OBITUARIES
A Remembrance of Loved Ones
William Riley McCauley
William Riley (Bill, Billymack, Red) McCauley, age 88, passed away peacefully on February 5 with his wife, Shirley, and “grand” Kelly by his side.
Bill is survived by his wife, the love of his life and soulmate, Shirley (Slater), for over 66 years. Born and raised in rural Enterprise, West Virginia to Dhring and Lilly Olive (Cunningham) McCauley (both deceased) and was the last survivor of 12 siblings. Bill was lovingly supported by three generations of close family, children of whom he and Shirley affectionately referred to as their “daughter/son”, “grands” and “great-grands”.
Bill received his draft notice while on his honeymoon and served two years repairing tank engines at US Army bases in Germany. He worked for the South Euclid-Lyndhurst Schools as custodian for 33 years. In 1981, after cancer surgery, he was told he would have only 2 to 2- ½ years to live. Obviously, the “energizer bunny” proved doctors wrong. He was a warrior!
Bill was an avid sports player for 70+ years, playing basketball, volleyball, and hardball weekly, bowled in several bowling leagues, and his love for the past 20 years was playing softball with Solon’s “Babes of 1916.” He grew up playing horseshoes, and was darn good at it, throwing ringer after ringer. Friends and family always wanted to partner up with Bill when playing horseshoes or cornhole, as they knew they would be “the winners.” Bill helped establish South Euclid’s first Ponytail Softball League in the ‘60s.
Bill and Shirley loved travelling by car or going on bus trips. Every year, they travelled by car to San Diego to visit family, taking a different route every year, enjoying the beauty of the USA, especially our National Parks, with Yellowstone being their favorite. They have hiked almost all of our National Parks, visited every State Capitol, loved visiting historic towns and places, and cruised many USA Rivers. Their last trip was in 2019, covering over 10,600 miles in 61 days.
In lieu of flowers, consider donations, in Bill’s memory, to: Babes of 1916, 37182 O’Neill Dr, Solon Oh 44139, or Alzheimer’s Association, Cleveland Area Chapter, 23215 Commerce Park, Suite 300, Beachwood, Oh 44122, or a charity of your choice.
Cremation arrangements were handled by Blessing Cremation in Mentor, OH. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
William Joseph Grau
February 20, 1941 - May 30, 2023
William Joseph Grau, age 82, of Concord Township, Ohio passed away on Tuesday, May 30, 2023. He was born February 20, 1941 in Cleveland. One of fifteen children, Bill graduated from Holy Name High School in 1959 and served honorably in the United States Air Force from 1959 to 1963. He studied at Kent State University and was a Letter Carrier with the United States Postal Service for twenty-nine years. Survivors include his beloved wife of fifty-eight years, Joyce M. (nee Koenig); his loving children, Michael Grau (Sarah), Jill Whelan, Matthew Grau (Wendy), and Ryan Grau. Additional survivors include seven grandchildren, Corey Grau, Elle Whelan, Kayla Grau, Michael Grau, Liam Whelan, Logan Grau and Lauren Grau and two sisters, Peggy Kamis and Terry Teresi. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Lucille (nee Collisi) Grau and twelve brothers and sisters, Marie Zamiska, Irene Gartland, Doris Grau, James Grau, Joan Senyitko, Robert Grau, Jack Grau, Edward Grau, Donna Sanders, Kathy McCallum, Mary Peters, and Tim Grau. Bill was loved by many wonderful nieces and nephews and brought a smile to the face of everyone he met. Bill will be cremated and there will be no burial service.
A private Memorial Mass will be held at St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Concord, Ohio at a later date.
The family suggests that memorial contributions in Bill's memory be sent to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 300 E. 185th St., Cleveland, OH 44119.
Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Blessing Cremation Center, 9340 Pinecone Dr., Mentor, OH 44060. Online condolences to the family may be expressed at www.blessingcremation.com.
Billy H. West II
January 11, 1961 - January 13, 2020
Billy H. West II age 59, of Mentor formally from Eastlake, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2020, with surrounding family. Survivors are wife Isabel West (nee Benjamin) of 31 years, son Billy H. West III, beloved granddaughter Amiya Star Bitzer, beloved grandsons Billy H. West IV and Benjavanni Michael West, sister Tina West, brother-in-law of many and uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by mother Margaret June West (nee Jarell), father Billy H. West, brothers Danny J. McGhee and Jay P. West.
Bill will be truly missed.
Services: Saturday, January 25, 2020 from 4:30-7p.m. at Prince of Peace 7193 Reynolds Rd. Mentor, OH 44060
William P. Ackley
May 18, 1972 - November 19, 2016
William P. Ackley Beloved son of Nancy Shoop (nee Wallace) (Dennis) and Bruce Ackley; Dearest brother of Norman, Lisa Ackley – Fouke (Haydon), and Dena Shoop; Dear uncle of Charles, Heather, Craig Jr., and Makhi; Great-uncle of Austin Chappell, Loralyn Milliman, and Kayson Kruis; Dearest grandson of Lillian and Harold (deceased) Wallace and Fred and Arleen Shoop (both deceased); Dear nephew of David Shoop (deceased); Dear friend of many.
Services: Friday December 2, 2016 6-8 p.m. at Vito-Nero Funeral Home 6130 Turney Road Garfield Hts., Ohio 44125 (Two blocks south of Rockside Rd.)
A "Go Fund Me" account has been set up to help the family with the funeral costs, which can be found at the following link.
Click to go to "Go Fund Me" page.