He was the devoted husband of 70 years to Edna J. (née McDonald) and the proud father of Patricia (James Umstead), Kenneth (Jacquelyn Gerard), Lawrence (Maggie Fluck), Paul (Gail Jellison), and Diane (William McVicker). Bill was an equally proud grandfather to Monica (Josh Meldrum), Kevin Umstead (Lindsay), Matthew G (Carolyn), William G (Kimberley), Julie G (Jacob Hopkins), Jackie (Jason Slagle), Brad (Kelsey), Nick (Alli), Sarah, Anne (Cody Baker), Andrew and Claire McVicker. He also cherished 18 GREAT grandchildren! He was preceded in death by his father Andrew, mother Clare (Ries), stepmother Loretta, and brothers Art, Joe, Jim, Tom, and is survived by his half brothers Andrew and Timothy.
Bill attended Holy Name Elementary, Collinwood High School and John Carroll University before deciding he didn’t have time (or money) for college and needed to start building a life—and building things in general. After serving proudly in the U.S. Army’s 187th Airborne during the Korean War, he returned home and began working for Picker Briggs, soon after started his own businesses, Sound Signal Systems which later became Sound Com Corporation.
Bill had a knack for designing, fixing, or building just about anything. Whether it was leaded glass, plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, or radio-controlled airplanes, he was happiest with a project in front of him. When he wasn’t building something, he could usually be found golfing, playing tennis, skiing, or working on the family “cottage” at Findley Lake, New York. He enjoyed vacationing and spending winters on Longboat Key, Florida, where he owned several condos—one for him and Edna and another so his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren always had a place to visit. Above all else, Bill’s greatest project and proudest accomplishment was his family.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Christopher’s Church, 20141 Detroit Rd., Rocky River, Ohio 44116, Friday April 24th, 2026 at 11:00am, friends and family may meet in the gathering area of the church from 10am until time of mass. A private interment will be held at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.
The family suggests memorial contributions in memory of Bill to your favorite charity.
