Garry Lee Campbell, 90
Garry Lee Campbell Garry passed on June 12, 2025, the last of his generation, after an extended illness, which he fought actively, the same way he lived his life. He was born December 21, 1934, in Barberton, Ohio. Garry was a member of Hope Lutheran Church and a previous member of St. Matthews Lutheran Altar…
Read MoreEmma Jean Wilson, (Nee Gibson), 93
Emma Jean Wilson, (Nee Gibson), passed away peacefully surrounded by her husband and children June 8th, 2025 at Windsor Manor. She was born in Wheelwright Kentucky on July 30th 1931 to Nellie (Garrett) and Earnest Gibson. She was survived by her husband of 75 years, Walter Wilson. Children, Daniel Wilson (Karla), Patty Tucker (Dave), Bonnie…
Read MoreTenacious tradition turns 25
Photos by Bob Morehead/BGNN Barberton Superintendent Jason Ondrus and event director Tom Suppan present PPG plant manager Scott Reinhart a plaque celebrating the company’s quarter-century of support. The winners of the BMS fishing derby show off their trophies. By BOB MOREHEAD BGNN senior staff writer Some ideas stick and hang on like a fishhook. At…
Read More‘King of Barberton’ takes over as fire chief
Photos by Bob Morehead/BGNN Barberton Safety Director Jaime Iceman administers the oath to Fire Chief David Polacek. Deacon Robin Adair, Barberton Fire Department chaplain, blesses Chief David Polacek with holy water May 5. Joy Polacek pins the chief’s badge on her husband, David, after he is sworn in May 5 as Barberton’s fire chief. By…
Read MoreJames A. Stender, 84
James A. Stender of Barberton, Ohio, passed on June 8, 2025, just shy of his 85th birthday. Jim went to St. Augustine Catholic School, graduated from Barberton High School, earned his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Akron, and an MBA from Case Western Reserve University. Jim closed his long and productive…
Read MoreMEMORY GAP Kidnapping, communists, chaos in 1931
PHOTO FROM BARBERTON PUBLIC LIBRARY Mayor Seney A. Decker (pictured at center) stands with members of the Barberton Police Department, most who were on duty at the Battle of Lake Anna. Also pictured from left (front row), are officers James Head, Henry Robinson, Byron Eubanks; detectives Jack Baylor and Art Casselberry; officers Charles Johnson and…
Read MoreMichael S. Coon, Sr.
Michael S. Coon Sr January 7, 1953 – May 29, 2025 United States Air Force Veteran, Michael S. Coon Sr. passed away on Thursday, May 29th 2025 in Barberton, Ohio. He was born January 7th, 1953. He was an old soul full of life, love and happiness. You could find him fishing at Lake Anna or Portage…
Read MorePolka party! Resident enjoys surprise 99th birthday party
PHOTOS PROVIDED BGNN staff report Draga Kercheff was surprised with a polka party for her 99th birthday April 28. “She’s had an amazing time and still talking about how ‘everybody was dancing’,” said Paula Dumanski, Elara Caring volunteer coordinator. Walter and Jeanette Wolansky — the Polka Charmers — performed for her and a staff member…
Read MoreRaymond Ward Wike, 99
Raymond Ward Wike passed away Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at the amazing age of 99. A proud member of “The Greatest Generation”. He was born on October 26, 1925 in Belsano, Pennsylvania. Ward served in the Navy during World War II in the South Pacific at 18 years old. After the war, Ward came home…
Read MoreCarol June Handwerk, (Nee Garrett)
Carol June Handwerk (Nee Garrett ) My wonderful mother , grandmother , sister and friend passed away Jan, 2nd, 2025 peacefully . She is preceded in death by her parents , Walter and Happy Garrett , husband Dale Handwerk and ten siblings . She is survived by her daughter Erika Handwerk (Donnie) , son Sean…
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