1936
Edwin
2014
Edwin "Sonny" A. Chinowth
February 26, 1936 — February 16, 2014
POLAND - Edwin "Sonny" Arthur Chinowth, 77, succumbed to cancer at Hospice House, surrounded by his family on Feb. 16, 2014.
Sonny was born Feb. 26, 1936, in Youngstown, the son of B. Edwin and Mildred Chinowth.
A life-long resident of Poland, Sonny graduated from Poland Seminary High School in 1954.
After graduation, he joined the U.S. Coast Guard and was honorably discharged in 1962. While serving, he was a member of the Alaska Bering Sea Patrol.
Not only did Sonny work at General Fireproofing Company for 26 years, he was also a Volunteer Fireman at the Poland Fire Department from 1959 to present. He was a Poland Township Fire Prevention Officer from 1968 to 1978, Zoning Inspector for Poland Township from 1983 to 1998, and was the Fire Chief from 1978 to 1997. However, today, he is still remembered and referred to as "Chief" by many friends and fellow firefighters.
Sonny was a member of the American Legion, the Salvation Army Advisory Board, and a Ronald McDonald House Volunteer. In 2006, The American Red Cross honored him as a "Hero of The Mahoning Valley." Sonny was a former member of Chiefs & International Association of Arson Investigators and County Arson Task Force Board of Directors.
An active member of the Poland United Methodist Church, Sonny served as a Trustee, Usher, member of the Church Council, and the Wednesday Men's Breakfast Club.
Sonny enjoyed spending time with his family, camping, traveling, and doing any activity with his wife, Nancy. He had an exceptional sense of humor and always stood out in his bright colored outfits. Sonny was respected and admired for his strength, bravery, and kind heart. He was a four-time cancer survivor, veteran, and a leader in his community.
He is loved and missed by his wife of 52 years, Nancy P. (Yard) Chinowth; daughters, Lori (Chris) Jackson of Cincinnati and Cheryl Livingston of Tampa; a son, Bruce Chinowth of Kennewick; 12 grandchildren, Amanda, Aly, Brianna, Matthew, Emily, Elyse, Camber, Stormie, Joey, Jennifer, Eric, and Taylor; and three great-grandchildren, Cash, Cayhl, and Brooke.
Besides his parents, Sonny was preceded in death by his son, Eddie Chinowth.
Sonny's family wants to extend special thanks to the Western Reserve Joint Fire District, Hospice House, and his wonderful neighbors and friends for their boundless help and support.
Funeral services will be held Friday, Feb. 21, at 11 a.m. at the Poland United Methodist Church with Pastor Michael Grant officiating.
Interment will follow at Poland Riverside Cemetery.
Family and friends will be received Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, Poland and Friday from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at the church.
The family requests that any gifts please take the form of donations to the Western Reserve Joint Fire District, 111 South Main St., Poland, OH 44514 or to Hospice of the Valley, Hospice House, 9803 Sharrott Road, Poland, OH 44514.
Sonny was born Feb. 26, 1936, in Youngstown, the son of B. Edwin and Mildred Chinowth.
A life-long resident of Poland, Sonny graduated from Poland Seminary High School in 1954.
After graduation, he joined the U.S. Coast Guard and was honorably discharged in 1962. While serving, he was a member of the Alaska Bering Sea Patrol.
Not only did Sonny work at General Fireproofing Company for 26 years, he was also a Volunteer Fireman at the Poland Fire Department from 1959 to present. He was a Poland Township Fire Prevention Officer from 1968 to 1978, Zoning Inspector for Poland Township from 1983 to 1998, and was the Fire Chief from 1978 to 1997. However, today, he is still remembered and referred to as "Chief" by many friends and fellow firefighters.
Sonny was a member of the American Legion, the Salvation Army Advisory Board, and a Ronald McDonald House Volunteer. In 2006, The American Red Cross honored him as a "Hero of The Mahoning Valley." Sonny was a former member of Chiefs & International Association of Arson Investigators and County Arson Task Force Board of Directors.
An active member of the Poland United Methodist Church, Sonny served as a Trustee, Usher, member of the Church Council, and the Wednesday Men's Breakfast Club.
Sonny enjoyed spending time with his family, camping, traveling, and doing any activity with his wife, Nancy. He had an exceptional sense of humor and always stood out in his bright colored outfits. Sonny was respected and admired for his strength, bravery, and kind heart. He was a four-time cancer survivor, veteran, and a leader in his community.
He is loved and missed by his wife of 52 years, Nancy P. (Yard) Chinowth; daughters, Lori (Chris) Jackson of Cincinnati and Cheryl Livingston of Tampa; a son, Bruce Chinowth of Kennewick; 12 grandchildren, Amanda, Aly, Brianna, Matthew, Emily, Elyse, Camber, Stormie, Joey, Jennifer, Eric, and Taylor; and three great-grandchildren, Cash, Cayhl, and Brooke.
Besides his parents, Sonny was preceded in death by his son, Eddie Chinowth.
Sonny's family wants to extend special thanks to the Western Reserve Joint Fire District, Hospice House, and his wonderful neighbors and friends for their boundless help and support.
Funeral services will be held Friday, Feb. 21, at 11 a.m. at the Poland United Methodist Church with Pastor Michael Grant officiating.
Interment will follow at Poland Riverside Cemetery.
Family and friends will be received Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, Poland and Friday from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at the church.
The family requests that any gifts please take the form of donations to the Western Reserve Joint Fire District, 111 South Main St., Poland, OH 44514 or to Hospice of the Valley, Hospice House, 9803 Sharrott Road, Poland, OH 44514.
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