William J. Doneyko 1938-2026

Bill was born on May 12, 1938, in Youngstown, the only child of the late John and Mary Bates Doneyko.

He was a Class of 1956 graduate of Youngstown South High School. On Feb. 4, 1961, Bill married the former Kathi Fair. They shared almost 52 years of marriage until her passing in 2013.

In addition to working on his grandparents’ farm in North Jackson, Bill’s working history started at age 13, when he became a delivery boy for Fair’s Market on Youngstown’s South Side. He also worked side jobs at his brother-in-law’s Sohio gas stations and as a morning janitor at Hayes school, and finally at Metal Carbides in various positions, retiring as inspector in 1998, after 41 years of service.

Bill’s hobbies were numerous. In his younger years, Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing and water skiing. Later, he enjoyed family camping with the Cunninghams, going to Waterford to watch the horse races with the Klims, boating on Pymatuning Lake, car shows, collecting old fishing tackle and attending his grandsons’ sporting events.

Left to grieve his passing are his children: a son, John and his wife, Kathleen. of Cortland and a daughter, Emilie of Farmdale, with whom he lived and who was his constant caregiver.

Also grieving are his grandsons, Kyle (Bethany) and Alex; and great-grandchildren, Emma and Kyla, and Luca and Levi. Also grieving is his all-time favorite dog and loyal companion, Thelma the Golden Retriever.

Family and friends are invited to call from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at Vaschak-Kirila Funeral Home, 3100 Canfield Road, Youngstown.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, at St. Patrick Church, 1420 Oak Hill Ave., Youngstown. Everyone is to meet directly at the church.

Internment in Calvary Cemetery to follow.

Vaschak-Kirila handled all of the arrangements for the family.

(special notice)