William Jazbec Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by The Island Funeral Home & Crematory on Dec. 5, 2025.
William Victor Jazbec, Sr., a man whose kindness shaped the lives around him with a steady, unforgettable warmth, passed away on November 23, 2025, at the age of 89. To those fortunate enough to know him, he was the best kind of person: dependable, generous, and unwavering in a world that rarely is.
Wiliam Victor was born on April 3, 1936, in Cleveland, Ohio, and from an early age carried the values of hard work, humility, and kindness that would define his life.
He proudly served his country in the Army of the United States from June 6, 1955, to June 5, 1957, stationed at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. His time there marked by dignity, honor, and respect--remained deeply meaningful throughout his life.
On September 28, 1957, he married the love of his life, Sheila Kay Galloway, with whom he shared 68 years of marriage. Together they shared a deep and enduring love- a partnership of friendship, mutual respect, and devotion that inspired all who knew them.
In 1961, Vic built a legacy through hard work and determination when he founded Williams' Steel Rule Die Co. in Cleveland, Ohio. Through his leadership and dedication, he provided for his family and created opportunities that would carry forward for generations. Over time, all three of his children joined him in the operations and expansion of the company, turning Williams' into not just a business, but a family endeavor-one that reflected the values he lived by. Vic retired in 1998, proud of what he had built and grateful to see it carried on by the next generation.
Following retirement, he and Sheila Kay moved to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, where Vic embraced a new chapter with the same warmth and openness he showed throughout his life. He joined the Indigo Run Men's Group and found great joy in playing golf with the friends who soon became his extended family. Those years were filled with laughter, companionship, and a sense of belonging that he cherished deeply.
Vic's passion for his Slovenian heritage brought joy to everyone around him. Music was one of his greatest gifts, and he shared it freely. He played for many years in the Fairport Harbor Button Box Ensemble, recording three albums and traveling with the band and their families to Slovenia and Eastern Europe. He called it his "happy music," and it was impossible not to smile when he played.
Wiliam Victor is survived by his wife, Sheila Kay; his sons, Jeffrey W. Jazbec Sr. and William V. Jazbec Jr. (wife Laurie): and his daughter, Victoria J. Levan (husband Marzel). He leaves behind his beloved grandchildren: Kameron J Levan, William M. Levan, Jeffrey W. Jazbec Jr. (wife Jessica), and Aaron Jazbec (wife Claire).
He was preceded in death by his grandson Devin W. Jazbec (wife Rachel); his father, Frank Jazbec Sr.; his mother, Josephine Zore Jazbec; his brother, Frank Jazbec Jr.; and his sister, Josephine Leufkens.
Vic was the proud patriarch to many nieces and nephews and leaves behind eight great-grandchildren. He leaves behind a family who will spend the rest of their lives trying to honor him -not by being perfect, but by being decent, patient, and compassionate, the way he taught them.
Though his family and friends will miss him dearly, the wonderful memories they created and shared will remain everlasting. God speed, Vic, until we meet again.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Vic will be laid to rest in the columbarium at St. Francis. The family will hold a Celebration of Life at a later date to be determined.