Hermine Gentile

Hermine “Helen” Gentile, 89, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, May 12, 2020, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Youngstown. Hermine was born June 7, 1930’ in Straubing, Germany daughter of Joseph Eisenmann and Helena Shuster.
Hermine grew up with her older brother Lampert and sisters Emma and Anna in Atting. She attended volkschule (grade level school) in Atting and graduated in 1944. After World War II and during the reconstruction period that followed, she worked as a professional residential housekeeper in Munich. It was in Munich that she would meet the love of her life, Frank Gentile. At the time, Frank was serving with the U.S. Army while stationed in Stuttgart. After Frank’s discharge from service, Hermine then moved to America and more specifically Youngstown, Ohio to be with Frank. Shortly after moving and the approval of her emigration and naturalization application, Hermine and Frank were married in 1955. During the untimely death of Hermine’s brother-in-law Samuel in 1967, she and Frank took in and cared for their niece Sharon Elaine and nephew Gary while at the same time raising their daughter, Sandy. In 1976, Hermine went to work at the local headquarters of United States Steel as head of the housekeeping staff, managing the cleaning and maintaining of offices and equipment. She worked there with her niece Cathy Knafels until 1980. Hermine travelled taking trips to see family back in Germany numerous times. One of the more memorable trips was when Hermine flew to Germany while Frank travelled via the Queen Elizabeth II refusing to fly due to his fear of flying. They visited her relatives and drove to Switzerland, Austria, Italy, and other countries with precious memories. Other trips included travelling to St. Petersburg, FL and Woodland Park, CO to visit with her daughter Sandy. Hermine was continuously involved with her family, friends, social clubs and activities. She was a member of both the Saxon Club in Austintown and the Youngstown Maennerchor volunteering many hundreds of hours of service to both. She was also nominated for and won member of the year at the Saxon Club. She also participated as a volunteer for the LPGA tournaments for the Phar-Mor classic held at Avalon Golf and Country Club over a number of years. Countless holiday gatherings and family picnics were hosted by Hermine and everyone always looked forward to her annual Christmas parties which she graciously hosted. Hermine also developed many close and special friendships with fellow Germans that she met at the Saxon Club, Youngstown Maennerchor, and other social clubs throughout the years in and around the Youngstown area.
Hermine was also a devoted wife and caretaker to her husband who she cared for during his 7 year decline in health leading to his death. In addition to her parents, Hermine was preceded in death by her husband, Frank who passed away May 21, 2004. She was also preceded in death by her brother Lampert and sister Emma Dibke along with brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Joseph (Stella) Gentile, James (Linda) Gentile, and Samuel (former wife Viola) Gentile. Hermine leaves behind her daughter Sharon Lois “Sandy” Gentile of Colorado Springs, CO, sister Anna Shedlbauer, niece Martha (Richard) Peringer, and nephew Heri Bert all of Germany, niece Catherine Breneman (late Joseph Breneman) of Austintown, OH, Catherine’s fiancée Jim Becker of West Middlesex, PA, her nephew, Ronald (Cindy) Knafels of Rockville, MD, her nephew Mark Knafels of Austintown, OH, niece Lisa (Michael) Gentile-Morris, nephew Gary (Toni) Gentile, all of Statesville, NC, niece Karen (George) Soldo of Massillon, OH, niece Sharon Gentile of Youngstown, OH, nieces Cindy Gentile and Debbie (Chris) Kust and nephews Joey and Patrick Gentile all of Campbell, OH. Hermine was of the Catholic Faith while living in Germany. After emigration she transitioned to the Methodist Faith and was a member of the former Mahoning United Methodist Church. Per her wishes Hermine was cremated. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic at the time of her passing last May, memorial services for Hermine were postponed until such time when they could be safely held. A memorial service celebrating Hermine’s life will now be held at 10 a.m., Saturday July 10th, at the following location: Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 550 North Broad Street, Canfield, Ohio, 44406. A reception for family and friends will be held after the service at the following location: Monsignor Prokop Parish Center, 4490 Norquest Boulevard, Austintown, Ohio 44515 approximately 1:15-1:30 p.m.