William Griswold
Bill Griswold, of Chardon, eternal optimist, supportive family man and humble know-it-all, died on Feb. 15, 2025, at the age of 71. He was born Oct. 8, 1953.
Bill had something in common with everyone, always happy to lend an empathetic ear. He had a genuine interest in what you were saying, waiting patiently for an opening to impart his 15 minutes of wisdom.
He was generous in every respect, with his time, his love, his DIY talents and his money; he’d give you the clothes off his back before you even thought to ask for them. He dedicated himself to his career, but his favorite part of his job was helping other people. He loved his coworkers and the community he served for so long.
Bill was well acquainted with heartbreak and defeat thanks to his lifelong love of Cleveland sports, from the perennially disappointing Browns to multiple World Series losses. Luckily, the title winning Cavs and multiple Ohio State championships, including the recent 2024 win, helped to stave off the anguish.
Full of the spirit of adventure, Bill loved to travel near and far — and equally enjoyed stories of other peoples’ journeys. He organized family vacations everywhere from Ireland to West Virginia, Yosemite to the Outer Banks, Aruba to Las Vegas. He was as much at home sitting at the blackjack table on the casino floor as he was barbecuing on the deck at the vacation house.
Bill loved hosting lively family get-togethers. Elaborate meals sourced from all corners of the internet graced his table. He took pride in his extensive home bar, offering guests single malt whiskeys or fancy mixed drinks, depending on their mood.
A devoted fan of practical jokes, you never knew when you might find a fake spider or severed hand next to your drink.
Eternally grateful for the love shown to him by his parents, he passed it on to his own family, prioritizing them above everything else in his life. The family that will forever carry him in their hearts includes his wife, Ruth; children, Jennie (Matt), Molly (Ryan), Marissa (Tim) and Gina (Chuck); grandchildren, Nathan, Owen, Tyler, Gia, Parker, Charlie and Nora; sister, Cindy (Bruce); and former wife and friend, Kathy.
Bill’s large extended family will miss him dearly.
He was a schemer, a dreamer and, more than anything, we are all better for having had him in our lives.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Dave Thomas Foundation, a cause Bill contributed to and believed in, by going to their website www.davethomasfoundation.org.
Services will be held privately.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Chardon. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.burrservice.com.
