William P. Cevera

William “Bill” Patrick Cevera, 90, passed away peacefully and went home to the Lord on October 4, 2017.

Beloved and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Bill was born on June 20, 1927 in Ashtabula to James and Josephine Cevera.  Bill entered the US Army when he was 18, serving on the USS Wisteria, a hospital ship, at the close of WWII.  After his service, Bill returned home and worked many jobs including a bartender at the Hotel Ashtabula, managing the flying saucer gas station on Rt. 20, but he will be most remembered as the owner of Bill’s Tavern in the Ashtabula Harbor. 

Many credit Bill with providing the catalyst for the renaissance of Bridge Street, deciding to open and successfully run his business when nobody else would locate there.  Over the 18 years that Bill owned the bar, he met and fell in love with his extended family of patrons, many of whom he kept in contact with through much of the remainder of his life.  Most will remember Bill for never having a shortage of good stories, bad jokes, or one of his many famous sayings.

Though Bill accomplished much in his life, he was most proud of his family.  From  nightly get togethers watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy while drinking coffee, to apple picking, to watching Cleveland sporting events, his family get togethers brought him the most joy.

As Bill ends this part of his journey and begins his eternal paradise, he would like to remind all of his friends that “You don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here.”

Bill is proceeded in death by his parents, James and Josephine Cevera, a brother, James Cevera, and his wife Annette “Nunny” Cevera, to whom he was married for over 66 years. Survivors include his daughters Sharon (David) Rich and Roberta (Richard) Blakeslee, Sons William (Laurie) Cevera, Randall (Luis) Cevera, and Timothy Cevera, seven grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren with a thirteenth on the way. 

The family of Bill would like to thank the staff of Silver Sands for their loving care and devotion to Bill. In Lieu of services anyone wishing to raise a glass to Bill can do so at Brennens Pub (Formerly Bill’s Tavern ) on Saturday at 5 P.M. guerrierofuneralhome.com for condolences

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