William Martin Ronci

Boardman - William Martin Ronci, Sr., 93, of Boardman, formerly of Struthers, died Monday, January 25, 2016 at Shepherd of the Valley with his family at his side.

William, affectionately known as Bill, was born February 20, 1922 in New Castle, PA, a son of Alex and Theresa Terri Ronci.

Raised in Youngstown, Bill was a 1941 graduate of  East High School. A proud U. S. Army veteran, Bill served with both the 3rd and 7th Army, specifically in the 510th Medical Collection Company. His responsibility was to rescue wounded soldiers from the battlefield and transport them to the local medical facility. His tour of duty involved three major campaigns; Rhineland, Ardennes, and Central Europe of which he was awarded three Bronze Stars. Bill was also awarded the Good Conduct Medal, American Service Medal, EAME Service Medal, and the Combat Medical Badge for The Battle of the Bulge.

After being honorably discharged from the Army, Bill met his wife, the former Grace Newell, who was serving as a WAVE. They were married November 28, 1946 and in 1951 made their home in Struthers. Grace died September 13, 2002.

Bill was an insurance representative for Metlife for 23 years retiring in 1980. He also served as Tax Commissioner for the City of Struthers from 1974 until 1978. Bill was a member of Christ Our Savior Parish at St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church in Struthers and a member of the ROMEOS.

He enjoyed golfing and in 1994 had his first Hole-in-One at Yankee Run Golf Course. Bill loved dancing, the Cleveland Browns and he always appreciated a good culinary feast.

Bill is survived by two sons; William M. (Kathie) Ronci Jr., and Daniel (Cathy Rogers) Ronci, both of Boardman; two daughters, Peggy (Ken) Stoklosa of Poland and Jamie (Michael) Tamburino of Jamison, PA; fourteen grandchildren, Todd (Jill) Ronci, Krista (Dr. Joe) Dombroski, Dr. Jamie (Steve) Kirtley, Alyson (Dr. Jared Dabiri) Kelly, Jessica (Tim McNight) Kelly, Kevin (Pamela) Stoklosa, Sarah (Jeffrey Mullen) Stoklosa, Jen (Jeff) Pelus, Dr. Alex (Jill Christie) Tamburino, Alecia (Grahame Wilson) Tamburino, DJ, Dustin, Derik, Calie Ronci; nine great-grandchildren, Ashley, Maxwell, Olivia, Carter, Mia, Ryan, Landon, Brayden, and Carter Martin; brother and sister-in-law, Artie and Marcia Newell and Lenore Hoffman; his dear friend, Kelly Katcher; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, Bill was preceded in death by his son, Richard Ronci; five sisters, Ann Herdman, Jenny Degli, Mary Palazzo, Clara Moro and Katie Milano; and one brother, Michael Ronci.

Bill's family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the wonderful care provided by the staff at Shepherd of the Valley and Hospice of the Valley.

A Prayer Service will be held Friday, 9:15 AM at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, Poland, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church, at 10:00 AM with Fr. Bernard Gaeta officiating. Interment will follow at the Calvary Cemetery, Youngstown, OH.

Friends will be received Thursday from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM and Friday from 8:30 AM until 9:15 AM funeral home.

The family invites all in attendance to join them for a Celebration of Life Luncheon at the Cunningham-Becker Family Center immediately following the cemetery.

Contributions may be made to Christ Our Savior Parish at St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church, 764 Fifth Street, Struthers, OH 44471 and Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market Street, Boardman, OH 44512.