William J. Cox, age 65 of Conneaut, died Tuesday January 13, 2015 at his residence.

Bill was born in Conneaut on July 24, 1949 the son of Wylie “Mike” and Elsie (Merila) Cox. He was a 1967 graduate from Conneaut High School. Bill drove truck at an early age for Bowdler Fruit Market and Julio’s Fruit Market. In 1968, Bill began working at the Conneaut General Electric Base Plant until his retirement as a pin maker in 1998 after 30 years of service.

In his leisure time, he enjoyed bowling, golfing and playing softball for the General Electric team and the Kohler Slow Pitch team. Bill was a long time member of the Conneaut Optimist Club where he served as President and Vice President. Bill would help on any given weekend setting up the Optimist Club tents and chairs for various community events. He was also a member of the American Legion Cowle Post 151, and was on the Board of Directors at the Kremer Home in Conneaut. He was responsible for setting up the 90 and over dinners at the Villa at the Lake. For many years Bill served on the Conneaut Zoning Board of Appeals.

Bill volunteered for many organizations and also was caregiver to his family and friends during their illnesses. Bill enjoyed organizing the circus to come to Conneaut. He enjoyed sitting on his front porch and cheering on the MS Bike Tour as they passed by each year. Bill loved to get nissua from the Bethany Lutheran Church for family and friends, and enjoyed coffee in the mornings at his house with his friends.

He was actively involved in every class reunion since graduating in 1967. Bill was a Cleveland Brown’s season ticket holder and enjoyed vacationing in Winter Haven, Florida to watch the Cleveland Indians at spring training.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Susan (Ashman) Cox in 1976.

Bill is survived by a son, Jason (Katie) Cox of Painesville, Ohio, a daughter, Jennie (Ed) Bertolasio of Stewartstown, PA, his fiancAC., Beverly Saunders of Waterloo Canada, his brother Robert “Bob” (Paulette) Cox of Conneaut, his beloved grandchildren, Alex, Tyler and Josh Bertolasio, two nieces, Dawn Isbrandt and Kim (Jim) Carle, a nephew, Jeff (Carri) Cox and his faithful dog Bandit.

Calling hours will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 18, 2015 at the RAISIAN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 581 Harbor Street, Conneaut.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday January 19, 2015 at the RAISIAN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, with pastor Jan Walsh of New Leaf Methodist Church officiating.

Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memory Gardens, Route 20, North Kingsville, Ohio.

Memorial contributions may be made to either The American Cancer Society or the Ashtabula County Animal Protective League.

View the obituary and sign the guestbook at www.raisianfuneralhome.com

Service Date: January 19, 2015

Calling hours Sun., Jan. 19, 2015 from 4 to 8 p.m.

 Service Information