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I am saddened to announce another classmate has passed. Timothy O'Leary passed on June 9th. 2022. His obituary follows: Timothy John O'Leary, 75 of Painesville, Ohio passed away at Homestead II on June 9, 2022. Tim was born on June 4, 1947, son of William J. O'Leary and Mary S. Koskela. He was a 1965 graduate of Riverside High School and attended The Ohio State University. He served in the U.S. Army 101st Airborne in Vietnam and awarded The Purple Heart for combat wounds. Tim then joined the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C. Tim served for 16 years from 1969 - 1984 and earned a Bachelors Degree in the Administration of Justice. His illness forced early retirement and he moved home to Painesville. Tim was a member of the AORP (Association of Retired Police and F.O.P. D.C. Lodge #1. He enjoyed watching Jeopardy, playing cards and keeping up with his buddies on the internet. Tim is survived by his wife Paula (Saari) O'Leary, sons Bryan (Misty) of Painesville and Paul of Chardon, daughters Jennifer (Ken) Tilson of Marion, Virginia and Katie of Delray Beach, Florida and six grandchildren Paul, Michael, Morgan, Riley and Ryan O'Leary and Gabriel and Ariel Kapach. Preceded him in death was his sister Patricia (Nicholas) O'Leary Popely, his parents William J. O'Leary and Mary Koskela. A private Mass of Christian Burial and graveside services with military honors will take place. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in Painesville. The family would like to thank all of his caregivers and Hospice of the Western Reserve. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to AORP.

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I am saddened to announce the passing of other Class of 1965 classmate. John Martin passed on Sunday May 15th, 2022. Obituary follows: John E. Martin, age 74, of Chardon, passed away Sunday, May 15, 2022. He was born August 17, 1947 in Corry, PA, the son of Arthur and Rachel M. (Graft) Martin. He married Mary P. Mihalic September 16, 1989. A graduate of Riverside High School he went on to graduate from Mt. Union and then received his Masters from Edinboro University. John retired after 37 years as an English teacher and guidance counselor for the Edgewood and Riverside School Districts.He was an avid Cleveland Sports fan and loved to travel to see The Tribe. He was truly the kindest and most honest man with an awesome sense of humor. He is survived by his wife, Mary; children, Craig Martin, Sarah Martin; brothers, Alan (Michelle) Martin, Arthur (Tammy) Martin; a nephew; and many nieces; along with several great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Marilyn J. Martin. Memorial Mass will take place at 11 am on Thursday, May 19, 2022 at St. Patrick’s Church 16550 Rock Creek Rd, Thompson, OH 44086. The family will receive friends at the church for one hour prior to the service. Burial will take place at Hambden Cemetery. Behm Family Funeral Home of Madison is assisting the family. Contributions may be made on behalf of John to Rescue Village, 15463 Chillicothe Rd, Novelty, OH 44072 or Hospice of the Western Reserve, PO Box 72101, Cleveland, Ohio 44192.Online obituary and condolences may be viewed at www.behmfuneral.com

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I am saddened to announce the passing of James McCorkle on March 7th. 2022. There was a Celebration of Life on March 19th. 2022.  No other info

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Sad to say but Dan Rose passed away on August 27th, 2021. There are no other details at this time.

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Gary E. Ness, 75, of Chardon, passed away Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at UH Geauga Community Medical Center in Chardon. Born Feb. 5, 1946, in Painesville, he had lived in Madison for 45 years before moving to Geauga County seven months ago. Gary was a member of Freedom Assembly of God and the NRA. He was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and camping. He loved the Browns and Buckeyes, but most of all he cherished his family. He was the beloved husband of 56 years to Jeanne L. (nee Lewis) Ness; loving father of Tim W. (Beverly) Ness, Trisha M. (Travis) Jantz, Tracy M. (Bruce) Hanson, Terry W. (Kellie) Ness, Todd J. (Mary) Ness and Trevor P. Ness, U.S.N.; cherished grandfather of 15; great-grandfather of nine and one on-the-way; dear brother of Denny Ness, Ronny (Sandy) Ness, David (Connie) Ness, Vickie Hilliard and Bonny Steele; and uncle of many nieces and nephews. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Lester W. and Audrey (nee Lockwood) Ness; and brother, Michael Ness. Family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Freedom Assembly of God, 5420 W. Heisley Road, Mentor, with a Celebration of Life at 7 p.m. Burial will be private.

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James T. Prezioso lost his battle with melanoma on June 9th, 2021. Jim was a friendly man with a good soul and sense of humor. He was always willing to help without being asked. While working at a store in East Cleveland, Jim met the love of his life, Diane (Bishop) whom he married and was lucky to spend the next 48 happy years with. They lived in Hubbard where Diane taught 2nd grade. Upon retirement, "Jim and Di" would often travel to places like Aruba, North Carolina and also visit Keuka Lake every summer. Jim was blessed with three grandchildren Vinnie, Violet and Anthony "Nino". Keuka Lake is special to the family and a place where his son Mathew (Mat) and the grandchildren remember growing up and learning to waterski at young ages. Mat fondly remembers the time his dad nearly drowned him on his first skiing attempt! Going to the lake will be a tradition that continues well into the future but Jim will be missed behind the wheel of the boat. Jim was fortunate in that he knew his son and grandchildren well. Each of them have memories and personal relationships with him that they will carry with them forever. Jim is also survived by his sister Joan Prezioso and brother in-law and sister Garry and Diane Saccone. After graduating from Riverside High School in 1965 he joined the Air Force and served from 1965-1969. He was stationed in Bitburg, Germany but also traveled across Europe, including Holland, Austria, Luxembourg, and France. Jim made his living as an independent businessman owning several Convenient Food Mart stores in Niles, Ohio with his lifelong friend John Ameen who was like a brother until the conclusion of Jimmy's 74 short years. He also sold real estate for Altobelli in Niles. As a business owner, it would not be out of the question to get "free coffee for life" in exchange for some computer work, or some extra pavement on the parking lot. His son Mathew learned life lessons as he worked at the small grocery store as a boy. Jim would always say that the child labor laws didn't apply if they were your own children, which was never confirmed but the City of Niles PD seemed to go along with it. Jim's work ethic greatly influenced Mathew in his current career as a school principal. Jim will be greatly missed by all. Jim would rest knowing that the people that love him will always have great memories of him. The Prezioso family asks that you take time to remember Jim for who he was, an energetic person who showed his love with his actions and a man who got the most out of life. Calling hours will be Friday June 18, 2021 from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm followed by a service at 6:00 pm at the Kelley-Cummins Funeral Home in Hubbard.

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Obituary

SCOTT BAKER BENSON, age 72. Beloved husband of 46 years to Mary Eileen Benson (nee White); dearest father of Melissa Benson (Michael Dobson) and Christopher Benson; dear brother of Edwin Benson (Sharon), Jeffrey Benson and Laurie Principe (Roger); devoted brother-in-law of John White (Nadia) and the late Maureen White; loving uncle to many nieces and nephews; great friend to all who knew him.

Scott was loved by many, including his dog Jackson. A former rugby player, he enjoyed golfing with his friends each Tuesday and their annual Hacker golf trip to Myrtle Beach. Scott loved Cleveland sports, especially going to watch games with his son. He loved cruising and going to the beach with his family. Scott never said an unkind word about anyone, and his smile lit up the room with joy.

Scott was proud of his children, who each chose vocations that put more good into the world, as he always did. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Scott’s honor to the Legal Aid Society of Columbus, University Hospitals of Cleveland, or that you do one small thing to bring good into the world in his memory.

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Susanne (Congos) Anderson, of Haydenville, Mass., one of the Pioneer Valley's most versatile musicians, died with dignity late in the afternoon of Tuesday, March 10, 2020. Her children, their father, and their godmother Wendy Emerson were at her bedside to comfort her and say goodbye. Born May 3, 1947 in Painesville, Ohio into a musical, religious, and hardworking family, Susanne was the youngest daughter of Bill and Dorothy Congos. She began formal music studies at 5 years old, often assisting her piano teacher Mrs. Pearcie. She moved to the Pioneer Valley in the early 1970s after living in Cleveland and Boston. Over a career of nearly fifty years, she gained artistic stature and grace through the versatility required to earn a living by singing, playing piano and organ, accompanying, directing, and teaching music in this small yet vital community arts culture. Highlights of her singing career include: Choruses of Leonard Bernstein, Robert Shaw and Sarah Caldwell; Leading roles with Valley Light Opera, such as their first production," HMS Pinafore" in the mid-1970s; Leading roles with Project (Commonwealth) Opera, such as “Turandot”; Soprano soloist for many years at the annual Cummington Church "Messiah Sing". Her church work began with several years as soloist in the Northampton Christian Science Church. She learned organ under the guidance of Pat Poirier at her local Haydenville Congregational Church, followed by decades of work as Organist/ Choir Director for Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parrish in Northampton, the Saint Cecilia Polish Choir in Easthampton, and the Annunciation Chapel in Florence. Over the years, she conducted her music ministry at virtually every church in the Valley. Ballet accompaniment began at Pioneer Valley Ballet followed by decades with Northeast American School of Dance and every one of the Five Colleges, collaborating with Roger Blum at Smith College and the Flachs at Mount Holyoke, amongst others. She worked summers at the Belvior Terrace in Lennox, Jacobs Pillow in the Berkshires (requested by Mark Morris Dance Company & the Spanish National Dance Company) and was the lead accompanist at Walnut Hill School for the Arts in Natick. She gained world class status from a one-year stint with the Stadt Theatre Ballet professional dance company in Berne, Switzerland. She learned musical theater direction helping Noreen Tilley with Northampton High School yearly productions, and went on to direct community groups and school musical productions throughout the Valley. She taught Piano and Voice at Williston in Easthampton, The Hartsbrook School in Hadley, Four Rivers School in Greenfield, and Cathedral High in East Longmeadow, where she also directed the band at football games! For over 4 decades, private students were a joy and akin to family. It was a student, Marty Ringy, who insisted on taking her to the hospital & supported her when her health failed. She loved to swim and travel, developed her own colloquialisms, was an eloquent writer, talented visual/craft artist, superb experimental cook, & storyteller. She charmed anyone who met her with her genuine kindness. She forged an eccentric path and will never be forgotten. She is survived by children Zach and Astrid; daughter-in-law Caty; grandchildren, James and Anna; sisters Eleanor and Carol; and her two barn cats. A service of remembrance will be held at the Williamsburg Congregational Church, hopefully on or near her birthday May 3, followed by a celebration jam at the Florence Civic Center.

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RONALD LYNN OSTRANDER, 71, of Louisa, Ky., died March 29. There will be no public services. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Community Hospice. Young Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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We are sadden to hear of the passing of our classmate Jeanna Kegg (Cesaratto). She passed away on January 6, 2018. Our prayers go out to her family. Read her obituary in our "In Memory" section of this website.

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David Jonathan Hedstrom, age 69, born August 25, 1947, formerly of Gray, Tennessee, died Saturday, July 1, 2017 at Manor Care of Boulder in Boulder, Colorado.

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George E. Inscho Jr. passed away peacefully on July 31, 2017 at his home in Painesville Township, Ohio. He was born October 1, 1921 in Geneva, Ohio. Mr. Inscho was a widely known and respected educator in Lake County Ohio. He graduated from Geneva High School in 1941 and from Kent State University (Phi Beta Kappa) with both a Bachelors and a Masters Degree in education. He proudly served as KSU student body president while attending KSU.
After college, George took a teaching job at Perry High School, the beginning of over 40 years devoted to education. Perry High School was also where he met his wife Barbara Bacon, a fellow teacher at Perry, and that began a marriage of 67 years.
He then moved on to Painesville Township Schools serving as a teacher at Riverside High School for three years, principal at Riverside High School for 12 years, Assistant Superintendent for Painesville Township schools for seven years and then Superintendent of Painesville Township Schools for four years. He rounded out his career in education by serving as Lake County Superintendent of Schools for eleven years. He even came out of retirement to serve as interim superintendent for the township schools for a brief time. In 2016, the Riverside school district named the board room/community room after him in honor of all his years of service to the Riverside school community.
The ultimate testament to Mr. & Mrs. Inscho's teaching careers occurred when a former student at Perry High School anonymously donated a quarter of a million dollars to establish the George & Barbara Inscho College Loan Fund in their honor. The fund will enable graduates of Perry High School to secure financial assistance with college tuition for many, many years to come.
Mr. Inscho was very active after his retirement serving as Executive Director of the Painesville Area Chamber of Commerce for seven years. Mr. Inscho was selected as the Chamber's Distinguished Citizen of the Year in 2002. He was also inducted into the Riverside Hall of Fame. Mr. Inscho, along with wife Barbara, volunteered many years with the Lake County Council on Aging, delivering Meals on Wheels. In 2007 Mr. & Mrs. Inscho were inducted into the Council on Aging's Senior Citizens Hall of Fame. He also served on a host of community service committees. Mr. Inscho was a past member of the Lake Health Board of Trustees along with being a Board member & past President of Lake County Kent State University Alumni Association.
He was a 60 year member of Painesville Rotary and twice past president of the civic group. He was selected as a John Hay Fellow and twice a Paul Harris Fellow. He was also, a 50+ year member of the Painesville Temple Masonic Lodge along with belonging to Scottish Rite and Al Koran Shrine.
All his life George was an avid musician, beginning in the 1930's when he played drums in the first dance band on WICA radio in Ashtabula. His passion for music continued for over seventy years as a drummer in 5 area bands, including being a charter member of the Concord Community Band and 2 Shrine bands. One memory the family will always cherish is his tale of playing as a teenager in a dance band upstairs in the ballroom of the Old Tavern in Unionville. Mr. & Mrs. Inscho loved attending both Perry and Riverside class reunions where he proudly referred to himself as the "oldest living Beaver", a salute to Riverside's mascot.
Mr. Inscho was preceded in death by his parents, George E. Inscho Sr. & Marjorie Barr Inscho, along with brother Ray Inscho and sisters Carolyn Otto & Jane Kenyon and grandson-in-law Brent Copeland.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years Barbara Bacon Inscho, children Doug (Karyl) Inscho of Texas, Debbie Causby of New Philadelphia, Ohio, Greg Inscho of Painesville, Ken (Kim) Inscho of Indiana, granddaughters Kelly (Matt) Braun, Kacey Inscho, Mrs. Sarah Copeland, Mary (Nick) Daley, Kim (Jeff) Ormerod, grandsons Kyle (Melina) Inscho, Doug (Shelley) Harper, Brian & Brandon Inscho along with eight great-grandchildren with the ninth on its way.
The family will receive friends Wednesday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Johnson Funeral Home, 368 Mentor Avenue (opposite Lake Erie College), Painesville. Temple Lodge # 28 F&AM will conduct Masonic Services at 6:00 p.m.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday at the Painesville United Methodist Church, 71 N. Park Place, Painesville. Rev. Dr. Jan Yandell and Rev. Gerald Kalb will officiate the service. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests considering contributions to the George E. Inscho Jr. Scholarship fund initiated by the Inscho family c/o RLEE Foundation at Riverside High School so the education legacy Mr. Inscho created may continue on or the George & Barbara College Loan Fund c/o the Perry Foundation or Painesville United Methodist Church.
Online condolences, directions and information available at http://www.johnsonfuneralservices.net/

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Kathleen Ann (Gachuk) Smith, 69,of Perry, was born May 1, 1947 and died at her home March 18, 2017. Kathy was a 1965 graduate of Riverside High School. She was very involved in her community and served on the North Perry Planning Commission & the Perry Area Joint District Board. She was a volunteer for the Red Cross & Lake Hospitals Tri-Point gift shop. She traveled frequently with the senior groups and her Red Hat Society friends.

While Kathy loved crocheting, crafting, cooking, baking, and spending time with friends, her greatest joys in life were her children, grandchildren, great-grandson, and her rescue dog, Mocha.

Kathy is survived by her 4 children; sons, Merle (Erin) Walker of Columbus, Michael (Heather) Walker of Perry; daughters, Judy (Jeff) Gramm of Pittsburgh, & Nancy (Mark) Platt of Chardon; 9 grandchildren, Megan, Alyssa, Austin, Joshua, Kayla, Jaden, Jacob, Rylee, & Adyson; great-grandchild, Chase; sisters, Janine (Ken) Schmitt of KY, Denise (Lee) Covell of Madison, Patrice (Danny) Carroll of Perry; and brother, Walter (Waleska) Gachuk of Cleveland.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry E. Smith in 1991; parents, Walter & Rose Gachuk; and her brother, Paul Gachuk.

While Kathy requested no services or calling hours, her children will be hosting a celebration of her life 1 p.m., Sunday, March 26 at 4449 Lockwood Rd., North Perry and ask all to come honor her life wearing any color but black (Kathy was partial to purple and red). Kathy's children are extremely grateful for the generosity that North Perry Village has shown in providing the facility for the celebration.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made in Kathy's name to the Cleveland Animal Protective League, 1729 Willey Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113- www.clevelandapl.org - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/news-herald/obituary.aspx?n=kathleen-ann-smith-gachuk&pid=184586290#sthash.rtwQ3A2j.vvylWcNx.dpuf

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        Ron (Kimmy) Hohlfelder Memorial Golf Fund

A memorial fund has been established at Riverside High School to be used specifically by the golf team in Ron’s honor. As we all know, Ron was an avid golfer all of his life with his “career” starting as the captain of the Riverside golf team.  For the past three years he was a golf coach at Findlay High School.

If you would like to donate in Ron’s honor, please make te check payable to Riverside High School with a memo:Ron Hohlfelder golf fund.  The checks can be sent directly to Riverside High School   585 Riverside Dr.  Painesville, Ohio 44077  ATTEN: Mr. Scott Bailis.

Established October, 2016

Thanks in advance!

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RHS Class of 1965

Scholarships Given:

Hello Classmates:

Last night July 23rd, 2016 at our 1st annual Class Get-Together we informed the attendees of the followning:

After all of the expenses were paid last year, we had a surplus of funds from our 50^th Reunion, thanks mostly to those who donated money for reunion expenses and some last minute discounts that Hellriegel’s Inn gave us. As we promised to those who donated last year any excess funds would be distributed as scholarships to deserving RHS students in the Class of 1965’s name. With these funds we were able to provide two RHS students with $600 scholarships.

Working with the counselors at Riverside (with the only criteria for the scholarship being a good student and a financial need) the two students chosen from those who applied were Abbey Carlton and Austin Tarasevich. Abby and Austin were given their scholarships during Riverside’s “Ranking Scholars Award Ceremony” at the school.

Abbey will be attending Ohio University in the fall and Austin is heading to the University of Richmond in Virginia. We want to wish them well in their studies and life endeavors.

We want to thank all of you who donated for making this possible.

Roger McGee, 50^th Reunion Chairman

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Mr. Raymond A. Profeta, 68 of Painesville Twp., passed away at his home on January 13, 2016. He was born November 21, 1947 in Painesville to the late John A. and Ruth (Kiikka) Profeta. 
Mr. Profeta was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in Vietnam. He enjoyed fishing, bowling and playing cards. He was a fan of the Cavs and Browns. He served on the Board of Zoning Appeals for Painesville Twp. and was a member of the Exchange Club of Painesville. 
 

Mr. Profeta was owner of Profeta Enterprises and Affordable Auto Parts and Salvage in Ashtabula with his son Matt. 
He is survived by his wife Mary; children, Katy Profeta and Amy Spencer, Matthew Profeta and Tonya Paxton and Andrew and Ashley Profeta; grandchildren, Tyler Buem, Anthony and Vinny Profeta; and many grandpets. He also leaves his brother, John (Deanna) of Madison; and many cousins, nieces and nephews and very close friends and extended family. 
 

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his stepmother Lillian Spivak Takacs Profeta. 
The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15, 2016 at the Johnson Funeral Home, 368 Mentor Avenue (opposite Lake Erie College), Painesville. 
Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary Catholic Church, 242 N. State St., Painesville. 
 

Burial will take place in Riverside Cemetery in Painesville.  

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David H. Burris - Riverside High School Teacher in 1965

1933 - 2015 Obituary

Memorial services for David H. Burris, 82, of Concord will be held Friday, Dec. 18, 2015 at 11 a.m. at the First Church Congregational, 22 Liberty St., Painesville. Rev. Thomas J. Cofer will officiate. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Dave was born Jan. 6, 1933, in Greenville and passed away Dec. 12, 2015, at University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center in Chardon.
After serving in the U.S. Army in Germany from 1954 to 1956, Dave graduated from Wittenberg University. He then taught art and supervised numerous extracurricular activities at Riverside High School for 33 years before retiring in 1991.
A frequent blood platelet donor, he served on the American Red Cross Board of Directors, as well as on the board of the Friends of Morley Library and as president of the Lake County Federal Credit Union. He was a member of First Church Congregational and Elks Lodge #549.
Dave was an organizer for Concord Community Days for many years and in 1998 was named Concord Citizen of the Year. 
He is survived by his children, Michael Burris of Lake Worth, FL, Heather Burris of Boston, MA, and Ed (Sharon) Burris of Warsaw, IN, and was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Dora (Canada) Burris.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Memorial Fund of First Church Congregational.

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Riverside High School Alumni Hall of Fame

The inductees in the Alumni category will Bruce Beaty (posthumously), Class of 1965, William Guyer, Class of 1967, and Jeffrey Marut, Class of 1990. All three are area business owners and have made significant contributions to the school and community.

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Richard Leech passed away on 10/18/2015. Mr. Leech taught typing and business at Riverside in 1965. He was 76 years old.

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Mr. Roger H. Stanley passed away on 9/5/15

Mr. Stanley was a retired Professor of Biology at Lakeland Community College. He was a graduate of Mount Union College (B.S.), Case Western Reserve University (M.S.) and Harvard University (M.Ed.). Through his teaching, he touched many across northern Ohio. He finished his care Mr. Stanley was a retired Professor of Biology at Lakeland Community College. He was a graduate of Mount Union College (B.S.), Case Western Reserve University (M.S.) and Harvard University (M.Ed.). Through his teaching, he touched many across northern Ohio. He finished his career at Lakeland Community College teaching Biology from 1969 until his retirement in 1995. He was awarded the Faculty Distinguished Service Award in 1991 from Lakeland Community College and was inducted into the Riverside High School Faculty Hall of Fame in 1997.

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Hi Gang,

Check out this video from some Riverside High students:

Be sure to click the HD on the lower right of the screen.

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10203500314685855&fref=nf