William A. Picard, age 90, of Brecksville, Ohio died peacefully at home on Wednesday September 13, 2017 with family and friends by his side.

     Bill was born on January 23, 1927 in Conneaut, Ohio, the son of Gerald and Geraldine (Glenn) Picard.   He attended grade and high school there, leaving in 1944 to enter the Seminary at St. Mary’s in Kentucky.   Completing his studies, he was ordained at St. Columba Cathedral on May 31, 1952 to serve the new Diocese of Youngstown, Ohio.

     He served St. Columba Cathedral Parish in Youngstown, then St. Mary’s in Warren, Ohio, and St. Patrick’s Parish in Youngstown.  In 1968, he responded to Pope Paul VI’s request for priests to serve in the foreign missions.  Bill was accepted by Maryknoll to work in Tanzania and spent five years in the missions in northern Tanzania.

     Returning to Youngstown Diocese, he first spent time researching Parish Structures, visiting some of the more progressive parishes in the United States.  Bishop James Malone accepted “The Proposal for New Parish Structures”.  This was then presented to the priest’s council of the Youngstown Diocese with the Bishop’s support but not enacted.

      Bill’s next assignment was in Canton at St. Paul’s Parish and later as Pastor of Our Lady of Peace.    He resigned as Pastor at the end of 1977 following his decision to leave the priesthood.

     He later met and married Maryann Sammon.  His work was with Social Service Programs first in Caldwell, then in Canton, Akron and Brecksville until 1994. He was a pacifist who actively supported Vatican II and peace and justice issues. Bill was a member of the Community of Peter in Cleveland and lived the peace and nonviolence which he so strongly believed.  He shared his beliefs and insights with family and friends in two books, Shalom and Aphorisms Fleshed Out.

     Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his brother James Picard and sisters Geraldine Julio and Clarice DiNunzio.

     Bill is survived by his wife Maryann (Sammon) Picard of Brecksville, brother Richard Picard of Conneaut and many beloved nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

     Calling hours will be held from 10:00 AM. to 11:30 AM. on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at the Raisian Family Funeral Home, 581 Harbor St. Conneaut.  

     Mass of the Christian Burial will follow calling hours on Saturday at 12:00 Noon at St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, 480 State Street, Conneaut, Ohio with Robert J. Scullin, SJ officiating.

     Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Route 20, Conneaut, Ohio.

     Memorial contributions can be made in Bill’s memory to Casa Juan Diego – The Houston Catholic Worker, P.O. Box 70113 Houston, TX 77270.  Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. 

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