Bernard Joseph McNelis

Bernard Joseph McNelis, age 71, passed away unexpectedly on October 15, 2013. He was welcomed into Heaven by his parents, Frank and Dottie McNelis; his siblings, Richard McNelis and Dorothea Glott; his sister-in-law, Fran McNelis; and his grandson, Jacob Brooker.

Bernard was born on June 10, 1942 in Pittsburgh, Pa., and raised in California, Pa. He entered the Navy in 1960, serving during the Cuban Missile Crisis of October 1962 through 1964. Shortly thereafter he met his wife, Sharon Ann Wentzell, and they married on January 8, 1966. They had two children, Lori and Timothy, and they lived in Newton Falls, Ohio until 2008. Bernard worked at General Motors’ Lordstown plant from 1966 to 2000. As a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Uniontown, Bernard was devoted to his faith, his church and helping many members in his community. He adored spending time with his family and friends, and participating as a member of Legion Post 236 in Newton Falls, as well as Knights of Columbus Council 14959. Due to his generous and kind spirit, he never met a stranger. He would truly do anything, for anyone, at any time. He would never expect recognition. Bernard also enjoyed working on cars for family and friends. Attending car shows was a favorite past time, along with golfing with his buddies.

Bernard is survived and sadly missed by his wife, Sharon; children, Lori Brooker (Brian Platt), Timothy (Marcia) McNelis; grandchildren, Kaitlin, Nicholas, Andrea (William Bartos) and Michael; siblings and in-laws, Patricia (Jim) Hutchinson, Rita Sloan, David (Darice) McNelis, Michael McNelis, and Tony Glott; several nieces and nephews; as well as his beloved four-legged daughter, Lola-Belle.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, 10:30 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 2952 Edison St. NW, Uniontown, Ohio 44685, with Father John Zapp presiding. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Mogadore, where military honors will be conducted by Firestone VFW Post 3383. The family will receive friends at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home, 547 Canton Road, Akron, Ohio 44312, from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, where a prayer service will take place at 7:30 p.m. Further visitation at the funeral home Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m., followed by a procession to the church for the Funeral Mass.