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YOUNGSTOWN -- William L. "Bill" Tassian, 94, passed into eternal life Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, at his home, with his beloved wife at his side.
Bill was born on Dec. 18, 1931, in Youngstown, to George Tassian and Sally Mikolajczak Tassian. He attended Elm Street Elementary School and Rayen High School.
William joined the Marine Corps on March 1, 1952, and served seaside as a cook in Cherry Point, North Carolina. He was honorably discharged with the rank of corporal on Feb. 22, 1954.
He then went on to Youngstown College, where he received a degree in drafting, which led him to work at the Republic Steel and Standard Slag companies in their research departments. Because of the mills' closing, William took the civil service exam for the Youngstown Fire Department and was hired in 1962. In 1976, he took the test to become an engineer and was promoted to that position. As it was with many firemen, he took part-time jobs, working at Shepard and Morse Lumber Yard for 14 years, and retiring from the fire department in 1992.
In 1960, Bill married Betty Hamrock, and together they shared 65 years of cherished memories. They were blessed with two children, David and Laura. Bill was deeply involved in his children's lives, spending many years with David in Cub Scouts, the Soap Box Derby, camping, Little League baseball and other activities. He also treasured time with Laura and her friends, especially during sleepovers, when he would rise early to prepare a "Breakfast Buffet" for everyone. Family was central to Bill's life, and he valued every moment spent with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed playing chess and belonged to several chess clubs. He also loved the outdoors, whether tending his garden or walking through Boardman Park, Mill Creek Park and Poland Forest with the family dog, Tiki, and a friend's dog, Buddy.
Bill's interests were wide ranging and included concerts, casino trips, visits to Geneva-on-the-Lake with friends, and many other activities. Above all, he loved to travel. His trips included the Millennium Cruise, where he welcomed the year 2000 while traveling around the world. Because his father was born in Greece, visiting the country held special meaning for him. He also traveled to the Greek Isles, the Mediterranean, Alaska to Prudhoe Bay to see the midnight sun, Eastern Europe to explore his wife's ancestry, and Aruba for New Year's Eve, along with many day and weekend trips.
William is survived by his wife, Betty; daughter, Laura; son-in-law, Brian; grandson, Garrett; granddaughter, Macy; and his extended family, and many wonderful friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, David; his brother, George; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bob and Cathy Hamrock; and loyal family dogs, Sparky and Tiki.
We would like to thank the kind and caring aids of Cornerstone and Patriot Hospice for the care they gave Bill through his illness and final days.
"Rest in peace, dear Bill, for a life well lived."
The family will receive relatives and friends from 10 to 11:30 a.m., followed by an 11:30 a.m. funeral service, Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, at the Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave., Boardman.
Family and friends are encouraged to offer prayers for the family by visiting the Book of Memories at www.rossifunerals.com.
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