William A. Sulesky

William (Bill) Sulesky of East Point, Put-in-Bay, OH, passed away peacefully at his home on January 1, 2021, at the age of 87. Bill was born September 26, 1933, to Alexander and Mary (Puro) Sulesky in Cleveland, OH. He graduated in 1951 from Collinwood High School. He enlisted in the Army in 1952 and became a member of the 187th Infantry Regiment Paratroopers and was stationed at Ft. Campbell, KY during the Korean War. When he returned from the Army in 1954, he then went on to work at General Motors, Coyt Road in Cleveland. In 1983, he transferred from the Coyt Road plant to the GM facility in Mansfield, OH, where he retired from in 1992. Once retired, he permanently relocated to the Sulesky family homestead on East Point which Bill’s parents purchased in 1955. Bill enjoyed gardening and raised many different types of birds over the years. The pet peacocks he raised still roam the property today, a favorite of summer tourists to photograph as they drive by on their golf carts heading out to East Point. Bill enjoyed island life and could often be found driving and surveying his property from his red Polaris UTV, often with his beloved dogs Bo and Hunter in tow. An avid tree lover, he planted trees annually on his property for future generations to enjoy. His greatest joy, however, was hunting. To Bill, there were two seasons: hunting season and getting ready for hunting season. He would spend hours in his barn crafting an assortment of feeders, blinds, etc. for the next “opening day.” His house and barn were adorned with a variety of “trophies” he had taken over the years, his most recent success--a 6 point buck at the age of 85! Bill had many great, long-time friends who would always stop to see him when they visited the island. One of those friends, “Giddy Up” Dave Brenneis, wrote the song “Partying at Put-in-Bay” for Bill in honor of his 70th birthday. The following lyrics from the song exemplify Bill’s hospitality: Pulled into the Harbor, Bill’s waiting at the dock, first thing he says “Hey guys, let’s do a shot!” Bill was always very welcoming to anyone who wanted to join him at his kitchen table for a beverage and some good conversation. He is survived by his children Bill (Patty) Sulesky, Jr. of Medina, OH and Keith Sulesky of Dallas, TX; grandchildren Alec Sulesky of Hermosa Beach, CA and Abby (Thomas) Grieb of Mason, MI; sister Pat (Roy) Jackson of Avon, OH; nephew Bill (Tammy) Sibert of Rocky River, OH; and niece Debi (Ed) DeTomaso of Novelty, OH. The family wishes to personally thank the Put-in-Bay EMS, Volunteer Fire Department and members of the US Coast Guard for the care they took with Bill’s passing on New Year’s Day, along with Neidecker, Crosser & Priesman Funeral Home in Port Clinton who handled the final arrangements. In following with Bill’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held later this summer with family and friends on the property he loved.