This page is dedicated to those members of the NCOPA who have passed on. Their history, their support, and their dedication to our profession demands reflection. Let’s remember…
Joyce Fagin R.Ph.
1956-2022
MANSFIELD: Mansfield – Joyce Fagin of Mansfield passed away Thursday, October 27, 2022 following a courageous battle with cancer.
The daughter of Alan A. and Ruth L. (Schilens) Forthofer, Joyce was born August 2, 1956 in Sandusky. She graduated from Clear Fork High School in 1974 and continued her education at Ohio Northern where she earned her Master’s Degree in Pharmacy.
Joyce’s professional career in pharmacy began as a Staff Pharmacist for a local drug store in Mansfield and quickly advanced to the field of Critical Care Pharmacy. She worked as a pharmacist in the ICU at MedCentral Health System. Over the course of her career she also taught as an instructor and worked as a consultant. More recently Joyce worked for Medco Health System as a pharmacist, reviewing medications and consulting with physicians regarding medications and therapies. She was a dependable and accountable pharmacist who was always eager to learn and grow with the changing healthcare environment. She was a member of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, American Society of Heath System Pharmacists, Ohio Pharmacist Association, and North Central Ohio Pharmacy Association.
Artistic and creative, Joyce’s passion was in sewing and quilting. In her younger years she made her own outfits. Her love of quilting grew into learning and even teaching classes on the latest computer software programs designed on advanced quilting techniques. She really did create the most beautiful and intricate quilts.
She attended Emanuel Jacob Congregation.
Joyce was one of 14 children, and recently lived with her sister and caretaker Mary Tomes. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Joyce & her husband of 38 years Robert Fagin (1933-2019) were both long-time NCOPA members. He preceded her in death as did her parents Alan and Ruth Forthofer.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, November 2, 2022 at 12 pm in the Marion Avenue Snyder Funeral Home where calling hours will be held from 11am-12pm. Burial will follow in Emanuel Jacob Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of North Central Ohio 1021 Dauch Drive, Ashland, OH 44805.
Online Condolence may be made by visiting: SnyderFuneralHomes.com
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Joyce, please visit our Tree Store.
Published in the News Journal
Robert Fagin R.Ph.
1933-2019
MANSFIELD: Mansfield – Robert Fagin of Mansfield passed away Thursday, April 11, 2019 following an extended illness.
The son of Jacob and Pauline (Halpern) Fagin, Robert was born in Youngstown, Ohio. Vice President of his class, Bob graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School. He then graduated from The Ohio State University earning a Bachelors of Science in Pharmacy. Bob worked as a pharmacist for Gray’s Drug Store in Akron before moving to Mansfield where he owned and operated Prescription Center located on Glessner Avenue. Later in his career Bob worked for Shaw Ott, Phar-Mor, and CVS. He was a long standing member of the North Central Ohio Pharmacy Association.
An OSU alumnus, Bob cheered for the Buckeyes. His passion was cooking and Bob was a talented gourmet cook.
A faithful member of Emanuel Jacob Congregation Bob served as a board member and for 4 years served as president. Outgoing and considerate, Bob was caring and was truly interested in others.
He is survived by his wife Joyce Fagin of Mansfield, son Stuart (Tamara) Fagin of California, and daughter Marcia Spohn of Ohio; five grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Along with his parents he was preceded in death by a son Neil Fagin, brother Norman Fagin, and sister Esther Bliman.
Funeral services will be Monday, April 15, 2019 at 11am in the Marion Avenue Snyder Funeral Home where the family will receive friends the hour prior, from 10am-11am. Cantor Nancy Shimer will officiate and burial will follow in Emanuel Jacob Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Emanuel Jacob Congregation or OhioHealth Hospice may be made through the funeral home.
Published in the News Journal on Apr. 13, 2019
Barbara Starzynski R.Ph.
1937-2017
MANSFIELD: It usually took Barbara Starzynski a minute and a half to turn a stranger into a friend. Her personable and affable spirit communicated much more than friendliness – she was genuinely interested in people. She made an effort to befriend everyone, learn their family and stay current on family affairs.
Barbara passed into the Lord’s care Friday, April 28, 2017 from her Mansfield home. She was 80.
Born Barbara Ann Grube January 1, 1937 in Crafton, PA to Charles Francis and Bertha Elizabeth (Baumbeck) Grube, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy degree from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA in 1959. She was a member of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, North Central Ohio Society of Health-System Pharmacists, and the Ohio Society of Health-System Pharmacists. She was first licensed to practice pharmacy in Ohio on January 10, 1961 and received recognition for 50 years of faithful service on February 4, 2015.
It was there at Duquesne, that she met another pharmacy student, Edmund Starzynski, and the two were married in 1960.
The couple moved to Mansfield from Wooster in 1969, and Barbara worked as a registered pharmacist more than 30 years, first with the former Peoples Hospital, then as Director of Pharmacy for Richland Hospital. She retired from Kroger Pharmacy on Lexington Avenue. At work, as well as everywhere, Barbara knew everyone!
Barbara was a member of Resurrection Parish, where she served on the funeral luncheon committee, and was a member of OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital Auxiliary. She volunteered with Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center Mansfield and was a member of the Sociables.
Remembered for her beautiful smile, Barbara enjoyed sewing and quilting, and gardening.
She is survived by her son Eric Starzynski of Conifer, CO; daughter Lisa Starzynski of Lakeland, TN; grandson Evan Bradfute of Lakeland, TN; brother Charles Grube, Jr. of Pittsburgh, PA; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Edmund in 1996. Also deceased is a sister Julia Heuler.
The Starzynski family will receive friends Wednesday, May 3, 2017 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home, where a Christian Prayer Service will follow at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Thursday at 10:30 a.m. in Resurrection Parish, 2600 Lexington Avenue celebrated by the Rev. Father Nelson Beaver. Burial will follow in Mansfield Catholic Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to The James Cancer Center’s Cancer Strategic Support Fund, and may be made at the funeral home.
Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve Barbara’s family. Share a memory with them – or watch Barbara’s tribute video – online at: SnyderFuneralHomes.com
Published in the News Journal from May 1 to May 4, 2017
Maurice C Keyes R.Ph.
1950-2014
MANSFIELD: Maurice C. Keyes Jr., 63, of Mansfield, passed away Sunday morning, March 2, 2014 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born September 14, 1950 in Lenoir, North Carolina.
He grew up in North Carolina and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill earning his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy. Maurice was employed at MedCentral Mansfield Hospital for 29 years, most recently as a BCOP Oncology Pharmacist. He was passionate about his work with cancer patients and was constantly working with doctors and patients alike to come up with a new form of medicine to ease their pain and symptoms. Maurice would say a prayer over the medications he was making to help his patients in their journey. He enjoyed all types of music, extended bike rides and loved to read.
Maurice remained a fan of the North Carolina Tar Heels basketball team, adding along the way the OSU Buckeyes football team and became an agonizing fan of the Cleveland Indians and Browns. He was very proud of his beautiful daughters, was a soccer and swim dad, and always had a coney at every Senior High sporting event. For nearly 29 years, he trudged the road to happy destiny alongside the other friends of Bill W.
Maurice is survived by his wife, Kim Fleishner Keyes; two daughters, Caroline and Gracie Keyes at home and both students at Ohio University; father, Maurice C. Keyes, Sr. of Lenoir, NC; mother, Brownie (Emory) Trainham of Emerald Isle, NC; brother, Joe Keyes of western NC; brother, Lee (Lisa) Keyes of Tuscaloosa, AL and their children, Halley and Harrison Keyes; brother, Tim (Jennifer) Keyes of West Redding, CT and their children, Kyleigh and Connor Keyes; a brother-in-law, Rich Fleishner of Lexington, OH; a sister-in-law, Pam (Don) Edmiston of Mansfield and their children, Aaron Fliger (Kylee Foley), Brandon Fliger and fiancée, Brittney Greene and their son, Bryce, Tyke and Matthew Edmiston and Hannah (Keith) Hurst; mother-in-law, Antoinette Fleishner Brooks; father-in-law, Richard L. (Marsha) Fleishner, Sr.; his faithful canine companion, Maggie; feline friends, Bean and Al; special friends, Bob Exten, Scott Hoyda, Scott Gordon; and many other good friends. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Grady and Dora Lee Keyes; maternal grandparents, Daries O. and Gladys Boggs Biggerstaff; aunt, Gwen Spencer; and good friends, Bill Worthington and Kenny Steele.
The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, March 4, 2014 in the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond St., Mansfield. Additional visitation will be held Wednesday at the funeral home beginning at 10:00 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. Rector Emeritus David S. Sipes will conduct the service. To honor Maurice’s passion for the continued college education of his daughters, memorial contributions may be made in care of the family.
William Glenn Zacharias R.Ph.
1926-2013
MANSFIELD: William G. Zacharias, 86, of Mansfield, passed away Sunday, September 1, 2013 at his home.
He was born December 19, 1926 in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Helen (Kivela) and William Glenn Zacharias.
Bill was a veteran of the United States Army and was a member of the Elks and Masons.
He was a graduate of Ohio Northern University with a degree in Pharmacy and was the owner and operator of Hursh Drug Stores in Mansfield and Bellville for many years until his retirement. He loved his grandchildren and spent many hours taking them to their favorite places, spoiling them with too many treats and later being a good listener and friend. Bill and his late wife, JoAnne made many close friends over the years whose companionship they cherished deeply. Bill also loved spending time with his friends at the “Y” where he went nearly every morning to exercise, drink coffee and converse. Bill will be remembered as always smiling, being ready to help a family member or friend, and as a kind and generous man. He will be deeply missed.
He is survived by two sons, Bob (Traci) Zacharias and Tom (Amy) Zacharias; and four grandchildren, Holly (Alan) Mileti, Abby, Andy and Becca Zacharias.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, JoAnne Carlson Zacharias.
The family will receive friends from 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, September 11, 2013 at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. A Celebration of William’s life will follow at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Ron Biddle officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to MedCentral Hospice, 335 Glessner Avenue, Mansfield, OH 44903.
Edward N Powell R.Ph.
1925-2012
MANSFIELD: Edward N. Powell, 87, of Mansfield, died Saturday, January 7, 2012 at Kindred Hospital after a brief illness and is now reunited with his wife of 58 years, Mary Constance “Connie” Powell who preceded him in death on November 22, 2011. Born November 29, 1925 in New Washington, Ohio, he was the son of Edward and Carrie (Martin) Powell. He was a graduate of New Washington High School. He was a veteran of the United States Navy serving during World War II as a machinist. He earned a degree in Pharmacology at Ohio Northern University in 1950 and worked as a pharmacist with Gray Drug Store for 30 years. He was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church.
He is survived by his children, Dawn (Charles) Fraley of Mansfield, OH, Dr. Edward (Patricia) Powell of Watertown, NY, Cindy (Dave) Wallace of London, OH, David (Stacie) Powell of Mansfield, OH, Nathan Powell of Nashville, TN and Mary Kay Powell of Cincinnati, OH; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; one sister, Mary Pfahler of Omaha, NE; a sister-in-law, Barbara (Dr. Alfred) Votypka of Long Island, NY; two brothers-in-law, Eugene (Alice) Bishop of New Washington, OH and Dr. Edward Bishop of Beachwood, OH; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a brother, Francis Powell and a sister, Ruth O’Neil.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 21, 2012 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church. Friends may call one hour prior to the mass, from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Burial will be in Mansfield Catholic Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Monsignor Dunn Foundation for Education. Wappner Funeral Directors is privileged to serve the family of Edward N. Powell.
Lloyd E. “Bud” Porter R.Ph.
1934–2011
MANSFIELD, OHIO: Lloyd E. “Bud” Porter, 76, of Ontario, passed away of natural causes Wednesday, September 14, 2011 at MedCentral Mansfield. Born December 23, 1934, he was the son of Dallas and Hilda (Gordon) Porter. Bud attended primary school in Woodville, Ohio, Wesleyan University in Connecticut and graduated with his pharmaceutical degree from The Ohio State University in 1957. He worked as a pharmacist at the Rite-Aid in Mansfield and Hilltop Pharmacy in Madison for over fifty years. Bud was an avid photographer and a member of the Ohio Pharmaceutical Association. He was a loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, and brother.
He is survived by his wive of 44 years, Nancy (Lyons) Porter; daughters, Tina (Mike) Golden of Eagle River, Alaska and Tracey (Brian) Coyne of Chicago, Illinois; granddaughter, Chloe Golden; and sister Jane Strickland of Zebulon, North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, September 18, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Rd., Ontario, conducted by Pastor Sondra Snode. Friends may call one hour prior to the service from 1:00–2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be held in a private ceremony in Myncie, IN.
Published in the News Journal on September 16, 2011
James Charles Zehner R.Ph.
1947-2011
MEDINA: James Charles Zehner, age 63, of Medina, passed away unexpectedly on February 24, 2011.
He was born on August 31, 1947 in Ashland, Ohio to the late Justin and Jean (nee Wuthrich) Zehner. He graduated from Loudonville High School in 1965 and the Ohio State University, Pharmacology Program in 1973. Jim was a pharmacist for over 30 years, employed the last 18 years by the Rite-Aid in Medina. He was an avid birdwatcher and loved music.
Jim is survived by his daughter, Jennifer (Eric) Zehner-Scheurer of Mansfield; son, Zaun (Mako) Zehner of Tokyo, Japan; fiancé, Cindy Dow of Medina; step-children, Monica and Ashley Minck of Medina, Andy Kail of Medina, and Jennifer, Tiffany and Shawnna Hartman of Medina; grandchildren, Johnathon, Kimberly, Vaughn, Taiyo, Breanna and Kaylee; sisters, Sharon Zehner, Connie Hinkle and Lynn Zickefoose of Loudonville and Kim (Chris) Marley of Perrysville; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral Service 5:00 p.m., Sunday, February 27, 2011 at Waite & Son Funeral Home, 765 N. Court St, Medina 44256. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 2-5:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Assoc., 3505 Embassy Pkwy, #100, Akron, OH 44333.
Published in the News Journal on Feb. 25, 2011
James W. Tishue, R.Ph
1930-2008
MANSFIELD, OHIO — James W. Tishue, R.Ph., 78, of Mansfield died Monday, December 8, 2008 at MedCentral Hospital.
Jim was born August 17, 1930 in Uniontown, PA to William S. and Iva J.Tishue. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy with his Bachelor of Pharmacy degree in 1955. He worked at several Mansfield Pharmacies prior to his retirement and was a loyal member of the North Central Ohio Pharmaceutical Association.
Survivors include his wife, Laurel Tishue of Mansfield; a daughter, Cynthia Tishue of Mansfield; two sons, Jeff Tishue of Mansfield and Darren (Mindy) Tishue of Cincinnati; two grandchildren, James and Avery Tishue; a brother, Robert Tishue of Lebanon, OH; nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s memory to the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy Scholarship Fund, the Ohio State University General Scholarship Fund or the Humane Society of Richland County.
Herlihy-Chambers Funeral Home assisted the family with the arrangements.
A gathering of family and close friends to honor Jim’s memory and a memorial celebration of Jim’s life was held, January 31st at the Ed Pickens Cafe’ on Main, 28 North Main Street, Mansfield, Ohio 44902. This casual evening included some of Jim’s favorite music, sharing the memories of his life, a eulogy and some prayers offered by the Reverend Dan Dickman.
Axel Bernard Ek Jr.
1936-2008
PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico — Axel Bernard Ek Jr., 72, died April 9, 2008, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, after a short illness.
He was born April 6, 1936, and raised in the Akron area and graduated from Cuyahoga Falls High School and Ohio Northern University with a degree in Pharmacy. Bernie owned and operated the Apothecary Shoppe and Medical Center Pharmacies in Mansfield for several years.
Bernie is survived by wife, Gerri of Puerto Vallarta; daughters, Anna Ek of Columbus, Shelia Wachtel and husband, Ed, of Mount Gilead, Ohio and Kim Mieskoski of Texas; sons, Mike and wife, Barbara of Ellicott City, Maryland and Rick Bacheldor of Ohio; brother, Roy G. Ek of Kent; sisters, Vera Blind of Wadsworth, Lillian Brickley of Massillon and Josephine Fischel and husband, Jim of Jackson, Tenn.; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and many loving nieces, nephews and friends.
Bernie was preceded in death by his father and mother Axel and Hulda Ek of Akron; his first wife, Stella; brothers, Herbert and Billy Ek and sisters, Edith Tetrault and Agnes Walker.
Friends and relatives are invited to a memorial service at 11:30 a.m. Friday, May 2 at the Good Hope Lutheran Church, 129 West Charles Street, Bucyrus, OH 44820
Karl W. “Buck” Blocker.
1924-2003
MANSFIELD: Karl W. “Buck” Blocker, 79, formerly of Clare Road in Ontario, Ohio died Sunday, November 30, 2003 at Crestwood Care Center in Shelby, Ohio after an extended illness. Mr. Blocker was born June 3, 1924 in Crestline, Ohio. He graduated from Ohio Northern University in 1950 as a pharmacist and owned the Drive-in-Pharmacy in Mansfield for 32 years and the Blocker Pharmacy in Willard, Ohio. He was a 46-year member of the St. John’s United Church of Christ choir where he sang many solos, 41-year member and song leader of the Ontario Lions Club, member of Veterans of Foreign Wars of USA Post #07651, American Legion and the Ohio Pharmacists Association. Buck, a corporal and decorated WWII veteran, was awarded the bronze star for bravery for events in December 1944 as a medic in the U.S. Army’s 80th Infantry Division #313 Field Artillery.
He is survived by his wife, Audrey Weber Blocker; two sons and daughters-in-law, Steve & Joyce Blocker of Westerville, Ohio and Gary & B.J. Blocker of Greensboro, North Carolina; a daughter and son-in-law, Claudia & Terry Bonham of Hilliard, Ohio; six granddaughters, Beth, Jennifer and Emily Blocker and Nicole, Kara and Kylie Bonham; and a sister, Helen Sanders of Cincinnati. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward H. & Meta L. Emmer Blocker; four brothers, James, John, George and Nels Blocker; and four sisters, Jessie Blocker, Iva Wiseman, Addie Blocker and Dorothy Herman.
Friends may call at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. where Lions Club services will be held at 6:45. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. conducted by Rev. Lon McSherley. Military services will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery in Crestline. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. John’s United Church of Christ choir or television ministry.
Richard Waite
1928-2008
MANSFIELD: Richard Earl “Rick” Waite, 79, of Mansfield, died Thursday, February 28, 2008. Rick was born at home to Howard E. and Sophia Kusic Waite in Lansing, Ohio on April 17, 1928. He graduated from Linsly Military Institute in Wheeling, West Virginia in 1946. Rick served three years in the U.S. Army. Two of those years he spent in Korea with the 6th Infantry Division, and 11 months with the 10th Mountain Division in Ft. Carson, Colorado. He attended Ohio University and graduated from Ohio Northern University with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy. He came to Mansfield in 1954 to work for Shaw and Ott Drug and eventually owned and operated the Medical Center Pharmacy at 120 Sturges Ave., and Rick’s Pharmacy at 943 Springmill St., Mansfield. He was a member of the American Pharmacists Association. Rick was the pharmacist’s coordinator for the Sabin Oral Sundays sponsored by the Richland County Health Department. He was a member of the First English Lutheran Church, Mansfield Lodge #35 F& AM, and the Baku Grotto. Rick had been an active, sober member of Alcoholics Anonymous since December 11, 1989.
He is survived by his daughter, Peggy A. Steve Chitwood; grandson, Benjamin D. Morgan; brother, Dennis Kris Waite of Castle Rock, Colorado; sister-in-law, Nancy L. Waite; niece, Jill A. Waite of Mansfield; nephew, Mike Waite; niece, Nancy Elizabeth Waite; and good friends, Becky Shriver and Gary Prinz. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Glenna Baumburger Waite; son, Richard Dennis Waite; and brother, Bruce A. Waite.
Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, February 29, 2008 at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home conducted by Pastor Richard Beal and Rick’s niece, Jill Waite. Burial will follow in Mansfield Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.