William Charles Philbrick

He was born on March 28, 1941, to Elmer L. and Verenia (Cross) Philbrick in Warren, Ohio. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Bob, Raymond, and LaVerne. He was a devoted husband to Ruth Ann (née Hall) for 64 years. Bill was a loving father to Barb (John Burkhardt), Jim, Diane (Fred Zochowski), and Brad (Carolyn Hodgins), and loving grandfather to Travis, Hannah, Gustav, Henry, Mitch, and Ryan.

He started his work life at the family sawmill, then started working at Lincoln Electric in 1964, where he worked as a machinist until his retirement in 2003.

In his younger years, Bill was a baseball catcher. Later, he became an accomplished bowler and secretary of the Lincoln Electric bowling league. He continued to bowl until 2024.

Bill was a tinkerer who was always fixing or improving on the house, car, garden, or tractors, including his beloved Wheel Horse. He also made time for his community, helping his wife, a Park Commissioner and member of the Perennial Gardeners of Chesterland, maintain Chester Township Park. Bill built the kiosk and maintained the playground equipment.

A Celebration of Life will be held August 16 from 1 to 5 at Veterans Legacy Woods Tribute Lodge, 14085 Ravenna Road, Newbury. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gustavus Township, P.O. Box 14, Farmdale, OH, 44417 (designate for the Gustavus Park) or Chester Township Park District, P.O. Box 188, Chesterland, OH 44026.

We love you and will miss your dry humor and kindness.