William Francis McCale, 74, U.S. Navy Veteran

He was born on September 8, 1946 in Norey, Pennsylvania to William Henry and Cora (nee Wilt) McCale. His family moved to Lorain six years later where he resided until entering the Navy after high school. He attended the former St. John Catholic School in Lorain and graduated from Admiral King High School in 1964 as a member of the first sophomore class when the school opened in 1961.

Bill was most proud to serve as a Naval Airman aboard the aircraft carrier Franklin D Roosevelt. He was co-pilot to his idle Commander Readon and served as crew. He flew 132 missions into the jungles of Vietnam transporting the wounded to the hospital ship. He made three ocean missions to rescue downed air crew. The thrill of his life was receiving a ride in the Mock I after one of those rescues! He received the Purple Heart for being shot down twice during those rescue missions. He had also received the National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and Vietnam Service Medal. He fondly spoke of transporting Bob Hope to the ships in the fleet during Christmas. He also bragged about his part in the movie "Ice Station Zero' as he hoisted football hall of famer, Jim Brown, to the ocean at the filming of one scene. Throughout the years, it was important to Bill to recognize, acknowledge and thank his fellow military comrades for their service, because he understood first-hand their great sacrifice.

It's appropriate that Bill passed on the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, because he was a hard worker throughout his life, always doing his very best. His work career began at Lorain Products as a technical writer. He worked at Union Carbide for 10 yrs.
Then became a purchasing agent for Parker Hannifin, Elyria Foundry and retired from Ohio Welded Blank in Medina.

Bill's deepest passion was his wife, children and grandchildren whom he taught to lead moral and ethical lives through his own example. He was active in his Catholic faith, being involved in Parish Council at St. Mary's, and various men's prayer groups serving as the church's Chairman of the WoolyBear festival for a number of years. He loved teaching religious education to the youth and was involved on team for Marriage Encounter. Bill loved animals, especially his Border Collie, Ginger whose job it was to take care of him until her passing. After retirement, Bill discovered his green thumb and spent most of his days cultivating his flowers, except for the times he took to have lunch and coffee with his good friend, Don.

He is survived by his high school Sweetheart and love of his life, Jeanne Marie Kissel McCale. They had 3 wonderful children, William John (Stephanie), Colleen (Charlie Grisel), Gregory (Suzie) and 5 grandchildren; Isabelle, Tyler, Harrison (Grisel), Andrew and Lucas. He is survived by his sisters, Virginia Smith and Lynne Field. He also leaves nephews Doug Smith and Eric Field, and nieces; Larissa Field, Wendy Prodonovich, and Julie Patton. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Cora, and his nephew Craig Bowles.

The family will receive friends Monday May 10, 2021 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Ave, Lorain. Attendees are required to wear masks and follow COVID-19 social distancing protocol displayed at the funeral chapel entrance and throughout the building. He will also be shown in the Gathering Space at St. Mary Catholic Church, 731 Exchange St, Vermilion on Tuesday May 11, 2021 from 10am until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am. The Rev Paul Schreiner, pastor, will preside. Military honors will be conducted outside the church immediately following mass by the Vermilion Veterans Council. Cremation will follow.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Northern Ohio Chapter, 8001 Sweet Valley Drive, Suite 3 Valley View, OH 44125 or St Mary Catholic Church Endowment Fund, 731 Exchange St, Vermilion, OH. 44089.

Online condolences can be made at www.gluvna.net.