William E. Elkanick

WILLIAM E. ELKANICK, age 76, of Avon Lake, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 4, 2025.  Beloved husband of Jeanette (nee Pelleschi) for 51 years; loving father of Rebecca Lau (Terence); dearest grandfather of Emelia Lau; son of the late William and Gertrude (nee Bokar); dear brother of Mark and Matthew; brother-in-law, uncle and friend of many.

Bill, the beloved eldest son of Dotsie and Bill Elkanick, always loved telling the story of his arrival into the world—born during the Cleveland Indians’ 1948 World Series, when his mother famously asked, “Who won?” before even learning if she’d had a boy or a girl. That story, full of humor and spirit, captured so much of who Bill was curious, joyful, and always rooted in the moment.

Growing up with his brothers, Mark and Matthew, Bill enjoyed their family camping trips out West and the carefree summers that became treasured memories. A true child of the sixties, he reveled in the energy of rock legends like the Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix, a soundtrack that echoed his independent spirit.

Bill excelled in school—especially in math and science—but he took quiet pride in mastering the practical arts of bookkeeping and typing as well. He studied Physics, Engineering, and Secondary Education, which led him through a life of meaningful work in engineering, sales, and teaching and where he treated his jobs as adventures and experiences in life rather than 9 to 5 obligations.

Bill had a lifelong love of motorcycles, sports cars, and sailboats—eagerly shared his adventures with his brothers and friends. But his greatest passions were always the people he loved. Jeanette and their daughter Becky were his heart, and that love grew even more when he welcomed his son-in-law Terence into the family. Still, no role brought him more joy than being “Baba” to his granddaughter Emelia. She was his sunshine, his greatest gift, and the truest love of his life.

Contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.  The family will receive friends, to celebrate the life of Bill, at THE RIPEPI COMMUNITY CENTER, 5784 PEARL RD. (AT SNOW RD.), FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2025 from 4-7 p.m. Words of remembrance at 5 p.m. and a dinner to follow.