William Louis Parthe

William Louis Parthe

In the afternoon of March 24, 2024, William (Bill) Louis Parthe of Tallmadge, Ohio passed at the age of 92.

Bill was the son of William and Dora Parthe, born in Alliance, Ohio, but considered Cuyahoga Falls as his hometown.  Bill graduated from Miami University with a degree in Geology, and degrees in Metallurgy & Chemistry from Fenn College of Engineering/Cleveland State University.

Bill proudly served as an officer in the US Navy, ranked as Captain, and commanded and longed to return to the Isle of Palms.

Before going into business for himself, he also worked as a chemist for Republic Steel and Diamond Shamrock.

Bill married Nancy Wyatt in 1952 and together raised 6 children, Betsy Reeves, Amy Lanese, Stuart, Julia Rosenquist (Merv), Bridget Fuller (Darl) and William.  He is a proud grandfather to Shawn, Jessica, Andrea, Evan, Alexis and Jared, great grandfather to Quinn, Emery and Louis.

He was preceded in death by his son, William (Skeeter) and a grandson Shawn.

Bill had true joie de vivre—trains fascinated him from his early childhood in Alliance, he rode his horse Harvey (Thanksgiving rides with the neighbor gents was a favorite), he learned to fly small aircraft, enjoyed taking his kids sledding.  He had many adventures and interests that are too numerous to account.

His biggest passion was music-starting with piano at the age of nine, learning to play the banjo later in life, which led to his entertainment career playing with ragtime bands and well-known in the community as “Banjo Bill”.  His longstanding gig at Sea World in Aurora gave him great pleasure and was well-loved by his audience, colleagues, and dear friends.

At home, he rose early. Loved the early morning birdsong, was a firm believer in oatmeal for breakfast, scotch in the evening.  And always, he had a devote cat or more to make him laugh with their antics and keep his lap warm.

 In the end, he left a final gift with his daughter Bridget, who shared that his final journey of suffering, he was gently lifted in peace.

Many kind thoughts are especially for daughters Bridget, Amy and Betsy who were each instrumental in helping Dad through the past year and half and his dear friend Bill Genson, who gathered his music friends to visit and play some jazz. Dad was grateful for that; we all were.

The family offers heartfelt thanks to Lifecare of Edina and Hospice of the Western Reserve.  Dad was blessed that both teams offered so much comfort and respect for him in their care.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to: The Hospice of Western reserve HMC, 5075 Windfall Road, Medina, Ohio 44256.

Many thanks to the Bauer Funeral Home for assisting in the arrangements.

To a life well-lived, loved by many, we bid farewell and raise a glass to Banjo Bill.

Please join us for burial with military honors for Dad’s in the US Navy.  Friday, May 3, 2024 at 1:15 PM. (Please meet at the entrance by 1:00PM) at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Road, Seville, Ohio 44273.

A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, May 4, 2024 from 2-5 PM at the British American Club, 8564 Ravenna Road, Twinsburg, OH 44087

330-963-6370

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Louis Parthe, please visit our floral store.