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.

William J. Powalski

June 22, 1938 - January 22, 2018

William J. Powalski, 79yoa, of Mayfield Heights, Ohio left this world to be with his Lord in heaven on January 22, 2018 surrounded by his loving wife, kids, and grandkids.  When he arrived in heaven, in jeans and flannel, he was greeted by his parents and siblings who have passed before him. He will be remembered as an amazing, giving man with a most sincere soul. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and church member.  He was a compassionate man and well respected.  He touched more lives than a mind can comprehend.  William “Bill” Powalski was born June 22, 1938 in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Edward and Helen (Brzezowski) Powalski. He married Barbara Hamilton on May 6, 1961 at St. Felicitas Church in Euclid, Ohio. She resides in Mayfield Heights. They have three children – Cheryl Orians (Dale) of Highland Heights, William Powalski Jr. (Joy) of Eastlake, Karen Sutyak (Daniel) of Solon.  He has two sisters, Carol Kaminski (Ray,dec) and Gail Rhodes (Al).  Preceding him in death are a brother David Powalski and sister Virginia Farone (Carl).  He has 9 grandchildren, Kayla Vitale (George Relic), Ryan Vitale (Julia Lucarelli), Alycia Vitale, Lisa Ruggiero (Matthew), William Powalski III, Megan Powalski, Daniel Sutyak, Mitchell Sutyak and Hallie Sutyak, 3 step-grandchildren Nicole, Riley and Taylor, 2 great-grandchildren Nathan and Bria, 2 step-great-grandchildren River, Sofia and many nieces and nephews. A 1956 graduate of Collinwood High School, he went to work for Sinclair Oil running his own gas/service station, where he enjoyed working on cars as well as racing them.  He went on to work at Nook Industries where he retired.  He loved being with his family and was always present at family gatherings, cherishing his time with his family and playing cards.  After Poker games he would throw the change in the air and the children would gain his riches.  He loved the casino’s and was especially skilled at Crap’s.  He loved to jitterbug and polka which he often showed his skills at weddings and anywhere a band would play 50’s music. This earned him the nickname “Greasy Feet”. 

A man of faith, he was a member of the Church of St. Clare.  A private memorial service was held at his home for family members.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Western Reserve

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.