Frederick (Fred) Philip Skok
Frederick (Fred) Philip Skok, 74, of Kent, passed away unexpectedly on February 18, 2023. He was born on November 29, 1948 to the late Anthony and Justine Skok. Fred leaves: his wife of 41 years Diana, son Stephen, sister Marguerite O’Brien, brother Anthony (Chela) Skok, brother Gregory (Laura) Skok, brother Martin Skok, nieces and nephews.
Fred was a U.S. Army Veteran. He served from 1968 to 1972 with the Army Security Agency (ASA) at Chitose and Misawa Airbase in Japan. He completed his service with the rank of Specialist 5 (SPC) and was awarded a National Defense Service Medal.
Fred attended Kent State University where he earned a BA in English in 1979. He was employed by Allen-Bradley in Mayfield Heights and worked in drafting, CAD-CAM design, and technical support for the division producing programmable controllers.
Fred and his wife were avid readers. They loved to spend time wandering around libraries and bookstores. When Fred lost his job at Allen-Bradley due to downsizing, he took his severance check and opened a bookstore in Kent, Ohio. For twelve years he was the owner and operator of Heartland Books and was known around Kent as “the Bookstore Guy.” When Heartland Books closed, Fred worked as a Substitute Teacher for Kent CIty Schools until his retirement.
Fred enjoyed working out and took up running in his middle years. He participated in many local and regional 10K races and marathons. He completed marathons in Cleveland, Columbus and New York City. He was especially proud of completing the Boston Marathon in 1992.
Fred loved the outdoors and working outside. He spent many hours hiking the trails throughout the Portage Park system. In his retirement, he kept active in the community through his volunteer work. He served on the board of the Kent Environmental Council and maintained the Facebook page for the Friends of the Kent Bog. Fred also volunteered for Portage Parks and served as a Trail Ambassador for Towners Woods.
A memorial service will be held for Fred on Thursday, March 9, at Hobbs Hall, 228 Gougler Ave., Kent, Ohio from 5 to 8 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to: the Kent Environmental Council, PO Box 395, Kent, Ohio 44240 or the Portage Parks District Foundation, PO Box 2327, Streetsboro, OH, 44241.
Lois J. (Mercier) Buttlar
Lois Jacqueline Buttlar, age 88, of Kent, OH went to be with her Lord, after an extended illness, on Monday, February 27, 2023 in the comfort of her home. She was born in Chicago, Illinois on April 13, 1934 to the late Louis Edward Mercier and Florence Edna (Maas) Mercier.
Christina Fertig
Heaven gained another beautiful angel, Christina (nee Barone) Fertig. Her children had to say goodbye to their mom on February 27, 2023. Sadly, she passed away at home with her family.
Stanford S. Apseloff
English Professor, Poet, and World War II Veteran Stanford S. Apseloff of Kent, Ohio, died February 22, 2023, at the age of 99, five years to the day after his beloved wife, Marilyn.
Vernon “Kenny” King
On Wednesday, March 1, 2023, surrounded by his wife and children at University Hospital Portage Medical Center, Kenny King succumbed to a long-term illness.
Frank E. Toth
Frank Eugene Toth, 84, better known as “Speedy Frank” to his friends, died peacefully at home, Saturday, February 25, 2023. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio on September 23, 1938 son of the late Frank and Mary (Kopcsik) Toth.
Steven Morrison
Steven R. Morrison, 45 years of age, passed away Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at his residence. Born at Ravenna, Ohio on December 31, 1977, he was the son of Harold J. and Rebecca (Mills) Morrison.
