William M. McNally 1953-2026

Born Feb. 8, 1953, he was raised on the West Side. He attended St. Brendan School, graduating in 1971 from Chaney High School. He was a Cowboy through and through, still attending their reunions and keeping in touch with many classmates. He also attended Youngstown State University for teaching.

He loved history, was very cultured and shared stories with great enthusiasm.

Preceding him in death were his parents, William and Betty Anna Gustas McNally; sisters, Kathy and Maureen; and very close cousins, Steve and Richard Wasilewski.

He is survived by his wonderful niece, Kathy LaLama; nephews, “Billy” LaLama (Jennifer and son Jackson), and very special Phillip, the reason he became an uncle! He leaves cousins, Tom (Jill) Wasilewski of Hermitage, Pa., and Paul (Jane) Gustas and their families. The three cousins grew up like brothers, pushing boundaries every opportunity with Aunt Tresa!

He also leaves a daughter, son-in-law and three grandsons.

Being an accomplished accordion player, he won a state award at the age of 14. However, participating in football won out. He played with strength and a great deal of energy — Coach “Red” Angelo expected no less.

He worked at the first McDonald’s on Mahoning Avenue, then at US Steel, Republic Steel, Ohio Edison and Gateways to Better Living. Retiring in 2000, he began walking the East Mill Creek Hike and Bike Trail. Janet and Britt were disciplined walkers who accompanied him nearly every day for 16 years. He had continued to attend lunches with the park friends until recently.

Many have described him as stubborn, generous, intelligent, cultured and compassionate, but always a truly exceptional friend.

In 2009, because of her friendship with his sister, Maureen, he met the “love of his life,” Martha Eicher. His address changed to Girard shortly after. He told just about everyone how much he cherished their relationship. They hosted a “Commitment Ceremony” in 2010 for family and close friends. Many came to speak to his great nature. Knowing they wanted to spend every possible minute together, their loving relationship was granted over 16 wonderful years.

He never passed up an opportunity to attend local entertainment. He always purchased season tickets to the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra, Opera Western Reserve and the Youngstown Playhouse. The Butler Intstitute of American Art has movies on art on Tuesday, and on Wednesday, saw a variety of presentations by the students of the Dana School of Music. Every third Thursday, he and “Princess” took their lunch to the Mahoning Valley Historical Society for their Bites ‘n Bits program, meeting up with their “sidekicks,” Janet and Vincent Rusnak.

Together they traveled on the Danube and visited Prague. Years prior, Bill and Martha visited many countries along the Mediterranean. The Egyptian pyramids were a greatly anticipated sight: surely built by aliens! Italy remained Bill’s favorite place for food, people and beautiful land! He cherished the friendships of his dear neighbors and card players, Maureen, Marie, Kay and Nancie. He shared homemade soup and tended to any favor they needed! Lisa brought him samples of new recipes and those tried before, always with great conversations.

He became a member of the Jewish Community Center and swam there most days. The “Swimmers Breakfast Club” was a wonderful group of friends that included his “son-in-law” George.

He was the cook of the family, including lunch for Martha’s “500” card club. Everyone was happy when he made stuffed cabbage to share! Sunday dinner for the family was another joy of his. A friend once asked him to play Santa for her grandchildren. He took the duty seriously, and it extended to other friends. The white-bearded guy in the red suit, notebook and pen in hand, would go off to entertain. He gained an elf along the way! Her name was Natalie.

A huge sports fan of O-H-I-O Bucks, they were his football team. He cheered Youngstown State, Chaney and Girard. He was a member of Curbstone Coaches, where he and Martha attended the Monday meetings.

A huge highlight of his life was Natalie Eicher, his “granddaughter.” They made an unbreakable bond at first contact. He gladly attended every dance recital, band performance and graduation. Later, he took her and Martha to the YSU girls’ basketball home games. Her parents, George and Michele, and Uncle Victor accepted him as a family member all those years.

He faithfully attended First Christian Church in Girard with Martha.

He was well known for his wonderful wedding soup, and he shared it every chance. He was intensely loved by that congregation as he loved them. There will always be a void unfilled.

On Valentine’s Day, there will be a very special memorial service, led by Pastor Diane Fonderlin. This was the date that he had chosen to be married, and the menu is what he chose for their reception. For all who wish to attend, the service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at First Christian Church, 140 E. Broadway Ave., Girard. A reception will follow in the church hall.

PBS Western Reserve was his favorite place to donate for the creative and memorable programs. Should you wish to remember him in this way, their address is 1750 Campus Center Drive, Kent, OH 44240-5191.

Bill was always ready and willing to help anyone with anything. The Christmas lights on the gazebo will be a fitting yearly tribute to this most wonderful and loving of God’s men. He will be missed every day.

Bill’s wishes regarding his ashes will be respected.

Arrangements by Cremation & Funeral Service by Gary S. Silvat Inc. Share memories, send condolences or make a donation by visiting cremateohio.com.

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