HANOVER — William James Desmone, beloved husband and devoted father and grandfather, went home to be with the Lord on April 25, 2009, at the Arlington Care Center, Newark. He was born Feb. 8, 1925, in Cleveland to the late Giovanni and Santa (Gerace) De Simone.
William is a graduate of West High School in Cleveland. He served three years in the U.S. Navy during World War II as a Naval Armed Guard for the U.S. Merchant Marines. He owned and operated a Sohio service station in Cleveland for many years. In later years, he owned the Purity Store and worked at City Farm Supply in Newark. He was a lifelong member of the Neighborhood VFW and attended the Marne United Methodist Church. Bill lived for his family, left a legacy of laughter and song, and will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
He is survived by his wife, Flo (Hanby) DeVault Desmone of Hanover; special granddaughter, Mallory Tharp of the home; daughters, Linda (Mark) Smith of Utica, Mary Ann (Scott) Bina of Utica, Joann (Jack) Hengst of Columbia Station, Deborah (Pat) Pennington of Olive Branch, Miss.; special nieces, Debbie Lantz and Dorothy Ann Vernon of Newark; stepsons, Thomas (Mary) DeVault of Troy, Timothy (Buni) DeVault of Athol, Mass.; stepdaughters, Debbie Fisher of Charleston, S.C., and Penny DeVault of Newark; 14 grandchildren; 10 stepgrandchildren; his sister, Carmella Rossi of Parma; a brother, John of Richfield; and many loving nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Dorothy (Duchi); his brothers, Louie, Tony, Dick; and his sisters, Mary Costanzo and Helen Geraci.
A memorial service for William James Desmone of Hanover will be Saturday, May 2, at 1 p.m. at North Olmsted Evangelical Friends Church, 5665 Great Northern Blvd. The family will receive friends at the church, one hour prior to the service.
Memorial contributions may be given to Hospice of Central Ohio, 2269 Cherry Valley Road SE, or the Carol Strawn Center, 126 W. Church St., both of Newark, OH 43055.
Law-Baker Funeral Home, 34 N. Main St., Utica, is assisting the family with arrangements.
