William G Groene

William G. Groene “Bill”, age 87, passed away on Sunday, May 21, 2023. Bill was born in Fairview Park to the late William and Georgia (nee Addicott) Groene on March 31, 1936. Bill was a “jack of all trades” and despite how the saying normally would go, he was “the master of most”. He had many interests, passions, and talents. He was born of Dutch heritage and began working as a teen supporting his Father’s construction business as a brick layer and laborer. He graduated Fairview High School in 1954 and remained close to many classmates to the day he died. Bill attended Muskingum College then served his country in the US Army and the Merchant Marines. From there he entered the business world back in Cleveland, Ohio as he continued to seek his life’s purpose. When his father became ill, Bill found his purpose which was to support and love his family at all costs. He cared for his father and mother, including assisting with, and eventually running his parents' business - Suburban Smoke Shop in the Eastgate Shopping Center, Mayfield Heights, OH. In 1964, Bill married the love of his life, Janet Lee Hostetler, and began their journey together as husband and wife. Bill and Jan welcomed three loving children Lori Berhent (Bernie), Billy Groene, and Susie Vitolo (Tony). While running the family business, he designed and built an amazing home in the Bass Lake Community, Chardon, OH which included an attached Mother-In-Law suite where he could continue caring for his mom while watching his own family learn and grow. When the smoke shop business took a downturn, Bill returned to his construction heritage – first working for a steel building company and then on to start his own steel building company, Bill Groene Construction, Inc. where he sold and built not only amazing steel buildings but also lasting friendships and partnerships. As mentioned, his life’s passion was to support and love his family. Whether it was raising money for the former Friends of Metzenbaum center through the annual pancake breakfast & Quilt and Craft auction - which helped to fund fun activities and fulfill some of the daily needs for the Developmentally Disabled population of Geauga County including those of his son, Billy - or spending time with his children fishing, camping, racing sail boats on Lake Erie, coaching softball, square dancing or gardening, Bill enjoyed life most when he was with those he loved so dearly. Speaking of those he loved dearly, his grandchildren were the light in his life – Mandy (died 2006), Brandon and Katie Berhent as well as the baby of the family – Emalee Vitolo. Together they often enjoyed trips to Hilton Head Island, SC, Williamsburg, VA, and Kelleys Island as well as time at the garden, long golf cart rides and learning from Grandpa how to build barn floors, erect gazebos, love nature and how to survive and thrive through tough times. Bill and Jan knew it was important to carve time out for the two of them as well. Early on, they were especially fond of live action – whether it was sporting events or live theatre. As a young couple they were Cleveland Browns Season ticket holders and later on, with their own family, held Cleveland Indians and Cavaliers season ticket packages as well. Beyond sporting events, live theatre was a special love for them. Together, with close friend Shirley Vosburg, they volunteered as RedCoats for the Playhouse Square Foundation in Cleveland for over 25 years where Bill manned the curbside wheelchair station helping elderly and disabled theatre goers to their seats. Together, Bill and Jan square danced competitively, raced out of Lakeside Yacht Club on a good friend's sailboat the Boat Doctor, attended every Cleveland Indians game possible and genuinely enjoyed each other's company. Bill was a man of great faith, loyal, honest, and had a gentle heart. He was an active member of Mayfield Church – United Methodist and often connected with God in nature. The large stained glass Nativity scene he created is displayed annually at the Methodist church and is an inspiration to all that view its’ beauty. Bill was the brother of the late Bruce Groene an uncle, cousin, and friend of many. For many years and up until a few weeks, he and a few good friends would get together and play poker every month. Bill will be dearly missed by so many. Visitation for Bill will be held at Gattozzi and Son Funeral Home located at 12524 Chillicothe Rd., Chesterland on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 from 3pm until 7pm. Celebration of Bill’s Life will be held at the Funeral Home on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at 10am. Bill will be laid to rest at Chester Township Cemetery following the services. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Maple Leaf Community Residences, a non-profit corporation in Geauga County that purchases homes and provides housing for the Developmentally Disabled in the county including Bill’s son, Billy Groene. Donations may be made online at https://www.mlcr.org/fundraising-donations/ or sent to P.O. Box 755, Chardon, OH 44024.