Funeral services for William L. Meskunas, 86, of Willowick, will be 10 a.m Monday, May 24, 2010, at Jakubs-Danaher Funeral Home, 36000 Lakeshore Blvd., Willowick.
Mr. Meskunas passed away Wednesday, May 19, 2010, at Lake West Medical Center in Willoughby.
Born March 23, 1924, in Cleveland, he was a Willowick resident for 51 years.
Bill graduated from East High School in Cleveland, loved baseball and having already been scouted by St. Louis, was preparing for a career as a pitcher before entering active duty in the U.S. Army in 1943, right out of high school. He proudly served his country in World War II, in both the cavalry and infantry (3rd Division), fighting in North Africa, France, Germany and Italy. He was wounded three times, most notably at Anzio. He received several Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star and the French Croix de Guerre for his meritorious service, and was a proud member of Disabled American Veterans, Lake County Chapter 42.
Bill married Betty Jo Prunty Dec. 31, 1949, in Cleveland, and lived in Cleveland until moving to Willowick in 1959. Although his war injuries prevented his return to baseball, he never lost his love for the game. He enjoyed sharing his cherished childhood memories of watching games at League Park.
In retirement, he coached little league teams, and took great pleasure in watching the boys grow into men, who greeted him wherever he went and never forgot him. Bill also loved the outdoors, enjoying fishing, gardening and feeding backyard wildlife, particularly the squirrels that routinely pecked at his back door. In the winter months, he built vintage model airplanes, always wishing that he could have been a pilot. In his last years, he loved walking his little dog at Willowick Lakefront Park and talking to everyone he met about his life, the war, and politics. He was a devoted family man who will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Mr. Meskunas was employed with General Motors Fisher Body in Euclid, retiring in 1982 after 33 years of service.
Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Betty; daughters, Barbara (Seaton) Meskunas of San Francisco and Brenda Meskunas of Willowick; son, William F. Meskunas of Painesville; grandson, William E. Meskunas of Gibsonton, Fla.; beloved great-grandchildren, Eva, Tristen and Emma, all of Florida; several nieces, nephews and friends; and his faithful dog and affectionate companion, Scotty.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Rose Meskunas, who emigrated from Lithuania at the turn of the last century; sister, Isabel Meskunas; and brother, Frank Meskunas. He also lost many dear friends over the years whom he greatly missed but always looked forward to seeing again.
"In our grief, we are relieved that our father is out of pain and reunited with his family members and old friends who have passed away, but for whom he never stopped grieving. We are comforted in knowing this valiant soldier has finally gone home and found his peace at last."
"The family would like to extend a special thank you to the wonderful and caring staff of Heartland of Mentor for treating our father like a member of their family, and to the kind (and patient) nurses of Lake West Medical Center for their dedication, understanding and compassion."
Visiting hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, May 23, 2010, at the funeral home. Following the services Monday, burial will take place at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon Township.
Mr. Meskunas passed away Wednesday, May 19, 2010, at Lake West Medical Center in Willoughby.
Born March 23, 1924, in Cleveland, he was a Willowick resident for 51 years.
Bill graduated from East High School in Cleveland, loved baseball and having already been scouted by St. Louis, was preparing for a career as a pitcher before entering active duty in the U.S. Army in 1943, right out of high school. He proudly served his country in World War II, in both the cavalry and infantry (3rd Division), fighting in North Africa, France, Germany and Italy. He was wounded three times, most notably at Anzio. He received several Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star and the French Croix de Guerre for his meritorious service, and was a proud member of Disabled American Veterans, Lake County Chapter 42.
Bill married Betty Jo Prunty Dec. 31, 1949, in Cleveland, and lived in Cleveland until moving to Willowick in 1959. Although his war injuries prevented his return to baseball, he never lost his love for the game. He enjoyed sharing his cherished childhood memories of watching games at League Park.
In retirement, he coached little league teams, and took great pleasure in watching the boys grow into men, who greeted him wherever he went and never forgot him. Bill also loved the outdoors, enjoying fishing, gardening and feeding backyard wildlife, particularly the squirrels that routinely pecked at his back door. In the winter months, he built vintage model airplanes, always wishing that he could have been a pilot. In his last years, he loved walking his little dog at Willowick Lakefront Park and talking to everyone he met about his life, the war, and politics. He was a devoted family man who will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Mr. Meskunas was employed with General Motors Fisher Body in Euclid, retiring in 1982 after 33 years of service.
Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Betty; daughters, Barbara (Seaton) Meskunas of San Francisco and Brenda Meskunas of Willowick; son, William F. Meskunas of Painesville; grandson, William E. Meskunas of Gibsonton, Fla.; beloved great-grandchildren, Eva, Tristen and Emma, all of Florida; several nieces, nephews and friends; and his faithful dog and affectionate companion, Scotty.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Rose Meskunas, who emigrated from Lithuania at the turn of the last century; sister, Isabel Meskunas; and brother, Frank Meskunas. He also lost many dear friends over the years whom he greatly missed but always looked forward to seeing again.
"In our grief, we are relieved that our father is out of pain and reunited with his family members and old friends who have passed away, but for whom he never stopped grieving. We are comforted in knowing this valiant soldier has finally gone home and found his peace at last."
"The family would like to extend a special thank you to the wonderful and caring staff of Heartland of Mentor for treating our father like a member of their family, and to the kind (and patient) nurses of Lake West Medical Center for their dedication, understanding and compassion."
Visiting hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, May 23, 2010, at the funeral home. Following the services Monday, burial will take place at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon Township.
Funeral services for William L. Meskunas, 86, of Willowick, will be 10 a.m Monday, May 24, 2010, at Jakubs-Danaher Funeral Home, 36000 Lakeshore Blvd., Willowick.
Mr. Meskunas passed away Wednesday, May 19, 2010, at Lake West Medical Center in Willoughby.
Born March 23, 1924, in Cleveland, he was a Willowick resident for 51 years.
Bill graduated from East High School in Cleveland, loved baseball and having already been scouted by St. Louis, was preparing for a career as a pitcher before entering active duty in the U.S. Army in 1943, right out of high school. He proudly served his country in World War II, in both the cavalry and infantry (3rd Division), fighting in North Africa, France, Germany and Italy. He was wounded three times, most notably at Anzio. He received several Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star and the French Croix de Guerre for his meritorious service, and was a proud member of Disabled American Veterans, Lake County Chapter 42.
Bill married Betty Jo Prunty Dec. 31, 1949, in Cleveland, and lived in Cleveland until moving to Willowick in 1959. Although his war injuries prevented his return to baseball, he never lost his love for the game. He enjoyed sharing his cherished childhood memories of watching games at League Park.
In retirement, he coached little league teams, and took great pleasure in watching the boys grow into men, who greeted him wherever he went and never forgot him. Bill also loved the outdoors, enjoying fishing, gardening and feeding backyard wildlife, particularly the squirrels that routinely pecked at his back door. In the winter months, he built vintage model airplanes, always wishing that he could have been a pilot. In his last years, he loved walking his little dog at Willowick Lakefront Park and talking to everyone he met about his life, the war, and politics. He was a devoted family man who will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Mr. Meskunas was employed with General Motors Fisher Body in Euclid, retiring in 1982 after 33 years of service.
Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Betty; daughters, Barbara (Seaton) Meskunas of San Francisco and Brenda Meskunas of Willowick; son, William F. Meskunas of Painesville; grandson, William E. Meskunas of Gibsonton, Fla.; beloved great-grandchildren, Eva, Tristen and Emma, all of Florida; several nieces, nephews and friends; and his faithful dog and affectionate companion, Scotty.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Rose Meskunas, who emigrated from Lithuania at the turn of the last century; sister, Isabel Meskunas; and brother, Frank Meskunas. He also lost many dear friends over the years whom he greatly missed but always looked forward to seeing again.
"In our grief, we are relieved that our father is out of pain and reunited with his family members and old friends who have passed away, but for whom he never stopped grieving. We are comforted in knowing this valiant soldier has finally gone home and found his peace at last."
"The family would like to extend a special thank you to the wonderful and caring staff of Heartland of Mentor for treating our father like a member of their family, and to the kind (and patient) nurses of Lake West Medical Center for their dedication, understanding and compassion."
Visiting hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, May 23, 2010, at the funeral home. Following the services Monday, burial will take place at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon Township.
Mr. Meskunas passed away Wednesday, May 19, 2010, at Lake West Medical Center in Willoughby.
Born March 23, 1924, in Cleveland, he was a Willowick resident for 51 years.
Bill graduated from East High School in Cleveland, loved baseball and having already been scouted by St. Louis, was preparing for a career as a pitcher before entering active duty in the U.S. Army in 1943, right out of high school. He proudly served his country in World War II, in both the cavalry and infantry (3rd Division), fighting in North Africa, France, Germany and Italy. He was wounded three times, most notably at Anzio. He received several Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star and the French Croix de Guerre for his meritorious service, and was a proud member of Disabled American Veterans, Lake County Chapter 42.
Bill married Betty Jo Prunty Dec. 31, 1949, in Cleveland, and lived in Cleveland until moving to Willowick in 1959. Although his war injuries prevented his return to baseball, he never lost his love for the game. He enjoyed sharing his cherished childhood memories of watching games at League Park.
In retirement, he coached little league teams, and took great pleasure in watching the boys grow into men, who greeted him wherever he went and never forgot him. Bill also loved the outdoors, enjoying fishing, gardening and feeding backyard wildlife, particularly the squirrels that routinely pecked at his back door. In the winter months, he built vintage model airplanes, always wishing that he could have been a pilot. In his last years, he loved walking his little dog at Willowick Lakefront Park and talking to everyone he met about his life, the war, and politics. He was a devoted family man who will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Mr. Meskunas was employed with General Motors Fisher Body in Euclid, retiring in 1982 after 33 years of service.
Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Betty; daughters, Barbara (Seaton) Meskunas of San Francisco and Brenda Meskunas of Willowick; son, William F. Meskunas of Painesville; grandson, William E. Meskunas of Gibsonton, Fla.; beloved great-grandchildren, Eva, Tristen and Emma, all of Florida; several nieces, nephews and friends; and his faithful dog and affectionate companion, Scotty.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Rose Meskunas, who emigrated from Lithuania at the turn of the last century; sister, Isabel Meskunas; and brother, Frank Meskunas. He also lost many dear friends over the years whom he greatly missed but always looked forward to seeing again.
"In our grief, we are relieved that our father is out of pain and reunited with his family members and old friends who have passed away, but for whom he never stopped grieving. We are comforted in knowing this valiant soldier has finally gone home and found his peace at last."
"The family would like to extend a special thank you to the wonderful and caring staff of Heartland of Mentor for treating our father like a member of their family, and to the kind (and patient) nurses of Lake West Medical Center for their dedication, understanding and compassion."
Visiting hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, May 23, 2010, at the funeral home. Following the services Monday, burial will take place at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon Township.
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