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YOUNGSTOWN -- William Zigarevich entered eternal rest surrounded by his loving wife and family in Youngstown on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026, at the age of 95.
William was born on May 23, 1931, in Youngstown.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Sergey Zigarevich and Julia Opalko Zigarevich; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Joseph (Helen) Zigarevich, and Frank (Margaret) Zigarevich; an infant son, John; and an infant great-grandson, Maximilian Zigarevich.
His love of movies led him to meet his forever sweetheart, Margaret Turjanica Zigarevich, the ticket girl at the Home Show. His family legacy began on July 24, 1954, when they wed at St. Nicholas Byzantine Church. They shared 72 years together. He created a faith-filled, loving home shaped by his values and generosity.
William was father to William (Michelle) Zigarevich, Mark (Laura) Zigarevich and Tina (Bret) Henderson. He was the devoted Dede to grandchildren, Thomas Zigarevich, Andrew Zigarevich, Justine (Christopher) Noth, Ivan (Hannah) Zigarevich, Alexander (Bernadette) Zigarevich, Kristen Henderson, Kimberly Henderson, Kara Henderson; and great-grandchildren, Landon, Joanna, Blake, Luka, Ignatius, Florence and Victor. He was also Uncle Bill to numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
William was always encouraging others to reach their highest potential. He modeled this in his own life. A proud Golden Bear, in December 1950, he became a graduate of East High School in Youngstown, and then attended Youngstown State University. He served his country in the Korean War as an Army corporal from 1952 to 1954 as a radio operator. While serving, he was awarded the Korean Service Ribbon, the United Nations Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. Through his perseverance he accepted challenges and committed to leadership roles by serving his beloved hometown. He served first as an ambulance paramedic and driver for the Youngstown Fire Department and continued his career at the Youngstown Fire Department as a firefighter, engineer, captain, and battalion chief. He finally reached the highest civil service position as assistant chief. He valued learning and hard work and was often first on the lists for tests to advance to the levels of leadership. He was proud of the service he provided for the community, and during one event, the devastating Idora Park fire, he was able to save the carousel.
His interests were many and his curiosity kept him forever learning. His faith and family were most important to him. He enjoyed traveling with family, gardening, reading the newspaper and mystery books, listening to music, watching sports and movies, word and jigsaw puzzles, going to the casinos and more. He was a do-it-yourself person, from working on cars, televisions and doing home repairs to building his own garage.
His quick wit, sense of humor, wise advice and thoughtfulness will be greatly missed. He will be remembered as a dedicated Byzantine Catholic, a role model, a hero, a devoted husband, a father, “Dede” and a friend.
The Zigarevich family has entrusted William's care to the Wasko Funeral Home in Campbell, Ohio.
Private services took place on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
William was laid to rest, with military honors, in Calvary Cemetery, Youngstown.
The family would like to thank Wasko Funeral Home, and reverands, Fr. Michael Farynets and Fr. Edward Brienz, and Darla Tomovich.
Please visit www.waskofamily.com to view this obituary and to leave condolences with the Zigarevich family.
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