William “Bill” McNally, 83, of Streetsboro, formerly of Chesterland, peacefully passed away on October 17, 2026, at Anna Maria of Aurora, surrounded by his loving family, following a long and courageous battle with dementia. He was born on September 26, 1943, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late William and Margaret McNally.
Bill was a retired manufacturer’s sales representative, a proud United States Army veteran, an OHSAA Class 1 Certified High School Football, Baseball, and Basketball Official, and a dedicated member of the St. Joseph High School Alumni Association.
Above all, Bill was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, BIG brother, uncle, cousin, loyal friend, and family man who never missed an opportunity to share a laugh, tell a story, or offer a little good-natured sarcasm. He had a wonderful sense of humor, a big heart, and a personality that made life a little more entertaining for everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Bill shared nearly 60 wonderful years of marriage with his wife, Judy. Together, they built a life filled with love, family, friendship, laughter, and the kind of memories that become more meaningful with each passing year.
A proud 1961 graduate of St. Joseph High School, Bill cherished his Viking roots and the lifelong friendships he developed there. Decades later, those friendships remained an important part of his life, proving that some bonds, much like his loyalty to Cleveland sports, could never be broken.
Bill proudly served his country in the United States Army, stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he earned the rank of Corporal and served as a gunner and sharpshooter. His military service was a source of great pride and reflected his dedication to his country.
Sports were always a big part of Bill’s life. For more than 20 years, he officiated high school football, basketball, and baseball throughout Northeast Ohio. He developed a deep appreciation for the games, the athletes, and the many friendships made along the way. And, as any longtime official knows, he probably heard more than his fair share of unsolicited advice from the stands!
He was also a lifelong and fiercely loyal fan of Cleveland sports and his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes. Through championship celebrations, heartbreaking losses, questionable coaching decisions, and countless seasons of saying, “There’s always next year,” his loyalty never wavered. Being a Cleveland sports fan certainly tested his patience, but it never took away his sense of humor.
Away from the games, Bill enjoyed golfing, reading, crossword puzzles, reconnecting with old friends, and, most importantly, spending time with his family. Few things brought him greater joy than attending his grandchildren’s sporting events. Whether watching from the sidelines or cheering from the stands, he was proud of every one of them.
And, of course, there was Dolly, the family dog and his beloved “baby.” She held a very special place in his heart and, depending on whom you asked, may have enjoyed a slightly higher ranking in the family hierarchy than the rest of us!
Above all, Bill will be remembered not for the years he lived, but for the love he gave, the friendships he treasured, the laughter he created, and the countless lives he touched along the way.
Dementia may have slowly taken away pieces of the man we knew, but it could never erase the life he lived, the memories he helped create, or the love his family and friends will always carry for him.
Bill’s legacy lives on in the stories that will be told, the laughter that will be shared, the friendships that will endure, and the family he loved so dearly.
A life well lived. A family well loved. A man who will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever celebrated.
Bill was the loving husband for 60 yrs. to Judy McNally (nee Mott); beloved father of Jerrod “Jay” (Dana) McNally, dearest grandfather of Alec McNally, Julia McNally, Carter Sabatino, Hunter Sabatino; brother of Peggy (Fred) Kramer and the late Timothy (Danny Gonzales) McNally; uncle of Ryan (Samantha Fitzpatrick fiancée) Kramer; great uncle of Mikey and Josie Kramer, and Bella Thomas; brother in law of Karen (Don) Hahn; his pride and joy beagle/family dog “Dolly”.
The McNally family will receive family and friends from 4:00 – 7:00 PM Thursday, October 22nd, 2026 at Gattozzi & Son Funeral Home, 12524 Chillicothe Rd., Chesterland. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, October 23rd, 2026 at St. Anselm Parish, 12969 Chillicothe Rd., Chesterland. Burial to follow at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon Twp.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to: “In memory of Bill McNally” Gardens of Western Reserve Hospice Care www.GardensOfWesternReserveHospice.com
The McNally family would like to thank Anna Maria of Ohio (Memory Care) and Family Tree for their loving care and support throughout his journey with dementia.
Rest easy, “Pops”. You’ve earned it. And don’t worry, Dad — there’s always next year for the Browns.Arrangements were assisted by Jeff Monreal Funeral Home of Painesville.
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