Dorothy J. (Donahue) Kiraly

Dorothy J. Kiraly 89, of Youngstown, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning October 29, 2025, with her loving family at her side.

She was born in Youngstown on January 2, 1936, the daughter of the late William P. and Nell G. (Gaffney) Donahue.

Dorothy graduated in 1954 from Ursuline High School, received her associate’s degree, and started teaching at St. Nicholas School in Struthers.

She married her high school sweetheart, George S. Kiraly on May 4, 1957, at St. Edward Church. After George returned from the Navy, they started a family in Cornersburg and joined St. Christine Church, where they became Eucharistic ministers and volunteered with various church functions.

After raising her children, Dorothy returned to school to receive a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and special education from Youngstown State University.

Throughout her career, she worked for Easter Seals, as well as the Columbiana, Leetonia, and Lisbon school districts. Upon retirement, she was a substitute at St. Christine, where her younger grandchildren delighted in having Grandma as their teacher.

Dorothy was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who always had a sweet treat, cold drink, or activity ready for her visitors. She belonged to Seton and her girls’ club. She had a group of special neighbors and friends from church with whom she and George enjoyed many vacations and celebrations.

Dorothy leaves to cherish her memory, her husband George of 68 years, her children George W. (Jeanne) Kiraly, Doreen (William) Thornton, Patrick (Gina) Kiraly, and Mark (Kathy) Kiraly. She also leaves ten grandchildren: Kelly (John) Frammartino, Katy Kiraly; William Thornton; Carmela (Quentin) Reuter, Maria (Michael) Divito, Patrick Kiraly; Mark Kiraly, Erin (Cain) Dando, Emily (Caleb) Craft, and Michael Kiraly; great-grandchildren Chloe and Daphne Dando; Jacob Thornton; Ellie Kiraly-Lockhart; Maria, Dominic, Matteo, and Rosina Reuter; as well as her brother-in-law Michael Kiraly, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her granddaughter Megan E. Thornton; and grandson George W. Kiraly Jr.; her siblings William F. (Nora) Donahue, Elizabeth “Betty” (Arch) Hasler, Margaret “Marge” (Edward) Scharrer and Marynell Cheek; and her in-laws Julia (Joseph) Taylor, Stephan (Irene) Kiraly, John (Agnes) Kiraly, sister-in-law Mary Kiraly, and Joseph (Peg) Kiraly.

Family and friends may call from 10:00 to 11:45 a.m. Monday November 3, 2025, at St. Christine Church, 3165 S. Schenley Ave. Youngstown, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by Rev. Stephen Zeigler.

Memorial contributions may be made in Dorothy’s name to St. Christine School Scholarship Fund.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Edward J. Fox & Sons Funeral Home, 4700 Market St. Boardman.

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