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In Memoriam

Brian Alan Trumphour


June 25, 1973 - Aug. 8, 2010

Brian Alan Trumphour age 37, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, Aug. 8, 2010, after a short battle with Leukemia. Born June 25, 1973 to Paul and Juli Trumphour. He graduated from Ellet High School in 1991, where he was a four-year letterman in wrestling. Brian served with the US Army for 12 years. He was the owner of Tri-County Concrete Leveling since 1995. On July 10, 1999, he married the love of his life, Kimberly Nussbaum. Together they had three children, Kevin, Jonathan, and Lauren. Brian was fun to be around, always a comic, and loved his Mustang. He also enjoyed playing pool and with his team took state championship in 2006. Preceded in death by his father-in-law, Chet Nussbaum. Brian is also survived by his brothers, Mark and Dan; mother-in-law, Doris Nussbaum; numerous other family members; and grandparents, Robert and Mary Horvath. Calling hours will be Thursday, 4-8 p.m. at NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, 131 N. Canton Rd., Akron. A graveside service will be held Friday, 10 a.m. at Greenlawn Memorial Park, followed by a memorial service at Grace Bible Church, 5781 Manchester Rd., Akron. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be to the family for his children's college funds. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.NewcomerAkron.com

Ralph A Chomor


October 21, 1949, - June 28, 2009

HARON, Pa. - Ralph A. Chomor, 59, of 470 Thornton St., Sharon, Pa., died at 6:29 p.m. Sunday, June 28, 2009, at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Mr. Chomor was born Oct. 21, 1949, in Sharon, a son of Albert J. and Norma J. McCurdy Chomor.

Ralph was the owner and operator of Blackies Billiards and Side Pocket Cafe.

Survivors include his wife, Jean Yaskulka Chomor; four daughters, Rachel Reichart of Nashville, Tenn., Greta Chomor of Sharon, Pa., and twin daughters, Rose Chomor of Mesa, Ariz., and Ramona Chomor of Gilbert, Ariz.; a stepson, Ed Lisowski of Canfield; three sisters, Sandy Shaffer of Farrell, Pa., Nancy Sheppard of Hermitage, Pa., and Beth Bottenfield of Hermitage; a brother, Alan W. Chomor of Seabrook, N.H.; and four grandchildren.

Joseph Kerr


March 25, 1945 - July 6, 2008

Joseph Kerr, 63, passed away after a long battle with Myasthenia Gravis.

Born March 25, 1945 in Akron, he was a lifelong resident of the area. Mr. Kerr attended Archbishop Hoban High School and was elected onto the All-Inner City Football Team; later he attended the University of Akron. He was Store Manager of Carlton Clothes for 15 years, then became Regional Manager for Nelson Stag Shops of Northeast Ohio. In 1978 Mr. Kerr joined the Men's Professional Billiards Association (MPBA) and won several satellite events such as the 1983 Detroit Open and the 1985 Genesis Classic Champion. In 1980 he founded and became President of Joker Promotions, promoting and/or directing over 250 professional billiard tournaments throughout the world. In 1988 he was elected Executive Director/Secretary Treasurer of the MPBA. In this capacity he represented the top 1,000 players in the World and was a seated board member of the MPBA. In 1990, Mr. Kerr was elected as the U.S.A. Team Captain for the World Billiard Championships held in Bergheim, Germany. In 1991 he became Pro-Tour Coordinator for the Professional Billiards Tour Association. In 2000 Mr. Kerr was inducted into the Canton Sports Hall of Fame as a player and promoter. Mr. Kerr was also Feature Editor of the Pool & Billiard Magazine of Chicago and a Staff Writer for the National Billiard News of Detroit and the Snap Magazine of Tampa, Fla. He was also the House Professional at both Starcher's & Diamond Billiards in Akron. Mr. Kerr was an elected board member for the Ohio Chapter of the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of Canton, Ohio.

Preceded in death by his sister, Virginia Jean Speaks, surviving him are his parents, Leslie and Theresa Kerr of North Canton; his children: daughter, Jodi Noelle Carnathan of Germantown, Tenn., and his son, Joseph Robert Kerr of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Also, his three beloved grandsons, Logan David Blackfan, Carson Jacob Blackfan and Landon Elijah Carnathan, all of Germantown, Tenn.

Mr. Kerr was a lifelong member of St. Paul's Catholic Church in Akron.

Memorials may be made in the name of Joseph Kerr to the Ohio Chapter of the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation, 2907 Lincoln Way E Unit B, Massillon, Ohio 44646. (ADAMS MASON,330-535-9186).

Published in the Akron Beacon Journal on 7/8/2008.

Gerald "Jerry" Baus


April 23, 1954 - May 26, 2008

Gerald "Jerry" Baus, age 54, of Massillon passed away Monday May 26, 2008 at Affinity Medical Campus Doctors Campus. Jerry was born April 23, 1954 in Massillon. For the past 18 years he was employed by Stark Truss. Jerry was in the Massillon Pool League for 36 years, and played softball for the Sportsman's Club. He was a devoted sports fan following the Tigers, Browns and Indians.

Jerry was a tough competitor and fighter in everything he did. He made no exception in his battle with cancer. He started playing at the age of six and had been a Massillon Pool League member for 24 years. He carried an average of over 70% during those years. Jerry was a lifetime resident of Massillon. He graduated from Washington High School in 1972 and was a Sawyer by trade. He was also a Vietnam veteran and served in the Army's elite 82nd Airborne.

Jerry was known as one of the "nice guys" on and off the table. He was respected on the table for his ability and sportsmanship and off the table for his fine character. Incredibly, Jerry missed only five matches in 24 years until his final bout with cancer. Jerry played on several championship teams including the Hideaway and legendary Varsity Tavern teams. He was a 3-time MVP in the Massillon league system, a 2-time 5 & 0 winner and 1-time ERO champion. Jerry placed 3rd in the 1977 McDermott Ohio state 8 ball championship. He won countless local tournaments.

Jerry has been quoted saying, "I live for the game!" There is no doubt Jerry died for the game too. He couldn't play in his weakened state. He is probably racking the balls to play Tom Frank and other good pool playing souls that recently passed. He will be missed.

This article was written by Rich Clark, curtesy of GCABA.

Thomas E. Frank


April 7, 1937 - December 24, 2007

We mourn the loss of a dedicated father, a dear friend and avid pool player. Tom Frank passed away on Monday, December 24, 2007. We will remember him for his honesty and fairness as well as always being willing to lend a helping hand. No matter what we talked to Tom about, he always had a comment, some wisdom or some insight to offer. Actually, Tom's, as well as his team's input, was one of the main reason's we decided to handicap our pool league. He was very concerned that there be a level playing field where the inexperienced players had a chance to win while the better players had to work very hard at winning and not just roll over the rest of the players. We will remember him fondly. He was a very caring and passionate man.

Tom is now playing pool with past legends, keeping his head down and never jumping up on a shot. When not running out perfect racks he's making it on the snap and no one is ever heard telling Tom to hurry up and shoot.

In memory of my Champion, my BCA teammate, we will miss you dearly. It was an absolute honor to know you and have all the memories of a pure class act. You will be greatly missed. It is with great sadness I say goodbye my friend and fellow champion. Kris Campbell. 4/7/37 - 12/24/07 Tom Frank RIP

Dottie Starcher


September 28, 1940 - December 5, 2007

Dottie G. Starcher peacefully went to be with our Lord and Savior on December 5, 2007.

Dottie was born on September 28, 1940 in Richwood, West Virginia and had been a resident of Akron since 1960. She was a very successful business woman in Summit County. Dottie was a co-owner of Starcher Auto Sales, owner of Starcher Billiards and Recreation Center and was listed in the Who's Who for Successful Business Women. She was a loving and devoted daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend to many. Her love for her family made her special to all who knew her.

Dottie was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Alta Collins of Richwood, West Virginia. She is survived by her three loving sons and their families, Billy and Cindy of North Canton and their children, Kristina, William III (Shyloh), Ravyn and Arlin, Tim and Michelle of Akron and their children, Timothy and Alexis, Jim of Copley and his children, James Jr. and Heather; great-grandchildren, Logan and Savannah; Dottie's grandchildren were very treasured gifts; her former husband, William of Akron; her sisters, Hallie Vance, Susan (Alfred) Hagy of Richwood, West Virginia and Shirley (Jack) White of Akron.

Dottie was a very kind and loving person who was generous to strangers. She made everyone's life better by being a part of it. She looked forward to providing free Thanksgiving Dinner at the Billiards to all her patrons and friends for the last 10 years.

To the family of Kathryn L. Dover, our deepest sympathy

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family in their time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. Kathryn L. Dover, age 59, of Canton, OH passed away Sunday, March 30, 2008 peacefully at her residence following a 10 month illness. Kathryn is the wife of Ray Dover, owner of the Loop Cafe of Canton, OH. Ray has been a long supporter of the sport and has sponsored numerous teams in numerous leagues in Canton, OH and the surrounding area. Ray is also a Board Member of the Greater Canton Amateur Billiard Association.

Charles Vandal "Curly" Moon


July 16, 1921 - January 2, 2007

Charles Vandal "Curly" Moon, 85, of Cullman, Ala., died on Tuesday, January 2, 2007 at U.A.B. Hospital. He was born on July 16, 1921, in Cullman, Ala., and then migrated to Akron, Ohio where he resided for over 55 years. He moved back to his hometown of Cullman in 2006. Mr. Moon was a talented musician and in the Ohio Billiard Hall of Fame. He never met a stranger and will be missed by his many friends.