I was a student at Hoban from 71-75. I knew Brother William as the principal. He was always very approachable. I got to know him through short quips back and forth in the hallways or hanging out in his office to explore philosophies and discuss current events.

I was thinking of him today and found out that he had died. In my last year of high school I was not planning to go to college. Until some professors from Walsh University (Walsh College then) visited Hoban to talk about the opportunities of a liberal arts education.

Although I could not afford to go to Walsh, I applied for admission there. I was accepted! But the reason I was able to actually go there was because Brother William recommended me for a scholarship that I had also applied for! That opportunity changed my life, and I will always be thankful to him for making that happen!

Bill (or as I knew him as Br. William) came to Hoban in Akron, OH my freshman year of 1968.
He immediately integrated himself into Hoban's culture with his strong and outgoing personality.
His strong and guiding hand allowed him to be transformed from classroom to administration as Vice Principal and eventually principal. He never lost his 'touch' with students, parents, alumni and faculty/staff and was a fixture in the hallway between classes to greet his students. Br. William was steadfast and positive throughout the crisis that almost closed Hoban.
Rest in Peace, you will not be forgotten.

Bill was more than my High School Principal,  and Teacher. He was a friend, father figure, and the single most important influence in where I am today. It was his kindness, and consistent encouragement that made the difference in my life. I cannot find enough words, or examples, of how his presence in my life was anything less than true friendship, love and genuine care. All the elements that were natural for Bill. He was a loving and humble soul that found all the good in his fellow man. My regret is not having spent more time with Him and Faye while we all resided in FL, but I have the memories of those times we did visit and will cherish them for my lifetime. It seemed we like the same seafood restaurant in Holiday FL, and will always order the same thing, on all the occasions we visited! These were times when he stood tall, walked, drove, and listened to Faye's directions, even though he already knew how to get there. These were great times Bill! I take comfort in knowing you are residing in Peace and Joy with our Lord Jesus Christ and the smile on your face as he tells you-"Well done, good and faithful Servant!"

My mother lives at Spring Terrace and this is where I met Mr. Bill. Mr. Bill always had a smile and when asked how he was doing he would respond “better now that your here”. He would rush to open the door for the residents, guests, everyone ; always a gentleman.  He always looked forward to meal time. Mr. Bill made Spring Terrace Assisted Living Facikity a place where visitors and especially the residents feel like they were home. 

After all these years what prompted me today to see if I can find my old mentor, but to find he has just passed. Bill was my principal in high school from 1974-1975, Upon graduation from high school, he allowed me to do some student teaching at Hoban. After college, he hired me as a teacher of Biology and Religious Studies. For eight years of my early adult life he mentored me. Bill was a mentor to many and lived  a full live.

I have had the pleasure of knowing Bill for a long time. When he went live at
Spring Terrance we became friends. He was a perfect gentleman at all times.
We loved to talk. When I would catch him out walking on road that goes behind
Hospital. I think it's called Waltnut. I would tell him please walk down in nursing
Home parking lot or on sidewalk. I don't want you to get hurt or killed walking out here on road. He FINDLY started to do what I begged him to do. On nice
Mornings he would walk early. I always talked with him as long as I could. The
World lost a good man and heaven gained another angel, when Bill passed away. All of us who knew him lost a good friend. I loved Bill. Janice Self

OBITUARY

William P. Verstraete

10 October, 1937 – 19 November, 2018

Curtis & Son Funeral Home

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