Chesterland News 12-21-22

Hearing for Accessory Building Amendment Set for Jan. 12

By Brian Doering Brian@karlovecmeDia com

Chester Township residents continue to chime in on proposed zoning changes — most recently, an amendment for accessory building sizes.

During their Dec. 15 meeting, Chester Township Trustees set another public hearing for Jan. 12 after receiving a lot of feedback from residents during two previous public hearings.

“We had a very good input and discussion with the public in regards to the accessory buildings,” said Trustee Ken Radtke. “Mr. Mazzurco had proposed, as well as one of the residents, the potential sliding scale for essentially building heights — so the smaller buildings that are limited beyond the smaller areas and smaller acreage.”

Proposed changes to the zon-

Retired Police Chief Still Wants to Know Where The Bodies are Buried

Local Author Launches 5th True Crime Book

Brian Doering rian@karlovecmeDia com

As a former law enforcement officer for 33 years, Russell Township resident Rick Porrello has a knack for writing captivating true crime stories.

So much so, he just released his fifth book, “There’s More Bodies Out There: The True Story of a Mafia Associate and a Cop Who Emerge as Suspected Serial Killers” — which had its official launch party Dec. 17 at Versare Café + Market in Chester Township.

The story follows the life of Richard Henkel, a Mafia associate during the 1970s and 1980s who was a serial killer claiming to have murdered 28 people.

“I first learned about Richard Henkel, the main character of my current book ‘There’s More Bodies Out There,’ from Phil Christopher, the subject of my 2006

See Author • Page 7

Gymnasts Place at Brecksville Broadview Heights Meet

By alan kornspan sports@karlovecmeDia.com

The West Geauga Wolverines gymnastics season is off to a good start.

On Dec. 12, the Wolverines competed in a meet at Broadview Heights High School and did well, finishing third out of nine teams with an overall score of 85.9. That was only behind the meet runner-up, Padua Franciscan (123.05), and the meet champion, Brecksville Broadview Heights (139.6).

“I feel like today went very well,” said Wolverines Head Coach Madelynne Prosek. “The girls are definitely improving overall. We’ve had two meets so far, and just the energy that they have been bringing into the gym and their attitudes are super good.”

The gymnasts themselves were

Chief of Police Rick Porrello recently celebrated the launching of his latest organized crime novel, “There’s More Bodies Out There.”

ALAN KORNSPAN/KMG

The West Geauga Wolverines gymnastics season is off to a good start. On Dec. 12, the Wolverines competed in a meet at Broadview Heights High School and did well, finishing third out of nine teams with an overall score of 85.9. That was only behind the meet runner-up, Padua Franciscan (123.05), and the meet champion, Brecksville Broadview Heights (139.6).

West Geauga Schools

din as the 2022 recipient of the Outstanding Art Teacher Award for her commitment to supporting the visual arts and positive impact to the region. Her nomination for the distinction was selected from a collection of almost 2,000 art educators statewide.

Maryann shares, “During my college years, the DBAE (Discipline-Based Art Education) philosophy was being taught. I still

lieve that all students are artists when they

tor is to teach and provide my students with the knowledge and skills to be successful artists. I believe that the visual arts are one of the few places that students can truly express themselves and be creative. I continue to grow each day as an artist, teacher and student. I use these sets of beliefs to create a classroom where all the students are accepted, loved and inspired.”

Westwood Elementary School students participate in a monthly math enrichment activity in their classrooms to solve a new, challenging program. For the month of November, there were 39 kindergartners, 61 first-graders and 75 second-graders who successfully completed the challenge. Two students from each grade level were then selected to receive a price. Winners were kindergartners Frankie Fruhauf and Harper Klingemier; first-graders Thomas Mooney and Estelle Ribic, and second-graders Michael Dzurilla and Josephine Grady.

The December math challenge is underway. Encourage children to participate at school. Thank you to Mrs. Laubscher for organizing a fun and educational activity.

Community Meetings

Listed are public meetings and executive sessions for the coming two-week period, unless otherwise noted. These meeting notices are NOT legal notices.

Geauga County: Dec. 21, 6 p.m., Board of Developmental Disabilities, at Metzenbaum Center Administrative Board Room, 8200 Cedar Road, Chester; Dec. 29, 9:30 a.m., Geauga County Commissioners. All

county meetings are held at the Geauga County Administrative Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive (Ste. #), Claridon, unless otherwise noted. County commissioners meetings are held in Suite 350.

Chester Township: Dec. 21, 7 p.m., Zoning Commission; Dec. 29, 7 a.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Township Hall, 12701 Chillicothe Road, unless otherwise noted.

Chester Government Update

The Chester Township Board of Trustees meeting on Dec. 1 began at 6:30 p.m. with the board approving the minutes from the Nov. 17 and 23 meetings. The board authorized Chester Township Administrator Mark Purchase to continue with the process of consolidating the four parcels on Chillicothe Road at Fire Station #2.

Jeremy Iosue, a labor employment attorney with Stefanik Iosue and Associates, shared his background and experience and noted he has close to 20 years of experience in the field including prior human resources experience and knowledge.

Trustees approved the sale of a 2009 International Maxforce Hood sold as is for $2,200 on Heavytruckparts.net arranged by Chester Road Superintendent John Onyshko. In addition, they moved to accept after the fact the resignation of summer help from Gary Huston and Robert Jefferson effective Nov. 14, 2022, and moved part-time seasonal worker Husam Alabasi to full-time road worker at the rate of $20.18 per hour beginning Nov. 28. Trustees also approved an expenditure of $ 7,500 to O’Reilly Equipment LLC for a salt spreader.

In new business, trustees approved payment of the first invoice relating to the 2022 road project to Mr. Excavator for $401,194.43

and to Chagrin Valley Paving for the reconstruction of various roads in the amount of $629,555 as recommended by the Geauga County Engineer’s Office. Finally, trustees moved to approve after the fact signing the subrecipient agreement between Chester Township and Geauga County Commissioners and letter of authorization to the county for access to the property known as the Henry House.

Trustees went into an executive session at 7:27 p.m. pursuant to Ohio Revised Code 121.22 (G) (1) to consider the employment and compensation of a public employee. The board re-entered public session at 7:57 p.m. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:57 p.m.

On Dec. 9, trustees held a special meeting at 7:01 a.m. They entered into an executive session at 7:02 a.m. pursuant to O.R.C. 121.22 (G) (1) to consider the employment and compensation of a public employee. The board re-entered public session at 7:30 a.m.

The board along with the department heads had an open discussion regarding the 2023 budget and the upcoming levies. There being no further business before the board, the meeting adjourned at 9:44 a.m.

Submitted by Joseph C. Mazzurco, Chester Township Trustee

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The following is a sampling of the calls handled by the Chester Township Police Department Dec. 9-18, 2022.

PROPERTY DAMAGE

Dec. 16

1:32 p.m., Cedar Road. Caller advised he has been vandalized and last night someone cut his septic pump wires. Officer responded. Pump not vandalized. Cord had obvious burn marks indicating a possible short in the wiring. Complainant advised.

Police Blotter

ROAD RAGE

Dec. 9

3:56 p.m., Wilson Mills Road. Red truck with rack on top. Male driver out with a bat going toward a Mini Cooper. Caller did not stay on scene.

THEFT

Dec. 14

7:42 p.m., Hunting Ridge. Someone broke into vehicles around 4:22 a.m. this morning. White truck can be seen on video. Neighbor had multiple items stolen from their vehicles as well. Officer spoke with caller and reviewed footage. Unable to get further details for investigation. Items stolen were cash, gift cards and winter coat.

Dec. 15

2:28 p.m., Hunting Ridge. Female would like to report someone went through her car two days ago and stole two purses and a wallet. See report.

THREATENING

Dec. 16

7:06 p.m., Mayfield Road. Caller would like to report a threat. A customer is saying they are on their way to Domino’s Pizza. Caller provided customer’s name and address. See report.

TRAFFIC CRASH Dec. 13

9:55 p.m., County Line Road. One car MVA, one vehicle in the ditch. Female appears to be intoxicated. Unknown injury. Female out of vehicle and getting into a truck, which is still on scene. Driver of truck said he was a friend and was going to take girl home. Driver arrested for OVI.

The following is a sampling of the calls handled by the Russell Township Police Department Dec. 5-18, 2022.

ASSIST FIRE DEPARTMENT Dec. 16

4:53 p.m., Crestview Drive. Officer responded for a report of a burning smell in house. Officer and firefighters determined the smell was due to soup cooking. Everything checked OK and officers cleared.

SUSPICIOUS Dec. 12

4:19 p.m., Fairmount Road. Officer dispatched for a report of a pair of underwear and face masks that were covered in feces and left in complainant’s yard. Complainant was advised RTPD would have an entry on file. The home health aide disposed of the items.

From the Road Department Winter Plowing in Chester Township

Like it or not, winter weather will be arriving soon and, as always, the Chester Township Road Department will do its best to keep the roads clear and safe.

The following information outlines some of the township’s winter season policies and procedures.

• Chillicothe Road (Route 306) and Mayfield Road (Route 322) are state roads.

The plowing on these two roads is performed by Ohio Department of Transportation, not the Chester Township Road Department. Should you need to report a plowing issue on either of these roads, please call the Geauga County ODOT office at 216-584-2315.

• Chester Township has entered into a contract with the Geauga County Commissioners to plow the county roads, which are Mulberry Road, Wilson Mills Road, Sperry Road, south of Mayfield, and a portion of Caves Road from Russell Township to Wilson Mills Road.

If you need to report a plowing issue on these roads, or any Chester Township road, please contact the Chester Township Road Department at 440-729-9110.

• Chester Township has 183 lane miles of county and township roads, which take approximately three hours to plow with six crews.

If continuous heavy snowfall is encountered, the response time is generally increased by an additional one to two hours depending on the caliber of the storm. It can, therefore, be several hours after a road is plowed before the truck returns for another pass.

• The township does not have a “bare roads” snow plowing policy.

Typically, the main roads are salted thoroughly, while hills, curves and intersections are salted on secondary roads.

• The township is not responsible for the

removal of snow thrown into any driveway as a result of plowing the roads.

Please avoid plowing, shoveling or blowing snow from your driveway onto the roadway. Piles of snow left on roadways can create dangerous obstacles for motorists and plow trucks. Leaving snow in the roadway could be subject to a possible citation.

• Mailboxes should be kept in good condition in order to withstand being hit by the force of snow being thrown off the snow plows.

If a mailbox is damaged or the post is broken due to thrown snow, the township will not repair or replace it. The township will only repair or replace a mailbox that has been directly hit by the plowing equipment. If the township does have to replace a mailbox post, it will be done with a post that is no larger than a 4 inches by 4 inches, due to the fact that mailbox posts are required to be breakaway if they are struck by a vehicle.

If a plastic mailbox structure is hit by plow equipment, it will be replaced with a conventional box and wood post.

• Please set garbage containers at least 6 feet back from the edge of the road.

This will help reduce the possibility of your containers being toppled.

Finally, residents should stress to their children to stay out of the path of snow being thrown from township plows. The snow thrown off plows travels at a high rate of speed and may contain rocks or pieces of ice.

If you have any questions regarding any of this information or need to report a plowing issue, please contact the Chester Township Road Department office at 440-729-9110. Any emergency situations should be reported to the Chester Township Police Department at 440-729-1234.

Thank you and drive safely this winter!

Gymnasts

also happy with their performances. In particular, they emphasized that their team has been building important team chemistry, focused on continuing to develop its mental game in order to improve gymnastics performance.

“I think we did really well, especially as a whole team,” said senior Rey Lifford. “We got higher scores than we got at the last meet, and we have made big improvements the last two practices.”

Junior gymnast Elana Rodriguez agreed with Lifford about the team’s performance.

“I think we did really good,” Rodriguez said. “We were really loud as a team, and I think we were just really supportive. I think that helped us with our confidence and the performance overall.”

In particular, the Wolverine gymnasts saw their floor exercises go very well.

“Personally, floor went very well for me,” said Rodriguez. “I also think floor went really good overall (for the team). There was a lot of energy.”

Wolverine coaches and athletes stressed how important it was for the gymnasts to have a positive mental attitude and use mental skills to aid their performances. These mental skills include visualization and positive self talk while learning and performing gymnastic skills.

“I think that’s super important, to be honest,” said junior gymnast Elana Rodriguez of visualization. “If you can’t visualize a skill, you don’t have any expectations for yourself.”

Said Lifford, “It’s very important to be

Hearing

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ing amendment included a maximum height change to 20 feet, but trustees recommended leaving it where it currently is.

“The building height is going to be left at 15 feet,” said Radtke. “We decided to continue that public hearing until January 12 because at that time, we will have one simple cleaned-up document for language that we can adopt with modifications.”

Radtke said he was pleasantly surprised by the public support for allowing larger accessory buildings on parcels of property.

“The majority of the people spoke in favor of that and there are a couple of people who were opposed to that, which is a normal process,” he said.

Currently, the proposed maximum combined total ground floor area for accessory buildings on a lot shall not exceed 1,280 square feet. The proposed change includes adding language to include “1,280 square feet or 500 square feet of ground floor area per acre, up to a maximum of 2,500 square feet of total ground area, whichever is greater.”

Radtke added the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to accessory buildings.

“The majority of the issues had to deal with location. Some of them were size and location, but a lot of them were with location,” said Radtke. “Everybody seemed to be favorable with the approach that’s going on here.”

Trustees approved Dec. 15 a second zoning amendment, Z-2022-5, with no comments from the public.

“It was something that was recommended just to help clean up and improve the clarity of our zoning language,” Radtke added.

positive about yourself, what you’re about to do, because then whatever you say is more likely to come true.”

Prosek, West Geauga’s head gymnastics coach, also talked about the mental aspects of gymnastics.

“The energy and the attitude that they have been bringing into the gym are super good,” said Prosek. “They are excited to be here. It’s all about kind of pushing each other, and you know, being the best gymnast you can be, no matter what your score is.

“I was a gymnast before, and if you’re not mentally prepared, you probably won’t do well. I tell the girls, if you know you can do it, you can do it. If you’re telling yourself, ‘I can’t do this, I can’t do that,’ you’re bringing the team down, you’re bringing yourself down, and you’re not going to perform at your best.”

The Wolverines gymnastics team will next compete Jan. 5 at their home facility in Chagrin Falls, Chalk It Up Gymnastics.

Patterson Re-elected Ohio Farm Bureau President

Chester Township resident Bill Patterson has been re-elected president of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, the highest elect ed office in Ohio’s largest and most influ ential farm and food organization.

His election took place during OFBF’s 104th annual meet ing, Dec. 8-9 in Co lumbus, according to a Dec. 9 news release.

Patterson, a member of Ohio Farm Bureau’s state board since 2011, previously served terms as both OFBF’s first vice president and treasurer, the release stated. He is a 27-year member of the Geauga County Farm

Bureau and will continue to serve as the District 4 trustee representing Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake and Trumbull counties.

Patterson farms with his family, raising apples, strawberries and peaches, and producing maple syrup. The agritourism operation includes a farm market, bakery, fall fun fest, pick-your-own apples and strawberries, and a wedding venue.

They also wholesale apple cider throughout Northeast Ohio.

Patterson received his bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from The Ohio State University. He also is a graduate of Class VII of AgriPOWER, Ohio’s Leadership Education and Development Program.

Ohio Farm Bureau’s mission is working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen communities, the release stated.

FGP Offers Scholarships to Local Seniors

The Foundation for Geauga Parks (FGP) is offering scholarships to graduating high school seniors who intend to pursue their education in fields of science, natural resource management or other related studies.

The scholarship application is available on the FGP website: www.foundationforgeaugaparks.org. The deadline for application is

Jan. 31. Awards will be announced by March.

The Foundation for Geauga Parks’ Conservation Scholarship Program was established by the Foundation for Geauga Parks Trustees in 2022 to support students who demonstrate interest in educational pursuits that align with the FGP mission.

For more information, call 440-564-1048.

Heating Assistance Available

The Ohio Department of Development and Geauga County Job and Family Services want to remind Geauga County Residents that assistance is available to help with their home energy bills.

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps Ohioans at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines pay their heating bills. Ohioans who are threatened with disconnection; have been disconnected from their utility service; transferring service; establishing new services; or at or below 25% bulk fuel may be eligible for the HEAP Winter Crisis Program (WCP) that runs through March 31, 2023.

Geauga County residents may apply for the WCP through Geauga County Job and Family Services by calling 440-285-1299. Application for the WCP is by telephone interview only and appointments are currently being scheduled.

Ohioans can visit energyhelp.ohio.gov to apply online, download a copy of the application or find contact information for a local energy assistance provider. Individuals will need to have copies of the following documents to include with their application:

• most recent Utility bills

• a list of all household members, birthdates and Social Security numbers

• proof of income for the past 30 days for all household members

• proof of citizenship or legal residency for all household members

• proof of disability, if applicable

HEAP benefits are applied to an individual’s energy bill after Jan. 1. Residents needing immediate assistance with their energy bills should contact Geauga County Job and Family Services, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Suite 150, Claridon Township, at 440-285-9141.

staff report

Patterson

title ‘Superthief,”’ said Porrello. “A seed was planted as sometimes happens when a writer learns of a story idea they might want to develop.”

Porrello said after doing a little research, he found it to be a fascinating, albeit tragic, true crime story and decided to make it his next book.

Set in Pittsburgh with numerous connections to Ohio — particularly the Youngstown and Warren areas — Porrello said Henkel and his crew reportedly conspired to kidnap the owner of a major sports team in a brazen plot.

“Henkel was closely associated with a Pittsburgh-area police officer and some investigators believed that the cop was involved in some of the murders Richard Henkel committed,” said Porrello. “Those story aspects further drew me in.”

Porrello’s unique perspective when it comes to writing true crime stories comes from his knowledge on both sides of the fence.

He grew up in Cleveland Heights, graduated from Heights High School and his first career was a jazz drummer at the age of 18.

Despite having an up-and-coming music career, Porrello decided to turn in his drumsticks for a police badge, a dream he had since childhood.

He enrolled at Lakeland Community College, earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice and served in law enforcement for over three decades.

“I served as a career police officer for the City of Lyndhurst with my last 10 years as chief of police and retired from the force three and a half years ago,” said Porrello.

When he began writing his first book, “The Rise and Fall of the Cleveland Mafia,” he learned while doing family research into the murders of his grandfather and three uncles, that all were mob leaders killed during Prohibition.

Porrello went on to write several other books about Cleveland crime figures, including “Bombs, Bullets, and Bribes,” the true story of notorious Jewish mobster Alex Shondor Birns, as well as the story about mobster Danny Greene in “To Kill the Irishman,” which was turned into a movie in 2011 starring Ray Stevenson, Vincent D’Onofrio, Christopher Walken and Val Kilmer.

“Naturally, I am excited and proud that film producers are interested in my work,” said Porrello. “It speaks to the public’s longheld curiosity about, and enjoyment of, true crime and organized crime stories as adapted for film.”

Porrello’s “To Kill the Irishman” is set in the 1970s and follows a mob war involving the Irish-American Greene and competing factions of the Italian Mafia, which led to more than 30 car bombings in the city.

Porrello said while the film “Kill the Irishman” was adapted from his book, he was not

Health

Red Cross Blood Drive

Dec. 23, 12-4 p.m.

The American Red Cross will host a blood drive at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 11900 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township.

Those who come to give will get a longsleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. Visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800733-2767 to make an appointment.

a contributor to the screenplay, nor did he have any input in the film’s production.

“Neither is unusual,” said Porrello. “Screenwriting is a specialty and filmmakers do not want too many cooks in the kitchen.”

Porrello said the phrase, “There’s more bodies out there,” which he knows is grammatically incorrect, was a quote Richard Henkel told a homicide detective.

“I spent about two years researching, including spending a day with the original lead homicide detective, then I decided to send Richard Henkel a letter in prison to ask if he would speak with me,” said Porrello. “I knew it was a longshot and sure enough, he politely declined.”

About eight months later, Porrello tried again and what followed was 10 months of questioning him about his life of crime, including the murders he committed or in which he was otherwise involved.

“On one occasion, I told Henkel about steps I took to confirm something he told me about his background,” said Porrello. “He was upset and wrote to me saying, ‘I never lied to you!’”

Porrello also communicated with members of the victims’ families.

“I felt it was important for someone to speak for the victims,” said Porrello, adding the whole project took four years.

“With the public’s heavy interest in the subject of serial killers and organized crime, my goal is a dramatic series based on the book,” he said. “It used to be fun, but because the film or series development process can often be so lengthy, I no longer ponder what actors might portray what characters.”

In addition to “There’s More Bodies Out There,” Porrello has another book in progress, as well as movie or series options in development.

“I was further encouraged in my goal to get my work adapted for film when about two years ago, ‘Kill the Irishman’ began showing on Netflix,” he said.

Porrello does much of his work at his favorite coffee shop in Chester Township.

“Versare Café + Market, where the Italian and Greek breakfast and lunch items and coffee beverages are superb, and where I work on a laptop computer while sipping an Americano or Cortado,” said Porrello. “Versare opened last year and I go there two or three times a week to spend a few hours writing.”

Copies of Porrello’s books are available at or through Greater Cleveland bookstores including Fireside Books in Chagrin Falls and via major online retailers.

Next up for the organized crime author is something completely different.

“My next book is a memoir about my teen years following in my brother Ray’s footsteps as a drummer working for the great entertainer, Sammy Davis Jr.,” said Porrello.

Obituaries

Patricia Ann Anzells

Patricia Ann Anzells (nee Schneider), age 85, of Chester Township, passed away Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022.

She was born Nov. 11, 1937, in Euclid, to the late Edward and Al bina (nee Skul) Schnei der, and is the former wife of the late Kenneth Anzells.

Patricia is survived by her loving children, Matthew (Kimberly) Anzells and Tristanne (Christopher) Hopson; dear grandchildren, Zachary, Maggie, Maxwell, Penny and Grady; brother, Edward (Paulette) Schneider; and

sister Janice (Bob) Vance.

Patricia was a dedicated employee for many years for Geauga County and Chester Township government offices.

She was active in her community as a volunteer for the League of Women Voters and as an advocate for wildlife protection.

She was a proud and knowledgeable gardener and loved to care for her dogs and cats.

Memorial services are being held pri-

The family suggests memorial donations be made in her name to the Geauga Humane Society Rescue Village, 15463 Chillicothe Road, Novelty, OH 44072.

Arrangements by Johnson Romito Funeral Home, Twinsburg.

Christmas Services

Chesterland Baptist Church 12670 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township 440-729-7101, Chesterlandbaptist.org

Dec. 24, 6 p.m.: Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Christ Presbyterian Church 12419 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township • 440-729-1688, Christpcusa.org

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: Cookies, crafts and music, 4 p.m.; worship, 5 p.m.

Most Holy Trinity Byzantine Catholic Church 8549 Mayfield Road, Chester Township • 440-729-7636

Dec. 25, 10 a.m. Divine Liturgy, Christmas Day service Dec 26, 6 p.m. Divine Liturgy, Synaxis of the Mother of God

Russell J. Wenger

Russell J. Wenger, age 98, passed away on Dec. 3, 2022. He was born in 1924 in Wakarusa, Ind., and moved to Ohio in 1937.

Russell worked for Tellings Belle Vernon Farm for two years, then worked at the Meadow Holme’s Farm on Fullertown (Sperry) Road, where he met Doris J. Russell, who lived with her parents on an 80-acre farm owned by her father, mother and uncle.

Russell graduated from Russell School in 1942 and moved back to Indiana, where he enlisted into the U.S. Army. Basic training at Camp Perry, Ohio, took him to North Africa, Italy, the Panama Canal and the Philippines, working in the quarter master laundry.

He was honorably discharged and came back to Ohio, where he married Doris on Aug. 24, 1946. They bought a cabin on her parents’ farm in 1947, where they raised two children, Barbara L. and Russell G. “Rusty” Wenger.

Russell worked at Willard Storage and Battery from 1946 to 1960, until it moved to Indiana. He worked at Lubrizol in Wickliffe from 1960 until he retired in 1989 as a stationary engineer in the boiler room.

Russell (Junior to the older relatives) loved his family and was an excellent father and husband. Doris and Russell were married for 75 years and lived in the same cabin on Sperry Road until they were both transferred to Maplewood of Chardon assisted living in 2021.

Russell loved to fish (he had many Fish Ohio pins) and enjoyed all types of hunting. He was an avid gardener for many years and enjoyed making soups with Doris in their kitchen.

Russell was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Doris; siblings, John, Eunice and Helen; and great-grandson Samuel Wenger.

He is survived by his children, Barbara (Russell) White and Russell G. “Rusty” (Cindy) Wenger; grandchildren, Lori (Russell) Moody, Scott (Stacy) White, Kate (Paul Mecklenburg) Wenger, Benjamin Wenger and Luke (Jamie) Wenger; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Family and friends were welcomed at Gattozzi and Son Funeral Home, 12524 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland, Dec. 9, 2022.

Interment at Chester Township Cemetery, Chesterland.

Donations in Russell’s name can be made to Christ Presbyterian Church, https://www. christpcusa.org/; or Hospice of the Western Reserve, https://www.hospicewr.org/. Online condolences at www.gattozziandson.com.

William Offo Martin

William “Bill” Offo Martin, age 92, passed away peacefully Dec. 4, 2022, with his three sons at his side.

He was born April 23, 1930, in Cleveland, the son of John and Wilma (nee Vogt) Martin.

Bill graduated from Cleveland Heights High School, where he lettered in swimming. Following graduation, he attended both Kent State and Case Western Reserve universities, graduating with a Master’s in Education.

Bill became a professor of Mechanical Engineering Technology at Case Western Reserve, where he worked on a special Air Force project at Doan Brook and was awarded two patents. He retired as Department Chair of Mechanical Engineering Technology at Lakeland Community College.

Bill was very active in the community. As a member of the Kiwanis Club, he designed and helped build many parade floats and coordinated the Punt, Pass & Kick Program. Through Kiwanis, he also helped develop the annual STEM (science/technology/engineering/math)

Fair for West Geauga High School and Middle School, and delivered Meals on Wheels.

As an Eagle Scout recipient, Bill was active in Boy Scouts and founded the annual Cub Scout Bicycle Safety Rodeo.

He was a member of the Chesterland Historic Foundation Board of Trustees and presented numerous historic American flag programs for community groups.

Bill married Dorothy Ellen Humphreys on Feb. 14, 1953, and together they built a home in Chesterland and raised three sons: Bill, Steve and Jim.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dorothy (nee Humphreys) Martin; three brothers, John “Jock,” Tom and Dave Martin; and granddaughter Keri (Martin) Boyton.

Surviving are his sons, William (Patti), of Malvern, Ohio, Steven, of Malvern, Ohio, and James (Cara), of Prescott, Ariz.; five grandchildren, Sandy (Patrick) Conochan, Steven “Chip” (Morgan) Martin, Craig (Kelsey) Martin, Alaina Martin and Cole Martin; and eight great-grandchildren, Liam, Patrick, Isaac, Eliana, Gianna, Acen, Brexley and Rory.

Funeral services were held Dec. 8, 2022, at Gattozzi & Son Funeral Home, 12524 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland. Burial service followed at Western Reserve Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Kiwanis Club of West Geauga, 8442 Mayfield Road, Chesterland, OH 44026 (Attn: Rich Levine).

Online condolences and tribute video at www.GattozziandSon.com.

AUTOS & PARTS

$CASH$ for Junk Vehicles. Free towing. 440-679-7293.

Motorcycles wanted to buy. Call Steve at 440-488-7924.

FOR RENT

Room for Let, $600, Russell. Cal for details 440-338-5201.

For Lease: Arena/barn for workshop or self-care stalls. Private retreat for your enjoyment. 440-564-7363. Hawks Nest Farm, Newbury.

EVENTS

An Al-Anon meeting is held at 10:15am Wednesdays at St. Martin’s Church, 6295 River Rd, Chagrin Falls, OH.

FOR SALE

5-piece patio set, includes cushions and umbrella $100/OBO. Single bed, good shape $50. 440-632-9675.

Antique clocks, many; Oak crank wall phone $369; Humpback chest $79; Wooden rocking horse $79. Rocker/gliders $59/$89. 440-338-3563.

Mattress Topper: Queen size, “My Pillow” brand, Paid $300, asking $150. 928205-3945

Shop AVON at home or office. Delivery and a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Bev Thompson Avon Independent Sales Representative Call: 440-708-8045 Visit my Web site: https://www.avon.com/ myavon/bthompson8804

Kubota Snowblower: Model BZZZA, rear mount, 3pt hitch $495. Elliptical exercise machine: w/books, tools, pulse monitor $50. 440-313-1178.

Mustang Coverall Survival Suit: MS2075/ size large, $200. New/never worn, orange, inflatable, flotation/hypothermia protection for hunting, fishing, industrial. 440-632-5395, leave message.

GARAGE/ESTATE SALES

Classifieds

MISCELLANEOUS

One Year Subscription:

REAL ESTATE

SERVICES

Joe Eicher doing roofing, siding, remodeling, cleanout houses, we do most anything. Call between 8a-4p, 440-813-4272. No answer, leave message.

Offering special discounts for interior and exterior painting and staining this season. 20+ years experience. Professional and insured. Call Dan 440-342-4552.

John’s Plumbing: Affordable and reliable. Water heaters, toilets, faucets, drain cleaning, gas lines, sump pumps, well tanks. 440-285-0800.

WANTED TO BUY

Old fishing tackle wanted: fishing lures (wood or plastic), mouse to bear traps, wooden duck decoys. Call Lee 440-3138331.

4-wheelers, 3-wheelers, dirt bikes, minibikes, go-carts, golf carts, gators, farm tractors/equipment, trailers, riding mowers, snowplows. Paying cash. 440413-3119.

Buying all Stanley Bailey planes and machinist tools. Call Karl at 440-812-3392.

Will pay cash for sports cards & collectibles. Entire collections or individual cards. Organized or unorganized. Call or text Rich at 440-552-0691.

Following is a list of area real estate transfers for the weeks ending Dec. 2 and Dec. 9, 2022, provided as a public service by the Geauga County Auditor’s Office.

CHESTER TOWNSHIP

Steven B. Martin, Shady Lane, to Steve Brian Martin Jr. and Jeanette Morgan, $200,000. (2.07 acres)

Chad and Latisha D. Copeland, 9401 Wilson Mills Road, to Antonino Galioto Jr. and Rachael Rose Jenkins, $390,000. (1.78 acres)

Jack N. and Marilyn S. Smith (TOD), Sharp Lane, to Michael E. Welsh, $221,100. (1.12 acres)

Kyle Christopher Chapic (trustee), 7558 Mayfield Road, to New Vista Real Estate LLC, $1,100,000. (21.61 acres)

Timothy B. and Dorothy A. Hansen

(co-trustees), Heath Road, to Janusz W. Ostrowski, $122,000. (17.90 acres)

RUSSELL TOWNSHIP

Lynette R. Piech and Michael R. Pizmoht, 14444 Crestview Drive, to Kimberly K. Petersen and Nicholas A. Massaro, $345,000. (3.00 acres)

Cynthia A. Matejcik (trustee), 14485 Caves Road, to Alan R. Kothera Jr. and Rishona J. Lee, $275,000. (1.54 acres)

Glenda S. Brown (trustee), 9636 Pekin Road, to Lily A. Weber (trustee), $25,000. (2.82 acres)

Margaret Pinzone (TOD), 7908 Woodsway Lane, to Nicholas A. and Dana G. Lopardo, $400,000. (1.56 acres)

Karl Hack, 13655 Sperry Road, to David Bakos and Cody Dinardo, $255,000. (1.80 acres)

Karl Hack, Heath Road, to Dinardo Companies Inc., $50,000. (3.20 acres)