Roy B. Gelonese

SILVER LAKE - Roy B. Gelonese, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle, died on March 24, 2024, at the age of 87, surrounded by his loving family.

Roy was born in Youngstown, Ohio, on November 25, 1936, to Roy T. and Helen Gelonese. He worked as an optician since he was a young man, and later was the owner of Ellet Eye Care, along with his wife, Pam, and their daughter, Nikki, for over 20 years.

Roy was proud of his Italian heritage and often cooked for his family. Eggplant parmesan was his specialty. He also enjoyed gardening where his prized possession were his fig trees. He used the figs to make a delicious fig brandy. He was an accomplished musician, playing the accordion with several groups, including Roy and the Hungarians, I Guardliardi, and others. A devout Catholic, Roy was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Stow for 45 years, where he just recently joined the Knights of Columbus.

Roy loved his family and Hilton Head Island vacations, walking the beach, sitting with his kids and grandkids, and swimming at the pool. He was also a fan of boxing. He loved Saturday night boxing matches where family and friends gathered for fellowship and to see his hometown hero Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his devoted wife, Pam (Harrison), to whom he would have celebrated 59 years of marriage on April 5, 2024; his children, Michael Gelonese, Christine Gelonese, Nikki Gelonese (Terri), LaShawn Fergus (Chris), and Thomas Gelonese (Theresa); grandchildren, Cameron, Thomas, Nicholas, Natalie, Jessica, Katy, and Christopher, and sisters, Michalene Smallwood (Bob), Kathrine Martin, and Rosemary Crown.

Calling hours will be held at Redmon Funeral Home, 3633 Darrow Road, Stow 44224, on Thursday, April 4, 2024, from 6 - 8 PM, where a Rosary Service, led by the Knights of Columbus, will be held at 7:30 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, April 5, 2024, at 11 AM, at Holy Family Parish, 3179 Kent Road, Stow 44224.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Holy Family Parish or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital , 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

A special thank you to Summa’s Critical Care Unit for the outstanding care and compassion they showed Roy and his family - especially Savannah, Lauren, and Marla.