Obituaries

THOMAS SCHMELTZ

Thomas Arnold Schmeltz Sr., affectionately known as “Tom,” passed away peacefully on January 23, 2025, in Raleigh, North Carolina, at the age of 72. Born on May 31, 1952, Tom lived a life defined by love, dedication and family.

•DONALD J. BRITT JR.

Donald J. Britt Jr., 82, of Rossford, passed away on January 2, 2025, following a brief illness in the care of Hospice of Northwest Ohio Perrysburg.Donald was born on November 22, 1942, to Donald Britt Sr. and Harriet (White) in Lima.

•STANLEY JAMES BROWN

January 22, 1939 to December 22, 2024Stanley James Brown, 85, of Rossford, passed away in his home on Sunday, December 22, 2024. He was born January 22, 1939, in Rossford, to Arthur Eugene and Gladys Mae Brown.

•DAVID “DAVE” R. HUFFORD

David “Dave” R. Hufford, Rossford, was a committed teacher, believing that it was important to “teach how your students learn.” He always made the extra effort to be sure that his students were well prepared when they left his automotive classroom or his college vocational education classroom.

•CHARLES F. RINKER

Charles F. Rinker, 88, was called home to the Kingdom of Heaven on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at the Browning Masonic Community in Waterville, where he had resided for the last year. He will be missed terribly by all who knew and loved him.

•SYLVIA JANE GOEKE

Sylvia Jane Goeke, 85, of Rossford, passed away on October 31, 2024. She was born on April 16, 1939, to Louis and Bertha (Toth) Vargo at Elyria, Ohio. Sylvia attended Elyria High School, graduating class of 1957.

•JENNIE GARGOTTO

Jennie Gargotto, age 98, passed peacefully away in Centennial, Colorado, on October 3, surrounded by her family.Jennie was born in Rossford on December 15, 1925, to the late John and Emilia (Tomaszewski) Andryc.

•THOMAS EDWARD SOX

Thomas Edward Sox, 90, of Rossford, passed away peacefully, Sunday, October 20, 2024, at his home. Tom was born January 6, 1934, in Toledo, to Edward and Bertha (Kopp) Sox. He attended St. Thomas Aquinas and Macomber schools and proudly served in the U.S. Army.

•ROBERT J. “BOB” SZUL

Robert J. “Bob” Szul, age 89, passed away October 13, 2024. He was born in Rossford, to Walter and Angela (Hrosko) Szul. Bob was a 1953 graduate of Rossford High School. After high school he enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served his country for two years.

•JAMES J. GOBBELL

James J. Gobbell, a proud U.S. Navy veteran and beloved family man, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2024, at the remarkable age of 100 in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. Born in Wayne County, Tennessee, in 1924, James was the son of Earlie and Pearl Moore Gobbell.