Gurto-In Memoriam

Sharen Speer Waldoch created a loving tribute to our dearly departed relatives. I have incorporated her tribute on this page.

Jun. 11, 1920 - Jun. 11, 1920
Age - newborn
Maria died shortly after she was born

Filomini Gurto bouquet 10.jpg (2413 bytes)

Apr 20, 1926 - Dec. 1, 1927
Age - 19 months
Filomini fell out of a second story window

Susan Speer bouquet 16.jpg (2170 bytes)

Aug. 29, 1945 - Aug. 29, 1945
Age - newborn
Susan died shortly after she was born

Steven Moneypenny Jr. bouquet 12.jpg (3756 bytes)

Aug. 19,1998 - Sep. 27, 1998
Age - 5 weeks
Stevie sneezed and then died in his father's arms
Steven John Moneypenny Jr. - Obituary

Monday, September 28, 1998 "The Star Beacon"
Deaths
Steven John Moneypenny Jr.
CLEVELAND - Steven John Moneypenny Jr., five weeks, died Sunday, Sept. 27, 1998, at Lutheran Medical Center, Cleveland.
Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Raisian Funeral Home, a Family Care Group affiliate, 581 Harbor St., Conneaut.

Tuesday, September 29, 1998 "The Star Beacon"
Deaths
Steven Moneypenny Jr.
CONNEAUT - Steven John Moneypenny Jr., 5 weeks, died Sunday, Sept. 27, 1998 at Lutheran Medical Center, Cleveland.
Born Aug. 19, in Cleveland, he was the son of Steven and Tammy (Ferrari) Moneypenny.
Survivors include his parents, sisters Michelle and Sabrina Ferrari and grandfather Anthony Ferari.
He was preceded in death by grandparents John and Mary (Gurto) Moneypenny and grandmother Bonnie Louis Ferrari.
Mass is 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Frances Cabrini Roman Catholic Church, 744 Mill St., Conneaut, with the Rev. Raymond Thomas officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Conneaut.
Calling hours are 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Raisian Funeral Home, a family Care Group affiliate, 581 Harbor St., Conneaut.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

Alexander Moneypenny bouquet 9.jpg (3959 bytes)

Aug. 6, 2002 - Aug. 7, 2002
Age 1 day
Alexander had a faulty heart
Alexander Charles Moneypenny - Obituary

RACINE - Alexander Charles Moneypenny earned his wings to Heaven on Wednesday, August 7, 2002. Alexander was born on August 6, 2002. He is survived by his parents, Mollie Morgan and Aaron Moneypenny; sister, Kailey; grandparents, MaryElizabeth Morgan (Ronald) Painter, Jack (Susan) Moneypenny, all of Racine; great-grandparents, John (Norma Jean) Hanny of Elizabeth, Ill.; aunts and uncles, Melissa (Tom) Lear of Sheffield Township, Ohio, Ashley Moneypenny of Racine, Zachery Moneypenny of San Mateo, Calif.; other relatives and dear friends. Also preceded in death by his grandfather, Charles Morgan Jr. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2002, at 9:30 a.m. at Mount Pleasant Lutheran Church, 1700 South Green Bay Road, with Rev. Kara F. Skatrud officiating. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Friday at the funeral home 5 until 7 p.m. and Saturday at the church 9 a.m. until time of service. A very special thank you to the doctors and nurses at Children's Memorial Hospital in Milwaukee and St. Luke's Hospital in Racine for their loving care and compassion given to Alexander and his family. MARESH-MEREDITH AND ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME 803 Main Street634-7888

Dear Mommy and Daddy:

I just wanted to let you know
That I made it home.
The Journey wasn't an easy one,
But it didn't take too long.

Everything is so pretty here,
So white. So fresh and new.
I wish that you could close your eyes
And that you could see it too.

Please try not to be sad for me,
Try to understand.
God is taking care of me –
I'm in the shelter of His hands.

Here there is no sadness,
no sorrow and no pain.
Here there is no crying
And I'll never hurt again.

Here it is so peaceful
When all the angels sing.
I really have to go for now –
I've just got to try my wings.

Alexander

Jesus.jpg (12589 bytes)

In Loving Memory of

Alexander Charles Moneypenny

Born to Life
August 6, 2002

Born to Eternal Life
August 7, 2002

Funeral Services
Mt. Pleasant Lutheran Church
Saturday, August 10, 2002 9:30 a.m.

Officiating
Rev. Kara R Skatrud

Interment
Graceland Cemetery
Maresh-Meredith and Acklam Funeral Home

When God takes little children
To dwell with him above.
We mortals sometimes question
The wisdom of His love.

For no heartache compares with
The death of one small child
Who does so much to make our world
Seem wonderful and mild.

Perhaps God tires of calling
The aged to His fold,
So He picks a little rosebud
Before it can grow old.

God knows how much we need them,
So He takes but a few
To make the land of heaven
More beautiful to view.

Believing this is difficult
Still, somehow we must try,
The saddest word mankind knows
Will always be "goodbye".

So when a little child departs,
We who are left behind
Must realize God loves children...
Angels are hard to find.

Jan. 12 1963 - Mar. 20, 1968
Age 5
Vinnie fell through the ice on Lake Erie and drowned.

Vincent Jay Gurto - Obituary

Thursday, March 21, 1968 "The News-Herald"
In Lake Erie Ice
Heavy Fog Brings End to Hunt For Missing Vincent Gurto, 5
Bulletin
Due to thick fog moving in from the lake, the ice search for Vincent Gurto, 5, in Lake Erie ice has been called off, it was announced at press time today.
The decision was reached in a conference between Police Chief Jack Sanford and volunteer SCUBA divers. The search will not be resumed until the "ice moves, either way," it was announced.

Search resumed this morning for five-year-old Vincent Gurto, believed drowned through the ice on Lake Erie, off the Whitney Rd area. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Gurto, 694 Residence St.
The boy was being cared for at a cottage on Conneaut Row. Police received the report that he was missing about 1:45 p.m.
At 2 p.m. the boy's dog companion came home dripping wet, according to Mrs. Lorraine Sullivan, who was babysitting with the youngster.
Police searchers found cowboy boot tracks in two separate spots along the beach. One set led up a flight of stairs away from the beach and the others led out onto the ice.
When the tracks onto the ice were discovered, Police Chief Jack Sanford launched a full-scale search and called in regular and volunteer firemen as well as SCUBA divers from the Conneaut Blue Fins.
Dragging a metal skiff to carry their gear and provide safety measures, Paul and Frank Specht were the first divers to follow the tracks onto the ice. But once the light covering of snow disappeared, the footprints were no longer visible.
Assuming the lad had continued on the northwest course he started, the divers combed the area looking for further clues.
Break Through Ice
Time after time they broke through the ice. Slush ice existed as far as their toes could reach, Frank said. As quickly as they vacated the hole in the solid ice, it filled with slush, he added.
U.S. Coast Guard helicopter also resumed operation but had to be grounded when ice began to form about 9:30. It is expected to take up the search again if the weather clears.
Although divers continued to probe the lake for the boy there are those who refuse believe he is in the water.
Shore Search Made
A thorough search was made of the bank area, it was reported today. Small buildings were checked hoping to find the youngster accidentally locked inside, safe and unharmed. Septic tanks were peered into, boats overturned for the winter were lifted; open areas under the summer cottages where a small inquisitive boy might get caught were investigated.
An aunt of the youngster insists that the boy was of a nature to head for Ashtabula where his mother works, if the thought came to him.
Vincent weighs about 50 pounds and was dressed in a brown hooded jacket and dark trousers when last seen. No clues, other than the boot tracks have been uncovered to hint of the whereabouts of the boy.
Searchers were joined later by other members of the diving club.
Coast Guard helicopter with great search lights entered the hunt about 9 p.m. Search operations by divers and others began again this morning.
At the time of the boy's disappearance fog was so thick the searchers could hardly see their own hand before them.
It continued throughout the afternoon beginning to lift about 4:30 p.m.
Coast Guardsmen from the Ashtabula Station brought a small skiff to the scene this morning.
The incident Wednesday parallels the drowning of Ronald Zito, 10, several years ago. Ronny, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Zito, then living at 22 Ohio Drive, fell through he ice shortly before Christmas. His tracks led to the hole in the ice and only his pet dog's tracks returned from the scene.

"Wonderland"
Lake Erie Ice Weird, Deadly
BY MARGARET SCHMIDT
News Herald Reporter

It is a wonderland of "make-believe" during the winter, this Lake Erie Beach of ours. Its mountains and caverns and crevices of ice and snow flung up by north wind driven waves are enough to tempt even the strongest of the imaginative and adventuresome.
But it neglects to warn that it is a deadly trap
And now it becomes apparent it has claimed another victim, five-year-old Vincent Gurto, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Gurto, 694 Residence Street.
Cowboy Boots
Police found cowboy boot footprints leading off the dunes into the flat ice opposite the Whitney Rd. area. Nowhere could they find a returning trail. A dog companion returned home without the boy.
Searchers were mystified at first by another set of footprints in the snow at the bottom of stairs leading up to the bank away from the beach.
As the day wore on and no other trace of the boy could be found, grim faced officers and firemen began to feel certain those leading onto the lake were the fresher signs.
Hindered by Fog
Due to a thick gray fog curtain the search literally began inch by inch/ Wherever one looked, the curtain hung before his eyes. Each searcher must have felt himself entirely alone and completely unable to see "beyond his own outstretched hand." Sound too, is distorted by fog. Noises from companions would indicate they were approaching from a false direction.
Little boys are a strange wonder. Some things in their childhood they will remember long after they have grown to manhood. But how quickly a command to "stay in you own yard" or "wait" can be forgotten

Photo Captions.
LONELY VIGIL is kept by Mrs. Lorraine Sullivan and her dog Ebony as SCUBA divers probe the Icy waters of Lake Erie five-year-old Vincent Gurto. "Vinnie" was being cared for by Mrs. Sullivan when he wandered off with Ebony, a mixed cocker spaniel and poodle, early Wednesday afternoon. Only Ebony returned. The boy is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Gurto, 694 Residence St.
HUNCHED AGAINST THE fog and cold drizzle (top) Joseph Gurto, second from left, stands with volunteer fireman from Station Four as divers search for his son, Vincent, 5. Right is Dave Williamson and hidden from view except for his battalion chief's hat and his walkie-talkie radio is Russell Johnson. Others are unidentified. Lower Photo- Using a metal skiff as a sled, Paul, Frank and Richard Specht and William Harkabus pick their way further out on the ice through fog to search for Vincent who wandered away early Wednesday afternoon. Boot tracks led the men to search the ice-covered lake.

Friday, March 22, 1968 "The News Herald"
Form Search Parties
Land Hunt Continues for Missing Boy, 5

Search parties have been formed to continue looking on land for five-year-old Vincent Gurto who has been missing since shortly after noon Wednesday.
Police Chief Jack Sanford today urged citizens to support the land search for the boy in and around their properties.
The hunt, concentrated on the icy lake Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning, was called off due to the risk to the searchers, and weather conditions which made further search impossible.
"In reality, we are assuming the boy has drowned because of footprints onto the ice," Chief Sanford said. "But we cannot afford to overlook other possibilities," he added/
Slush ice below the surface prevented the divers from any measure of success in water search it was pointed out. Repeatedly the divers broke through the deteriorating surface ice.
A full scale hunt was organized soon after the boy was reported missing by his baby sitter, Mrs. Lorraine Sullivan, No.2 Conneaut Row.
Conneaut police and firemen headed the initial search. They were joined by members of SCUBA diving clubs from Conneaut, Erie and Madison.
A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter was brought here from Detroit, Wednesday night and combed the area on the lake with large searchlights until about 12:30 a.m.
The search was taken up again at daybreak but was called off before noon when the fog and rain made visibility impossible.
Vincent is the youngest of four children whose parents are Mr. Mrs. Joseph Gurto, 694 Residence St

Photo Caption
LAKE SCENE of search for five-year-old Vincent Gurto is bleak and barren today as the hunt turns to land. Called off Thursday after a fruitless 11-hour search of the lake, the hunt was picked up again today by land search parties. The boy's tracks led onto the frozen lake with no sign of return. However, police and others searching feel they must not overlook other possibilities. Vincent wandered away from No. 2. Conneaut Row where he was cared for on Wednesday.

Editorials
Sincere Concern for "Vinnie"
The fascination Lake Erie holds for young children appears to have claimed another life on the Conneaut lakefront.
It is almost certain little Vincent (Vinnie) Gurto, not yet quite five years of age, is the latest to perish. Tracks from the tot's prized cowboy boots led across the beach to the soft lake ice. None was found returning.
A dog who accompanied the child on his final journey returned home, alone and soaking wet.
The immediate turnout of volunteer searchers, including city police, firemen, SCUBA divers and Coast Guardsmen was indeed heartening.
Especially singled out for praise is the Coast Guard helicopter crew who cruised the beach just above the ice far into the darkness of night. Spot lights were used in the vain attempt to locate the lad.
City divers literally took their lives in hand by probing the dangerous and shifting ice.
In such sorrowful and tragic circumstances, is was wonderful to see the sincere concern shown by so many for the life of a small child.

Saturday, March 23, 1968 "The News Herald"
Photo Caption. - CHECKING AREAS ALREADY searched, Conneaut police and firemen combined their efforts again Friday afternoon in an attempt to locate five-year-old Vincent Gurto. Private pond on Lakeview Ave was drained by its owner, Charles Allshouse, and the area probed by firemen and policemen. Here, Ptl. Leo Sackett gets an assist across Kelsey's Run by fire LT. Vincent Parlongo while Ptl. George Brown stands by to lend a hand. Vincent disappeared from No. 2 Conneaut Row shortly after noon Wednesday.

Monday, March 25, 1968 " The News Herald"
Other Counties Aid
Divers Still Probe Lake Ice for Boy
It is hard to give up search for a little boy.
despite official end of the hunt for Vincent Gurto, 694 Residence St., because of weather and lake conditions, SCUBA divers for miles around are still probing the ice-choked waters near the scene of the youngsters disappearing footprints.
The five-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Gurto wandered away from the home of his babysitter, Mrs. Lorraine Sullivan, No. 2 Conneaut Row about noon Wednesday. The tracks leading onto the ice are the only clues police found to indicate the fate of the boy.
Police Chief Jack Sanford Saturday released a public vote of thanks for all those involved in the search.
Assisted at Bridge
Erie County (Oh.) Rescue Unit headed by Sgt. Henry Hauser from Huron, Oh., contacted the chief on Saturday, offering assistance and were on the scene late Sunday afternoon. Men from this unit assisted in recovering bodies from the Ohio River when the bridge at Gallipolis collapsed last fall.
Erie SCUBA diving club, under direction of President Sam Leo and Vice President George Abercrombie, has spent approximately 20 hours in three days searching for the youngster.
Men from Conneaut's Blue Fins were on the scene almost immediately 20 minutes after the tracks were found. The Blue Fins Club is comprised mostly of volunteer firemen from Conneaut Fire Station Four. William Harkabus and Paul Specht, recuperation from the strain of the initial search, were at the scene Sunday assisting with information developing from the hunt to date.
Sheriff Edwin Cunningham, from Lake County, Saturday offered assistance from his department, Chief Sanford said, and a unit from Madison joined the search on Thursday.
Regular firemen and landbound volunteers have probed thoroughly into small cracks and areas south of the lake which night have trapped the youngster.
Another group of four professional divers from the Warren, Pa. area were in Conneaut on Saturday to aid in the search, the chief stated. However, lack of movability due to slush ice under the surface discouraged them from making any dives, it was pointed out.

Photo Caption.
DIVERS BENT ON FINDING five-year-old Vincent Gurto, missing since Wednesday, approach the shore to confer with Conneaut divers who were on the scene after the boy's tracks were found on the ice following his disappearance. Leaders of these two groups are Sam Leo, president of Erie, Pa., SCUBA divers (third from left) Sgt. Henry Hauser of Huron, Erie County, Oh. recovery team, (third from right) and George Abercrombie vice president of the Erie, Pa. group (right).

Thursday, March 28, 1968 "The News Herald"
Vincent Gurto Not Found by Searchers
Five-year-old Vincent Gurto, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Gurto 694 Residence St. is still missing from his home.
The boy disappeared from No. 2 Conneaut Row on March 20. Efforts of police, firemen, and volunteers have failed to locate the youngster.

Saturday, April 20, 1968 "The News Herald"
Washed Ashore
Gurto Boy's Body
Is Found on Beach
Five-year-old Vincent Gurto was found shortly before 7:30 this morning, one month from the day he disappeared.
His little body, minus only the cowboy boots, washed ashore about 180 feet west of the west breakwall on Township Park Beach.
He was discovered by Leonard Laitinen, 993 Buffalo Street.
Mr. Laitinen said he was returning from the breakwall where he had been talking with a friend and spotted the object at the water's edge. Upon further investigation he discovered it was the boy.
Vincent was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Gurto 694 Residence St.
He disappeared from a babysitter's home on Conneaut Row on March 20.
Extensive search by police and firemen failed to locate the boy. Footprints were found leading onto the ice on the lake but none returning.
SCUBA divers were called in and as thorough a search as possible of the lake was made.
Conneaut police were in charge this morning and deputy coroner, Dr. R. W. Shelby, of Ashtabula, made the coroner's investigation.
Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday in St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Church.
Vincent was born in Conneaut on Jan. 12, 1963. He was a member of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Church and attended Mrs. Richard Colson's nursery school.
Surviving besides his parents are three brothers, Joseph, Michael and Anthony, all at home; his paternal grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Peter Gurto, Conneaut, his maternal grandparents, Howard Smith, Cleveland, and Mrs. Edna Smith, Boca Raton, Fla. and a number of aunts, uncles and cousins.
Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at the Thompson Funeral Home where prayer service will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. Monday.

Funerals
Vincent Jay Gurto
Mass of the Angels was offered at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday in St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Church for Vincent Jay Gurto, 5, of 694 Residence Street.
The Rev. David Rhodes, assistant pastor of St. Mary's church, offered the mass which was sung by the second and third grade students of St. Francis Xavier Cabrini Church. Charles Rose served as organist.
Prayers were offered at the Thompson Funeral Home prior to the church rites where prayer service was also held on Monday evening led by the Rev. Blaine Pierce, pastor of St. Mary's.
Pall bearers were John Moneypenny, Patrick, Frank and Anthony Gurto, uncles of Vincent.
Burial was in St Joseph Cemetery with Fr. Rhodes offering graveside prayers.
Friends and relatives attended from Milwaukee, Wis., Buffalo, N.Y., Erie, Pa., Cleveland and Ashtabula

The Lord is my shepherd
I shall not want
He makes me lie down in green pastures
And he leads me beside still waters
He restoreth my soul
And leads me in the path of righteousness
For His name's sake
Yea, though I walk through the valley of Death
I will fear no evil
For thou art with me
Thy rod and Thy staff shall comfort me
You prepare a banquet for me in the face of my enemies
You welcome me as an honored guest
My cup overflows
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord, forever

Peter Gurto - Obituary
Tuesday, December 28, 1971 " The News Herald"
Deaths, Funerals
Peter Gurto
Funeral services for Peter Gurto, 77, of 717 Wrights Ave., will be held at 10 a.m.Thursday in St. Frances Cabrini Church, the Rev. Fr. Patrick Dempster offering the funeral mass.
Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.
Gurto, who was born Dec. 15, 1894 in Campobasso, Italy, died in his home early today after a brief illness.
He had been a resident of Conneaut 60 years and was employed the the former Nickel Plate Railroad 45 years prior to his retirement in 1960.
Gurto was also a member of St. Frances Cabrini Church.
Survivors include his wife, Mary (DelVecchio); sons Pat, Frank, Joseph and Anthony of Conneaut; Christy of West Palm Beach, Fla. and James of Wexford, Pa.; daughters Mrs. Robert (Rose) Speer, Mrs. William (Florence) Lewis, Mrs. John (Mary) Moneypenny, all of Conneaut, and Mrs.Robert (Susan) Petrovski of Milwaukee, Wis.; 28 grand children, four great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews
Gurto was preceded in death by his parents, James and Rose (Marcia) Gurto.
Friends and relatives may call at the Raisian Funeral Home from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday.

Friday, December 31, 1971 "The News Herald"
Deaths, Funerals
Peter Gurto
Funeral services for Peter Gurto, 77, of 717 Wrights Ave., were held at 10 a.m. Thursday in St. Frances Cabrini Church.
The Rev. Patrick Dempster, pastor, offered High Mass and Marie Walter sang the Mass.
Burial was in St. Joseph Cemetery with Fr. Dempster offering graveside prayers.
Prayer services were held preceding the church services at the Raisian Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were David Gurto, Joseph A. Gurto, James R. Speer, John A. Lewis, Barry Pearce and Steven J. Moneypenny, all grandsons of Mr. Gurto.
Friends and relatives attended from Ashtabula, Youngstown, Milwaukee, Wis.;Wexford, Pa. and West Palm Beach Fla.
Mr. Gurto died Tuesday at his residence

Mary Del Vecchio Gurto
Mary Gurto Framed.jpg (27106 bytes)

Apr. 20, 1899 - Feb. 19, 1972
Age 73
Mary did not want to go on after Peter died, she died of a broken heart.

I am home in Heaven, dear ones;
Oh, so happy and so bright!
There is perfect joy and beauty
In this everlasting light.

All the pain and grief is over,
Every restless tossing passed;
I Am now at peace forever,
Safely home in Heaven at last.

Did you wonder I so calmly
Trod the valley of the shade?
Oh! but Jesus love illumined
Every dark and fearful glade.

And He came Himself to meet me,
In that way so hard to tread;
And with Jesus’ arm to lean on,
Could I have one doubt or dread?

Then you must not grieve so sorely,
For I love you dearly still:
Try to look beyond earth’s shadows,
Pray to trust our Father’s Will.

There is work still waiting for you,
So you must not idly stand;
Do it now, while life remaineth
You shall rest in Jesus’ land

When that work is all completed,
He will gently call you Home:
Oh, the rapture of that meeting,
Oh, the joy to see you come!

Mary Del Vecchio Gurto - Obituary
Monday, February 21, 1972 "The News Herald"
Deaths, Funerals
Mrs. Mary Gurto
Funeral services for Mrs. Mary J. Gurto, 72, of 717 Wrights Ave., will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday in St. Frances Cabrini Church.
The Rev. Patrick Dempster will offer mass. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.
Visiting hours will be observed from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday at the Raisian Funeral Home.
Born April 20, 1899 in Rippabatone, Italy she resided in Conneaut for 60 years.
She was a member of St. Frances Cabrini Church.
Survivors include sons, Patrick, Frank, Joseph, and Anthony, all of Conneaut, Christy of West Palm Beach Fla.; and James of Wexford, Pa.; daughters, Mrs. Robert (Rose) Speer, Mrs. William (Florence) Lewis, Mrs. John (Mary) Moneypenny, all of Conneaut, and Mrs. Robert (Susan) Petrovski of Milwaukee, Wis.; 31 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and four sisters.
She was preceded in death by her husband Peter Gurto on Dec. 28, 1971, and parents Crucalanto and Marcia Guilliano Del Vecchio.
Mrs.Gurto died Saturday in Brown Memorial Hospital at 5:45 a.m. of complications following a short illness.

Wednesday, February 23, 1972 "The News Herald"
Deaths, Funerals
Mrs. Mary Gurto
A High mass for Mrs. Mary J. Gurto, 72, of 717 Wrights Ave., was offered at 10 a.m. Tuesday in St. Frances Cabrini Church.
Offering the Mass was the Rev. Patrick Dempster pastor of the church. Marie Walters, organist, assisted in the singing of the Mass.
Devotional services led by Fr. Dempster were held Monday afternoon at the Raisian Funeral Home. Prayer services preceded the church services.
Pallbearers were James Speer, Steve Moneypenny, Joseph Gurto, Barry Pearce, John Lewis and David Gurto, all grandsons of Mrs. Gurto
Burial was in St. Joseph Cemetery with Fr. Dempster offering graveside prayers.
Friends and relatives attended services from Ashtabula, Wexford, Pa.; Buffalo and Niagara Falls, N.Y.; Milwaukee, Wis.; and West Palm Beach Fla.
Mrs. Gurto died Saturday in Brown Memorial Hospital.

An Irish Blessing
May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
The rain fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the palm of His hand

John Moneypenny - Obituary
Tuesday, August 27, 1974, "The News Herald"
Deaths, Funerals
John Moneypenny
Funeral Services for John Moneypenny, 48, of 2530 Nevada St., Allentown, Pa., will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Frances Cabrini Church with Fr. Frederick Slaven, pastor, officiating.
Mr. Moneypenny died Monday morning in Allentown Hospital.
Born Oct. 17, 1925 in Brooklyn, N.Y., Mr. Moneypenny resided in Allentown for two years and was a former Conneaut resident. He was a member of the St. Thomas Moore Church of Allentown and the American Legion. He served in the U.S. Navy in World War II.
He was employed as production manager for Wolloch Company of Allentown.
Survivors include his wife, Mary L. Gurto Moneypenny; sons Steven and Jack at home; daughters, Mrs. Daniel (Sheila) Schneider, Sharon, Pa., Mrs. Alfred (Joyce) Hackett, Allentown, and Brenda, Fay and Pamela at home; a brother, Lawrence Moneypenny of Brooklyn, N.Y. and a sister, Mrs. George (Marie) Zimmerman, Massapequa, L.I.
He was preceded in death by his parents John and Mary Cameron Moneypenny.
Friends and relatives can call at the Raisian Funeral Home between 7 and 9 p.m. Thursday.
Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Saturday, August 31, 1974, "The News Herald"
Death, Funeral
John Moneypenny
A High Mass was offered for John Moneypenny, 48, of 2530 Nevada St., Allentown, Pa., at 10 a.m. Friday in St. Frances Cabrini Church with the Rev. Frederick Slaven, pastor, offering the funeral Mass.
Miss Marie Walter served as organist and soloist during the Mass.
Burial followed in St. Joseph Cemetery. The American Flag was presented to Mrs. Moneypenny for services rendered by her late husband during World War II.
Pall bearers were Frank Gurto,k Pat Gurto Joseph Gurto, David Gurto, James Speer and john Lewis.
Friends and relatives attended the services from Ashtabula, Independence, Cortland, Parma, Massapequa, L.I.; Brooklyn, N.Y.;Greenville, Mars, Sharon and Allentown, Pa.
Mr. Moneypenny died Monday morning in Allentown Hospital.
The Raisian Funeral Home was in charge of services.

I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by,
And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the white sail’s shaking,
and a grey mist on the sea’s face and a grey dawn breaking.

I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;
And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,
And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.

I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,
To the gull’s way and the whale’s way where the wind’s like a whetted knife;
And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,
And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick’s over.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Capt. R.F. Petrovski, 60, formerly of North Kingsville, died Monday following a short illness. He was born on May 30, 1927, in Milwaukee, Wis. He was a Great Lakes captain for 13 years, retiring from USX in Oct. 1984 from the Philip R. Clarke.

Survivors include his wife, Sue (Gurto); his mother, Marie of San Diego, Calif.; two brothers, Rudolph of Denver, Colo., and Carl of Vista, Calif.; and one sister, Margaret Euler of Buffalo, N.Y.

Capt. Petrovski will be cremated in Orlando, Fla., with his ashes being scattered on Lake Michigan.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Envelopes are available at the Raisian Funeral Home, 581 Harbor St., Conneaut.

One night a man had a dream. he dreamed he was walking along the beach with the LORD. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: one belonging to him, and the other to the LORD.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. he also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.
This really bothered him and he questioned the LORD about it: "LORD, you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me."
The LORD replied: "My son, my precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you se only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you." -Mary Stevenson

Robert G. Speer, 77, of 715 Wrights Ave, died Tuesday at Brown Memorial Hospital.

Mr. Speer was born March 28, 1912, in Beavers Center, Pa., a son of the late Fred and Clara (Moon) Speer and lived most of his life in the Conneaut area.

He was self-employed as a painter and exterior housewasher. He had also been employed by Allied Resinous and served as a janitor for the Carnegie Public Library for several years.

Mr. Speer is survived by his wife, Rose, to whom he was married for 50 years; a daughter, Sharen Waldoch of Oconomowoc, Wis.; a son James R. of Conneaut; a sister, Louella Chapman of Conneaut; a brother, Harry of Conneaut; two half-sisters, Flory Greenawalt of Conneaut and Patricia Champman of Geneva; two half-brothers, Francis Speer of Seattle, Wash., and Richard Speer of Conneaut and two grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Susan (in infancy); a sister, Alice Williams, and a brother, Edgar.

Memorials may be made to the Conneaut Station Three Rescue Squad, or the Kidney Foundation. Envelopes will be available at the Thompson Funeral Home, 345 Main St.

Sunday, June 20, 1999 "The Star Beacon"
Robert G. Speer
Who passed away
10 years ago today

"Ten years you have
journeyed, and
I have no way
Of knowing how time's
measured
Where you are;
Wherever you are
I send this word to you
By all the winds on their
celestial routes;
You are not forgotten by
those you left behind."
Happy Father's Day
Sadly missed
By Family & Friends

A rose once grew where all could see
Sheltered beside a garden wall
And as the days passed swiftly by
it spread its branches, straight and tall.

One day a beam of light shone through
A crevice that had opened wide
The rose bent gently towards its warmth
Then passed beyond to the other side.

Now you who deeply feel its loss
Be comforted, the rose blooms there-
Its beauty even greater now
Nurtured by God's own loving care.

SHARON, PA. - Mary Lou Moneypenny, 69, of Norris Avenue, Sharon, Pa. died early Monday, Feb. 28, 1994, at the Sharon Regional Health System following a lengthy illness.

Mrs. Moneypenny was born July 1, 1924, in Conneaut, the daughter of Peter and Mary DelVecchio Gurto. She was a lifelong resident of the Conneaut area until 1979, when she moved to Cleveland for five years and then to Sharon to be with her family.

She was a former member of St. Frances Cabrini and also St. Joseph's in Sharon, Pa. She was an avid bingo player and enjoyed cooking and baking for her family and grandchildren.

Survivors include two sons, Steven of Cleveland, and Jack of Racine, Wis.; five daughters, Sheila Schneider of Sharon, Pa., Joyce Hackett of Parma, Brenda Ward of Mogadore, Faye Kazimer of Cleveland and Pamela Miller of Sharon, Pa.; 15 grandchildren; six brothers, James of Wexford, Pa., Christy of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., Anthony, Pat, Joseph and Frank all of Conneaut; three sisters, Rosie Speer of Oconomowoc, Wis., Sue Petrovski of Conneaut, and Florence (Effie) Lewis, Ocoee, Fla.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John in 1974; and two infant sisters, Filomena and Mary.

A Mass of the Christian Burial was held Thursday at St. Frances Cabrini Church, 744 Mill St., Conneaut.

The Raisian Funeral Home, 581 Harbor St., Conneaut, was in charge of arrangements.

A family is love, a feeling of warmth and respect
A family is sharing problems one should not neglect
A family is one of which you can always depend
Even more special then a pal or a friend
A family is strength and support when we are distressed
A wonderful shelter in which we can always find rest
A family is togetherness with the unspoken word
An understanding of one's needs without being heard
A family is traditions plus some new ideas too
That bring definite character to me and you
A family is support in all that we do
To guide us and help us in small matters too
A family is joy and memories of good times we share
A lasting feeling of loved ones who genuinely care
A family is caring about what one has to say
Listening, then encouraging, in every little way
Yes, a family is the most important thing to me
And together, forever we will always be>

CONNEAUT - Ellen M. Gurto, 61, of Dorman Road, died Friday, March, 11, 1994 in her residence after a short illness with cancer.

Born May 3, 1932, in Conneaut, she was the daughter of M.C. and Ethel Hoover Eccleston. A lifelong resident of the Conneaut area, she was a 1950 graduate of Rowe High School. She worked as a legal secretary for Kauffman and Thayer attorneys. She married Anthony Gurto on Dec. 27, 1952.

She was the East Conneaut United Methodist secretary for more than 15 years. She was a former member of the church choir, Circle and the Women's society. She also held several positions within the church's financial groups, heading several committees.

In her spare time, she enjoyed traveling, taking care of her large flower garden and her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband; two sons, David of Conneaut and Dale of Vista, Calif.; a daughter, Dana Raisian of Conneaut; two brothers, Edmund Eccleston of Del Rio, Texas, and Howard Eccleston of Conneaut; three grandchildren, Toni and Jeffrey Raisian and Christopher Gurto; and several nieces and nephews.

Service is 10 a.m. Monday at East Conneaut United Methodist Church, 809 furnace road, with the Rev. Beth Stone officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Conneaut.

Calling hours are 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Raisian Funeral Home, 581 Harbor Street, Conneaut. Memorial contributions may be made to East Conneaut United Methodist Church.

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circled flight
I am the stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die...

As we speak we will remember them, for God had given to us the gift of memory
that we keep alive those we love. In the rising of the sun and in its going down
we remember them. In the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter, we remember them. In the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring, we remember them. In the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of autumn, we remember them. In the beginning of the year and when it ends, we remember them. when we are weary and in need of strength, we remember them. When we are lost and sick at heart, we remember them. When we have joys and special celebrations we yearn to share, we remember them. So long as we live, they too shall live. For they are a part of us, and we remember, always.

Rosie Speer - Obituary
Tuesday, November 7, 1995 "The Star Beacon"
Deaths
Rose Speer
OCONOMOWOC, Wis. -Former Conneaut resident Rose Speer, 77, died Sunday, Nov. 5, 1995 at her Wisconsin home.
Born in Conneaut Aug. 4, 1918, she was the daughter of Peter and Mary (DelVecchio) Gurto.
A 1938 Conneaut high School graduate, she was employed with the Nickel Plate Railroad during war time and also was employed with Brown Memorial Hospital.
She was a former hairdresser and owner/operator of Rose's Pizza Shop in the old Conneaut Creamery. She attended St. Mary's Catholic Church member.
Her hobbies included oil painting, basket weaving, crafts, and bingo.
Survivors include a son, James of Cleveland; a daughter, Sharen Waldoch of Oconomowoc, whom she lived with for the past five years; two grandchildren; six brothers, Christy Gurto of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., James Gurto of Wexford, Pa., Anthony Gurto of Montpelier, and Frank, Joseph and Pat Gurto, all of Conneaut, and two sisters, Susan Petrovski and Florence Lewis of Conneaut.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, in 1989; an infant daughter, Susan, and a sister, Mary Moneypenny, in 1994.
Cremation will be in Oconomowoc.
Burial will follow in East Conneaut Cemetery at the family's convenience.
There are no calling hours.
Memorials may be made to the Conneaut Food Pantry or to Ashtabula County Children's Services. Envelopes are available at Raisian Funeral Home, 581 Harbor St., Conneaut.

Our lives are touched by many people, but only a few leave that special feeling in our hearts which lasts forever...

This is a celebration of my Mother's life, and although we miss her...We are all the better for having had her in our lives.

Rose Gurto was born August 4, 1918, the oldest child of Mary & Peter. She was "big sister" to: Jim, Christy, Tony, Frank, Joe, Pat, 'Effie, Sue and Mary. She became the wife of 50 years to Bob Speer. She was Mother, Mother-in-Law, Grandmother, Sister-in-law, Aunt, Great-Aunt, Great-Great-Aunt, Cousin and always and foremost a friend.

My Mother always worked, as a child she helped her Mother take care of her brothers and sisters. Plus helped with chores around the house. As a young adult, she worked on the railroad, cutting grass and scrubs away from the tracks during W.W.II. After graduating from Conneaut High School, she worked at Brown Memorial Hospital. Throughout her married life, she worked as a hairdresser, she worked at Vince's Pizza Shop and at The Pizza Shop, before she became co-owner of Rose's Pizza Shop with her sister Effie. After selling the shop, she worked as a waitress, on the farm, and at a pool table making company, plus several other jobs.

She enjoyed several hobbies...playing cards, various board games, oil painting, basket weaving, bingo, knitting, needlepoint and word search puzzles listed among them.

Some of her greatest joys came from watching her family grow, and sharing in their lives. In her later years she was so happy to be there when Greg and then Pam graduated from High School, then started college.

She endured uncomplained hardships to make the trips back to Conneaut from Wisconsin to visit family and friends, and to attend the Gurto family reunions.

If my Mother could have had two wishes, the first would have been that everyone get along and enjoy their time together. Her second wish would have been to win a lottery so she could help needy people and to return to her beloved Ohio.

Over the years we all watched this strong, fiercely independent, always-in-control woman become victim of her body. But inspite of her body's betrayal, her mind was sharp, her mental reflexes fully functioning. Most importantly she never lost her humor, right to the end. I treasured every moment I had with her.

My Mother never wanted to be in a nursing home and she wasn't. She never wanted to be alone and she wasn't.

I know in my heart you are at peace and for that I am grateful. I know you are without pain and for that I am grateful. We are all going to miss you...more than words can say. I'll remember you always, especially your humor.

Thank you for being there for me. Thank you for being my Mother...and my friend.

I'll remember you always. I'll remember the sound of your laughter, and your face the moment after...

“It is so hard to believe it has been
10 years since I left you.
But, I want you to know,
I’m safely home in Heaven,
though I miss you so.
My spirit visits you, every single day.
Appearing as a rainbow,
or as lake waves at play.
In the gentle rains that fall,
and in the morning dew,
all you see that is beautiful,
reflects my love for you.
I didn’t mean to cause anyone pain,
my time had simply come.
The work I was meant to do, on earth,
had all been done.
And when your work is completed,
He will gently call you home.
Oh, the joy of that meeting,
for all us to be together once again!”

“I’m safely home in Heaven, though I still miss you so.
The love I’ve always felt for you, within my heart still flows.
My spirit visits with you, every single day, appearing as a
rainbow, or as lake waves at play.

In the gentle rains that fall, and in the morning dew,
All you see that’s beautiful reflects my love for you.
I didn’t mean to cause anyone pain. My time had simply come.
The work that I was meant to do, on earth, had all been done.

Rose & Michael Best – their love was so strong, they wouldn’t leave each other, and together, hand-in-hand, they entered their new home

Steven Moneypenny, Jr. – a beautiful little rose who came from beyond the wall, so full of love and such a delight

Bill Lewis – still among the first to offer help, laughing and carrying on, while holding his coffee cup

Pamela Waldoch – my only beautiful granddaughter, who shared her birthday with God’s only Son, what a joyous light she has brought with her

Alexander Moneypenny – a beautiful spirit, now in God’s garden, trying his wings

Joe Gurto – my brother, getting everyone to laugh by telling his brand of jokes and calling out, by nickname, to everyone he meets

Susie Petrovski – my sister, warmly welcomed by everyone here, missed by those she left behind, she brought memories of each of you to share with all of us

There are so many that are safely home in Heaven. And when your work is completed,
He will gently call you home. Oh, the joy of that meeting, for all us to be together, once again!”

Rose Best

Jul. 9, 1975 - Nov.7, 1997
Age 22

Michael Best bouquet 1.jpg (9006 bytes)

Feb. 25, 1976 - Nov.7, 1997
Age 21
Rose and Michael were murdered.
They were shot .