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PASTORS • PRINCIPALS & SCHOOL STAFF • RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
PASTORAL MINISTERS • MUSIC MINISTRY • PARISH SECRETARIES
FINANCES • FOOD SERVICE • MAINTENANCE

The Parish Community of St. Joseph has always
been blessed with a wonderful staff and faculty.
Of course, they are supported by numerous volunteers who share
their time, talents, and treasures as good Christian stewards.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Mrs. Margaret Ann "Mac" Clapp ~ Director of Religious Education (effective August 1, 2006)
A member of the parish since 1978, Mac Clapp has served St. Joseph's in a variety of ways both as a volunteer and employee. She graduated from Kent Roosevelt and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Special Education from Kent State University. She studied Theology at Ursuline College and earned her Master of Arts in Religious Education from Loyola University in New Orleans. From 1978 through 1985 she coordinated Vacation Bible School and served as Kindergarten Teacher for CCD. She has been a Substitute Teacher for St. Joseph School, Crestwood Schools, Kent City Schools and Kent State University School. She was the Auxiliary Services Tutor for SJS through Crestwood School System (1979-1984),served as CCD Principal (1985-1987), and Director of Religious Education (1987-1991). She was also a member of the RCIA Team, Director of RCIA, and a member of the Liturgy Committee and Parish Council during this time. She then worked as DRE for Blessed Sacrament in Warren (1991-1998). From 1998 to 2003 she was the Director of Religious Education at St. Louis in Louisville. She currently serves our parish as a Lector, Ox Roast Fair Booth Chairperson (Elephant Ear Booth) and as a Substitute Teacher for St. Joseph School. Mac is married to husband George and works as office manager with her husband's business. The couple resides in Shalersville and have three children, Sarah (who's married to Ryan Work), Annie and Katie.

Sister Mary Slick, H.M. ~ Director of Religious Education (June 5, 1998-June 30, 2006)
Sister Mary Slick ministered as Director of Religious Education at St. Joseph Parish from 1998 through June, 2006 handling the Parish School of Religion, Vacation Bible School, sacramental preparation and RCIA programs. The daughter of Ellen (Plummer) Slick of Niles, Ohio, Sister Mary entered the Sisters of the Humility of Mary from Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, Ashtabula. Sister Mary has taught in the Cleveland diocese and at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Ashtabula, and St. Stephen, Niles. She also served as DRE for six years at St. Clement Parish, Navarre. A native of Youngstown, Sister Mary graduated from Ursuline High School, and earned her B.S.E. from St. John College, Cleveland. She earned her M.P.S. in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University, New Orleans. She celebrated her 25th year of religious life in 2004. In May of 2006, Sr. Mary announced that she would be taking a year's sabbatical from her ministries to pursue studies in areas that she has been interested in for some time. She currently works as DRE at St. Camillus Church in New Castle, PA and resides in Hubbard, Ohio.

Ms. Kathleen Devine ~ Director of Religious Education (July, 1993-June, 1998)
Kathleen returned to her hometown of St. Louis, Missouri in June of 1998 to pursue other career possibilities.

 

 

Mrs. Dorothy Szczepinski ~ Volunteer CCD Coordinator (1991-1993?)

 

 

 

Mrs. Margaret Ann "Mac" Clapp
VBS, CCD K Teacher (1978-1985)
SJS Substitute Teacher (1978-1979)
Auxiliary Services Tutor for SJS (1979-1984)
CCD Principal (1985-1987)
Director of Religious Education (1987-1991)
RCIA Team (1987-1991)
Director of RCIA (1992?)

Mrs. Mickee Murphy ~ Director of Religious Education (1979-1987);
Principal (1987-1990)
Serving as the parish's Director of Religious Education (1979-1987) Mickee handled the Catechumenate for Children, Sacramental Preparation Programs, Children's Liturgy of the Word staffing and coordination, CCD Administration (preschool-12), Senior High Confirmation Program, Youth Ministry Program, Adult Education Program and Vacation Bible School. She was also an RCIA Team Member, and a member of the Liturgy Committee and Parish Council.
In 1987, Mrs. Murphy became principal of St. Joseph School remaining there until 1990. Her leadership of the school was during a tumultuous and trying time in the parish's history - In 1988, Fr. Joseph Fata was named Pastor of St. Luke Church in Boardman; Fr. John Trimbur was then pastor only a short time (Aug. 3, 1988 - Feb., 1989); while the parish was awaiting the appointment of a new pastor, Fr. Francis Hughes came March - July, 1989 as Pro-Tem Administrator; then Fr. James Fondriest was assigned July 14, 1989.
In July, 1990, Mickee accepted the position of Director of Religious Education St. Patrick Church in Kent. Currently, she is their Pastoral Minister coordinating the RCIA Program. She continues to attend St. Joseph's with her family, volunteers at the annual Ox Roast Fair and occasionally serves the parish as a Eucharistic Minister and helping with an RCIA session for Sr. Mary Slick, HM, Parish Director of Religious Education.

Sister Jenni Skerk, H.M. ~ Director of Religious Education (197?-1979?)
Originally from Youngstown, Sister Jenni Skerk (formerly Sister M. Davidica) entered the Sisters of the Humility of Mary from St. Francis Parish, Youngstown, and is a graduate of North High School. The daughter of the late John and Rose (Baleskie) Skerkavich, she received her B.S.E. and M.S.E. in Religious Education from St. John College, Cleveland .She has been a teacher, pastoral minister, director of religious education and hospital chaplain in the Cleveland and Youngstown dioceses. Her ministries in the Diocese of Youngstown include St. Joseph Parish, Ashtabula; Mercy Medical Center, Canton; St. Mary School, Conneaut; St. Patrick School, Hubbard; St. Louis Parish, Louisville; St. Joseph Parish, Mantua; and St. Joseph Parish, Suffield. Sister Jenni celebrated her Golden Jubilee October 22, 2006 and is currently a chaplain volunteer at St. Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown.

PASTORAL MINISTERS

Sister Rose Anne Krantz, CDP ~ Pastoral Minister (Sept. 1, 2006 - to date)
Born in Dover, Ohio, one of five children, Rose Anne Krantz grew up on a farm outside of Dover. She entered the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1962. Her first years of ministry were spent in the Catholic School System in Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania where she worked both as teacher and principal. The next 17 years she ministered in West Virginia as a Pastoral Associate and Religious Ed Director. From 2001 until she came to St. Joseph's September 1, 2006, she served as Co-director of her Community’s Retirement House in Pittsburgh, PA. Sister Rose Anne's professional education includes a Bachelor’s Degree from La Roche College, a Masters in the Arts of Teaching from Duquesne University and extended work at Mt. St. Joseph in Cincinnati in Family Religious Studies. When not engaged in ministry her passions include quilting, camping, bike riding and hiking. Sister Rose Anne enjoys working at St. Joseph and meeting the many people who make up the community. As Pastoral Minister she coordinates the RCIA process for adults & instructs a class for those young people who need sacramental preparation. In addition, she is developing some much needed ministries and outreach programs for our parish including Homebound & Hospitalized Ministries.

Sister Jean Gillespie, O.P. ~ Parish Ministry, 1979-1981

Need profile
Deceased

 

 

Sister Mary Chad, H.M. (Sister Mary Catherine Blooming) ~ Pastoral Minister, 1982-?
Serving the parish as Pastoral Minister, Sister Mary Chad was originally from Parma, Ohio, and the daughter of the late Thomas M. Blooming and Cornelia (Fodor) Blooming Histen. She received her BA from Notre Dame College, Cleveland, and her M. Ed. in Library Science from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh. She has served as a teacher, librarian, director of religious education and pastoral minister in the Cleveland, Greensburg, Pittsburgh and Youngstown dioceses. Her ministries in Youngstown include St. John High School, Youngstown; Central Catholic High School, Canton; St. Benedict Parish, Canton; St. Joseph Parish, Mantua; Holy Spirit Parish, Uniontown; and St. Pius X Parish, Warren. She was a staff member of the House of Prayer in Youngstown and a librarian at Youngstown State University and also served in the diocesan Religious Education Office. Sister Mary Catherine celebrated her Golden Jubilee October 22, 2006 and is currently teaching religion at St. Joseph High School, Natrona Heights, Pa.

Sister Marilyn Ruflin, H.M. ~ Pastoral Minister, Sept., 1984-June, 1985
Serving the parish as Pastoral Minister, Sister Marilyn earned her BSE at St. John College in Cleveland, a BSA at Siena Heights College in Adrian, Michigan, and did her Master's work at Notre Dame University and St. John College. She taught elementary grades at St. Cecelia School in Cleveland, 1962-1965, St. Martha School in Akron, 1965-1970, and St. Louis School in Louisville, 1970-1977. From 1977 through 1981 she was the Facilitator of Parish Liturgy at St. Louis and then went on to serve as Pastoral Minister at St. Pius X in Warren (1981-1984). During her brief time at St. Joseph's (Sept., 1984-late June, 1985) Sister Marilyn's main responsibilities were RCIA, Liturgy and Environment, and the Adult Education Team. Then she went on to work for the Diocese of Youngstown as Coordinator of RCIA (1985-1987) and Director of Worship (1987-1992). From there she returned to her order, the Sisters of the Humility of Mary, to serve as Director of Pastoral Planning (1992-1993) and on the Leadership Team (1993-2001). Following a year-long sabbatical (2001-2002), Sister became the Director of Worship for Adrian Dominican Sisters in Michigan (2003-2005) and currently works with the Spiritual Environment for Humility of Mary Healthcare Partners (2006).

Sister Mary Ann Wieseman, OP ~ Pastoral Ministry, 1982-1984
Sister Mary Ann was hired to serve as Associate Pastor at St. Joseph Parish in Mantua, Ohio, serving seven years in the parish. Invited by pastor Fr. Joseph Fata to assume the co-responsibility for preaching, she discovered a natural talent in this area. Besides preaching at St. Joseph's, she also served the parish through Homebound Ministry and & Outreach to the Homebound and Hospitalized as well as serving on the RCIA team. To learn more about Sr. Mary Ann, please go to our Women Religious page.

Sister Linda Valasik, H.M. ~ Pastoral Minister, Director of RCIA, 1989-1992

[More details coming]

 

MUSIC MINISTRY
Mr. Bill Davies ~ Music Minister & Guitar Accompanist, 2004-present
Bill Davies was born in Lorain, Ohio, but moved to Kent when he was five and, except for a few excursions to the Houston, he has lived in North East Ohio his whole life. He attended Kent Roosevelt High School, and upon finishing there, took some time off to decide what to do with himself. After working many odd jobs, he tells us he turned up at Kent State University. There he received a degree in music in 2001. In January, 2004, Bill began a Masters program at Cleveland State. His ultimate goal is to teach at the college level as well as continuing work in music ministry. In addition, he teaches private guitar and piano lessons, performs for various weddings and parties, and works with a contemporary Christian band called Gabriel's Harp. In what little free time Bill has he enjoys playing chess, skiing, swimming, and a good bottle of Pinot Noir.

To learn more about our Music Ministry, please click here.

Mrs. Kathy Baxter ~ Music Minister, November, 1998-2004

 

 

 

Mrs. Amy Hartman ~ Music Minister, 1988-Oct., 1998

Amy resigned in the fall of 1998 after 10+ years of service.

 

 

Mr. Chris Chaykowski ~ Guitarist, 1980's?

 

 

Mr. Guy Zumpetta ~ Accompanist, 1980's?

 

 

Mrs. Pat Strainer ~ Church Music Director and Piano Accompanist, 1982-?

 

 

 

Mr. Norman Duquette ~ Minister of Music, 1981

 

 

Mrs. Anita Schmotzer ~ Organist, 1970's?

 

 

PARISH SECRETARIES
Ms. Jan Huter ~ November 13, 1995-present

 

 

Mrs. Kathi Trares ~ September, 1992-present

 

 

 

Mrs. Mary Hladky ~ 1992-October 28, 1995

 

 

 

Mrs. Irene Hickman ~ 1984-1992

 

 

 

Mrs. Tiny Ricciuti ~ 1982-?

 

 

 

Mrs. Bette Cruz ~ 1982-?

 

 

 

Mrs. Julie Buonpane ~ 1960's?-1981

 

 

 

Mrs. Carolee Smith ~ 1960's?

 

 

 

Mrs. Leona Redhead ~ 1950's?

 

 

 

FINANCES

Fr. Michael Balash & Ms. Jan Huter ~ Bookkeeping Duties, 2003-present
The pastor oversees the financial record keeping for the parish with secretary Jan Huter handling bookkeeping responsibilities.

Mr. Lynn Wright ~ Finance Manager, 1992-2003
Lynn handled the bookkeeping responsibilities of the parish and school as well as serving on the Finance Committee. He was let go December, 2003, during Fr. Balash's time as pastor (budget cuts and staff reductions).

Prior to 1992, the secretary and/or pastor handled the financial duties.

FOOD SERVICE
Mr. Al Roberts ~ Food Service Supervisor, 1994-present
supervising our school meal program, Bingo Snack Bar, Ox Roast Fair dinners and other parish and private events using the kitchen/hall, Mr. Roberts has been employed at St. Joseph's since October, 1994. Growing up in Ocala, Florida, where his family owned a grocery store & full service meat market, Al earned his GED. Past employment includes WMOP-AM/WFUZ-FM radio in Ocala, FL (1968-1976), Portage County Sheriff's Office (1977-1983), Havre Motors in Ravenna (1983-1993), and co-hosted "The Other Side of Medicine" radio talk show on WHK, Cleveland with Dr. James Krystosik (1994-2001). In the past he has served the parish as a Lay Leader of Prayer, Liturgical Minister, and Homebound Minister. He served as the President of the School Nutrition Association of Ohio in 2005/2006. He and wife Diane live in Hiram Township and have two married children, who are both St. Joseph School alumni. David Roberts and wife Stephanie have a son, Wyatt. Kelly and husband Daniel Cartwright have two sons, Daniel & Jadon. In his free time, Al enjoys old TV shows. For more details about St. Joseph's Food Service, click here.

Mrs. Dawn Sara ~ Assistant Food Service Supervisor, 2007-present
Growing up in Warrensville Heights, Ohio and graduating from Warrensville High School, Mrs. Dawn Sara comes to assist with our Food Service program this school year. Previously, she working 10 years in the kitchen and 6 years as proctor at Kenston Schools. Residing in Mantua with her husband, John, the couple has three grown children. In their spare time, they enjoy their miniature horses, camping, and their eight grandchildren.

Mrs. Lisa DeYoung ~ Asst. Food Service Supervisor, 2006-2007
Joining the Food Service staff in 2006, Mrs. DeYoung was born in Bedford and grew up in Mantua. She attended Crestwood High School and Bohecker's Business College and has worked at Med Center One in Kent/Streetsboro. She is married to husband Jason and mom to Jeffrey (age 12), Allison (age 10), Emily (age 6), and Jason (age 5). Lisa's hobbies include reading and being taxi for her children! Mrs. DeYoung and her family moved out of state for her husband's

Ms. Amy Seink ~ Asst. Food Service Supervisor, 2001-2006

Living in Newton Falls, Amy is single with three boys, Joshua, Jacob, and Jarrod. She enjoys breeding and training exotic birds.

 

 

Mrs. Bonnie Rosati ~ Food Service Prep., 2002-2003

 

 

Mrs. Gayle Jones ~ Food Service Asst. Manager, 1997-2002

 

 

Mrs. Patty Keenan ~ Food Service Prep., 1999-2002

 

 

Mrs. Kim Gray ~ Kitchen, 1993-1999

 

 

Ms. Barb George ~ Kitchen, 1995-1997

 

 

[Prior to 1994 St. Joseph School did not have a hot lunch program except for
volunteer mothers who provided soup and pizza each offered one day a week.]

MAINTENANCE & CUSTODIAL WORKERS
Mr. Jason Garey ~ Maintenance, 1989-present

Living in the area since 1982, Jason handles the maintenance tasks throughout the parish and school. In addition, he works part time for Hiram and Shalersville in the evening and weekends as the Zoning Inspector and a couple of weekends a year for Michigan International Speedway on the Fire Crew.

 

Mr. Tom Sobczak ~ Cleaning, ?-present
Tom provides cleaning of the classrooms during the evening hours and helps with heavy-duty and special tasks done annually.

 

 

 

Mr. Bill Burr ~ Cleaning

 

 

 

Mr. Ed Mishler ~ Maintenance, 1982

 

 

Mr. Louie Zitner ~ Building Maintenance, [July, 1980 bulletin]

 

 

 

Mr. Charles Bronstrop ~ Custodian, July, 1978-?

[listed in July 16, 1978 bulletin as new staff]

 

Mr. Don Lupori ~ Custodian, 1976?-1978?

[Bulletin blurb about Ox Roast Fair thanked him for his help in 1976.]

 

Edward Gladyszewski & Edward Sturbaum ~ Janitor Helpers

 

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