Rosemary Joan (Gersna) Mileski

Rosemary Joan (Gersna) Mileski
July 1, 1930 - January 29, 2025

Rosemary Joan (Gersna) Mileski, age 94, of Akron, OH, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. She was born on July 1, 1930, in Washington, PA, to Cyril and Rose Gersna. As a young child, Rosemary moved with her family to Akron, where she attended Annunciation and Robinson Grade Schools and graduated from East High School. She later worked at the Firestone Tire & Rubber Company.

Rosemary was a devout and active member of St. Paul Catholic Church for over 50 years, after previously being a member of St. John the Baptist Parish. At St. Paul's, where her leadership inspired many to volunteer, she was an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, altar server for funerals, and a Sacristan. Rosemary was deeply involved with the St. Paul Booster Club supporting her children's sports activities and also with the Ladies Guild, where she was past president and named Woman of the Year in 2004. She chaired many activities with her favorite being a Polka Mass.

In addition to her dedication to St. Paul's, Rosemary was an active member of the Knights of Columbus Women's Council 3410, where she served as a former president and was honored as Woman of the Year in 2002. She also volunteered for the Council's fish fries. Rosemary was proud of her Slovak heritage and belonged to several organizations, including the Slovak Catholic Sokol, the First Catholic Slovak Union, the Polish Roman Catholic Union, and the Acotsa Club. She was also a member of the Firestone Park Prime Timers.

Known for her culinary talents, Rosemary was an excellent baker and cook, running a successful catering business for many years. She loved spending time with family and friends, whether through golfing, bowling, playing cards, or working on her crocheting and quilting. Rosemary also made hundreds of rosaries for various organizations.

Rosemary is survived by her children, Michael Mileski (Sara), Mary Cutter, Stephen Mileski, Susan Modzeleski (Tom McGuire), and Joan Hinkle (Mark); daughter-in-law Kari Mileski; grandchildren, Michael Modzeleski (Ali), Thresa Slusher (Dean), Jack Hinkle, and Julia Cutter; and her sister, Alice Luxeder Robb (Jim).

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Arthur Mileski; son, Robert Mileski; brother, Charles Gersna; and sister, Margaret Hreha.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1580 Brown Street, Akron, OH, on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., where the family will receive friends at the church beginning at 9:30 a.m. The Mass will also be live-streamed on https://vimeo.com/event/4882362
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, c/o St. Paul Catholic Church, 433 Mission Drive, Akron, OH 44301.

Arrangements are being handled by Anthony Funeral Home.