William J. Kretovics

     William J. Kretovics, Jr., 72, of Sheffield Village passed away at his home on September 19, 2021 following a brave, well fought, battle with cancer.
     Bill was born in Lorain on March 23, 1949, the son of the late William J. (Sr.) and Elise (Broadfoot) Kretovics. A lifelong resident of the area, he graduated from Lorain High School in the class of 1967 and attended both Kent State University and Lorain Community College.
     During his adult life he resided in Sheffield Village where he raised his three grown children, with his wife Ann, while working for Anthony Allega Cement Contractors in Cleveland.  Subsequently, in his retirement years, he worked for the Lorain County Parks at the French Creek Nature Center occasionally traveling during the off season; he especially loved visiting the National Parks. 
     Bill’s love of nature was evidenced by his hobbies; gardening, yard work, and lastly birdwatching, which he was able to enjoy even throughout his illness. He was a loyal, lifelong fan of the Cleveland Indians and Browns. He loved showing off his trivia knowledge to his friends and family and was always ready to care for those he loved with joke and a smile. 
     Bill is survived by his wife of 42 years, Ann Marie (Santarelli), daughters; Morgan M. (Keith) Smelker of New Orleans, LA, Erin E. Kretovics of Phoenix, AZ; son, Matthew W. (Kate) Kretovics, of Columbus and his grandchildren; Evelyn, Autumn and Andrew Smelker, Ellie Kretovics; His brothers: Tom Kretovics of New Richmond, WI, Jack (Pamela) Kretovics of Genoa, NV, Joseph (Mary Lou) Kretovics of Kalamazoo, MI and Mark (Debby) Kretovics, of Kent.
     A public Celebration of Bill's Life will be held on Saturday, October 2, 2021 from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm at the French Creek Nature Center. The family kindly requests masks be worn by all visitors.
     Burial was private in the Garfield Cemetery in Sheffield Village.
     The family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Lorain County Metroparks - French Creek Nature Center, 12882 Diagonal Road,
LaGrange, Ohio 44050.
     The family was assisted with arrangements by the Schwartz, Spence, Boyer & Cool Home For Funerals, 1124 W. 5th Street, Lorain, Ohio.

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