William Joseph Rosato, Sr.

William "Whiz" J. Rosato, Sr.

William J. Rosato, Sr., born on September 23, 1932, passed away peacefully at his home in Mogadore on February 4, 2024, with his beloved wife of 73 years, Eileen, by his side.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Anna and Ernest Rosato; brothers, Michael "Mickey," Frances, Ernest and Ralph; and sisters, Anna, Eileen and Angela; as well as his grandson, Joseph. He is survived by his wife Eileen, as well as his children, Deborah, Michael (Gloria), Gail (Rick), William (Cindy) and Thom (Kelly); his grandchildren, Maria, Krista, Amanda, Michael, Anthony, Miranda, Savanna, Allison and Luke. He is also survived by his brother, Paul, and sisters, Marion, Donna and Christine. He leaves behind 9 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Bill was born in Scranton, PA and attended West Scranton High School where he starred as a football player and most importantly, met the love of his life, Eileen. They were married in October of 1950, and spent the next 73 years building a strong, close and loving family together. They moved to the Akron area in 1951 where work was more available. Bill was hired at Gougler Machine where he became a master machinist spanning a career of over 40 years. He taught himself trigonometry by signing out books at the library in order to be more adept for his career. Bill was a "do-it-yourselfer" and meticulously did home improvements and car repairs with an attention to detail that was unmatched.

The family moved to Mogadore in 1963 and that was when Bill started his coaching career after asking to help coach for Mogadore Youth Football. This began a coaching career that spanned 51 years, touching over a thousand lives along the way. He coached with a focus on the young people he worked with, always with an eye towards each individual's well-being. He also preached "team" and mentored the ability to trust in each other to achieve together. He would have the parents and kids over to his home for victory parties where Eileen would make trays and trays of her famous home made pizza. Bill used to brag about how his wife could coach as well had she wanted to. He coached kids that became fathers and grandfathers, they would bring their sons and grandkids to come play for "Coach Rosato." He coached his own sons and grandkids of whom he was enormously proud. Mogadore High School games always featured "Coach" watching his players play in high school in the "Rosato Corner." Every team he coached heard one thing that he always told them,"If you know in your heart, when the game is over, that you gave the very best you could, that is the greatest feeling you can ever have." Bill, we're sure, has that feeling now at the gates of Heaven.

The family would like to thank Crossroads Hospice for the outstanding care and compassion they shared with Bill.

Calling hours to Celebrate the Life of Bill will be held at Newcomer Funeral Home, 131 N. Canton Rd, Akron Oh 44305, visitation from 1-4 P.M. on Monday, February 12, 2024 with a Memorial Service to follow at 4:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Mogadore Youth Football, P.O. Box 391 Mogadore Ohio 44260.

William's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Please click here to view.

To share a memory of Bill or to leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.