Words of Remembrance

 I was fortunate to have visited Dad in May this year.  It was a different kind of visit than my usual vacation to the US because for the first time in many years, I traveled without my family.  I came to visit Dad because he had been sick and I felt that the time was right for a visit.  It was not yet summer vacation so everyone went about their usual business leaving plenty of time for Dad and me to talk.

 I told Dad one evening that as I reflected on my life I realize that I’ve never had a boring day.  There was always something to do or to look forward to.  Dad agreed that his life also was very full. 

 And it was.  As my cousin Sharen stated yesterday, he had many roles:

·        Husband

·        Father

·        Grandfather

·        Great – Grandfather

·        Brother

·        Uncle

·        Friend

 Dad had a lot of long term friends.  Throughout the years, I would meet people and they would invariably say – I know your Dad – we worked together, or we hung out together or we went to school together and always have some fond anecdote to share about their friendship with Dad.

 As an uncle to my nearly 50 cousins he was regarded with great esteem and respect.  Whenever out of town cousins visited Conneaut, they always made a point of stopping by to see Uncle Joe.

 Dad was the 11^th of 12 children.  He shared such a bond with his siblings that when their parents died in 1972, he and his siblings decided to hold annual family reunions to ensure that they would always have an opportunity and a set time to get together.  Dad, along with his brothers and sisters took this very seriously and Family Reunion Day became an important holiday in the family.  Even in Australia on the second Saturday of July, my family recognizes Gurto Family Reunion Day with a special feast.  This year was the 32^nd reunion.

 Dad’s first and only Great-grandchild was born nearly 2 years ago which made Dad feel very special.

 To Dad’s 15 grandchildren he loomed larger-than-life.  They showered him with love and tenderness as they could recognize his frailty.  After my sons visited with their grandpa and grandma in 1999, my then 10-year-old son, Timothy expressed his perception of his grandfather very eloquently in this poem.

 GRANDFATHER

Through pain he lives,
This old man;
A victim of his decrepit body,
Cursed with lost abilities,
Slow moving expressions
And signs of age.

But age is wisdom:
Gained through living
On and on…
Sprouting happiness,
Teaching, yet learning.

Learning the pains of life,
From a half remembered youth.
Not knowing whether to express
Happiness or sadness
When he leaves.

But for myself, along with my brothers and sister, we remember Dad as being robust and firm.  We were each his favourite in a special way.  He, like most parents, did his best to ensure that each of us was treated equally and fairly.  Dad tried to help us each in the ways we most needed; whether it was physically, financially or emotionally.

But obviously, the most important person in Dad’s life was Mom – his partner and companion for 50 years.  Dad would always worry about how hard Mom worked and said that she needed a good break.

To paraphrase a line from a movie – When we fall in love with someone it is very special.  But eventually that feeling goes away.  When that feeling goes away what you’re left with is love.  It is love that gives you the patience and understanding to weather the storms and cope with each other’s differences.

It is that love that keeps two people together for 50 years and it is that love that my mom and dad shared. 

Dad’s sense of humor, friendliness, generosity and love will always remain in our memories.  He is in a better place. It is us who must go on.

How can we go on, we ask.  God will help us is the answer.  But it’s times like this we ask “Where is God?”

I’ll tell you where God is today.  The bible says that God is love – and that God dwells within us. 

As we see so many of our friends and family gathered here to express their love and support to us, we recognize that it is God within them that is helping us and we can see what a truly wonderful Father we have. 

And for this, we thank you.

Joe 

Uncle Joe I remember him coming home on leave from the air force.  I liked his hat, I really wanted that hat, but I think he gave it to Pat or Jim Anderson(I think).  All I know is I didn't get it.  - Sharen, August 12, 2005

I can only wonder how my Dad could be so generous with his cars.  He always let us kids "borrow" them and as I recall, each one of us had at least one accident with them.  (I know that I had at least three) - Joe August 13, 2005

Susie A Petrovski

This headstone is in memory of Aunt Sue and Uncle Bob - from their 29 nieces and nephews (the Juniors)

Apr.2, 1931 - Aug. 12, 2004
Age 73
Susie had Lung Cancer

Afterglow

I'd like the memory of me
To be a happy one
I'd like to leave an afterglow
Of smiles when life is done.
I'd like to leave an echo
whispering softly down the ways,
Of happy times and laughing times
And bright and sunny days.
I'd like the tears of those who
Grieve to dry before the sun,
Of happy memories that I leave
When my life is done.

Susie A. Petrovski
April 2, 1931 - August 12, 2004

Susie A. Petrovski
Susie A. Petrovski - Obituary
August 19, 2004 - Ashtabula Star Beacon

CONNEAUT — Susie A. Petrovski, age 73, of Conneaut, OH, died Thursday, August 12, 2004, at the Ashtabula County Medical Center, following a brief illness.

Susie was born in Conneaut, April 2, 1931, the daughter of Peter and Mary (DeVecchio) Gurto. She was a 1947 graduate of Conneaut High School. She met, and in 1952, married her late husband, Robert, at St. Mary Church in Conneaut.

Susie worked at Lerner's in Wisconsin, where she resided for several years, and loved to travel the Great Lakes with her husband, Captain Robert Petrovski.

Mrs. Petrovski was a member of St. Mary and St. Frances Cabrini Churches. She enjoyed bingo, traveling, crafts, needlepoint, and volunteering at the gift shop at Brown Memorial Hospital, and spending time with family and friends.

Susie loved to bake and cook for family gatherings, especially the annual "Gurto Family Reunions".

She is survived by a sister, Florence Lewis of Conneaut; five brothers, James V. Gurto of Wexford, PA, Christy Gurto of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, Anthony Gurto of Montpelier, OH, Frank Gurto and Pat Gurto, both of Conneaut; sister-in-law, Lorraine Gurto; and 29 nieces and nephews.

Susie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert in 1987; sisters, Rosie Speer, Mary Moneypenny, and two infant sisters; and a brother, Joseph Gurto.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, August 22, 2004, at 4 p.m. at the RAISIAN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 581 Harbor Street, Conneaut.

At the request of the deceased, no calling hours will be observed.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, with envelopes available at the Funeral Home.

Susie A. Petrovski - Obituary
August 14, 2004 - Ashtabula Star Beacon
SUSIE A. PETROVSKI
CONNEAUT — Susie A. Petrovski, age 73, of Conneaut, OH, died Thursday, August 12, 2004, at the Ashtabula County Medical Center. Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced by the RAISIAN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 581 Harbor Street, Conneaut, OH.
August 17, 2004 - Ashtabula Star Beacon

SUSIE A. PETROVSKI

CONNEAUT — SUSIE A. PETROVKSI, age 73 of Conneaut, died Thursday, August 12, 2004 at the Ashtabula County Medical Center.

Memorial services will be held on Sunday, August 22, 2004 at 4:00 p.m. at the RAISIAN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 581 HARBOR ST., CONNEAUT.

A complete obituary will be in Thursday's newspaper.

Remember Me

Remember me when flowers bloom
Early in the spring.
Remember me on sunny days
In the fun that summer brings.

Remember me in the fall,
As you walk through the leaves of gold,
And in the wintertime – Remember me
In the stories that are told.

Remember me, as the sound of laughter,
And my face the moment after. 

But most of all remember
Each day – right from the start,
For I will be forever near –
As I live within your heart.

“Though the distance that’s between us in miles
May be quite far,
Today you seem so very close because,
In thoughts, you are.”

Susie Petrovski

Missed by Family & Friends


Aunt Sue passed away at 6:40PM.  I would like to share something about Aunt Sue now.  She was my first babysitter.  Sharen August 12, 2005

I remember Aunt Sue as being very confident and self assured, but she was never  arrogant or a snob. - Joe Gurto August 13, 2005

I was just taking time to reflect on my memories of the day Aunt Sue died.  I would like to go into detail.  Aunt Sue was at the family reunion on Sat. on Sun. she went back into the hosp. and never came home.  While she was home for a few days before going back into the hosp. She had Uncle Jim over to the condo to look at her grandfather clock which had stopped working.  He told her he couldn't fix it, it needed parts.  After he left she went over to the clock and tried to move the hands to get it to work, but nothing happened.  Anyway she went back into the hosp.  She went into a coma and only came out of it once.  The day she died I was sitting next to her and she was making a noise(trying to say something) like OH! OH!  not the pain kind of sound but more like Ok now I understand.  Aunt Effie, Aunt Lorraine, Uncle Frank, Uncle Jim, Uncle Pat, Aunt Gayle and Sherry where there.  Aunt Lorraine took Aunt Effie home to get a few things(she had been staying at the hosp. the whole time). Aunt Lorraine was going to bring her back later and stay with her,  Pam Miller had stayed the night before.(the nurses didn't want Aunt Effie to be alone with Aunt Sue any more.)  Anyway After Auntie Lorraine and Aunt Effie left,  Uncle Frank left, then Uncle Jim left.  Aunt Gayle,  Uncle Pat and Sherry stayed for a little while longer.  They too finally left,  when they left I went to the restroom.  When I came back out Aunt Sue had also left.  I always tell everyone that when Uncle Pat walked out she was right behind him. Anyway a few days later I was sitting in the condo and happened to look at the grandfather clock.  The hands had stopped at 6:40 P.M. Aunt Sue had sit the time, and it was the time Aunt Sue walked out of the hosp. for her final trip. 

WE MISS YOU AUNT SUE AND WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU!!  Love Sharen - August 13, 2010

Frank Gurto Sr.

Sep. 11, 1933 - Jan. 15, 2006
Age 72
Frank had Stomach Cancer

Travel
by
Edna St. Vincent Millay

The railroad track is miles away,
And the day is loud with voices speaking,
Yet there isn't a train goes by all day
But I hear its whistle shrieking.

All night there isn't a train goes by,
Though the night is still for sleep and dreaming,
But I see its cinders red on the sky,
And hear its engine steaming.

My heart is warm with friends I make,
And better friends I not be knowing;
Yet there isn't a train I'd rather take,
No matter where it's going.

Frank Gurto - Obituary
January 17, 2006 - Star Beacon

FRANK GURTO

CONNEAUT -- Frank Gurto, age 72, of Conneaut, OH, died Sunday, January 15, 2006, at his residence following a short illness with cancer.

Frank was born in Conneaut on September 11, 1933, the son of Peter and Mary (Delveccio) Gurto. He attended Conneaut High and then went to work for the former Nickel Plate Railroad.

He enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country until his Honorable discharge in 1956. He remained in the Army Reserves until 1962. Frank returned to Conneaut and worked again for the Nickel Plate and later Norfolk and Southern Railroad until his retirement from the maintenance department in 1993.

Frank was a member of St. Frances Cabrini Roman Catholic Church, American Legion Cowle Post #151, the Kiwanis Club, Conneaut Eagles, and the VFW.

He enjoyed gardening, remodeling, and woodworking. He loved to help others; his door was always open to all his family and friends. He especially loved the Gurto family reunion each and every year.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Joseph Gurto; three sisters, Mary Moneypenny, Rosie Speer, and Susie Petrovski; and grandchildren, Rose Best and Adriel Gurto.

He is survived by three sons, Frank Gurto, Darwin Gurto and Darrell Peterson, all of Conneaut; a daughter, Kimberly Angelbrandt of Michigan; grandchildren, Joshua and Justin Gurto, Daniel Oliver, Loretta Teneyuke, Angela Ramey, Frank McMahon, Nathan Gurto, Matthew Gurto, Kelly Gurto, and Joshua Peterson; great-grandchildren, Tara Best, Cheyenne Gurto, Jeremiah Gurto, Cierra Oliver, Katrina Oliver, Bianca Oliver, Caleb Felger, Kimberly Felger, Alyssa Ramey, and Aidan Ramey; four brothers, Christy and Peggy Gurto of West Palm Beach, Florida, James and BAnn Gurto of Wexford, Pennsylvania, Anthony and Lucile Gurto of Montpelier, Ohio, and Pat and Gayle Gurto of Conneaut; and one sister, Florence (Effie) Lewis of Conneaut.

At the request of Frank himself, there will be no calling hours.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Frances Cabrini Roman Catholic Church later this summer. Burial will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery, Conneaut.

Memorial contributions can be made to Cancer Research. Envelopes will be available at the RAISIAN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 581 Harbor Street, Conneaut, Ohio 44030, where arrangements are being handled.

Thank you for this wonderful website and for adding Uncle Frank's picture and his death notice.  We will all miss him very much  He was so kind and generous and such a hard working person - all those years on the railroad.  I always wished my yard looked half as good as his did, all the flowers and a little garden to boot.  I pray that he didn't suffer in the end.  I have good and happy memories of seeing him at last year's reunion.  I think he wanted all of us to remember the good times and not the last 6 months.

Diane Vorse - January 18th, 2006

Uncle Frank was a kind, quiet man . . . very similar to me to Grandpa Gurto.  He would sit quietly in his patio, looking at his garden and always open his home to visitors.  He was one of only two members of the family who attended every one of the Gurto Family Reunions, it is only fitting that he be remembered around the time of the reunion.  Rest in Peace, Uncle Frank, we will miss you.

Joe Gurto - January 18, 2006

Bob Burford
 

Sep. 5, 1951 - Feb. 26, 2006
Age 54
Bob had Liver Disease

Forever Young
-Bob Dylan

May God bless and keep you always
May your wishes all come true
May you always do for others
and let others do for you
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung
And may you stay
Forever young

Bob Burford - Obituary
February 28, 2006 - www.pantalone.com.

Robert G. Burford
Greensburg

Robert G. Burford, 54, of Greensburg, died Sunday, Feb. 26, 2006, at home, after a courageous five-year battle against liver disease. Born Sept. 5, 1951, in Pittsburgh, he was the son of the late Charles J. and Jean Lingelbaugh Burford. He was a former employee of FireDEX of Pittsburgh, where he worked as a senior estimator. Bob was an active member in the community and instrumental in the development of the West Point Little League. He coached and managed baseball teams for over 10 years and was recently honored by the WPLL Board with the naming of a field in his honor, recognizing his many contributions to the league. Bob also coached and managed the West Point American Legion baseball team. He was also involved with the Boy Scouts of America for many years with his sons. He was a member of many professional organizations related to the insurance industry and served as a vice president of the Pennsylvania Claims Association. Bob was an avid downhill skier, a member and former officer of the Shenandoah Ski Club. He was a motorcycle enthusiast and a member of the Latrobe Harley Owners Group. His love for riding took him on trips all over the country. He was also a charter member of the Mountain View Inn Bocce League and co-champion with partner Mark Morelli. He was a member of Charter Oak United Methodist Church and former member of Ingomar United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Nancy L. Gurto Burford; two sons, Daniel Jackson Burford, of Columbia, S.C., and David Vincent Burford, a student at West Virginia University; two sisters, Barbara Austen and husband, Thomas, of Sigel, Pa., and Lynn Henry and husband, Michael, of Pittsburgh; in-laws, James and Elizabeth Gurto, of Wexford; two sisters-in-law, Janice White and husband, David, of Dallas, Texas, and Patricia Kolling and husband, Joseph, of Pittsburgh; numerous nieces; and a nephew. He will be remembered for his love of life, sense of humor and generous spirit. Family and friends will be received from 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Mountain View Inn, Route 30 East, in the Hunt Room. A memorial service will be held in celebration of Bob's life at 11 a.m. Saturday at Ingomar United Methodist Church, 1501 W. Ingomar Road, Pittsburgh, with Dr. Duane Morford and Dr. David Eversdyke co-officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the family to offset medical expenses or to the UPMC/Starzl Transplantation Institute, Medical Arts Building, Suite 400, 3708 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3405, in memory of Bob. Arrangements by the CLEMENT L. PANTALONE FUNERAL HOME INC., 409 W. Pittsburgh St., Greensburg, .
 

Rocky Ulrich

Apr. 1, 1970 - Aug. 25, 2006
Age 36
Rocky was robbed and killed
 

Here in our little kitchen I looked out the window and
I studied my father's embarrassed young man's face.
sheepish grin, he held in one hand a string
of spiny yellow perch, in the other
a bottle of Budweiser Beer.

In jeans and denim shirt, he leans
against the front fender of a 1994 Ford.
He would like to pose bluff and hearty for his posterity,
Wear his old hat cocked over his ear.
All his life my father wanted to be bold.

But the eyes give him away, and the hands
that limply offer the string of dead perch
and the bottle of beer.  Father, I love you,
yet, as much as I’d like to, how can I say thank you?

-adapted from a poem by Raymond Carver

Anthony Gurto
 

Dec. 11, 1927 - Nov. 4, 2006
Age 78
Tony had Myelodysplastic Syndrome and prostate cancer

Obituary

Doug Ward

Nov. 21, 1961 - Sep. 18, 2007
Age  - 45
Doug had Liver Cancer

Obituary
Douglas F. Ward, age 45, passed away after a short battle with cancer on September 18, 2007.

He was born in Bucyrus, Ohio, grew up in Tallmadge and lived in Suffield for the last 18 years. Douglas most recently owned DFW Industries, prior to that he worked in sales for Industrial Tube and Steel. Douglas was a member of the Mogadore Moose Lodge #1082. He loved motorcycles and boating on Lake Erie with his family.

Preceded in death by his father, John, he is survived by his wife of 23 years, Brenda; daughter, Toni; son, Luke; mother, Maxine Ward; sister, Wendy (Bill) Howd; niece and nephew, Joy and Jordan Howd; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and many other nieces and, nephews.

Memorial service Saturday, 11 a.m., at the Hopkins Lawver MOGADORE Funeral Home, 34 S. Cleveland Avenue, with Father Edward R. Wieczorek officiating. Private burial at the convenience of the family. Friends may call at the funeral home from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. The family suggests memorials to the American Cancer Society, 525 North Broad Street, Canfield, Ohio 44406, or the Palliative Care Unit, 444 N. Main Street, Akron, Ohio 44310.

(Hopkins Lawver, Mogadore,

www.hopkinslawver.com

Published in the Akron Beacon Journal on 9/20/2007.