On Memorial Day in 2025, we traveled down the street to Calvary Cemetery to identify some locations that we were researching for a chapter in one of our new books. It was a wonderful day to spend in the local cemetery performing some research.

Calvary Cemetery has always been one of those quiet, familiar places just down the street from our house, a spot we have visited many times over the years. Its rolling hills, shaded paths, and scattered monuments make it a peaceful retreat and a meaningful reminder of the layers of local history preserved within its grounds. Each time we walk through the gates, we discover something new, something we missed before, or a story we had yet to learn.

During the preparation of a chapter for one of our upcoming books, we decided to dig deeper into Calvary’s past and the lives of those who rest there. What started as simple background research quickly expanded into a list of notable individuals whose stories deserved more attention. We had already covered a few in prior videos and blog posts, but this new research opened the door to even more fascinating connections to local, national, and even cinematic history.

One of our earliest projects at Calvary was focused on Pat Bilon, the actor who played the main body performer for E.T. in the iconic movie. His grave had always drawn our interest, not only because of his unique contribution to film history but also because his story is one that blends hard work, perseverance, and a quiet humility that many people never knew. Telling his story through video and our blog felt like a fitting tribute to someone who helped create a character beloved by millions.

But as we continued our research this year, we discovered that Calvary Cemetery held even more notable individuals whose stories were equally compelling. The first name that caught our attention was Leonard Thom, whose wife was a local that played a significant role in World War II. Thom served alongside President John F. Kennedy when both were stationed on PT boats in the Pacific. His bravery during the sinking of PT 109 became part of the story that would later help define Kennedy’s legacy.

Leonard Thom’s actions during that harrowing night have been documented in books, films, and presidential history. Despite all of that, many people in our community have no idea that he is buried right here in Youngstown. Learning this gave us a new appreciation for the weight of history that Calvary carries and how the stories of everyday homes and streets around us are quietly tied to moments that shaped the world.

We were also excited to learn that John F. Kennedy himself came to Youngstown and was a pallbearer at the funeral of his good friend, Lenard Thom.

Another individual we came across was Dr. Louis Rampona, a respected local physician whose name still surfaces in old newspaper archives. Dr. Rampona was known for his dedication to the community and his service during a time when medical practices were rapidly developing. His decades of work and commitment to caring for families across the valley earned him recognition during his lifetime, and yet today his name is one that many pass without knowing his contributions.

While his story may not be tied to national headlines or Hollywood fame, Dr. Rampona represents the type of legacy that speaks through generations. His life was built on service, compassion, and a deep connection to the people of the Mahoning Valley. Visiting his grave gave us a chance to reflect on how many lives he must have touched, including Albert Einstein and Robert Oppenheimer, and the history that quietly rests beneath the cemetery’s stones.

Perhaps one of the most surprising discoveries during our research was the burial site of Charles "Shotgun" Shuba. A Youngstown native and professional baseball player, Shuba played for the Brooklyn Dodgers and made history in a single powerful moment. He was captured in the famous photograph shaking hands with Jackie Robinson after Robinson hit a home run in 1946, becoming one of the first white players to publicly offer Robinson a congratulatory handshake.

This simple gesture came to symbolize a step toward racial integration in baseball. Shuba’s handshake was later recognized as more than sportsmanship; it was a quiet but brave acknowledgment of equality during a time when such actions were rare. Standing at his gravesite, we reflected on how the biggest moments in history often begin with small, human gestures that ripple forward for generations.

Armed with all this new information, we decided that Memorial Day would be the perfect time to return to Calvary Cemetery with our cameras and recording equipment. The holiday already carries a sense of remembrance and reflection, making it an ideal day to honor the stories of those who served, contributed, and made a mark on the world around them.

When we arrived, the cemetery was blanketed with American flags placed lovingly beside the graves of veterans. Families were visiting loved ones, and the warm breeze carried the sounds of birds, distant conversations, and the rustling of leaves. We took a quiet moment before filming to appreciate the peacefulness of the grounds and the significance of the day.

As we made our way to each of the graves we planned to feature, we recorded footage, took photographs, and made notes for our upcoming video. Each stop felt meaningful in its own way, and each story added another layer to our understanding of Calvary Cemetery’s historical footprint. The visit became more than documentation; it turned into a thoughtful walk through time.

Visiting Leonard Thom’s grave on Memorial Day was especially moving. Knowing his contributions during the war and the role he played in one of the most well-known survival stories of World War II gave us a moment of reflection on the sacrifices made by so many servicemen and women. It reminded us why days like Memorial Day exist and why the stories of these individuals deserve to be shared.

We spent time at each location, gathering the details we needed to bring these stories to life in our video. With every photograph we took and every clip of footage we recorded, we felt more connected to the history that has been resting quietly just down the road from our home. It was a reminder that history is all around us, sometimes hidden in plain sight.

As we wrapped up our visit and headed back to the car, we felt grateful not only for the new stories we had discovered but also for the chance to share them with our viewers. Calvary Cemetery continues to surprise us with its depth of history, and each visit leaves us with a renewed sense of appreciation for the people who shaped our community. Our Memorial Day trip reminded us that even in familiar places, there is always more to learn, more to explore, and more stories waiting to be told.

We look forward to putting this video together and sharing these remarkable lives with everyone who follows our travels. Sometimes the most meaningful adventures are the ones close to home.

Additionally, Marianne got the chance to spend some time and pay her respects to her grandparents, who are also interred at Calvary Cemetery.