William Frederick “Bill” Anspach, Sr., age 78, of Shelby, died peacefully Thursday morning, May 9, 2024 at the Crestwood Care Center in Shelby with his loving wife, Toni, by his side.
Bill was born June 30, 1945 in Ashland to the late James and Phyllis (Duffy) Anspach. A proud graduate and alumnus of the Shelby Senior High School Class of 1963, Bill excelled as an athlete in football, baseball, and track. His love for the Shelby Whippets was always evident. Together with Jim Hunter, Bill announced football for Shelby games for many years- Jim was the voice and Bill was the eyes. He and Toni faithfully attended Shelby sporting events especially basketball and football- not missing a football game for many many years. Additionally, he assisted coaching freshman football following his retirement from General Motors in Ontario after 42 years of service.
It should be noted that it was not just Shelby sports that Bill loved- its was many and all sports, especially playing golf. Co-hosting the annual Anspach/DeVito Labor Day Golf Extravaganza was a highlight of wrapping up each summer for Bill and their family and friends. Neighborhood gatherings at the corner of Marvin Avenue and West Street created a lifetime of memories and happiness.
Bill was an active member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church and was always volunteering for church events. So many children in the church and St. Mary School fondly referred to him as “Grandpa Bill” as he was a classroom volunteer for the preschool for many years- a job that he genuinely loved, and the children loved him in return.
Bill loved his family deeply and was a true supporter of everything they did especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren’s sporting events. Surviving is his loving wife of 61 years: Toni Anne (Martinez) Anspach whom he wed February 9, 1963; children: Lisa Hiler of Shelby, Lori (Dan) Cooper of Shelby, and Bill (Jennifer) Anspach, Jr. of Medina; grandchildren: Austin (Casey) Hiler, Craig (Mikaela) Hiler, John McKinney, Brittany McKinney, and Haley Anspach; great grandchildren: Avery, Jaxson, Araya, Nolan, Brittain, Riley, and Roman; siblings: Tom (Donna) Anspach of Wooster, Chuck (Becky) Anspach of Colorado, and Sally (Frank) Stewart of Columbus; in-laws: Dave (Diane) Martinez, Rick Martinez, and Susan (Jim) Radivic; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Elizabeth.
Family and friends are welcome on Monday, May 13, 2024 from 5-7 pm at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Bill’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 10:30 am at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 29 West Street, Shelby. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the church or the Shelby Whippet Athletic Boosters and left in care of the funeral home.
Online condolences may be left on Bill’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellTurner.com) or Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneral).
Funeral Home: Penwell Turner Funeral Home
Website: www.penwellturner.com