Mary Papiska Near 94 of Akron, formerly of Kent and Ravenna, died Saturday, November 15, 2014 at the Hospice Care Center in Copley. She was born December 1, 1919 in Kent, OH to Thomas and Carmella (Donoto) Pizzute. Mary retired from Ravenna City Schools as a Cook and had worked at the GE Plant in Ravenna. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, Infant of Prague Guild, Young at Heart and the Italian American Ladies Auxiliary. Survivors include her daughter Linda (Bruce) May of Copley, son Anthony (Betsy) Papiska, Jr. of Edinburg, stepdaughter Janet (Carman) Mazza of Niles, stepson William C. Near III of Niles, 12 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and a brother Patsy Pizzute of Brimfield. She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Anthony Papiska, Sr in 1971, second husband William C. Near II in 1998, sister Ann Pizzute and brothers Anthony, Joe, Louis and Jim Pizzute. Calling hours will be from 4 - 6 PM Tuesday, November 18, 2014 at Shorts Spicer Crislip Funeral Home Ravenna Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 AM Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at Immaculate Conception Church with Father William B. Kraynak officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery in Ravenna. The family would like to Thank the staff at the Inn at Coalridge and Akron General ICU and Hospice for their loving care.
