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(please stop back soon for updates!)
DEACONS
• PASTORS
• PRINCIPALS & SCHOOL
STAFF • RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
PASTORAL MINISTERS • MUSIC
MINISTRY • PARISH SECRETARIES
FINANCES • FOOD
SERVICE • MAINTENANCE
The
Parish Community of St. Joseph has always
been blessed with a wonderful staff and faculty.
Of course, they are supported by numerous volunteers who share
their time, talents, and treasures as good Christian stewards.
DEACONS
Deacon
Gary Keefer ~ Permanent Deacon (Sept. 13, 2008 - to date)
Born in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania to Ross and Catherine Keefer, Deacon Keefer grew up in the small rural town of Darlington, Pennsylvania (just across the state line from East Palestine, Ohio). He graduated from Northwestern High School in 1967 and attended Duff's Business Institute in Pittsburgh (1967 & 1968). In the mid-1980's he attended classes at Youngstown University. Gary's employment history is quite diverse starting with working on local farms from about the age of thirteen. His first real career job was with Bell Telephone Company of Pennsylvania (1968-1988). During that time he had his own personal businesses which consisted of a horse training business, a blacksmith business, a sailboat charter service, and a fishing charter boat. In conjunction with these businesses he had the opportunity to work with and instruct people of all ages. In 1999 he shifted gears both figuratively and literally by becoming an owner-operator long haul truck driver, which is what he currently does along with having an excavating/construction business. He and his wife, Cyndi, love to travel (any kind from going to Vegas or flying to the Caribbean Islands) and the outdoors enjoying sail and power boating, water and snow skiing, and camping. They also enjoy cruise ships and car trips and love taking off with their travel trailer, especially heading to Florida to visit the grandchildren. Gary also loves to hunt and fish. Deacon Gary has been involved with St. Joseph Parish for several years as an RCIA team member, a lector, a Eucharistic minister, choir member, Welcoming Committee, Stewardship Way of Live Committee, Knights of Columbus, as well as various jobs regarding the Ox Roast Fair.
Mrs.
Margaret "Peg" Haney ~ Director of Religious Education
(Sept. 1, 2011 - to date)
Born in Amherst, Ohio, Margaret W. Haney graduated from Marion L. Steele
High School in Amherst. She earned her B.A. from Baldwin-Wallace College
and Teacher Certification and M.A. from BGSU. Previously Director of
Religious Education at St. Mary & St. Joseph Parish in Newton Falls,
Peg joined the staff September 1, 2011. Married to Jack, the couple
has five children and currently reside in Newton Falls. She
brings with her a life of experiences, as an educator, an active church
volunteer and most importantly, a parent.
Her hobbies include sewing.
Miss
Beth Frank ~ Director of Religious Education (August 1, 2010 - June
30, 2011)
Our principal
from 1997 until its closing in 2010, Beth Frank grew up on a dairy farm
in Harrisburg, Ohio, belonged to Sacred Heart of Mary Parish and graduated
from Marlington High School. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Education
at Carlow College in Pittsburgh, PA, her Master's Degree in Family Therapy
and Theology from the College of Mt. St. Joseph in Cincinnati, OH, and
her Master's Degree in Education Administration at Ursuline College
in Cleveland, OH. Prior to coming to St. Joe's, she was a teacher of
grades 1-2 for seven years and of Junior High for eighteen years in
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the Parish Director of Religious Education
for six years at St. Paul's in North Canton and for two years at Our
Lady of Perpetual Help in Aurora, and the principal of St. Paul's, North
Canton for one year. She says that she has been very blessed with a
deep passion and concern for the total education of children, especially
at the elementary and junior high levels. The theater, dining out, and
reading are among her favorite things to do. Family gatherings are always
delightful because of numbers and they love to get together for any
reason. Single and living in Mantua Village, Miss Frank considered the
students of St. Joseph School her children. As of August 1, 2010, Beth
became the parish's Director of Religious Education. After
forty seven years of combined academic and religious education ministries,
Beth retired on June 30, 2011. When
Beth Frank, our former DRE and school principal, said that she wanted
to go back to school now that she was retired, she was referring to
attending at the university level as a student. However, aAs of August
15, 2011, she is the new principal at St. Joseph School in Randolph
for the 2011-2012 school year.
Mrs.
Margaret Ann "Mac" Clapp ~ Director of Religious Education
(August 1, 2006-June 30, 2010)
A member of the parish since 1978, Mac Clapp has served St. Joseph's
in a variety of ways both as a volunteer and employee. She graduated
from Kent Roosevelt and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education
and Special Education from Kent State University. She studied Theology
at Ursuline College and earned her Master of Arts in Religious Education
from Loyola University in New Orleans. From 1978 through 1985 she coordinated
Vacation Bible School and served as Kindergarten Teacher for CCD. She
has been a Substitute Teacher for St. Joseph School, Crestwood Schools,
Kent City Schools and Kent State University School. She was the Auxiliary
Services Tutor for SJS through Crestwood School System (1979-1984),
served as CCD Principal (1985-1987), and Director of Religious Education
(1987-1991). She was also a member of the RCIA Team, Director of RCIA,
and a member of the Liturgy Committee and Parish Council during this
time. She then worked as DRE for Blessed Sacrament in Warren (1991-1998).
From 1998 to 2003 she was the Director of Religious Education at St.
Louis in Louisville. She has served our parish as Ox Roast Fair Booth
Chairperson (Elephant Ear Booth) and as a Substitute Teacher for St.
Joseph School. She currently serves our parish as a Lector. Mac is married
to husband George and works as office manager with her husband's business
as well as DRE for Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Aurora. The
couple resides in Shalersville and have three children, Sarah (who's
married to Ryan Work and have one daughter), Annie (with daughter),
and Katie. Mac will be going to Our
Lady of Perpetual Help in Aurora to work exclusively with their
Religious Education Program (her last day in the office was May 27,
2010).
July, 2010
Dear St. Joseph Parishioners,
As I continue on the journey that our Lord has for me in my new position as full-time Director of Religious Education at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Aurora, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your love and support in my years of ministry at St. Joseph. I have been truly blessed to be among such wonderful people. Please keep me in your prayers during this time of transition as I keep you in mine. May God continue to bless you!Gratefully,
Mac Clapp
Sister
Mary Slick, H.M. ~ Director of Religious Education (June 5, 1998-June
30, 2006)
Sister Mary
Slick ministered as Director of Religious Education at St. Joseph Parish
from 1998 through June, 2006 handling the Parish School of Religion, Vacation
Bible School, sacramental preparation and RCIA programs. The daughter
of Ellen (Plummer) Slick of Niles, Ohio, Sister Mary entered the Sisters
of the Humility of Mary from Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, Ashtabula.
Sister Mary has taught in the Cleveland diocese and at Our Lady of Mt.
Carmel, Ashtabula, and St. Stephen, Niles. She also served as DRE for
six years at St. Clement Parish, Navarre. A native of Youngstown, Sister
Mary graduated from Ursuline High School, and earned her B.S.E. from St.
John College, Cleveland. She earned her M.P.S. in Pastoral Studies from
Loyola University, New Orleans. She celebrated her 25th year of religious
life in 2004. In May of 2006, Sr. Mary announced that she would be taking
a year's sabbatical from her ministries to pursue studies in areas that
she has been interested in for some time. She currently works as DRE at
St. Camillus Church in New Castle, PA and resides in Hubbard, Ohio.
Ms.
Kathleen Devine ~ Director of Religious Education (July, 1993-June,
1998)
Kathleen returned
to her hometown of St. Louis, Missouri in June of 1998 to pursue other
career possibilities.
Mrs.
Dorothy Szczepinski ~ Volunteer CCD Coordinator (1991-1993?)
Mrs.
Margaret Ann "Mac" Clapp
VBS, CCD K Teacher (1978-1985)
SJS Substitute Teacher (1978-1979)
Auxiliary Services Tutor for SJS (1979-1984)
CCD Principal (1985-1987)
Director of Religious Education (1987-1991)
RCIA Team (1987-1991)
Director of RCIA (1992?)
Mrs.
Mickee Murphy ~ Director of Religious Education (1979-1987);
Principal (1987-1990)
Serving as the
parish's Director of Religious Education (1979-1987) Mickee handled the
Catechumenate for Children, Sacramental Preparation Programs, Children's
Liturgy of the Word staffing and coordination, CCD Administration (preschool-12),
Senior High Confirmation Program, Youth Ministry Program, Adult Education
Program and Vacation Bible School. She was also an RCIA Team Member, and
a member of the Liturgy Committee and Parish Council.
In 1987, Mrs. Murphy became principal of St. Joseph School remaining there
until 1990. Her leadership of the school was during a tumultuous and trying
time in the parish's history - In 1988, Fr. Joseph Fata was named Pastor
of St. Luke Church in Boardman; Fr. John Trimbur was then pastor only
a short time (Aug. 3, 1988 - Feb., 1989); while the parish was awaiting
the appointment of a new pastor, Fr. Francis Hughes came March - July,
1989 as Pro-Tem Administrator; then Fr. James Fondriest was assigned July
14, 1989.
In July, 1990, Mickee accepted the position of Director of Religious Education
St. Patrick Church in Kent. Currently, she is their Pastoral Minister
coordinating the RCIA Program. She continues to attend St. Joseph's with
her family, volunteers at the annual Ox Roast Fair and occasionally serves
the parish as a Eucharistic Minister and helping with an RCIA session
for Sr. Mary Slick, HM, Parish Director of Religious Education.
Sister
Jenni Skerk, H.M. ~ Director of Religious Education (197?-1979?)
Originally from
Youngstown, Sister Jenni Skerk (formerly Sister M. Davidica) entered the
Sisters of the Humility of Mary from St. Francis Parish, Youngstown, and
is a graduate of North High School. The daughter of the late John and
Rose (Baleskie) Skerkavich, she received her B.S.E. and M.S.E. in Religious
Education from St. John College, Cleveland .She has been a teacher, pastoral
minister, director of religious education and hospital chaplain in the
Cleveland and Youngstown dioceses. Her ministries in the Diocese of Youngstown
include St. Joseph Parish, Ashtabula; Mercy Medical Center, Canton; St.
Mary School, Conneaut; St. Patrick School, Hubbard; St. Louis Parish,
Louisville; St. Joseph Parish, Mantua; and St. Joseph Parish, Suffield.
Sister Jenni celebrated her Golden Jubilee October 22, 2006 and is currently
a chaplain volunteer at St. Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown.
Sister
Joyce Schreiber, S.N.D. ~ Pastoral Minister (Oct. 1, 2010
- to date)
Sr. Joyce grew
up on Cleveland's West Side, attending church and school along with her
seven brothers and sisters at St. Vincent de Paul Parish on Lorain Avenue.
Her mother was of proud Polish descent and her father was Jewish (later
Catholic). Her choice of high school, St. Stephen, on the near West Side,
brought her into contact with the Sisters of Notre Dame and she subsequently
"entered the convent" after graduation. Sister trained to be
an elementary school teacher, attending Notre Dame College and graduating
from St. John College. She taught grades four through eight in various
schools in the Dioceses of Cleveland, Raleigh, North Carolina, and Youngstown.
Besides teaching and administration, Sr. Joyce has never been too far
from continuing her own education, earning MA degrees from the University
of Dayton and Virginia Tech and completing studies in theology for certification
in Pastoral Ministry. In between she enjoyed summer studies in English,
history and administration at Gonzaga University, the University of Nevada,
Reno, Elmira College, New York, and Fordham University, New York. Sr.
Joyce made the transition from teaching to parish ministry in 2004, serving
as Directory of Religious Education at Assumption Church in Geneva, Ohio,
before coming to St. Joseph, Mantua, in 2010. Sister greatly enjoys the
people of the parish and the community and environs of Mantua. Along with
her ministries at St. Joseph, Sr. Joyce enjoys keeping house in Mantua
as well as visiting family, friends, and her own Notre Dame community
in Chardon.
Sister
Rose Anne Krantz, C.D.P. ~ Pastoral Minister (Sept. 1, 2006 - June
30, 2010)
Born in Dover,
Ohio, one of five children, Rose Anne Krantz grew up on a farm outside
of Dover. She entered the Sisters
of Divine Providence in 1962. Her first years of ministry were spent
in the Catholic School System in Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania where
she worked both as teacher and principal. The next 17 years she ministered
in West Virginia as a Pastoral Associate and Religious Ed Director. From
2001 until she came to St. Joseph's September 1, 2006, she served as Co-director
of her Community’s Retirement House in Pittsburgh, PA. Sister Rose
Anne's professional education includes a Bachelor’s Degree from La
Roche College, a Masters in the Arts of Teaching from Duquesne University
and extended work at Mt. St. Joseph in Cincinnati in Family Religious
Studies. When not engaged in ministry her passions include quilting, camping,
bike riding and hiking. Sister Rose Anne enjoyed working at St. Joseph
and meeting the many people who make up the community. As Pastoral Minister
she coordinated the RCIA process for adults and instructed a class for
those young people who need sacramental preparation. In addition, she
developed some much needed ministries and outreach programs for our parish
including Bible Study, Bereavement, Homebound & Hospitalized Ministries
(her last day in the office was May 27, 2010). As of the first of July,
2010, Sr. Rose Anne began in ministry at Immaculate Conception in Ravenna
and still in residence in Aurora.
"I
give thanks to my God at every remembrance of you,
praying always with joy
in my every prayer for all of you . . . " Phil. 1:3
Sister
Jean Gillespie, O.P. ~ Parish Ministry, 1979-1981
Need
profile
Deceased
Sister
Mary Chad, H.M. (Sister Mary Catherine Blooming) ~ Pastoral Minister,
1982-?
Serving the parish as Pastoral Minister, Sister Mary Chad was originally
from Parma, Ohio, and the daughter of the late Thomas M. Blooming and
Cornelia (Fodor) Blooming Histen. She received her BA from Notre Dame
College, Cleveland, and her M. Ed. in Library Science from Duquesne University,
Pittsburgh. She has served as a teacher, librarian, director of religious
education and pastoral minister in the Cleveland, Greensburg, Pittsburgh
and Youngstown dioceses. Her ministries in Youngstown include St. John
High School, Youngstown; Central Catholic High School, Canton; St. Benedict
Parish, Canton; St. Joseph Parish, Mantua; Holy Spirit Parish, Uniontown;
and St. Pius X Parish, Warren. She was a staff member of the House of
Prayer in Youngstown and a librarian at Youngstown State University and
also served in the diocesan Religious Education Office. Sister Mary Catherine
celebrated her Golden Jubilee October 22, 2006 and is currently teaching
religion at St. Joseph High School, Natrona Heights, Pa.
Sister
Marilyn Ruflin, H.M. ~ Pastoral Minister, July, 1984-July, 1985
Serving the parish as Pastoral Minister, Sister Marilyn earned her BSE
at St. John College in Cleveland, a BSA at Siena Heights College in Adrian,
Michigan, and did her Master's work at Notre Dame University and St. John
College. She taught elementary grades at St. Cecelia School in Cleveland,
1962-1965, St. Martha School in Akron, 1965-1970, and St. Louis School
in Louisville, 1970-1977. From 1977 through 1981 she was the Facilitator
of Parish Liturgy at St. Louis and then went on to serve as Pastoral Minister
at St. Pius X in Warren (1981-1984). During her brief time at St. Joseph's
(Sept., 1984-late June, 1985) Sister Marilyn's main responsibilities were
RCIA, Liturgy and Environment, and the Adult Education Team. Then she
went on to work for the Diocese of Youngstown as Coordinator of RCIA (1985-1987)
and Director of Worship (1987-1992). From there she returned to her order,
the Sisters of the Humility of Mary, to serve as Director of Pastoral
Planning (1992-1993) and on the Leadership Team (1993-2001). Following
a year-long sabbatical (2001-2002), Sister became the Director of Worship
for Adrian Dominican Sisters in Michigan (2003-2005) and currently works
with the Spiritual Environment for Humility of Mary Healthcare Partners
(2006).
Sister
Mary Ann Wieseman, O.P. ~ Pastoral Ministry, 1982-1984
Sister Mary
Ann was hired to serve as Associate Pastor at St. Joseph Parish in Mantua,
Ohio, serving seven years in the parish. Invited by pastor Fr. Joseph
Fata to assume the co-responsibility for preaching, she discovered a natural
talent in this area. Besides preaching at St. Joseph's, she also served
the parish through Homebound Ministry and & Outreach to the Homebound
and Hospitalized as well as serving on the RCIA team. To learn more about
Sister Mary Ann, please go to our Women Religious
page.
Sister Linda Valasik, H.M. ~ Pastoral Minister, Director of RCIA,
1989-1992
Serving as Pastoral
Minister at St. Joseph's, Sister Linda earned her bachelor of science
in education from St. John College, Cleveland, her master of religious
education from Aquinas College, Grand Rapids, Michigan, and her MM (ministry)
from Seattle University, Seattle, Washington. She graduated from Lourdes
Academy, Cleveland, and entered the HM community from St. Francis de Sales
Parish, Parma.
She is the daughter of the late Stephen and Catherine (Lukcso) Valasik.
Her ministries in the Youngstown Diocese also include teaching for one
year at St. Paul, Canton, and serving as Pastoral Minister at St. Joan
of Arc, Streetsboro. She was a part-time member of the Membership and
Affiliation Team for the Sisters of the Humility of Mary, taught in the
Portage County Adult Basic Education Program, and was an ABLE and ESL
instructor for the Kent City Schools. Currently, Sister Linda is the coordinator
for the Religion Division for The Center for Learning, an educational
publisher, Villa Maria, PA, and celebrated her golden jubilee May 16,
2009.
MUSIC
MINISTRY
Mr.
Bill Davies ~ Music Minister &
Guitar Accompanist, 2004-present
Bill Davies
was born in Lorain, Ohio, but moved to Kent when he was five and, except
for a few excursions to the Houston, he has lived in North East Ohio his
whole life. He attended Kent Roosevelt High School, and upon finishing
there, took some time off to decide what to do with himself. After working
many odd jobs, he tells us he turned up at Kent State University. There
he received a degree in music in 2001. In January, 2004, Bill began a
Masters program at Cleveland State. His ultimate goal is to teach at the
college level as well as continuing work in music ministry. In addition,
he teaches private guitar and piano lessons, performs for various weddings
and parties, and works with a contemporary Christian band called Gabriel's
Harp. In what little free time Bill has he enjoys playing chess, skiing,
swimming, and a good bottle of Pinot Noir.
To learn more about our Music Ministry, please click here.
Musicians:
Lydia Kulesza ~ Piano Accompanist, Cantor
A member of St. Joseph Parish since 1986, Lydia volunteers her time as cantor, piano accompanist as well as Eucharistic Minister. Living in Shalersville with her husband, Greg, and children Rachel, Philip, and Jacob, she recently completed work for her Master of Fine Arts in Education degree from Marygrove College in Michigan. In the past she taught 8th grade at St. Joseph School (1994-2000) and Tutored at the school through the Crestwood system (2001-2004). Lydia currently teaches 6th grade English at Crestwood Middle School and serves as curriculum liaison for the teaching staff at the middle school.
Growing up in Putnam County, Ohio, Jeff is married and currently lives in Hudson. He has a BA in Music Education and does church work including having been music director at St. Mary Church in Hudson. He enjoys gardening, jazz, genealogy, and traveling.
[profile coming]
Mrs. Maria Krause ~ Flutist, Cantor
A member of the parish since 2004, Maria is a graphic designer who offers her musical talents as a flutist and cantor. Living in Mantua with husband Rob, the couple have three daughters, Leah, Tori and Julia.
[profile coming]
Jeff Trares ~ Clarinet, 2007-to date
A member of St. Joseph's all his life, Jeff is a St. Joseph School and Crestwood High School alumni. He has participated in the Marching, Concert & Jazz Bands, was involved in Hot Stove baseball, the Appalachian Experience at St. Joe's, and enjoys computer games. He has worked part-time at the Ohio Turnpike Brady's Leap Travel Mart. Jeff is attending The University of Akron where he's majoring in Engineering. His parents George and Kathi Trares, reside in Shalersville. He has a brother, Br. James-Peter Trares, OP, who's a Dominican student in St. Louis, MO, with the St. Albert the Great Province, and has a married sister, Wendy (Ralph Harner) and nephew, Gabriel who reside in Ravenna.
Mr. James Trares ~ Piano & Organ Accompanist, Cantor
A member of St. Joseph's all his life, James is a St. Joseph School alumni, and Crestwood High School graduate (where he participated in the Marching, Concert & Jazz Bands, Chamber Choir, and National Honor Society). He is also an Eagle Scout from Boy Scout Troop #575 and involved with Appalachian Experience at St. Joe's and has worked part-time at the Au Bon Pair Restaurant (Ohio Turnpike rest stop near Limeridge Rd.) at Treichel's Grille in Aurora Farms Premium Outlets, and the Music Department at Aquinas College. James' family includes his parents, George and Kathi Trares, brother, Jeff, and a married sister, Wendy (Ralph Harner), and nephew, Gabriel.
Best wishes to James who graduated summa cum laude on May 8, 2010, from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with a Bachelor of Music in Liturgical Music and a minor in Theology.
Being accepted into the Dominicans, Br. James-Peter Trares, O.P., completed his novitiate year and made temporary profession for two years on August 14, 2011, in Denver Colorado. Now he has moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where he'll be a Dominican graduate student of theology at Aquinas Institute of Theology run by the Central Province. For more information on the Dominicans, please visit www.preachingfriars.org or www.domcentral.org.
Mrs. Shelley Craine ~ Piano Accompanist (Sunday Masses), 2005-12/13/2009
It is with great sadness that we announce the tragic loss of Shelley Crane, who served the community of St. Joseph since 2005 as one of our accompanist. On Sunday, December 13, 2009, while traveling to visit her parents, Shelley and her husband, Cliff, were involved in an accident and Shelley was fatally injured. Cliff was hospitalized with his injuries. There are no words to communicate the shock or grief felt by all who worked with and knew Shelley. We ask that you keep Shelley's whole family in your prayers during this emotional time. While her funeral was held Saturday, December 19, 2009, in Dover, Ohio, a Memorial Mass will be planned here at St. Joseph as well, and more details will follow. In place of flowers, a memorial fund is being set up to benefit the music program where Shelley attended college, Mount Vernon Nazarene University Music Department, 800 Martinburg Rd., Mount Vernon, OH 43050. Shelley was a person of strong faith and confidence in the Resurrection, we can take solace in the truth that Shelley is in the arms of the Lord, whom she most faithfully served. Well done, good and faithful servant.
Mrs. Becky Burrington ~ Piano Accompanist (Sunday Masses), 2005-2007
Mr. James Tandy ~ Piano Accompanist, ?-2005, 2008
Mrs.
Kathy Baxter ~ Music Minister, November, 1998-2004
Mrs.
Amy Hartman ~ Music Minister, 1988-Oct., 1998
Amy resigned in the fall of 1998 after 10+ years of service.
Mr.
Chris Chaykowski ~ Guitarist, 1980's?
Mr.
Guy Zumpetta ~ Accompanist, 1980's?
Mrs.
Pat Strainer ~ Church Music Director and Piano Accompanist, 1982-?
Mr.
Norman Duquette ~ Minister of Music, 1981
Mrs.
Anita Schmotzer ~ Organist, 1970's?
PARISH
SECRETARIES
Ms.
Jan Huter ~ November 13, 1995-present
Mrs.
Kathi Trares ~ September 21, 1992-present
Mrs.
Mary Hladky ~ 1992-October 28, 1995
Mrs.
Irene Hickman ~ 1984-1992
Mrs.
Tiny Ricciuti ~ 1982-?
Mrs.
Bette Cruz ~ 1982-?
Mrs.
Julie Buonpane ~ 1960's?-1981
A resident of Mantua since 1952, Julie was a dedicated member of St.
Joseph Church where for over 20 years she served as church secretary.
She was involved with the Crestwood Teacher's bowling league with her
husband, Tony, volunteering at the Crestwood Primary School, Robinson
Memorial Hospital, "Meals-on-Wheels", and St. Joseph School.
She enjoyed cooking, writing poetry, and the loves of her life, her
family and grandchildren. She was married for nearly 58 years to Anthony
"Tony" Buonpane until his passing on April 29, 2006. Mrs.
Buonpane died December 27, 2011.
Mrs.
Carolee Smith ~ 1960's?
Mrs.
Leona Redhead ~ 1950's?
Ms.
Jan Huter ~ Bookkeeping Duties, Dec., 2003-present
The pastor oversees the financial record keeping for the parish with
secretary Jan Huter handling bookkeeping responsibilities (along with
her other duties).
Mr.
Lynn Wright ~ Finance Manager, Sept. 1992-Dec., 2003
Lynn handled the bookkeeping responsibilities of the parish and school
as well as serving on the Finance Committee. He was let go December,
2003, during Fr. Balash's time as pastor (budget cuts and staff reductions).
Prior to 1992, the secretary and/or pastor handled the financial duties.
FOOD
SERVICE (Program ended upon Al's position being terminated)
Mr.
Al Roberts ~ Food Service Supervisor (Oct.,
1994 - Sept. 30, 2010)
" . . . These have all been the best years of my life to date, and for that I am truly grateful. My wish for each and every one of you in the future is, Peace and All Good Things!"
Supervising Ox Roast
Fair dinners and other parish and private events using the kitchen/hall
(and formally our school meal program and the Bingo Snack Bar), Mr.
Roberts was been employed at St. Joseph's October, 1994 (the hot lunch
program began Jan., 1995) through September, 2010. Growing up in Ocala,
Florida, where his family owned a grocery store and full service meat
market, Al earned his GED. Past employment includes WMOP-AM/WFUZ-FM
radio in Ocala, FL (1968-1976), Portage County Sheriff's Office (1977-1983),
Havre Motors in Ravenna (1983-1993) and co-hosted "The Other Side
of Medicine" radio talk show on WHK, Cleveland with Dr. James Krystosik
(1994-2001). He has been the President of the School Nutrition Association
of Ohio (2005/2006) and also served the parish as a Lay Leader of Prayer,
Liturgical Minister, Homebound Minister, president of the Christian
Service Organization, and organizer of the Cruise In. He and wife Diane
live in Hiram Township and have two married children, who are both St.
Joseph School alumni - David Roberts and son, Wyatt; Kelly and husband
Daniel Cartwright have three sons, Daniel, Jadon and Gabrian. In his
free time, Al enjoys old TV shows.
Al Roberts Retires - On September 13, Al Roberts completed
over sixteen years as Food Service Supervisor. Al was hired to begin
the daily hot lunch program in the fall of 1994 (began Jan., 1995).
Through the years he rounded it out to become a model in providing healthy,
nourishing lunches at a reasonable price. Many times he went above and
beyond the call of duty for our students and our parish. In addition,
Al frugally ordered food for the Ox Roast Fair, saving St. Joe's many
dollars. Well done, good and faithful servant.
For more details about the history of St. Joseph's Food Service, click here.
Mrs.
Rebecca Edmonson ~ Food Service Specialist, 2008-2010
Born in Chattsworth, California and growing up in Newbury, Ohio, Becky
graduated from Newbury High School. Prior to coming to St. Joseph School
as our Food Service Specialist for the 2008/2009 school year, she worked
as Kitchen Director for the Geauga County Sheriff's Office for 17 years.
She and her husband were married in 1980 and live in Mantua. They have
two married sons, Mitch (Kayte) and Jeffrey (Kristen).
Mrs.
Dawn Sara ~
Assistant Food Service Supervisor, 2007-2008
Growing up in Warrensville Heights, Ohio and graduating from Warrensville
High School, Mrs. Dawn Sara comes to assist with our Food Service program
this school year. Previously, she working 10 years in the kitchen and
6 years as proctor at Kenston Schools. Residing in Mantua with her husband,
John, the couple has three grown children. In their spare time, they
enjoy their miniature horses, camping, and their eight grandchildren.
Mrs.
Lisa DeYoung
~
Asst. Food Service Supervisor, 2006-2007
Joining the Food Service staff in 2006, Mrs. DeYoung was born in Bedford
and grew up in Mantua. She attended Crestwood High School and Bohecker's
Business College and has worked at Med Center One in Kent/Streetsboro.
She is married to husband Jason and mom to Jeffrey (age 12), Allison
(age 10), Emily (age 6), and Jason (age 5). Lisa's hobbies include reading
and being taxi for her children!
Mrs.
DeYoung and her family moved out of state for her husband's
Ms.
Amy Seink
~
Asst. Food Service Supervisor,
2001-2006
Living in Newton Falls, Amy is single with three boys, Joshua, Jacob,
and Jarrod. She enjoys breeding and training exotic birds.
Mrs.
Bonnie Rosati ~
Food Service Prep., 2002-2003
Mrs.
Gayle Jones ~ Food Service Asst. Manager, 1997-2002
Mrs.
Patty Keenan ~ Food Service Prep., 1999-2002
Mrs.
Kim Gray ~ Kitchen, 1993-1999
Ms.
Barb George ~ Kitchen, 1995-1997
[Prior
to 1994 St. Joseph School did not have a hot lunch program except for
volunteer mothers who provided soup and pizza each offered one day a
week.]
MAINTENANCE
& CUSTODIAL WORKERS
Mr.
Jason Garey ~
Maintenance,
1989-present
Working at St. Joseph since 1989, Mr. Garey grew up in Lakewood. He
was in the Army Military Police for over four years and moved into this
area in 1982. His favorite thing about his job is cutting grass however
he says, "You will often hear me complain I can't keep up because
it grows so fast sometimes in the spring and there is so much of it."
His least favorite task is snow removal although the first time in a
season seems fun to him for some reason. (Jason believes St. Joseph
gets at least double the amount of snow that the rest of this area gets
- at least it sure seems that way!). In addition to his maintenance
tasks throughout the parish (and formerly St. Joseph School), Mr. Garey
works part time for Hiram and Shalersville in the evening and weekends
as the Zoning Inspector and a couple of weekends a year for Michigan
International Speedway on the Fire Crew. He has a Limited Class A Water
Supply Operator Certificate (to help monitor St. Joseph's public water
system). Jason has three grown children, Chris, Stacey and Brian, along
with two grandchildren, Sarah and Chloe. He also enjoys vacationing,
especially Mexico.
Mr.
Tom Sobczak ~
Cleaning, 1989-1995, 1999-present
Tom
provided cleaning of the classrooms during the evening hours and helps
with heavy-duty and special tasks done annually.
Mr.
Bill Burr ~ Cleaning
Mr.
Ed Mishler ~ Maintenance, 1982
Mr.
Louie Zitner ~ Custodian, February 15, 1979-?
Mr.
Charles Bronstrop ~ Custodian, July, 1978-February 15, 1979
[listed in July 16, 1978 bulletin as new staff]
Mr.
Don Lupori ~ Custodian, 1976?-1978?
[Bulletin blurb about Ox Roast Fair thanked him for his help in 1976.]
Mr.
Robert Byram ~ Janitor, ?-1973?
Edward Gladyszewski & Edward Sturbaum ~ Janitor Helpers
Mr.
William Bell ~ ?-1973?
Last Updated February 3,
2012