William B. Pearch

William B. Pearch, 77 Struthers- William B. Pearch, 77, of 403 Sexton Street died Thursday evening at his residence. William was born March 10, 1928 in New Philadelphia, Ohio a son of William J. and Norma Brown Pearch. He attended New Philadelphia High School and came to Youngstown in 1944 and later attended South High School where he left early to enlist in the US Marine Corps. He received his diploma from South High School after his discharge. Mr. Pearch was a graduate of the National College in Chicago, Illinois, belonging to Sigma Phi Kappa Fraternity and while there served as a Police Officer with the Cicero, Illinois Police Department. He was a veteran of World War II, serving as a Military Policeman in the Fourth Division, attaining the rank of Sergeant. William was the former owner of Pearch Construction Company, crafting many fine homes in the Youngstown area along with his sons, Gary and Jeff. For several years he was the Assistant Safety Director for the former Daniels Motor Freight in Warren, Ohio. He was Deputy with the Mahoning County Sheriffâa�a��s Department, working in the various divisions and held the rank of Detective upon leaving the force. He retired as a Congressional Staff Assistant to the former Congressman James A. Traficant, Jr. where his duties were primarily as a veteran and military liaison. One of his proudest accomplishments was being instrumental in helping to establish the Veteran Outpatient Clinic in Youngstown. He also held a commission with the Struthers Police Department. William was an active member of the First Free Will Baptist Church, Austintown, where he was a member of the Masterâa�a��s Men. For many years, William had been very active in the Mahoning County Democratic Party and was a former precinct committeeman in Youngstownâa�a��s Fourth Ward. He had currently been a member of the Partyâa�a��s Executive Board. Among the many organizations he belonged to are the Crime Clinic of Greater Youngstown, where he was former Trustee and past President. He was also the originator and chairman of the scholarship program. He was a member of American Legion Post #732, FOP Lodge #141 (retired) Fraternal Order of Eagles, #213, Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, The Saxon Club and he spent many enjoyable hours with his friends in the ROMEO Club. William coached little league baseball and for many years managed womenâa�a��s softball, garnering many winning records. He was an avid fan of Ohio State, having been coached in High School by the great Woody Hayes. He was a Youngstown State Football and longtime fan of the Cleveland Indians. William will leave behind to cherish his memory his sister, Mrs. Patricia Pittman of Youngstown; his loving children, Norma (William) Vadjunec, Jeffrey (Patricia) Pearch, Ruth Anne Pearch all of Youngstown, Judith (Jon) Schmied of Austintown, and Janis (John) Pontikos with whom he made his home; eleven grandchildren, Kathleen Lott of New York City, Joshua Pearch of Youngstown, Elizabeth and Zachary Pearch of Arlington, Texas, Sarah Pearch of Girard, Rachel and Benjamin Pearch of Youngstown, Matthew, Michael and William Schmied of Austintown and Annissa Pontikos of Struthers, also many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. Williamâa�a��s wife, the former Ruth Law, passed away on September 17, 1991. They had been married 45 years at the time of her passing. Also preceding him in death was a sister Gloria Lewis and two sons, William J. Pearch and Gary B. Pearch. Funeral services will be Monday, 11:00 AM at the First Free Will Baptist Church. Friends may call Sunday from 3-8 PM at the Davidson-Becker Funeral Home, Struthers and Monday from 10:00 AM until 10:45 AM at the Church. Condolences may be sent at www.beckerobits.com .

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