William J. Fogle

William J. Fogle, 91, loving husband, father, grandfather, and uncle, died at home of natural causes with his family at his side. He is survived by Mary Lou, his wife of 68 years; children Dawn (Mark), Bill, Terri (Bill), Mark (Jean), and Lynn; grandchildren Stephanie, Andrew, Patrick, Hannah, and Diana; sister-in-law Marie; nephews Rick, Randy, Steve, and Ty and their families. Preceded in death by parents Loy and Dorothy; brother Sonny (Eric); son-in-law Bill.

A lifelong resident of Akron, Ohio, Bill graduated from North High School and then went to work at Goodyear. After two years at Goodyear, he enlisted in the US Air Force, serving with the SRS 1094 during the Korean War and the Cold War. Following discharge, he returned to Goodyear and started college. He graduated with a BS in Industrial Management from the University of Akron, studying full time while working full time, building a home, and raising a family of 5 children. He retired from Goodyear (Aerospace) and Loral after 40+ years. A convert to Catholicism, Bill was an active member of St. Matthew parish for over 60 years, including as Minister to the Sick, Eucharistic Minister, and President of the Holy Name Society which honored him as Man of the Year (1973). He set an example of service through involvement in the Knights of Columbus (Charles Reymann Council 4664), City of Akron Senior Volunteers, and Ellet AARP. Bill's family was named K of C Family of the Year (2004-2005).

An aviation and aerospace enthusiast, he was a walking encyclopedia. An avid modeler, (even had a model shop as a kid), he built models of current and historic aircraft in plastic, balsa wood, and for radio control, paying meticulous attention to detail. Models graced the bookshelves and hung from bedroom ceilings. A member of Goodyear Model Airplane Club (later the Corsair Club), he was especially proud to hail from Ohio, the Birthplace of Aviation and of the Wright Brothers. Aviation highlights include meeting WWII ace General Jimmy Doolittle, riding in the Goodyear blimp and several historic aircraft, and taking family trips to air shows and museums. High points from his life's journey include the honeymoon on Route 66, 25th anniversary celebration visit to Goodyear friends in Cali, Colombia, model building with children and grandchildren, family camping trips in a used pop-up trailer, re-connecting with fellow veterans in 1094 reunions, and family outings to Stricklands' Frozen Custard (really to watch airplanes at Akron Fulton airport). Especially proud of his maternal British heritage, he took a trip "across the pond" to England, Scotland, and Ireland in 2013, where he met one of his English cousins in Canterbury, traveled to York Cathedral, the starting point for his famed great uncle, composer Sir Joseph Barnby, and visited the storied airfield in Duxford, England, one of the main Royal Air Force bases used by the Allies in WWII.

Thank you to the staff and volunteers of Ohio Living Home Health & Hospice, especially Dr. Fistek, Erica, Kelly, Ed, Amanda, Allison, Rob, Connie, Ellen, and Daphne who made it possible to honor his wish to be cared for at home in his final weeks.

Funeral Mass: Wednesday, February 23, 2022, St. Matthew Church, 2580 Berne St. Akron, OH 44312, 11:00 am.
Calling hours: 1 hour prior (10-11) at the Church
COVID protocols for Church services: Masks & distancing please
Burial: Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery
In lieu of flowers, donations to MAPS Air Museum https://mapsairmuseum.org or Humane Society of Summit County https://www.summithumane.org or your local animal shelter.