Samuel Raddish

Samuel “Gramps” Raddish, 102, was joyfully reunited with his beautiful bride Josephine, on July 22, 2015. 

Born February 9, 1913, in Akron, Ohio, through the years, Sam was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His family moved to Mogadore in 1919, where he walked the mile to school, or occasionally got a ride on a hay wagon or via horse and buggy. At Mogadore High School, Sam captained the football team and despite his small stature, was recruited by Pitt. 

After high school, he began a long career of hard work in “the shop” at General Tire and Rubber Company as shop assistant, fixing machines and tools that kept the factory running. Forty-five years later he would retire as the shop’s leader. He married the love of his life, Josephine Oklyesha, on July 31, 1937, and together they raised five children in the home where Sam grew up. His roots were deep in the village and he joined the Mogadore Fire Department in 1953 and served for over two decades and for many years, he was the only street department worker. 

The current softball field came to be with his efforts, using the village equipment and he was also a major contributor toward the creation of the high school football field. His love for the Mogadore Wildcats was well known throughout the village and he was a regular attendee of the football games proudly wearing his green and white, and was named the “Wildcat’s #1 Fan.” Sam was the patriarch of the Raddish family, his true devotion. His love--hallmarked by a beaming smile or act of kindness--was felt through several generations, all of whom spent countless days at the “Raddish Patch” enjoying holiday gatherings including traditional and Serbian Orthodox Christmases, resulting Euchre tournaments, cousins’ gift exchanges, tetherball, the garden, wiffle ball games, hopscotch, basketball, Sunday lunches, and many parties for no reason, save family and friends. 

He shared his cooking expertise with many and was an avid reader and Scrabble player who scored over 300 points regularly, until the night before he passed away peacefully, surrounded by loving family. In his later years, “Gramps” enjoyed his daily lunch outings, especially to the Mogadore DQ. He loved to sit on his swing and watch the birds, deer and the “crick” or pond where he’d fished as a boy. 

“Gramps” is preceded in death by his wonderful wife of 68 years, Josephine, sister, Helen Iezzi, brother, John Raddish, and grandson, Scott Long. He is survived by his children, June Long, Carole (Tom) Adolph, John (Deborah) Raddish, Michael Raddish, Judy (Kenny) Gerstenslager; grandchildren, Mike, Andy (Shannon), and Joe (Krista) Adolph, Kristen (Dale) Handley, Rob Raddish, Leah (Jake) Lorz, Kelly (Ed) Muse, Stephanie Raddish, John, Matt (Brittany), and Erik Gerstenslager; and great-grandchildren, Nathan and Lauren Adolph, Lexie, Connor, Kyle, and Cole Handley, Owen Gerstenslager, and baby Adolph on the way. 

Anyone who knew Sam “Gramps” Raddish, knew him to be a loving, kind and wise man who cared deeply about family and community. His presence will be missed by many, but his memory lives on through the countless lives he touched during his 102 years on this earth. The family offers a special thanks to Pastor Kris Hawk, Dr. Brad Crombie and staff, Dr. Roger Chaffee and staff, and Summa Hospice. 

Family and friends will be received 3-8 p.m. Tuesday at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home, 34 S. Cleveland Avenue (Route 532), MOGADORE, Ohio 44260. Additional parking will be available at the high school football practice field off Pearl Avenue. Private graveside services and burial at Greenwood Cemetery at the family’s convenience. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Mogadore Athletic Department, 1 S. Cleveland Ave., Mogadore, OH 44260, the Mogadore Fireman Association or Mogadore Policeman Association, 135 S. Cleveland Ave., Mogadore, OH 44260. 

** PLEASE NOTE ** Additional parking will be available at the high school football practice field off Pearl Avenue (located directly behind the funeral home). We are asking that those who are able please use this parking lot so that we may save the spaces closer to the building for those that are not able to walk as far. Our parking lot attendants will help guide you. We thank you in advance for your help in this matter.