Anthony James Reto

Anthony James "AJ" Reto, 89, of Stow, died Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at Akron City Hospital Medical Center. He was born October 2, 1920 in Youngstown to Thomas and Catherine (Barber) Reto. He was a veteran of the Coast Guard during the World War II where he served for four and a half years. He received Bachelor's Degrees from Kent State University in Business and Education. While at KSU he was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity (where he was the oldest KSU chapter member). He retired as Vice President of Sales for Hamilton-Kent Manufacturing where he had worked for 32 years. He was the recipient of the Robert R. Litehiser Award from American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) in 1992. He had been a member of Kent Rotary, Kent JayCees, Kent American Legion, and Ducks Unlimited. He enjoyed fishing (especially fly fishing), gardening, canning his hot peppers, and watching his grandchildren play sports. He is survived by his wife, Geraldine (Ivy), whom he had been married for 54 years; children Shelly (Pat) Paul of Tallmadge, Anthony Reto of Kent, and Lee Ann James of Medina; grandchildren, Jason, Ryan (fiance, Natalie), Adam, Evan, Tim, Matt, and Jake; and brother, John (Renee) Reto of Youngstown. He was preceded in death by his sister, Ann Riccardi; brothers, Joe, Tom, and Micky; his fishing buddies and his coffee buddies; and many special friends and neighbors. The family will receive friends from 5-8 P.M. Thursday, March 18th at Bissler & Sons Funeral Home in Kent. Private graveside services will be held at Standing Rock Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Ducks Unlimited Memorial Contributions, One Waterfowl Way, Memphis, TN 38120.