2 fallen soldiers from Austintown forever remembered on the road

AUSTINTOWN

They won’t be forgotten.

That’s the slogan from the Fitch Class of 1962 to families of two fallen soldiers who were a part of the class.

That phrase has spawned two memorials and, now, a highway dedication on Interstate 80 in Austintown.

Karen Brown Ruberto, who was married to Army 2nd Lt. Charles “Chas” Brown when he died in Vietnam, said she doesn’t know what she’ll think when she sees the sign. They were one day short of being married 18 months and had a daughter, Heather Kunka.

“I’ve always noticed on highways as you’re traveling you do see different ones ... named for different guys, and it’s a really good feeling. I can’t even imagine what I’m going to feel about this. It’s just going to be over the top,” she said with tearful eyes.

Kristin O’Neill and her brother, Dr. James Prommersberger, have been active in remembering their father, Marine Sgt. James “Jimmy” Prommersberger.

“I’m getting choked up at the thought” of the sign, O’Neill said. “The 1962 Class at Fitch said they would never let anyone forget these guys, and this community and Sen.Schiavoni have just made sure, with the help of the class of 1962, they’ll never be forgotten now.”

Read more about the tribute in Saturday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.