HUBBARD Norman Paul Kerester, Sr., 76, of Hubbard, died Monday, April 2, 2007 at Hospice House in Poland after a two-month battle with lung cancer. Norman was born August 28, 1930, in Youngstown, the son of Steven and Catherine Megla Kerester.

A lifelong area resident, he graduated from Chaney High School in 1949, and served his country as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps, training soldiers in artillery at Camp Lejeune, N.C. during the Korean War.

Norman worked as a supervisor 31 years for Republic Steel /LTV, retiring in 1985, then worked maintenance for local nursing homes in the Horizon Health Care system. He was a member of St. Patrick Church in Hubbard. Mr. Kerester, who was considered a major league prospect by the St. Louis Cardinals baseball organization in his youth, remained a lifelong fan and supporter of many local high school and college sports teams, the Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Browns.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, the former Dorathe Jane Grubb, whom he married April 5, 1952; two sons, Norman, Jr.(Darlene M.) Kerester of Struthers and David Kerester of Hubbard; two grandchildren, Matthew and Nicole; and a sister, Cathy Easton of Youngstown.

Norman was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Irene Jakubec and Louise Terrigno.

There will be services Thursday at 1:00 p.m. at the Kelley-Robb Funeral Home in Hubbard, where friends and family may call one hour prior to the service from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.

Please visit www.kelley-robb.com to view this obituary and to send condolences to the family.

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