DR. WILLIAM THOMAS STANO, JR.

DR. WILLIAM STANO, JR. age 74. Beloved husband of Deborah (nee Armbruster). Loving father of Jennifer Pelko (William), William Stano III (Laura), Brian Stano (Christina) and Jessica Constantine (Christopher). Cherished grandfather of Avery, Braeden and Cason Pelko, Everett, Lionel, Adam, Sasha and Jasper Stano, Cameron, Gabriel, Tanner and Oscar Constantine. Dear brother of David Stano (Janet), Russell Stano (Michelle) and the late Kenneth Stano. Son of the late Pauline and William Stano, Sr.

Bill Stano lived a life filled with love, passion, and dedication.  He would light up every room he entered with a smile and laugh that was contagious.   

First and foremost, Bill was a loving husband and father. His devotion to his family was unwavering. The love he shared with his wife, Debbie, who he affectionately referred to as his guardian angel, served as a model for his children, who were his pride and joy and a testament to the depth of his heart. You can see his many attributes and talents live on through his grandchildren.  Bill’s presence brought both wisdom and laughter and his memory will forever be a source of comfort and strength. 

Bill graduated from Padua Franciscan High School in 1966. As a high school senior, Bill was an accomplished athlete, known for his skills as a center fielder on the baseball field.  His competitive spirit and love for the game resulted in him being named a Plain Dealer Scholar Athlete with a .464 batting average. After high school, Bill attended Ohio University for undergrad and then Ohio State University Dental School. 

Bill was a man of many talents and he had a passion for various aspects of life. He was an avid golfer with a single digit handicap at one point, spending countless hours on the greens. The rolling fairways could be a great source of frustration at times, but also brought a camaraderie shared with friends who became family.

Bill's love for the water was just as strong. As a devoted boater, he found solace and adventure on the open water of Lake Erie. Reuniting with his fellow dental school graduates, he enjoyed the time spent at the Cottages at Marblehead and especially jet skiing with his gang. The memories built there with family and friends were special. 

For Bill, Saturdays in the fall meant one thing: Ohio State University football. He was a die-hard fan, never missing a game, and proudly donning the scarlet and gray of his beloved Buckeyes. His passion for his alma mater's team was infectious, singing the fight song on a regular basis to anyone who would listen.  One of his points of pride is now having his granddaughter attend The Ohio State University.

Beyond his leisure pursuits, Bill worked for 40 years as a dedicated, self-employed dentist. He began his career with his mom as his receptionist in a small office and grew his practice exponentially over the years, even being a mentor to other emerging dentists. His gentle and caring nature put even the most anxious patients at ease, and his commitment to excellence was unwavering. He leaves behind a legacy of beautiful smiles and a long list of patients who became friends. 

Bill served his country with honor and distinction as a captain in the United States Air Force. He was stationed in Lubbock, Texas for 2 years which served as his foundation of service to others.  Later in his career, he joined the Rotary Club of Brunswick, Ohio where he was named Rotarian of the Year for his service to the community.

As we remember and celebrate the life of Bill, let us carry forward the lessons he taught us. His dedication, passion, and love for life serve as an inspiration for us all. We are grateful for the time we had with him and the indelible mark he leaves on our hearts. May our memories bring us strength and your legacy will continue to shine brightly in our lives. The family suggests contributions to the Dementia Society of America, Post Office Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901  www.dementiasociety.org/donate

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Bartholomew Church, 14865 Bagley Road, Middleburg Hts, Ohio on Thursday October 5, 2023 at 11:00 AM. (EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT THE CHURCH) The family will receive friends WEDNESDAY 4 – 8 PM at the A. RIPEPI AND SONS FUNERAL HOME, 18149 BAGLEY ROAD, MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, OH (West of I-71).