The Greater Youngstown Monitoring Association would like to pay tribute to the following club members and GYMA friends. It was their passion for and knowledge of the hobby which made the GYMA a great resource for anyone in the hobby.

Robin Birkholtz, KC8OEN (2008)

BOARDMAN – Robin W. Birkholtz, 51, of Boardman, passed away March 28, 2008 at The Cleveland Clinic after a courageous battle with a long illness. He leaves a brother, David, and two nephews, Adam and Paul, all from the Sandusky area, and a sister, Susan, from Chicago.

Robin was born Oct. 31, 1951 in Youngstown, Ohio. His father was Robert Elmer Birkholtz, who died in August of 1991, and his mother was Donna Jean Birkholtz, who died in February of 2008.

Robin graduated from Youngstown South High School in 1974 and attended Youngstown State University. He also completed a variety of technical coursework throughout his career as a local dispatcher, emergency medical technician and paramedic.

After being honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force in 1985, Robin worked for several emergency medical service companies in the area before joining St. Elizabeth’s Hospital’s emergency room department as an aide.

Robin was an active member of the local amateur radio community; his FCC call sign was KC8OEN. He was a member of The Mahoning Valley Amateur Radio Association, The Greater Youngstown Monitoring Association, The Greater Youngstown Italian Fest Committee, and was a volunteer for the Mahoning County Emergency Management Agency. Robin also was a former member of the 20/9 Radio Club and the International Fire Photographer Association. Robin was an avid fire photographer and received many awards for his photos.

A memorial service for both Robin and his mother will be held at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, Poland on Saturday, April 19 at 3 p.m. Friends will be received one hour prior to the memorial service.

Jack Matesevac, KB8GDW (2008)

WARREN – A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday at 432 Struthers-Coitsville Road in Lowellville for John H. “Jack” Matesevac,who died Thursday, Jan. 24, at his home. He was born Oct. 1, 1959 in Campbell to John F. and Ellen Jones Matesevac. He was a graduate of Campbell Memorial High School in 1978. He served in the U.S. Army from 1985 to 1986 as a Communications Specialist and was a member of the Amateur Radio Association. Surviving are his father, John of Struthers; a sister, Mary Kay Matesevac of Warren; a brother, Christopher Matesevac of Lowellville; three nieces; and three nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ellen; and a sister, Lisa Marie. Arrangements are being made by Kirila Funeral Home, Inc., in Struthers. 2-1-08

Bob Bradford (2006)
Former GYMA member Bob Bradford, N8REO, passed away on January 7, 2006.

Ron Novak, Sr. (2005)
Ron Novak, Sr. passed away Monday morning February 28, 2005 from a sudden heart attack. Ron Sr. was often an unofficial attendee of our meetings during the time we held them at his house. He will be missed. Our condolences to Ron Jr. and his family.

Joe Falcony (2004)
Former GYMA member Joe Falcony, KB8RGC, passed away on Tuesday August 31st, 2004. Joe was interested in all types of communications monitoring and was a member of the Mahoning Valley Amateur Radio Association. He was also a retired Youngstown Firefighter.

John Hurni (2004)
John Hurni, KC8NLW, lost his fight against bone cancer. John passed away during the evening hours of August 11, 2004 at his home in Rome, OH. John was an active club member before his illness got the best of him. He was a member of the Mahoning Valley Amateur Radio Association. John enjoyed both talking on the radio as well as fixing them. He could always be counted on to give you the latest updates on the war to ban scanners. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Our condolences to Bev Hurni and her family.

Carmen 'Skip' Renda (1996)
Carmen 'Skip' Renda, KD8UU, was born May 22, 1950. He graduated from Ursuline in 1968 and went on to attend YSU. He was a police officer for the Youngstown Police Department and the Youngstown State University Police Department for 21 years. Skip was an active member locally in the 20/9 and MVARA and nationally in the ARRL. Skip suffered a fatal heart attack while working security for a Youngsown State University Football game. Our condolences to his wife and family.

Bob Klenotic (1996)
Former GYMA Member Bob Klenotic passed away February 19, 1996.