Michael Banyasz
June 21, 1956 – Feb. 2, 2024
Michael John Banyasz (aka Barny, the Dada, Ruler of Bartertown, Chef of Thumb Soup, and several others) is finally at peace.
He leaves behind his favorite burdens, daughters Mekal Banyasz (Ian Weber) and Megan Banyasz (Adam and Grayson Hollon), as well as his eldest brother, Steve Banyasz (Sonja, Jennifer, Melissa, and Stephen). He was preceded in death by his two youngest brothers, Mark Banyasz (Gina and Jackie) and Paul Banyasz (Cindy).
In work Michael was an administrator for AVI Foods at Lordstown GM, responsible for the hungry men and women who built American cars. He would often bring his daughters to work where they were allotted unlimited milk shakes, popcorn shrimp, fries and bacon, and were permitted to use the cashiers’ microphones to serenade the cafeteria with Christmas carols.
In life, he was a storyteller and a comedian. He was a 1974 Warrensville Heights graduate and spent two years at Kent State University. He ran Singing Sam’s and later owned and operated Pizza Town with Ted Ciano in the Crazy Horse Bar at the corner of Main and Lincoln in Kent near the currently infamous Lucci’s, nourishing the bellies of locals after late nights of studying and parties.
He loved food and instilled the same love in anyone who would let him. There are countless stories of his ability to eat large quantities of food in one sitting, and if you shared one of these in his presence, he would ensure you told every last detail. He loved sunshine, water, and a cool breeze and would often take his daughters to West Branch. At home in the kiddie pool he would boil huge pots of water to make sure the water temperature was just right. We remember him sunbathing in the backyard, tunes blasting, the fan on high, wrapping up the day with a hearty meal, probably BBQ, with unknown quantities never making it to the table due to his direct-from-the-grill snacking.
He was kind and generous, and he will be missed so deeply. It was always going to be too soon and he leaves behind a weeping throng of family and friends who will never forget his way of brightening a moment with his epic storytelling and penchant for a perfectly timed expression or comment. Thank you for the love and the laughter, Dada, we love you, forever.
Doris E. Boyer
Doris E. Boyer, 90, passed away on February 11, 2024.Doris was born January 10, 1934 in Alabama, daughter of late Charles and Betty (Gallo) Harrell.
Linda L. Huggins
Linda L. Huggins, age 78 of Ravenna, passed away at home surrounded by family on February 11, 2024. She was born September 9, 1945, in Ravenna, Ohio, to parents Robert and Anna (Bretti) Huggins.
Vicky Lynn Pruitt
Vicky Lynn Pruitt, age 54, of Ravenna, Ohio passed away on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at UH Portage. Vicky was born March 22, 1969 in Akron to the late Jack Pruitt and Bonnie Bragg.
Nancy D. Mandalari
Nancy Mandalari, 60, of Kent, passed away unexpectedly, on Sunday, February 11, 2024. She was born on June 27, 1963 and was a lifelong resident of Kent.
Howard “Sonny” Edward Andrews
Howard “Sonny” Edward Andrews, 88, a resident of Windham Township, peacefully entered eternal rest on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. Born on March 12, 1935, in Garrettsville, Ohio, he was the beloved son of the late Raymond and Laura (Cain) Andrews.
