William J. Dolata, 78, of Valley City, Ohio traveled on to his eternal home, Friday, December 3, 2021 surrounded by his loving family.
Bill was born October 31, 1943 in Cleveland, Ohio to the late William and Anastasia (Szydlowski) Dolata and has resided in Medina County since 1974. He was an alumnus of Cathedral Latin and Cleveland State University. Bill served in the U.S. Airforce stationed in Guam. Bill, who could always be seen with his signature crucifix around his neck, was a devout Catholic and a very active member of St. Martin of Tours, Valley City. He faithfully served as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, taught PSR and oversaw the RCIA program where he helped guide many in their walk of faith. He could be found calling BINGO at church or the V.C. street fair in his singular cadence or helping with the many dinners served at the parish. Bill was a former member of the Erhart Fire Department and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Valley City Fire Department for all his service to the community.
Sports was a true passion of Bill’s and he more than earned his spot in the Valley City Youth League Hall of Fame, coaching countless children through the years, umpiring and also acting as a scoreboard attendant for Buckeye basketball. Bill loved to fish, golf and bowl with his family and also passed down a passion for Cleveland and Ohio State sports to his children and grandchildren.
Bill retired after 30 years as a Quality Control Specialist with BASF. Following his retirement, he was a realtor with Forestwood Realty in Valley City and helped many find their family homes.
Preceded in death by wife Sandra (Bender) Dolata, son, Wayne Dolata, two brothers, Anthony Gopear and Richard Dolata and a sister Dorothy Purcel, sister-in-law: Rita (Jim) Bores, grandson Lucas Dolata, niece, Amy Brown, and nephew, Jack Purcel.
Bill will be greatly missed by his wife, Patty (Washington) Shudy Dolata, married 24 years. Children, Kevin (Jenee), Burt (Andrea), Felicia, Aaron (Kim), Ken (Kate), Morgan (Tanya), and Dustan (Jacquie).
Grandchildren, Bradley, Matthew, Allison, Isabel, Jainy, Sandra, Hayden, Turner, Emerie, Mason, Reese, Karmen, Nathaniel, and Kenny. His loss will also be felt by his sisters and brothers in law, Sharon (Roger) Brown, Kimberly Dolata, Linda (Bob) Matty, Nancy (Ray) Notarian, Dennis Bender, many nieces and nephews, and the Valley City community.
Calling hours will be held from 4:00-8:00 PM on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, in the Gathering Area of St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, 1800 Station Road Valley City, OH and from 10:00-11:00 AM Wednesday, December 8, 2021. The wearing of masks is encouraged by the family.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM, Wednesday at the church with Rev. Dan Reed, officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the amazing and caring staff of Fairview Hospital and Hospice of the Western Reserve.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church.
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