He was the beloved husband of Joyce C. Newkirk (nee Kusak), and the only child of the late William F. Newkirk and Saima Newkirk. Bill and Joyce were married in 1965 and shared 58 years together. Bill started in the Painters Union, as a painter and wallpaper hanger, working for Holzheimer decorators at the time. He then took a job with a wallpaper distributor and ultimately spent 25 years working for Cuyahoga County from which he retired. Joyce and he shared their love for animals and over the years they had three dogs Princess, Brandy and Heidi. He also was never hesitant to dog sit for other family member’s dogs, who adored him.
Without siblings of his own, Joyce's family became Bill's family. He was always generous, loving and kind. He loved children and so when his brother-in-law, Mike and his late wife, Annie, presented him with twin nephews, and his sister-in-law, Marcia and brother-in-law, Stan, had a son and then a daughter with special needs, he and Joyce took on the challenge always willing to step in and provide child care, entertainment and whatever was needed. When his sister-in-law, Annie, passed away his twin nephews were 10, each school day morning Bill would go to their house to get the boys off to school. He always knew they would be ready on Thursdays as he brought them apple fritters to enjoy. Bill was also generous to his friends and extended family helping them out with transportation, meals and other tasks.
Bill and Joyce made their home In Lakewood for the last 55 years and were active in St. Hedwig Church and later Transfiguration Church. He was always loving, patient, kind and a true gentleman. Bill is survived by his wife, Joyce, sister-in-law, Marcia and brother-in-law Stan Bullard, brother-in-law Mike Savetski (Natalie) and his nephews, Michael Savetski (Heather), Nathan Savetski (Amy), Doug Bullard, his niece, Jennie Bullard, great nephew, Colton, and cousins. He will be missed by all that knew and loved him.
Any donations may be made to GiGi's Playhouse at 15316 Detroit Road, Lakewood, Ohio in his memory.
A visitation for Bill will be held Thursday, January 11, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Corrigan Craciun Funeral Home, 23040 Center Ridge Rd., Westlake, Ohio 44145. A Funeral Mass will occur Friday, January 12, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Transfiguration Parish, 12608 Madison Ave, Lakewood, Ohio 44107. Please meet at church. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 14609 Brookpark Road, Brook Park Ohio.
