William T. Kinkela

Struthers - William T. Kinkela, 95, died Saturday evening, February 27, 2016 at Shepherd of the Valley in Boardman.

Mr. Kinkela was born April 6, 1920 in Poland, a son of John and Marietta Kinkela.

Raised in Poland, Mr. Kinkela was a 1938 graduate of Poland Seminary High School. He completed classes at Youngstown College and Youngstown Sheet & Tube trade schools. Mr. Kinkela worked as a maintenance foreman for Youngstown Sheet and Tube (Lykes), retiring in 1977 after 40 years of service.

Mr. Kinkela served in the United States Army during World War II in the 10th Fighter Squadron. He received decorated ribbons for battles in Normandy, France, Rhineland, and Central Europe. He was honorably discharged in September of 1945 with the rank of Staff Sergeant and returned to Struthers after the war. A proud veteran, he was a member of the Struthers V.F.W. 3538.

Mr. Kinkela was a member of Christ Our Savior Parish at St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church, the Struthers Athletic Club, and the Bessemer Croatian Club.

Bill was active throughout his life with baseball, building homes, remodeling, golfing, bowling, deer hunting, and working out at various spas and gyms in the area, last being the YMCA in Boardman.

An avid golfer, Bill was a longtime member of numerous area golf leagues, mostly at Rolling Hills Golf Course and golfed with the Rolling Hills PTA Group.  Mr. Kinkela also enjoyed bowling throughout the years and participated in many National ABC bowling tournaments. In the 1950's, he was highlighted at a Youngstown bowling tournament when he rolled a 300 game, winning the singles and all other events at the tournament. As a young man, Bill also enjoyed playing on the celebrated Cardinals fast pitch softball team primarily as their pitcher.

His wife, the former Josephine Sybelnik, whom he married in September of 1941, preceded him in death in July of 1996. Mr. Kinkela is survived by his son, Thomas (Elaine) Kinkela of Boardman; daughter, JoAnn (Steve) Rish of Concord, NC; four grandchildren, Melissa Kinkela, Thomas Kinkela Jr., Stacy (Mike) Guerriero, and Kelly Rish; and five great-grandchildren, McKenzie Jones, Kaylee Kinkela, Nicole, Mia, and Anna Guerriero.

In addition to his parents and wife, Mr. Kinkela was preceded in death by two sisters, Ann Serjak and Mary Gregorich; two brothers, John and Sam Kinkela; and dear friend, Helen Cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 11 a.m. at Christ Our Savior Parish at St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church. Family and friends will be received on Friday from 9:30-10:45 a.m. at the church, prior to Mass. Interment will be at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery.

Memorial tributes may take the form of contributions in Mr. Kinkela's name to the Special Olympics of Cabarrus County c/o Emily Riley, 7321 Raging Ridge Rd., Harrisburg, NC 28075 or to Struthers V.F.W. 3538, 157 Lowellville Rd., Struthers, OH 44471, or to St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church, 764 Fifth St., Struthers, OH 44471.

The family would like to express their appreciation and thank the staff of Shepherd of the Valley and its therapists, nurses, and aides, and Drs. Paris, Morrison(s), the Midlothian Medical Staff, and Dr. Angelo of the Youngstown VA Clinic. Also, a special thanks to many local relatives for their support and kindness shown to Bill.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.