William Joseph Begala

William Joseph Begala, 94 Youngstown - William Joseph Begala, 94, of Park Vista, formerly of North Heights, died early Tuesday morning in Park Vista Retirement Community. Mr. Begala was born Friday, December 27, 1912 in Struthers, the son of Louis M. and Tresa Sekely Begala. He was raised in Struthers and moved to Youngstown in 1946. Mr. Begala was a veteran of the United States Army Airforce during World War II. He served as a Sergeant of the 11th Fighter Control Squadron in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater in the Aleutian Islands. Prior to entering the Army, Mr. Begala worked for his mother's grocery store, Tresa Begala Grocery Store, on Broad Street in Struthers. For over 30 years, Mr. Begala was a steelworker for Truscon Steel. After retirement, he drove a school bus for the mentally challenged in Mahoning County. He was a member of St. Columba Cathedral where he was a former usher. Mr. Begala was a world traveler, touring the religious shrines of Europe. He enjoyed gardening and horseracing. His wife the former, Hazel Zill, whom he married September 9, 1942, died February 10, 1987. He is survived by one sister, E. Theresa Bonelli of Struthers; four nieces, Susan Missik of Struthers, Irene Adams of Hubbard, Julie Hickens of New Middletown, and Christine Zelinka of Poland; five nephews, Louis Smith of Kirkland, OH, Michael Begala of Poland, Robert Begala of Canfield, James Begala of Youngstown, and Edward Begala of Youngstown. Besides his parents and wife, Mr. Begala was preceded in death by one brother, Louis M. Begala, Jr.; three sisters, Vilma Smith, Helen Lesnansky, and Irene Begala; two nieces, Patricia Begala and Jacqueline Cogar; and one nephew, Richard Bonelli. Funeral services will be held Saturday, 10:15 AM at the Davidson-Becker Funeral Home, Struthers and 11:00 AM at St. Columba Cathedral. Interment will follow in the St. John's Cemetery, Lowellville, Ohio 44436. Friends will be received Saturday from 9:00 AM until 10:15 AM at the Davidson-Becker Funeral Home. Contributions may be made to the St. Columba Cathedral. Condolences may be sent at www.beckerobits.com .

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