Message Forum

Received this from David Slabaugh :

Hi, I'm posting this announcement from Sam Riney's FB page. He just released another album of his music. I think that all of his work is now available on Spotify and YouTube Music.

Hello everyone. Please forgive this bit of self-promotion.
A previously unreleased contemporary jazz album of mine titled “Joyride” is now available to stream and download on line along with my contemporary jazz back catalogue. You can find it at all of the popular sites.
“Joyride” is mostly my original material as well as “Another Star” by Stevie Wonder and “La, La, La Means I Love You” by the Delfonics. Musicians on “Joyride” include Bubba Bryant, Bob Parr, Mychal Lotz, Stephen Boykin, Rafael Padilla, Dennis Farias, Garnett Brown, Chuck Domanico and Oscar Brashear.
On my previous contemporary jazz albums along with original songs there are songs written by many of my friends including Kurt Farquhar, Eddie Arkin, Jason Miles, Lenny White, Dave Benoit, Bob Parr, Paul Chiten, Bill Meyers and Don Grady. Musicians on these albums include Freddie Hubbard, David Benoit, Lenny Castro, Vinnie Colaiuta, Grant Geissman, Paul Jackson Jr. Daryl Jones, Michael Landau, Carlos Vega and Freddie Washington.
If you are interested give a listen and please pass this post on to anyone you think might enjoy listening to this chapter of my career. I was lucky to make cool music with very talented people. Thanks,
Sam Riney

07/19/22 09:41 AM

#355

Wishing everyone a wonderful time at the uocoming mini-reunion. I wish I could be there and I look forward to seeing the pics. Party on!

Debi

07/19/22 06:03 PM

#356

Hi Debi -

We will definately miss seeing you...

Hugs, Janet

07/20/22 11:36 AM

#357

Jimmy Goson

I also wish I could attend the mini reunion. 7-27 is my Mother's 98th birthday and I have a gig on 7-31. So, have some wine for me and end with a trip to SkyWay! Have fun.

07/21/22 10:16 AM

#358

Sorry to be missing the mini runion....wish I could be there. Plese take oictures snd post for those of us who cant be there. I know yas willl have a GREAT time.

Donie

04/04/24 10:18 AM

#359

I received the following from Jerry (Jake) Wood regarding his brother, Ralph

Ralph F. Wood, age 93, passed away Friday, March 29, 2024 at the Justin T. Rogers Hospice Center after a period of declining health. Ralph was born November 15, 1930 in Akron and was a lifelong area resident. He graduated from East High School in the Class of 1948 and attended the University of Akron where he lettered on the rifle team. Ralph worked for 43 years for the F.W. Albrecht Grocery Company, opening and managing the Montrose Acme. He was a charter and proud member of the Copley Lions Club, now the Copley Norton Lions Club. Ralph was an avid golfer and pool player, and each of those friends held a special place in his heart. He enjoyed a good card game with family and friends. He was a fan of Ohio sports teams. Ralph is preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Helen Wood, his siblings, Dora Blaine, Charles Wood, and Joyce George. Ralph is survived by his beloved wife, Doris, his daughters, Jean (Scott) Spessard, Joan (Tom) Grinder, Jayme Osborn, and Lisa (Byron) Arledge; six grandchildren, James (Courtney) Wright, Kelsey Wright, Mackenzie Spessard, Kyle Spessard, Andrea Grinder and Tommy Grinder. He also leaves his siblings, Jerry (Linda) Wood, and Donna Quiesenberry; and numerous nieces, nephews, good friends, and neighbors. Ralph impacted his family and friends with a constant love that inspired us all. He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Fairlawn. Friends may call Friday, April 5th from 5-7PM at the Rose Hill Funeral Home, 3653 W. Market St. in Akron, where the memorial service will begin at 7PM. Rev. Dr. Lisa Arledge and Rev. Dr. Byron Arledge will concelebrate. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to American Diabetes Association, PO Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116, or to the Copley Norton Lions Club, 952 Wallwood Dr., Copley, Ohio 44321. Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.rosehillbp.com Posted online on April 01, 2024 Akron Beacon Journal.

04/05/24 09:10 AM

#360

Thank you for letting us know Janet. Jerry, my sincere condolences on the loss of your brother. I remember him and the day that Acme Montrose opened. He truly made that store successful and was always friendly. May he rest in peace. Much love to you, Debi

04/05/24 11:44 AM	#361
Roxana Origlio Jerry, I saw the obit in the ABJ, I remembered him as the nice manager for so many years at Acme, but I never knew he was your brother. My sincere condolences, he was a great guy❣️

04/06/24 12:10 PM

#362

Colleen Thomas (Cunnane)

Jerry, so sorry for your loss. I didn't know you brother but I hope you have nothin' but good memories to carry you thru' your grief 💔

01/27/25 04:30 PM

#363

Ernie Benton

On the hunt for pics of our original 1969 CHS graduation jackets. In the process of designing a reproduction of the original one. Any photos would be awesome. I do not have group FBook so if anyone can help?...please send any pictures to my new email...Thank you so much. Ernie

I have prototype pics in my photos..trying to be accurate as possible..Hope to have it fabricated..

Finished my custom Copley High School jacket. A lot of research & help from classmates.1969, and fortunate to have a piece of Skyway.

01/28/25 08:46 AM

#364

Hey Ernine,

Gary still has his original coat, I would reach out to him. I regret ever selling my majorette coat! Hope all is well,

Debi

05/03/25 08:36 PM

#365

Jerry (Jake) Wood

CMD+V

CLASS OF 69

Rick Morgan, 73, of Akron passed away after a lengthy illness May 1 surrounded by family. Rick was a graduate of Copley High School and the University of Akron. He retired from Giant Eagle after many years in the grocery industry.

Rick is survived by his wife of 50 years, Paula, his daughter Elizabeth(Jason) Heller of Fairport Harbor, and his son Lucas(Jill) Morgan of Cuyahoga Falls. He will be missed by his grandchildren, Zachary(Sarah) Heller, Ryan Heller, Audrey Heller, Alexis Stewart, and Alyssa Morgan. He also leaves behind brothers Jerry (Kathy) Morgan, Timothy (Colette) Morgan and sisters Susan Morgan and Deborah (Mark) Blewitt.

There will be no services per Rick’s request. Condolences may be shared online at www.heritagecremationsociety.com

Rip Rick ..Original member of the Bachlors VI......

J J Wood

03/12/26 07:52 PM

#366

Jerry (Jake) Wood

Gary Lynn Madden

Listen to Obituary

Gary Madden, 74, of Cuyahoga Falls, passed away peacefully surrounded by those who loved him most on February 22, 2026 after a brief illness.

Gary graduated from Copley High School in 1969 before obtaining a degree from the University of Akron. He worked at Sears Roebuck & Co. for 35 years, starting out in the stock room and working up to management. He met the love of his life at work early in his career, a cute apparel associate in Ladies’ Fashions named Jennifer, who would become his wife and the mother of his two children. Never one to stay off of his feet for long, Gary got a job at Levinson’s Uniforms shortly after retiring from Sears, and had worked there ever since 2012.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Elsie (Bumgardner) Madden.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years Jennifer (Pesich) Madden, daughter Stephanie, son Eric and wife Catrina, grandson Ethan, step-grandson Chase Steiner, “grand pets” Pixie, Blue, and Fitz, 9 nieces and nephews and their spouses, and numerous great-nieces and nephews.

Gary made lifelong friends while working at Sears, and while playing softball with and member of “The Bachelor 6” for many years around the Akron area. He loved planning family vacations to Myrtle Beach, Ocean Isle, and a variety of fun weekend getaways each year when his children were young. Gary enjoyed golf and never missed a “Peasant Invitational” tournament during the last 45 years. He also enjoyed bowling with his family and even spent many years on a bowling league with his wife and son. Gary loved watching and talking about sports, especially all Cleveland teams and Duke men’s basketball. He always looked forward to “Thursday Night Lights” with his son, where they’d watch games and discuss their fantasy leagues. Tending to his yard and DIY home projects were also passions of his.

A Celebration of Life will take place on April 24th, 2026 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at Silver Lake Country Club, located at 1325 Graham Rd, Silver Lake, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making contributions to Red Door Animal Shelter, 2410 W. Lunt, Chicago, IL 60645 www.reddoorshelter.org.

06/11/26 04:04 PM

#367

So...we are all going to meet at Stan Hywet???? Thanks Janet for planning a safe get together for all of us but Im really disappointed we wont be sky diving again or doing a zip line experience!

Cant wait to see everyone

Donie Stump Parker

07/11/26 01:59 PM

#368

Diane Klespies (Uithoven)

Hey everybody

Just sent out an email to the class that SkyWay is closing. Let's share some memories...

i met my husband, Tom, at SkyWay in 1967. Coincidence...today, July 11, is our anniversary and today SkyWay is closing.

I've never been a fan of burgers so I would order a "Chip Chop Cheese with Ham (yes, that was the way I would order it), mushrooms and a Cherry, Orange Ginger Ale. Whenever Tommy Large was working he always knew it was my order. HaHaHa

07/12/26 09:00 PM

#369

Skyway:

Remember "The Rent A Cop"? He'd tell you to move and you'd "back in" on the other side! So many memories. My fav were the deep fried mushrooms.....I think that was what they were! Too many years ago. Was hoping they'd be there end of July 😢

07/12/26 09:05 PM

#370

Diane

Ah, yes, Ben the Rent-A-Cop. 😂

07/13/26 08:52 AM

#371

I actually thought this was a meme when I first read it online, how could Skyway be closing forever?? I do hope they share some of their recipies with all of us. I remember reading somewhere that they put grape jelly in their burgers? I would always get a burger, fried mushrooms and a Californina. Looking for guys was always a high priority along with going there after the football games! Wasn't there a nerdy guy named Larry or something like that who end up being a manager at one point? Another piece of history gone, it has been there our entire lives which is quite an accomplishment at this age. Happy Birthday everyone I will miss seeing you at the party !

07/13/26 05:00 PM

#372

So sad......After moving away Skyway was the first place I went when returning home for a visit. I sure will miss making the visit the end of this month and it wont be there. I always ordered a sky-high, sauerkraut balls and a california, many favorite times cruising there in highschool. Especially........ when Dave would let me drive his bright orange camero around while he was at work.

08/12/26 04:31 PM

#373

Just had to post this. SkyWay pins Ernie Benton had made & sent me. Aren't they great? Such a nice surprise. The two black & white pins have "class of 1969" on them. THANKS again Ernie!

08/13/26 09:02 AM

#374

Janet, these are so cool, nice surprise! Good job Ernie and the perfect thank you since we all basically lived at Skyway every weekend

08/13/26 12:20 PM

#375

Michael Larson

Nice work Ernie. Very nice.

08/13/26 06:21 PM

#376

Ernie Benton

Finished Copley High School 1969 jacket, Custom made.. a lot of help from classmates .
Also thanks to classmates compliments on the Skyaway pins , for Janet.

08/13/26 10:24 PM

#377