William J. Broz Sr. , 86, Proud US Navy Veteran

He was born on August 29, 1925 in Lorain, Ohio to the late Joseph and Margaret Broz (nee Bodnar).

He graduated from St. Ladislaus Elementary School in June of 1939 and from Lorain High School, class of 1943 B. He was a member of St. Ladislaus Catholic Church until it closed in 2009.

During World War II, Bill joined the US Navy in 1944 and was trained as a Radioman. He was assigned to the Attack Troop Transport, USS Queens APA-103. He was aboard the Queens when she landed additional U.S. Marines on Iwo Jima during the battle and took off wounded Marines to be transported to hospitals in Hawaii. As a member of the Queens Elite "Beach Battalion", he was training for the invasion of Japan when the war ended. He was there when the Queens took occupation troops into the Japanese city of Sasebo. He earned the American Defense Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal and the Navy Occupation (Japan) Medal. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in June, 1946. Bill was a lifetime member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Bill enrolled at Miami (Ohio) University and earned a BA degree in Accounting, graduating in 1951. He was hired by the National Tube Company of US Steel in Lorain. Over the next thirty-two years, he held numerous positions, retiring as Payroll Supervisor in 1983. He was a member of the US Steel Management Club.

Bill and Lynn were married on July 24, 1948 and raised seven children on Lorain's east side; William J. (Jack) Jr. (Anna), Carol (Douglas) Mathews, Catherine, and Richard (Monique) of Lorain; James, and Jonathan (Kathy) of Vermilion, and Raymond (Jeanne) of Brunswick. He is also survived by his sister Frances Hannaford, sister-in-law Dorothy (Johnson) Broz, thirteen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren . He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Mildred (Lynn) Broz in 2006, sister Margaret (Andy) Kovach, brother Joseph Robert (Dorothy) Broz and an infant brother Joseph.

Beyond Bill's family, his hobbies were part of his life. With Lynn, he was an adult volunteer scout leader for more than 30 years including ten as a Cub Master (Pack 395) and fifteen as a Scout Master (Troop 395). He went on to hold various district and council level positions and earned numerous awards, ultimately receiving The Silver Beaver award in 1987, the highest honor a Boy Scout council can bestow on an adult volunteer leader. He shared this award with Lynn, who also received the award, one of the few husband and wife teams to receive this prestigious honor. Even after all his sons were out of scouting, Bill continued to spend part of each summer as a member of "The Over The Hill Gang" of retired scout leaders who worked at Camp Firelands, building facilities to be used by future Boy Scouts.

He loved singing and in 1971 joined The Lorain Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society (Lorain Harborsharpers), later The Golden Crescent Chorus and remained active until recently. In addition to harmonizing, Bill, a natural artist, designed and painted the scenery for many of the chorus's annual fall spectaculars. He created hand-made trophies and awards for many of the members. He served as Chapter President in 1991.

With Lynn, Bill gave of his time as a volunteer at St. Joseph's Hospital for many years, assisting in the emergency room. He was also active in the Lorain Senior Fellowship, serving in several leadership capacities including the office of president. Bowling was one of Bill's passions. He was a member of several bowling leagues.

An avid wood carver, his work room resembled "Santa's Work Shop" during the months before Christmas as he created unique hand-made gifts for family and friends.

Bill and Lynn loved to ride bicycles around the city of Lorain, often riding to the Arby's on the west side for lunch. At times, the bike rides included his children, the neighbors' children and friends. He also enjoyed tending to a small vegetable garden during the summer months..

The family wishes to especially thank dad's caregivers; Kathi Lee, Kay Phillips and Heather Lavelle.

Friends may call on Tuesday, July 31, 2012 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. in the Schwartz, Spence, Boyer & Cool Home For Funerals, 1124 W. 5th Street, Lorain, Ohio 44052.

Funeral services will begin with prayers at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 1, 2012 in the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. the Navity BVM Church, 418 W. 15th Street, Lorain with Father Robert Glepko, pastor as celebrant.

Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery with full military honors provided jointly by the American Legion Post 30 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 451.

The family suggest that memorial contributions may be made to Golden Crescent Chorus, c/o Bill Reising, President, 41521 Rosewood Ave., Elyria or Firelands Reservation Fund, Heart Of Ohio Council, B.S.A.,, Post Office Box 368, Ashland, Ohio 44805.

Online condolences at www.boyer-cool.com