Phyllis J. Smesko

CORTLAND - Phyllis J. Smesko, 88, formerly of Youngstown’s westside, passed away early Monday morning, April 25, 2016, at St. Joseph Hospital in Warren.

Phyllis was born March 18, 1928, in Youngstown, a daughter of the late Alfonso and Domenica Arquilla Cervello, and was a lifelong area resident.

Mrs. Smesko was a member of St. Brendan Church in Youngstown, where she was a member of the Altar & Rosary Society. Phyllis enjoyed gambling and going to Mountaineer Racetrack & Casino in West Virginia. She loved and enjoyed her family, and the five dogs who were her loyal pets.

Phyllis’ beloved husband of 62 years, John S. Smesko, whom she married June 2, 1949, passed away Sept. 23, 2011.

She leaves three sons, John (Debbie) Smesko of Tampa, Fla., Raymond (Trish) Smesko of Ridgewood, N.J., and Dr. Mark (Andrea) Smesko of Canfield; a daughter, Julia Ann (Dennis) Tammaro of Cortland, with whom Phyllis made her home; 12 grandchildren, John, Jennifer, Christie, Kelci, Katie, Claire, Taylor, Dylan, Jonathan, Lisa, Joseph, and Brian; and a sister, Judy Denmeade of Struthers.

Besides her husband, a brother, Ralph Cervello; four sisters, Josephine Restivo, Edith Kutchel, Betty DiVidio, and Mary D’Eugenio; and two stepsisters, Elvie and Helen Buccilli, are deceased.

Family and friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 28, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Rd., Youngstown.

Funeral services will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home, and continue at 10 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at St. Brendan Church, 2800 Oakwood Avenue, Youngstown.

Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown, where Phyllis will be laid to rest next to her husband.

Memorial contributions may be made in Phyllis’ name to Shelter Puppies, 1700 Warner Ave., Mineral Ridge, OH 44440; or to Trumbull County Animal Welfare League, 812 Youngstown-Kingsville Rd. SE, Vienna, OH 44473.