William James Bihari

William James Bihari, age 99, of New Philadelphia, died peacefully at his home on November 10, 2025, surrounded by loving family members.

Bill was endlessly inquisitive, technically savvy, naturally self-motivated and ever ready to help others. He was perfectly complemented throughout life by Frances, his wife of 54 years. Together, they raised eight children, while creating memories and laughter that will last for the ages.

Born September 22, 1926, in Martins Ferry, Ohio, Bill was the youngest child of Mihal and Margaret (Csehovics) Bihari. About a year after his birth, the family moved to a farm in Angel Valley, north of Stone Creek, Ohio. He graduated from Stone Creek High School in 1944. Bill grew up working on the family farm and also spent several years after high school working in local farming.

In 1947, he met Frances Seikel, the youngest daughter of Joseph and Frances (Wiegand) Seikel. Their courtship included many dances at the Spanish Ballroom in Dover, and they married on April 21, 1952 at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Dover, Ohio. They welcomed their first child in 1953 and built a house outside of New Philadelphia. When the family outgrew the first house, they bought more land next door and built a larger house. 

Bill was hired by Warner & Swasey Company in 1953, where he worked as a machinist. After retirement in 1988, Bill and Frances enjoyed travel and experiencing new places and visiting most of the United States in their RV. Bill’s blue 1974 Ford F150 helped relocate family members' households to and from Florida and west to Chicago.Always farmers at heart, Bill and Frances maintained a large garden behind the house. 

Even at 98, just before his 99th birthday, Bill's entry placed second for tallest sunflower at the 2025 Tuscarawas County Fair.Most weekends, there was a car, truck, or lawn mower to be worked on. To earn additional money, and enable them to send all eight children to college, Bill and Frances bought houses which they renovated and rented.Bill also dabbled in innovative projects, including building a solar heater in the 1970s to provide hot water for the house, and building a mini-bike out of water pipes and a rototiller motor.

As parents and partners, Bill and Frances promoted values of kindness, hard work, and humor.When asked how he was doing, his response was more often than not “Wunnerful”. 

Bill is survived by his eight children: Jeanne (Mark) Bowman of Cincinnati, Barbara (Bruce) Rusnak of North Canton, Thomas (Sara) of Worthington, Katherine Dutton of North Olmsted, Rita of New Philadelphia, Joyce (Christopher) O’Daniel of Galena, James of Worthington, and Michele of Lakewood; 16 grandchildren: William Bowman, Bethany (Anthony) Suttinger, Sonja Rusnak, Gretchen Rusnak Miller (Jason Miller), Karl Rusnak (Sarah Swinford), Ian (Lars) Bihari, Alexander Bihari, Jacob Bihari, Everett Dutton (Alexandra Parquette), Lucinda Bihari, Elizabeth Bihari, Kristina Bihari, Erin O’Daniel, Gillian O'Daniel, Ava Bihari, and Mina Bihari; and two great-grandchildren: Anwyn Miller and Leah Rusnak.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Mary Gifford and Elizabeth Pertel, and brother John. Frances preceded Bill in passing in 2006.

The family is very grateful to those who helped care for Bill these last five years. These faithful and invaluable helpers became part of the family.

Visitation will be held Friday Nov 14, 2025 from 4 to 7 PM at Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory, 116 Second St. NE, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.

Funeral Mass will be held Saturday Nov 15, 2025 at 11 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 139 3rd St. NE, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.

Graveside services will be at Stone Creek Cemetery following the funeral Mass.

Memorial gifts may be made to Tuscora Park RTY, INC 161 Tuscora Ave., NW | New Philadelphia, OH 44663, or the Greater Dover New Philadelphia Food Pantry, 420 W 3rd St, Dover, OH 44622.