Clement 'Kelly' Marion, Masury, Oh, passed away peacefully at 4:15 a.m. Tuesday (4-17-12) in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System of natural causes with his son at his side. He was 98.
He was born on November 22, 1913 in Sharon the son of Sylvester and Eva Zoashn Marion.
Kelly, as he was known by his friends and family was a lifelong area resident who attended both Brookfield and Sharon elementary schools.
He was employed for more than thirty years at the former Sharon Steel Corporations Farrell plant where he was a slitter helper in the coating department.
He was a member of Church of the Notre Dame, Hermitage, and was a past member of the former Romanian Orthodox Church, and Romanian Club, both in Farrell.
In years past he enjoyed bowling on Saturday mornings with his fellow employees from Sharon Steel at Sunset Bowling Lanes, Farrell. He was a member of the North Coast P.T. Cruiser Group, Cleveland, Oh. An ardent fan of the Pittsburgh black and gold teams, he also loved watching his Fighting Irish of Notre Dame, and the Ohio State Buckeyes football teams, especially their marching bands. He enjoyed traveling to Chicago and to the Blossom Music Center for summer concerts in Cuyahoga Falls, OH.
He loved tending to his home and garden and he enjoyed observing nature and wildlife around his home. His gardens were full of vegetables and flowers through the years and he loved watching the humming birds and riding his John Deer tractor. In his early years he enjoyed the sounds of the Big Band era and he would attend live performances at the former Idora Park, the Elms, and Yankee Lake Ballrooms.
He was a decorated veteran of WWII having served with the United States Army under General George S Patton and with Audie Murphy. Upon his honorable discharge he received several medals and citations for his brave service in the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign, including two Purple Hearts for injuries received in North Africa, and Italy.
His wife the former Lucy R. Ritch whom he married November 12, 1955, passed away on June 13, 2000.
He is survived by his son Clement Paul "Clem" Marion, a sister Valeria 'Rae' Bires, Mercer, one brother, John Marion and his wife Bonnie, Kathleen, Florida, and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his four sisters, Anna Bires Jr., Florence Bertolasio, Mary Yonek, and an infant sister Annie Marion, and one infant brother, Johnnie Marion.
His son would like to thank the physicians, nurses, therapist, and home health care providers associated with the Sharon Regional Health System for their dedicated services and concerns.
In lieu of flowers, his family suggests that anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution in his memory to please consider the Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation 4370 Tujunga Avenue, Suite 330 Studio City, CA 91604 , or the Alzheimer's Assoc. , 311 Arsenal St. Watertown, MA. 02472, or to a military organization of their choice.
Calling hours: Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Friday (4-20-12) in the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. 1090 E. State St. Sharon.
Condolences may be sent to his family by visiting the web site www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com
Services: 11:00 Friday (4-20-12) in the Church of Notre Dame 2325 Highland Road, Hermitage, with Msgr. Edward J. Zeitler, senior associate officiating.
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery, Hermitage, with full military honors rendered by West Middlesex VFW Post 6233 and Wheatland American Legion Post 432 Honor Guard.