William John McCloskey Jr

William John McCloskey Jr., 86 Poland- William âa�A"Billâa�A� McCloskey, Jr., departed this life to join his best friend and love of his life, Monday, January 29th. Bill was born May 7, 1920 in Pittsburgh, a son of William Sr. and Sally DeMoss McCloskey. He was raised in Akron and graduated from West High School in Akron where he excelled as a pitcher. He later was drafted by the New York Yankees Farm System before enlisting in the United States Air Force during World War II. Bill along with his wife Dixie moved to Poland in 1955. He was employed as Traffic Manager for Ohio Bell for 37 years retiring in 1982. He was an avid scratch golfer, participating in many golf outings including The Penn Ohio Golf Tournament. He was 32nd degree Mason with the Mount Akra Lodge and was a member of the Saxon Club, where he enjoyed evening dinners and conversation with many friends. An adoring grandfather, Bill especially loved attending his two grandchildrenâa�a��s events, from concerts to sporting activities. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends. His wife the former Dixie Cornwell, whom he married September 3, 1949 died March 13, 1992. He leaves two daughters, Beth (Bill) Soroka of Canfield and Lynne (Gary) Smercansky of Poland; two grandchildren, Rachel Soroka and Brandon Smercansky; and one brother, Robert McCloskey of Akron. Besides his parents and wife, Bill was preceded in death by two sisters, Margie Stadelman and Kitty Glidden. Memorial services will be Friday, 7:00 PM at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, Poland. Friends may call Friday from 4:00 PM until time of service. The family requests memorial tributes take the form of contributions to the American Cancer Society Research Fund. Condolences may be sent at www.beckerobits.com .

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