On Dec. 11 William (Bill) G. Malenich, who was always “Livin’ the Dream,” was called home unexpectedly to live the ultimate dream in heaven with God our Father. William, 77, of Catawba Island and formerly of Garfield Heights passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving wife of 55 years and his 4 dedicated children. Bill was born on March 27, 1943 to John and Stella (Wolansky) Malenich (both deceased) and married the love of his life and best friend Margaret E. McGuinness on November 27, 1965. William retired in 2016 as the CFO of Community Assessment Treatment Services (C.A.T.S.) and previously held managerial positions at Loopco, Bobby Brooks Clothing and Stouffer Foods. Before Bill and Marge moved to Catawba, they were loyal members of Holy Spirit Byzantine Catholic Church in Parma for 50 years. In Catawba, Bill and Marge joined St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church, Marblehead, where he shared his great talent of singing as a church cantor as well as participating as an active member in the church community. He was a member of the Elks Lodge No. 1718, Port Clinton, and had a great love for music, dancing (especially Polka) and travel. Bill, a very quiet, kind and true gentle man, carried his childhood passion of boating and fishing throughout his life, and when he wasn’t on the water he could be found on the golf course or working on projects.

Surviving is his wife of 55 years: Margaret E. “Marge” Malenich (McGuinness); children: Kathleen A. (Michael) Theise, Margaret A. Malenich, William Malenich (Deceased) Gregory J. (Liberty) Malenich, Sarah A. Malenich; grandchildren: Hillary, Harriet, Cole, Luca; sister: Joan (Gene) Sutton; brothers-in-law: John Pat McGuinness, James McGuinness; sister-in-law: Annamae (John) Heiman; as well as close cousins; nieces and nephews.

Visitation was held Monday, Dec. 14, at Neidecker, Crosser & Priesman Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Peninsula Chapel, 7755 E. Harbor Rd., Lakeside-Marblehead. Parastas Services followed. Divine Liturgy was conducted Tuesday, Dec. 15, at St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church, 507 E. Main St., Marblehead. Interment followed in St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to Community Assessment Treatment Services (C.A.T.S.), www.communityassessment.org. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.neideckercrosserpriesman.com.