William H. "Bill" Vale

William (Bill) H. Vale II, age 73, passed away on December 3, 2025, at his residence in Fairport Harbor. He was born in Seattle, WA to William H. Vale and Lola (Davison Vale) but spent his youth in Akron, OH and Clearwater, FL.

Bill was a devoted family man, loyal friend, journeyman, coach, and unyielding competitor, even to his grandchildren. A roofer by trade, he took great pride in his work and his business, Journeyman Roofing. He also was essential at Middleton Roofing and Harbor Construction for many years. 

He loved sports and was a loyal fan of the Cleveland Guardians, Cavaliers, and the Browns (despite their obvious shortcomings), and the Ohio State Buckeyes. He was “Coach Vale” for eighteen years in the Painesville Little League and treasured imparting his love for baseball onto the next generation.

Bill loved his family and the simple things in life. He looked forward to his annual fishing expedition with his wife Janice and siblings in Canada and trips to Disney World with his grandchildren.  A perfect day for him might include golfing, completing puzzles while listening to classic rock, competitive games of pinochle, cribbage, and highly contested games of Monopoly with his sons—he often lost but would never admit it!  Bill was also an active member of the Fairport Hungarian Culture Club and the Fairport VFW 7754.

Bill is survived by his wife Janice (Panzarella) Vale; sons William (Heather) Vale, Matthew (Michelle) Vale, Michael (Steven) Vale, and Nathan Vale; grandchildren Jana, Liam, Olivia and Jack; brothers Dan (Susan) Vale and Terry (Charlene) Vale; sisters Linda Dowell and Cindy (Greg) Moravec.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Cherie Smith, and his parents.

Family and friends will be received 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM, Saturday, December 13, 2025, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Fairport Harbor. To honor Bill, please wear your favorite sports apparel. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 AM.  

In lieu of flowers, donations in William’s name may be made to Fairport Harding Athletic Boosters, P.O. Box 1029, Fairport Harbor, OH  44077.

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