William A. Smith

Howland – William A. "Billy" Smith, 90, passed away Monday, October 20, 2025, at Shephard of the Valley in Howland. Billy was born on March 10, 1935, in Canton, Ohio, the son of Roy and Martha (Chambers) Smith. A resident of Niles most of his life, Billy graduated from Niles McKinley High School class of 1953 and attended Youngstown College, studying communications. Billy also served his country in the US. Army. `He called himself a "renaissance man" in that he had many work and life experiences in many different fields. His proudest accomplishment was his career in labor. He always said that his parents' affiliation with the Salvation Army taught him a real sense of altruism that drove him throughout his career as a Union Organizer, and National Negotiator, for which he is still very highly regarded. His crowning achievement was in becoming a Certified Arbitrator with the America Arbitration Association on Labor and Construction. He also was an Arbitrator with the Better Business Bureau for Automobile Lemon Laws. Upon retirement he shifted his focus to music. He started piano lessons at 60 years old and became an accomplished keyboard player, entertaining many and backing up a variety of singers and dancers. He also performed at several dances. He was a member of the Stephen Foster Chapter Chorus of SPEBSQSA and was "Barber Shopper" of the year in 1998. Billy was a Scrappers Booster and a Browns booster. Billy is survived by his wife Rhonda, two daughters Andrea Newmeyer, and her husband (Craig) of Howell, Michigan and Courtney Greer and her husband (Scott) of Uniontown, Ohio, two special grandchildren, Laurence and Connor, one sister Jean Pascale and her husband (Pietro) of Pulaski, Pennsylvania. He will also be missed by his friend, Shirley Ann Wittenauer, and several nieces and nephews, among others. He was preceded in death by his brothers Donald, Lester, and Joseph and a sister Ann Wright. A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Staton-Borowski Funeral Home where friends may call from 10 to 11 AM. The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Buckeye Hospice and Shepherd of the Valley in Howland for the care and compassion shown throughout this difficult time. In lieu of flowers monetary contributions may be made to Buckeye Hospice and Palliative Care at 3379 S. Main St Suite A&B, Mineral Ridge, Ohio, 44440. Arrangements are entrusted to the Staton-Borowski Funeral Home, 962 North Road NE, Warren, Ohio 44483, 330- 394-6200. Dedicated To Serving Your Loved Ones. This obituary may be viewed and condolences sent to www.statonborowskifuneralhome.com.