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William "Bill" Schlesinger
1941 - 2023
FUNERAL HOME
William "Bill" Schlesinger Obituary
SCHLESINGER, William Cordes, 81, beloved husband of 9 years to the late Judy Schlesinger departed this life on August 13, 2023. Bill was born November 5, 1941, the same day as his mother's birthday, to the late Alvin and Elizabeth (Cordes) Schlesinger. In addition to his wife and parents, Bill was preceded in death by his sister, Virginia "Ginny" (Jack) Hannan and nephew, John Hannan. He is survived by his nieces, Cindy (Ron) Godby and Barbie Hannan; nephew, P.J. (Nancy) Hannan; cousins, Kathy (Al) Schmidt and Betty Lou Rack (husband, Don, deceased); as well as four great nieces, one great nephew and seven great-great nieces and nephews.
Bill grew up in Pleasant Ridge and graduated from Woodward High School (1960). Bill was employed by Walmart in Evendale and gave 15 years of hard work and dedication to the company. Bill previously owned and operated (1972-2008) the Pleasant Ridge Hardware store that he inherited from his father. Bill was a Kentucky Colonel and he was a Mason. Bill's most rewarding experience in life was the numerous years (1963-1971) he spent in the Major League Baseball League playing with various teams; including the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox. Bill also played slow-pitch softball for 25 years (1971-1996), and is in the Greater Cincinnati Softball Hall of Fame.
Bill was a true friend to many and enjoyed being around people reminiscing and sharing stories of his days playing baseball. Bill cared deeply for his friends and knew no strangers. He loved animals and music, especially The Beatles.
Visitation will be from 9:30 AM until the time of service at 10:30 AM on Monday, August 21st at Mihovk-Rosenacker Funeral Home, 10211 Plainfield Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45241. Interment will follow on the grounds at Rest Haven Memorial Park. Online condolences may be shared at www.MRFH.com
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Bill’s honor to Hospice of Cincinnati through their website, www.hospiceofcincinnati.org
Memories and Condolences
for William "Bill" Schlesinger
Lorraine
August 21, 2023
I am so sorry to hear of Bill´s passing. He was a dear friend, and a wonderful person. My condolences to the family.
DAVE CAMERON
August 20, 2023
I grew up with Bill in Pleasant Ridge. Played with and against Bill on Knot Hole Baseball Teams. After practice Bills back yard(he lived right behind left field) for water, but after the game, JocKs Pony Keg for a Smokie and a RC, LOVE YOU MAN, GOD SPEED
Gracie
August 20, 2023
Bill was a very sweet and kind man. He took pride in his job at Walmart. He was loved by all his fellow associates. He will be miss we love you Bill Gracie.
Mike Hamilton
August 18, 2023
We were neighbors for 20 years. Bill was like a big brother. He was Mr. Baseball. Ted Kluszewski and Gus Bell worked at Bill’s Hardware store in the off-season. Louisville Slugger made Bill an autographed bat. I and friends have commented how having one of Bill’s bats has reminded us of those good times. He didn’t let a serious injury late in his baseball career defeat him; he bounced back. He lead by example. He earned his place on God’s championship team.
Donna Long
August 18, 2023
I would like to send my Sincere condolences in behalf of my late husband Bob Long who passed away on June 28th. Bob spoke of Bill often and would stop at the hardware store to see him. RIP Bill if there is a Ball field in Heaven Bill Bob and Willie play ball!!! Donna Long
Tom Taylor
August 17, 2023
I knew Bill for 50 years. He was my teammate and fellow Hall of Famer on the 3 time regional champion Century Tire. I was privileged to to speak for him at his Greater Cincinnati Softball HOF induction. As I said then in 1995, and I will say now-he was a 5 tool player, and the most talented player with whom I played in my 30 years in amateur and professional slow pitch. When I asked him for advice on hitting, he would always prefix his answer starting with "Theodore said". He was always a gentleman and always welcomed me to the back of the hardware store for a 2 hour chat. I will greatly miss him; RIP Billy!
Mike Fischer
August 17, 2023
We played against each other in all the leagues , compared to others he would glide after a ball ,you could tell he was always a pro ball player, just a sweet and caring guy , thanks Bill
Anthony Hooks
August 17, 2023
Dearest friend Bill, I am so saddened to hear of your passing. I was privileged to be your coach from '72 to '75 with the Norwood crowd...my teams were Norwood Merchants, Silverton Grille The Mound Cafe and later the nucleus of the Sorrentos owned by our good friend Willie DeLuca. May those who have gone before you be enlightened with your presence. God speed, dear friend.
Michael Fulton
August 17, 2023
I knew Bill through some of his friends in Pleasant Ridge when we both were students at Woodward High School. He was a genuinely nice person and was well liked by all who knew him.
When I think of Bill, what I think of most was the amazing quality of the swing of his bat as a baseball player. It was perfectly parallel to the ground and had unusual speed and power He led the minor leagues in home runs at the AAA level one year.. the best swing I'd ever seen by anyone who I knew when we were growing up.
I believe that Bill acquired his life-long love of baseball from his father, Alvin, who was active in the Reds annual Findlay Market parade on opening day in Cincinnati. I'm very sorry to know of Bill's passing.
Ken MORGAN
August 15, 2023
Bill was an old friend ,we grew up together in Pleasant Ridge ! REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND!
Doug Gentry
August 15, 2023
Sorry to hear about Bill. I played with him in Red Sox organization. Was always a good teammate and real nice guy, everyone liked him. RIP Bill. Praying for family.
Moneeca Cooper
August 14, 2023
Bill was the sweetest gentle giant I have come across. I will truly mis him.
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Memorial Events
for William "Bill" Schlesinger
Aug
21
Visitation
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Mihovk-Rosenacker Funeral Home - Evendale/Blue Ash10211 Plainfield Road, Cincinnati, OH 45241
Aug
21
Service
10:30 a.m.
Mihovk-Rosenacker Funeral Home - Evendale/Blue Ash10211 Plainfield Road, Cincinnati, OH 45241
Funeral services provided by:
Mihovk-Rosenacker Funeral Home - Evendale/Blue Ash10211 Plainfield Road, Cincinnati, OH 45241