Richard “Rick” Downie
January 23rd, 2022
Richard Alex “Rick” Downie passed away January 23, 2022 at Sacred Journey Hospice in McDonough, Georgia,.
Rick was born in Rock Springs, Wyoming on February 25, 1945 and moved to LaSalle, IIlinois at the age of 15. He moved to Georgia in 1980, where he resided until his death.
Rick retired with Yokogawa Corp. of America after 27 years of employment in marketing.
He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Christine S. Downie of McDonough, GA; children, Robin Jenkins (Jeff) of Roswell, GA, Shane Downie of Woodstock, GA, Darren Downie (Wendy) of Gray, GA, and James Downie (Kelly) of Swaunee, GA; stepchildren, Kristie Reed (Cam) of Monroe, GA, Carla Barnes (Chris) of Covington, GA, and Steve Cook (Lauren) of McDonough, GA; sister, Karen Downie Volk (Ed) of Salem, SC; nine grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild; as well as several cousins and nieces.
Rick is preceded in death by his parents, Alex and Rose Downie; and sister, Patricia “Tish” Downie Docken.
Rick always left an impression wherever he went. No one could make you laugh as much as Rick could. He will missed by many.
David Joseph Cheverino
January 23rd, 2022
David Joseph Cheverino, age 82, of McDonough, Georgia, passed away on Sunday, January 23, 2022. He was born in Brooklyn, NY to Frank James and Lucy Maresca Cheverino. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his brothers, William Cheverino and Michael Cheverino
Dave worked for JFK Airport for over 20 years. He loved to watch televised Wrestling and didn’t miss WrestleMania. David loved black and white movies, especially old western movies. He was a member of Saint James The Apostle Catholic Church.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Anna E. Cheverino; daughter, Lucille (Louie) Jimenez; sons, David M. (Sandra) Cheverino, Allen (Seny) Cheverino, Steven Cheverino, Frank (Alex) Cheverino; grandchildren, Jennifer (Michael) Adamowicz,, Luis Frank Jimenez, David C. Cheverino, Alexander Cheverino, Ryan Cheverino, AvaMarie Cheverino, Nicholas and Kelley Cheverino, Anthony Cheverino, Alyssa Cheverino; great-grandchildren, Brianna and Michael; brother, Joseph Cheverino; several other family members and friends.
Nancy Nestor Belcastro
January 27th, 2022
Nancy Marion Nestor Belcastro, age 82, of McDonough, Georgia, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 27, 2022. She was born in Sewickley, PA to Andrew and Marion Sudia Nestor on February 18, 1939. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Jerry Belcastro Sr.
Nancy spent a large part of her working career as a clerk for the Clayton County Courthouse for nearly 15 years before retiring. She spent her second career working for the Henry County Department of Transportation. She also managed Belcastro’s Italian Restaurant for many years.
Nancy loved well and cherished her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren dearly. She loved time with her family, cooking, and play the slot machines. Yellow roses and her dog, Sir Bailey brought her joy. Nancy had a great sense of humor and was a fighter to the end.
Nancy is survived by her son, Jerry Belcastro Jr; daughters, Rhonda Harrison and Christine Glaze; grandchildren, Dustin Farron, Andrew Belcastro, James Glaze, Jillian Harrison, Sarah Belcastro, Michael Glaze; nine great-grandchildren; and a host of other family members and friends.
Raymond Mrozek
March 1st, 2022
Raymond John Mrozek, better known as Ray, age 80, of McDonough, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 1, 2022. He was born in Harvey, Illinois to the late John Raymond and Antoinette Sandelski Mrozek. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his sister, Pat Jensen and brothers, Rich Mrozek and Ed Mrozek.
Ray was a handyman, he could fix or build anything. Papa was a family man and instilled values in his family that will pass on for generations to come. He and Sarah found importance in family time and family dinner around the table. Ray served our country in the US Army prior to his 49 year career in Warehouse Distribution Management and Logistics. He retired in 2011. He was a member of St. James The Apostle Catholic Church in McDonough.
He leaves behind to carry his legacy, his wife of 57 years, Sarah Lee Etheridge Mrozek; children, Kimberly Newsome of McDonough, GA, Gina (Randy) Judge of Estill Springs, TN, John (Karen) Mrozek of Jasper, GA, Stephen (Natalie) Mrozek of Hampton, GA; grandchildren, Ashlee Newsome, Rayce Newsome, Jordan (Kayla) Judge, Luke Mrozek; brother, Ron (Vivian) Mrozek of Manhattan, IL; sister, Marlene (Roger) Forgea of Florida; several nieces and nephews, and a host of other family members and friends.
Ifeoma Lovelyn Chimaobi Edom
March 15, 2022
Ifeoma Lovelyn is the seventh among eight children born to Chief Patrick Egwuatu and Ezinne Benedeth Ego Odimegwu, and both were deceased in 1993 and 2016 respectively. Until her untimely death, Ifeoma was an active service member of the United States Navy, married to Engr. Chimaobi Kenneth Edom and the union was blessed with two children, Chimeremeze, (son) and Chimbusomma (daughter).
The story of Ifeoma’s life began in Benin City, Nigeria. Born on July 22, 1980. Ify as she was fondly called, started her graceful and eventful life under the tutelage of Chief Patrick Odimegwu. Due to her scholastic achievements, she quickly earned a place of admission into the Imo State University, Owerri in Southeast, Nigeria, where she studied English/Literature Studies, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in September 2001.
Upon the completion of her University degree, she went for the mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps, NYSC in Zamfara State, Nigeria. After the mandatory NYSC post-graduation program, Ify has served in a few corporate and business firms, which includes working as a Sales Supervisor with Fans Incorporated in Owerri, Nigeria between 2009 to 2011. During this time, Ifeoma got to meet with her heartthrob, Chimaobi. Their meeting in Owerri and Port Harcourt Nigeria, was the beginning of the destiny-molding life course for their life together. They were then married in Nigeria in 2013.
In 2014, Ifeoma enlisted with the United States Navy and she served the U.S Navy in a meritorious capacity as a citizen of the United States of America. As such, she worked with the Navy Operational Support Center, Detroit, Michigan as a Hospital Corpsman/Dental Assistant. in 2019, she relocated to GA with her husband, in line with the need to harness greater opportunities and advance their growing family. While in Georgia, she continued her career with the Navy and worked as a Production Advanced Recruiter in NRD Atlanta until her passing. Her achievement with the Navy includes the recent award of the Reserve Recruiter of the Year, 2022 amongst others.
It was heartbreaking that Ifeoma passed while pregnant with her third child, Chidiogo Chimaobi-Edom, who also did not make it alive. Her death occurred in the Piedmont Henry Hospital, Stockbridge Georgia.
Ifeoma will surely be missed by the entire family. Her love, smile, care and humanistic disposition that reaches out to other will surely be missed. Her service to the United States Navy and the American nation will surely be missed.
Eunice McCarthy
April 11th, 2022
James (Jim) McCurdy
May 9th, 2022
James “Jim” Mason McCurdy Jr. of McDonough, Ga, passed away on May 9, 2022. Jim is survived by his wife Susan and children; Jame Erin Bowers, her husband Harrison Lee Bowers III, Lindsey Ellen Wilhoit, Victoria Elizabeth Wilwol, her husband Andrew Thomas Wilwol, and his five granddaughters; Evelyn, Baileigh, Charlee, Lily, and Mason. Jim also leaves behind his sister Becky Moore, brother Steven McCurdy, his aunts Kathy McDaniel and Diane McCurdy, and uncle Paul McCurdy, as well as his godchildren and several cherished friends that he considered family.
Jim graduated from the University of Hawaii in 1989, with a degree in Soviet Era Studies. He began his telecommunication career while serving in the United States Army. After over 20 years working in the telecommunications industry, he found his passion working for Butts County School System as a Technology Specialist. Jim loved his family and everything he did was for them, however, he did have several other interests, most famously were his 1973 Airstream and Star Trek. He was a proud Eagle Scout and member of the Knights of Columbus.
Edrice “Mimi” Thomas
May 11th, 2022
Edrice Woodruff “Mimi” Thomas, 83, of McDonough Georgia passed away on Thursday May 12, 2022.
Edrice was born on April 3, 1939 to Edrice G. Thomas and Columbus A. Thomas Jr. in New Orleans Louisiana. In 1945, at the age of 6 years old, Edrice met her 13 year old neighbor Wilbert J. Thomas Sr. whom she would go on to marry ten years later on April 7, 1955.
In August of 1956, the couple welcomed their first and only son, Wilbert J. Thomas Jr. into the world. In addition to being a loving wife and mother, Edrice pursued her passion for doing hair and nails. She did beautician work at some of the finest beauty salons in New Orleans. Edrice was also an accomplished seamstress and enjoyed making drapes, curtains, sheets, and dresses. She was a woman of many talents and utilized her gifts with a purpose of giving back to others. On September 10, 1978, Edrice’s life changed forever when the love of her life of 23 years passed away. Although heartbroken by her loss, she continued to pursue her professional career while supporting her son as he joined the United States Air Force and married his high school sweetheart Paula.
One of her greatest joys in life was becoming a grandmother to her 2 grandchildren, Christine and Will, and a great-grandmother to her great grandson Christiano. Edrice was a resident of New Orleans Louisiana for 66 years until the wrath of Hurricane Katrina involuntarily forced her to relocate to McDonough Georgia. She immediately made a name for herself while getting acclimated to her new community home at Grier Manor. Edrice who to many became known as “Mimi”, was a phenomenal cook. She developed a reputation for being the best cook in the community and loved sharing her cuisines with family, neighbors, and friends. Edrice spearheaded community events involving her favorite holiday Mardi Gras, as well as opportunities to gather neighbors and friends for late-night card games. In addition to paving the way for social activities in her community, she also spent time volunteering at the food pantry and with St. Vincent De Paul at her home church of St. James the Apostle Catholic Church. In 2016, The McDonough Chamber of Commerce recognized Edrice for her outstanding volunteer service. Her mission in life was to give back to others and prided herself on her legacy, her family.
Alex Francis Iner, III
May 13th, 2022
Alex Francis Iner, III, passed away on Friday, May 13th, 2022.
Alex is the brother of Deacon Charles Iner.
Alex’s visitation and funeral service took place on June 16th at Loudon Park Funeral Home in Baltimore, MD.
His Memorial Mass will take place on Friday, June 24th at 2 p.m. celebrated by Fr. Liam Coyne.
Sheila Riberich
May 16th, 2022
Sheila Ann (O’Grady) Riberich, 81, of Stockbridge, GA passed away on Monday, May 16th after a six year battle with Parkinson’s Disease. She was born in Pittsburgh, PA and was the third of eight children born to Henry and Mary O’Grady. She was married to her beloved husband Robert (Bob) Riberich for 61 years.
Originally from Swissvale, PA they moved to Forest Park, GA in 1964. Sheila was a stay-at-home mom for many years then worked for the Clayton County Water Authority for 16 years. Sheila loved spending time with her children and seven grandchildren. Sheila was extremely proud of her Irish heritage and loved sharing these traditions with her family.
In addition to her husband, Sheila is survived by her adoring children Diane (Zack) Atkinson, Rob (Terri) Riberich, Mariane (Scott) Taylor; and grandchildren Bryan (Deidre Rager), Joshua & Ashley Taylor; Lexi, Jake & Michael Riberich; and Lauren Atkinson. Surviving siblings include Mary Pat Soltis, Jeanne Duke, Harry (Mary Ellen), Timothy, and John (Claudia) O’Grady; numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Sheila was preceded in death by her brothers Dennis & Keith O’Grady. She was a faithful member of St. James the Apostle Catholic Church in McDonough.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at Word of God Catholic Church, Swissvale, PA on Monday, May 23rd at 10 AM with interment following at All Saints Braddock Catholic Cemetery, Pittsburgh, PA.
Gerald (Jerry) Johnson
August 12th, 2022
Gerald (Jerry) Johnson passed away on Friday, August 12th, 2022.
He is survived by his wife, Joan, and 3 children.
His visitation will took place on August 29th from 4-7 p.m. at Haisten Funeral Home in McDonough.
Hi Funeral Mass was celebrated by Fr. Liam Coyne on Aug. 30th at 11 a.m. here at St. James The Apostle.
Sarah Gasses Hill
September 12, 2022
Sarah Gasses Hill, age 83, of McDonough, Georgia passed away on Monday, September 12, 2022.
She was born in McDonough on January 30, 1939 to the late Jesse and Mary Gasses. Sarah was also preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Donald Hill, siblings, Shirley Horton, Georgia Whittington, Victor Gasses, Rita Peoples, Tommy Gasses and Maxine Farah. Her son and grandchildren were her life. Sarah loved to cook and deliver her baked goods to all of her family and friends. She enjoyed tending to her flower garden and watching the Dawgs and Braves. She also worked with the elderly, attended the Moose Club of McDonough and the Ladies Guild of St. James. She is survived by her son, Phillip Marvin Hill of Monticello, grandchildren, Jessica (Dustin) Owens of Covington and Garrett (Tristen) Hill of Monticello. She is survived by her four great grandchildren Emmett, Everett, Charlotte and Haylen and siblings, Vicki (Tommy) Farah, Raymond (Marlene) Gasses and Jesse Gasses all of McDonough.
Daniel Aloysius Sitler
November 13th, 2022
Our heartfelt sympathies are extended to the family of Daniel Aloysius Sitler who passed away on Sunday, November 13th, 2022.
Dan was a longtime parishioner of St. James the Apostle, a member of the Knights of Columbus, and one of the “Friday Guys.”
He is survived by his wife, Rosemarie.
Dan’s memorial Mass was celebrated by Fr. Liam Coyne, and took place on Friday, December 9th at 10 a.m.
Please join us in praying for the peaceful repose of Dan’s soul and prayers of comfort for Rosemarie and family.
Thomas “Tom” Anthony Farah
November 28th, 2022
Thomas “Tom” Anthony Farah, age 87, of McDonough, Georgia passed away on Monday, November 28, 2022.
He was born January 23, 1935 in Maxton, NC to the late Habby and Nellie Baddour Farah. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Fred Farah, Louise Joseph, Margaret Deraney and Elizabeth Cannon. Tom faithfully served his country in the United States Navy and was a proud and patriotic veteran.
He was a parishioner of St. James the Apostle Catholic Church and was a past Grand Knight in the Knight’s of Columbus. Tom retired from Snapper Equipment Company and then had a career as an engineer for the Peachtree City Development Corporation laying out the City of Peachtree City. He also owned a landscaping business, was a member of the Lions Club, and enjoyed woodworking, especially building dog houses and windmill ducks. Of all things he was most proud of in his career was being the first Fire Chief of Henry County in 1974.
Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Vicki Gasses Farah; son, Vince (Rhonda) Farah; grandchildren, Gina (Joseph) Dumas and Jacob (Elita) Farah; great grandchildren, Evan, Levi, Peyton and Elijah.
Vicki Gasses Farah
December 27, 2022
Vicki Gasses Farah, age 80, of McDonough, Georgia passed away December 27, 2022.
She was born in McDonough, Georgia to the late Jessie Gasses, Sr. and Mary Flaghan Gasses. She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Thomas Anthony Farah and by siblings, Sarah Hill, Rita Gasses Peeples, Georgia Whittington, Shirley Horton, Maxine Farah, Victor Gasses and Tommy Gasses.
Vicki was a parishioner of St. James the Apostle Catholic Church. She was a waitress for many years at Arnold’s Ryans and Southern Cooking. Vicki enjoyed walking, shopping, bowling, playing Bingo, cooking and baking, especially her famous pound cakes. She loved to spend time with her grandchildren.
Survivors include her son and daughter in law, Vince and Rhonda Farah; grandchildren, Gina and Joseph Dumas and Jacob and Elita Farah; great grandchildren, Evan, Levi, Peyton and Elijah; brothers, Raymond (Marlene) Gasses and Jesse Gasses.
Colonel Charles “Chuck” W. Scott
December 30th, 2022
Colonel Charles W. Scott, U.S. Army Retired, age 90 of Jonesboro, passed away December 30, 2022.
He was a member of St. James the Apostle Catholic Church and was a retired Colonel, with the U.S. Army.
Colonel Scott was a prisoner for 444 days in Iran and released in 1981. He published his experiences in Iran in a book called “Pieces of The Game.”
Other Awards: Silver Star (second highest Army award), Combat Infantry Badge, Meritorious Service Metal, Vietnames Service Metal and College PhD from St. Benedict’s, KS.
He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years: Kathleen Scott; children: Lisabeth Scott Mann of SC and Gregory Blake (Sandra) Scott of Atlanta; grandchild: Vinson Blake Mann.
