but peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. Gone far too soon at just 44 she shall always remain the beautiful and vibrant young woman she was. 

She embodied the Shakespeare quote “Though she be but little she is fierce!”.

Rest in peace our precious girl. We will see you in heaven.

Although she loved flowers we know that Anne would appreciate donations made in her memory to one of these causes close to her heart: Goodwill Akron, 570 E. Waterloo Rd., Akron, OH 44319; Keep Akron Beautiful, 850 E. Market St., Akron, OH 44303: or the Dr. Frank Simonetti Scholarship Fund (for Business students) made payable to The University of Akron Foundation and mailed to The University of Akron Department of Development, Akron, OH 44325-2603. Please put Simonetti Scholarship Fund on the memo line. Donations may also be made online at www.uakron.edu/givelazzerini.

Calling Hours will be held FRIDAY, February 6th from 1-7 P.M. at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd. Akron, OH 44333. Mass of the Christian Burial will be held 11 A.M. SATURDAY, February 7th at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 164 W. Market St. Akron, OH 44303 with Rev. Fr. Norm Douglas officiating.

To share a Memory, Send a Condolence or Light a Candle, visi

Unfortunately Cathy Fogel’s father, Dennis Mitchell, passed away last Friday. At this stage in our lives, so many of us have experienced the pain of losing a parent. In knowing this, please pray for Cathy, her mom, and the rest of her family as they feel the sadness, exhaustion, and introspection of mourning the loss of someone so close. If anyone wants to send a personal card of condolence to Cathy her address is: 580 Lois Dr, Akron, OH. 44333. Below is his obituary:

Dennis Lee Mitchell passed away on August 8, 2025 surrounded by his loving family at the age of 93. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio on February 15, 1932 to Irving and Elizabeth Mitchell, both of blessed memory. Dennis was a graduate of Cleveland Heights High School and attended Cleveland College until he was drafted into the army in 1953, where he served as a motion picture photographer in the signal corps, taking pictures of test rockets and missiles at White Sands Proving Ground. When he returned from service in 1955 he worked full time with his father, in the family photography business, Mitchell Studio, until he took over the business in 1961.

Dennis met his wife Florence Rosewater (Flossy) on a blind date that neither of them wanted to attend. Luckily they hit it off and were married a year and a half later. They had a wonderful 64 year marriage where they raised two daughters, several dogs, a bird and a few goldfish.  

Together Dennis and Flossy had a beautiful life filled with travel, weightlifting meets, swim meets, Torah study and friendships with people from near and far.  Long time members of Suburban Temple Kol-Ami, Dennis served as an usher and participated in Vintage Suburban where he helped plan and organize senior outings and programs. 

Dennis’s passion was weightlifting.  He began weightlifting at the age of 11 and continued throughout his life.  He was recognized for competing 70 continuous years, only stopping in 2020 at the time of the Pandemic.  He was inducted into the USAWA (United States All-Around Weightlifting  Association) hall of fame in 1998 and  acknowledged in 2018 for lifting in 29 consecutive meets which was the most of any lifter in the history of the association. He was the oldest competitor at nationals that year.  He holds 28 world records in all-round lifting and also participated in many olympic lifting meets.  He participated in events worldwide and created many international friendships. He has mentored numerous new lifers and inspired others to pursue their interest in the sport. He served as the head of the International All-Around Technical Committee and held the offices of treasurer and secretary of the Ohio Olympic Weightlifting Committee. 

Dennis was not a one sport individual.  Over the years he participated in numerous athletic events. In college he participated in gymnastics and competed in judo.  As an adult he was a member of Ohio Masters swim team competing for many years and also competed in distance running.  He was a long time member of the JCC, which was like his second home, where he swam and was a member of the running club.

Dennis was also an avid gardener.  He grew plants from seeds in the basement and had a magnificent flower garden. Later he also had a flourishing vegetable garden, not wanting his children to think that green beans came from a can.  Additionally he was an accomplished musician which, over the years, had an impact on his children’s and grandchildren’s lives, much as his dedication to fitness and health served as a role model for all of them. 

Dennis will be greatly missed by his wife Flossy, his children Cathy Fogle (Ron), Judy Mitchell-Loeb (Jim Loeb) and his grandchildren Russell Fogle, Erin Fogle (Cale Post), Jason Loeb and Jonathan Loeb.  He was preceded in death by his brother Arnold Mitchell ,(Jean).

Funeral services will be held as Suburban Temple Kol-Ami, 22401 Chagrin Blvd. Beachwood, Ohio 44122, on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery. Family will receive friends at Suburban Temple on Wednesday until 4:00 following internment.  Shiva will continue on Wednesday from 6:00-8:00, Thursday from 1:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00, and Sunday from 1:00-4:00 at the Loeb residence, 34232 Summerset Drive, Solon Ohio 44139.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cleveland JCC, the Suburban Temple Kol-Ami, or USAWA (United States all-around weightlifting association).

Sent from AOL on Android

As if the loss of Kathy Jesser’s step-grandson, Kai, wasn’t enough, her mother, Alberta Edgerly, passed away last Friday. Below is her obituary. If you would like to send a personal card, Kathy’s address is 2943 Pepper Hill Circle, Akron, Ohio 44312.

ALBERTA RAE EDGERLY

March 15, 1928 — June 13, 2025

Alberta “Bert” Edgerly (Kernen), our beloved Mother, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother has been embraced and taken up with the Lord Jesus Christ, June 13, 2025. In March 2025, we gathered and celebrated Alberta’s 97th Birthday with family returning from across the country.

Alberta graduated from North High School, Class of 1947 and married Clark Edgerly. They celebrated 63 years of marriage before Clark’s passing in 2011. They attended the Evangelical United Brethren Church of Akron which merged with the Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist Church for 40 years. They were both active in the Church and had many friends.

In addition to being a wife and mother to 3 children, she worked to make ends meet. The highlight of her working career was her position with the University of Akron as an assistant coordinator of Veteran Educational Services for the returning Vietnam Veterans of which she enjoyed immensely the work and the returning Vets. As Grandparents, Clark and Alberta both greatly enjoyed their grandchildren and watched them grow into adults. As a Great-Grandmother, she greatly appreciated and loved her great-grandchildren.

Alberta leaves her children, Roger (Barbara) Edgerly, Kathryn Jesser (Edgerly), and Jeff Edgerly; grandchildren, Kyle (Portia) Edgerly, Ryan (Kelly) Edgerly, Christine Jesser, Andrew (Gina) Jesser, Rachel (Nate) Fisher, Michael (Becky) Edgerly; 8 great-grandchildren; her dear companion and cousin, Karen Gonder; sole surviving in-law and friend, Ruth Darling (Edgerly); and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Alberta was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Clark (3/2011); greatly loved grandson, Timothy Jesser (2002); parents, Thomas and Rachael (Gonder) Kernen; and her brothers, Bill, Keith, and Bud Kernen.

Alberta has resided at Copeland Oaks for the past 19 years where she has dominated the Euchre tables and has had many friends.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025 from 10 am – 12 noon, followed by a 12 noon funeral service at Newcomer Funeral Home, 131 N. Canton Rd., Akron, Ohio 44305, 330-784-3334. Interment at Northlawn Memorial Gardens.

As with Dad, in lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Copeland Oaks Life Care Fund, 715 S. Johnson Rd, Sebring, Ohio 44672.

Kathy Jesser (trombone) received painful news earlier this week. Kai Grant was the step-son of Kathy’s son. Unfortunately, he unexpectantly passed away this week. Below is his obituary. He sounds like he was a fine young man. If you would like to send Kathy a card, her address is: 2943 Pepper Hill Circle, Akron, OH. 44312.

Kai James Grant

June 29, 2005 — June 8, 2025

Kai James Grant

June 29, 2005 – June 8, 2025

With deep love and heartbreaking sorrow, we announce the passing of Kai James Grant, 19, of Green, Ohio. Kai left this world far too soon on June 8, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of fierce loyalty, bold conviction, and unforgettable presence.

Born on June 29, 2005, Kai was a 2023 graduate of Green High School and was pursuing a degree in Political Science at The Ohio State University. A bright mind with a passionate heart, Kai was known for being an outspoken advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. He had a gift for challenging the status quo with courage, humor, and conviction.

Kai was a protective and loving brother, always watching out for his siblings with a mix of wisdom and mischief. His competitive streak was legendary—whether in video games, anime debates, or late-night mystery movie marathons, Kai brought intensity and a playful swagger to everything he did. He was sharp, funny, occasionally cocky, and always 100% himself.

Kai is deeply missed by his parents, Regina Jesser, Andy Jesser, William Barnett, and Deszmon Grant; his beloved sisters Kamyl Grant and Brooke Barnett; and his brothers Hayden Barnett and Daven Barnett.

He is also mourned by his grandparents John Simms, Jen Monachino, Eileen Barnett, Bill Barnett, Joel and Delores Sumlin, and Mary Grant; and by his aunts and uncles John, Bri, Matthew and Kimberly Simms, Austin Hall, Crystal, Chris Fiorelli, Pete and James Giles, and Kalesha Grant, as well as countless cousins, extended family members, friends, and peers.

A memorial service to honor Kai’s life will be held Saturday, June 14 at Newcomer Funeral Home, 131 N Canton Rd, Akron, OH 44305. Calling hours are from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, with a service beginning at 6:00 PM.

Kai died by suicide after a battle that many could not see. Mental health struggles can be quiet and hidden, even in those who seem strong and vibrant. If you are struggling, please know you are not alone. You are deeply needed. You are deeply loved.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out.

Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline—available 24/7, free, and confidential.

“A good heart has stopped beating, but a heart that has touched so many lives can’t help but live on in those it loved.”

In Kai’s memory, may we love more openly, speak more honestly, and hold each other with tenderness. His voice and spirit will live on in all of us.

Joyce Evans played the alto sax in the New Horizons Band for years. Her husband, Richard, would come with her and help her set up. He would then patiently wait out by the drinking fountain until band was done. Talking to Rick I was surprised by how far they traveled to come to practice. I admired their devotion to each other. I have to admit I did notice their absence. Unfortunately Joyce passed away this month. Below is her obituary.

Joyce Elaine Evans (Mocher) Obituary

Joyce Elaine Evans (Mocher) has gone home to be with her Savior and Lord Jesus Christ following an extended illness. She now gets to spend eternity worshiping that great God who was so important in her earthly life. Joyce was a 1965 graduate of Canton Lincoln HS and a 1968 graduate of Mercy Hospital School of Nursing. She worked as an R.N. For over 40 years at Canton Mercy, Mercy Medical Center and, for a brief time, at the US Naval Hospital Camp LeJeune NC. She enjoyed running and won many age group awards in her younger years. She loved gardening and playing her Alto Sax. She sang for years in church choirs and the Only By Grace Quartet with dear friends Jane and Mike Petcavage. Her greatest joy in life was her family. Survived by her husband of 56 years Richard, daughters Mary (Robert) Patrick, Janet (Brandon) Mackall, special “daughter” Andrea and granddaughter Sage, seven wonderful grand kids: Alexis, Emma, Robert, Sophia, Kate, Sam, and Sylvia, grand-dog Buxton, brother Steve (Mary) Mocher, and many friends in the Joy Class at Dueber Church “Where Hope Is Found”. Also survived by several siblings scattered across the United States. Special blessings to the dear, dear Christian friends on Fallingbrook Circle that made her final time rich and rewarding. You know who you are.

Her request was for no calling hours or public services. Cremation has taken place and her cremains will be scattered in the place she loved, the Outer Banks of NC. Her family will be gathering at a future date to celebrate her life. The family’s favorite charities include Malone University, Dueber Church, the Louisville YMCA and the many Moody Bible Institute outreach programs.