WILLIAM J. WATERS

Bill Waters embraced life the same way he approached his pool when it was 59° outside: with energy and enthusiasm. In his long and full life, he was an engineer, a philosopher, a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and a dependable bedrock of the West Park community in Cleveland.

Bill graduated with a degree in Physics from Baldwin-Wallace University, and worked as a research engineer for NASA for 45 years, helping develop 15 scientific patents during that time. His engineering outlook colored his personal life, as he approached all problems with a mix of logic and innovation, looking for the most practical (or inexpensive!) solution. Fixing things around the house or with his many old cars usually involved a combination of wire, epoxy, and duct tape.

His wife of 64 years, Catherine Waters (nee Rossi), was his perfect balance. They were like the “two wings” that raise men and women to the contemplation of truth as John Paul II would say. With their joint momentum they lifted the world a little higher every day. Together they raised eleven beautiful children and mentored countless others.

Bill truly lived Psalm 68; he was a “father to the fatherless, a defender of widows.” He himself lost his own father when he was only three years old. An only child, he held onto the importance of extended family and their unique ability to provide for each other in good times and in bad. Aunts, uncles, and cousins always had a place in the Waters’ household. His own mother would come to live with them in her old age.

He extended his (sometimes begrudging) welcome to scores of neighborhood children and friends: making his huge house and yard a playground for all, questioning and advising those who would stay for dinner or sleep-overs, and tutoring some in science and math. He was involved in the Big Brother program of Cleveland; began and helped run a Cub Scout program; coached CYO soccer at Our Lady of Angels, St. Mark, and St. Rose/Metro Catholic schools; and was a volunteer Math and Science teacher at Padre Pio Academy and Our Lady of Angels. He was unreservedly pro-family and pro-life, and was involved with the Cleveland Chapter of Right to Life. West-side Clevelanders also have William Waters to thank for the West Park 4th of July Parade, as he started the tradition back when his young sons were in Cub Scouts. Faith was incredibly important to Bill as well. He led daily prayer and could be seen walking his children and grandchildren to Mass every Sunday without fail. He may have been stubborn and often spoke his opinions without restraint, but it was his actions that showed the heart behind it all. Every challenge he put to others was done because he loved them and wanted what was best for them. He pushed them the same way he pushed himself–toward individual growth and responsibility to others.

But the things his family are likely to remember most are math quizzes at the dinner table, large Sunday dinners, homemade bread wrapped up in wax paper, hikes down in the valley, and pockets full of coins. They will not forget the comfort of being “home” in a house full of people, the warmth of music rippling over them either whistled, sung, or played on his ukulele, and his warm hands which held theirs even as he slipped away. His love and legacy will continue on for another 91 years and more. The same spirit that helped send out rockets can break through any barrier, and his inspiration continues to grow exponentially.

He remains the beloved father of Dr. William (Anne), Daniel, Mary Vickerman (Jode), Dr. Michael (Dr. Judy), Dr. Ann Rivera (Mike), John (Mary), Catherine Kratt (Kevin), Barbara Sonby (Kevin), Joseph (Dr. Tina), Matthew (Michelle), and Theresa Sacher. He is the cherished grandfather of 59 and great-grandfather of 18.

In lieu of flowers, donations suggested to the Poor Clare Colettine Nuns at pcc-cle.org or the Mercedarian Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament at mercedariansisters.org 

Funeral Mass 11:30 a.m. Tuesday December 20, 2022 at Our Lady of Angels (West Park). EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery (Avon). The family will receive friends MONDAY 3-7 PM at the A. RIPEPI AND SONS FUNERAL HOME, 18149 BAGLEY RD., MIDDLEBURG HTS. (WEST OF I-71).