Donald R. Slaby

Donald Raymond Slaby 76, of Rock Creek, Ohio, passed away on October 24, 2025 in his home. Don was born November 17, 1948 in Bedford, Ohio. He was the son of Joan Stock and Raymond Slaby (stepmother Ema Romito). Don married Grace (née van Horn) on July 31, 1987 and they cherished each other for 41 years. Don joined the United States Army in 1967 and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He continued his service as District Commander for post 4953 until he retired from the Veterans Service Commission. Don had a multifaceted employment history, including 14 years at Lincoln Electric, masonry, and operating a chimney sweep business. He loved his community and served for many years on the Library Board, and as Rock Creek Village Mayor for 8 years. In years past, you could regularly find him at the local VFW post telling war stories over a beer (and maybe a burger, too). Don loved hunting and fishing with his grandchildren. He had an affinity for vehicles and particularly loved traveling on his motorcycle. Don was especially close with his grandson David, with whom he taught many life lessons and mentored through cub scouts. He loved baking and cooking, and could often be found in the winter months sitting doing a jigsaw puzzle or a word search. Don is survived by his wife, Grace, sister, Marcia Romito, children Anna (David Weinhardt) and Jessie Slaby (Mike Podgorski), Dawn Leary, Deanna Ashba (Ed Jewett), Faith (Allen) Stooksbury, Joseph (Pam) Forristal, Vernon (Mandi) Forristal, Matthew (Amanda) Forristal, Keith (Pamela) Forristal, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, children Darcy Slaby, Donald Slaby Jr., David Slaby, daughter Jennell Forristal, sister and brother-in-law Karen (Ray) Collins, and grandson Alex Forristal.

A funeral service officiated by Fr. John Ettinger will take place at the Paine Funeral Home, Inc., 140 E. Main Street, Orwell, OH 44076 on Friday, October 31, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. US Army Honors and burial will follow at Rock Creek Union Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ashtabula County Animal Protective League. Condolences may be made at painefuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald R. Slaby, please visit our floral store.