Craig "Yogi" Vencel

Craig “Yogi” Vencel, 61, resident of Lakeland, Florida passed away unexpectedly on March 1, 2021, while family vacationing in Daytona Beach, Florida. He was the son of Betty and John Vencel Sr., born on April 21, 1959.

Yogi graduated from Newton Falls High School in 1977, was a lover and enthusiast of all sports and served his community with pride and honor. His community involvement began with being involved with the Newton Falls High School football team while in high school and continued after graduation playing softball for the Newton Falls Amvets. He was a lifelong member of The Moose #2586 in Barboursville, West Virginia, a member of the Lakeland Elks Lodge #1291 and the American Legion and finally a supporter of veterans and this country.

Yogi was the Owner and CEO of CableOne, LLC for over 17 years and was known as a dedicated veteran of the cable television industry by his peers and colleagues. He traveled the eastern United States hiring teams to sell cable to prospective customers for Armstrong Cable.

Yogi is that special person you would meet at a gathering and laugh all day at his sense of humor and fun-loving spirit, and he captured your attention with delight. He was the #1 Fan of “The Ohio State Buckeyes”, “The Cleveland Browns”, and “The Cleveland Indians” and definitely wasn’t afraid to show it! He loved all sports and the competitive nature of any challenge. His special interest included wagering on sporting events and laughing with his many friends and family. He loved to play pool and all the competitors that would challenged him. Yogi worked hard to play hard.

Yogi was the life of the party and a people person. He was a “Big Deal” to his family and close friends. His personality, character, charm, and ability to enjoy life was immeasurable and will be felt for eternity. He had an infectious spirit that was shared freely and not easily forgotten by those who touched him.

Yogi is survived by his loving companion of 23 years, Roberta Edwards of Proctorville, Ohio; Roberta’s daughter, Amanda Edwards (Tommy) of Clayton, North Carolina, and her granddaughter, Madison Edwards; his siblings, John Vencel Jr. (Vonda) of Newton Falls, Ohio, Paula McCoy (Kenneth) of Lakeland, Florida, Diane Glover (Ricky) of Newton Falls, Ohio, Keith Vencel (Allison) of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee and Carla Clay (Darrell) of Bowling Green, Kentucky.  Yogi was an uncle to 10 nieces and nephews and great-uncle to 19 grandnieces and grandnephews.

Yogi was preceded in death by his loving parents, Betty and John Vencel Sr.; his precious niece, April Vencel and his beloved nephew, Christopher McCoy.

A funeral service will be held at St. Mary and St. Joseph Parish, 131 W. Quarry Street, Newton Falls, Ohio on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at 1:00 p.m.  A “Celebration of Life” will follow at Faces Lounge, 13 W. Broad Street, Newton Falls, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Craig Vencel’s name to: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, P.O. Box 931517, Cleveland, Ohio 44193, or call 216-448-1105 for a donation over the phone using a credit card, or make a gift online at: https://Give.ccf.org/Craig Vencel.

Arrangements were entrusted to Borowski Memorial Home of Newton Falls, Ohio.

Condolences can be sent to: 914 Christina Chase Drive, Lakeland, Florida 33813 or P.O. Box 984, Proctorville, Ohio 45669.

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