DON R. BROTHERS

Don R. Brothers passed away on November 12, 2012 at University Hospitals in Cleveland following a long illness. He was 75. He was born in Youngstown on August 30, 1937, the son of Bern R. and Esther (Kuhn) Brothers. A 1955 graduate of Austintown Fitch High School, he received his bachelor's degree in business administration from Youngstown University in 1961. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1955 to 1963, gaining the rank of Staff Sergeant, and remained a proud Marine Corps supporter throughout his life. He was President and Chief Executive Ocer of The Century Group, headquarted in New Waterford, Ohio. His tenure began in 1953 by working with his father, who had originally founded the business as the Boardman Roofing & Supply Company in 1944. During his nearly 60 years with the company, it was renamed Century Industries Corporation and grew into a nationally-known manufacturer of roof coatings, driveway sealers and joint compounds. In 1977 he launched Century Container Corporation, now a leading manufacturer of plastic pails and lids. He was the consummate entrepreneur and inventor, holding several patents related to his various businesses. Other companies in The Century Group include Century Logistics Plus, LLC; Century Sports, LLC; Cat's Sales-Leasing Corporation; DRB Properties; and DRB Builders Plus, LLC. He was active in the YSU Ice Castles Scholarship Fund and enthusiastically supported the university, as well as a long list of charities. He was also the sponsor of the Century Bombers softball team and loved rooting for his granddaughters Corinne and Claire at their games. While most of his time was spent at his business, he also enjoyed attending YSU games and functions, riding his Harley, visiting with friends at Tippecanoe Country Club, and occasionally vacationing in Florida. He leaves his son, Mark Brothers of Columbiana; his daughter, Jill Brothers of Negley; two brothers, Roland (Wanda) Brothers of Youngstown and Budd Brothers of Canfield; and four grandchildren, Corinne and Claire Brothers of Columbiana and Evan and Laurel Brothers of Negley. In addition, he will be greatly missed by past and present Century employees and the many friends and business associates he came to know during his long career. A celebration of life is planned for 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 9th at The Links Banquet Center at Firestone Farms in Columbiana. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Toys for Tots organization by bringing an unwrapped toy or monetary donation to the celebration, or by donating online at www.toysfortots.org. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to University Hospitals in Cleveland for their dedication and exceptional care.