William James "Bill" Head

William James "Bill" Head, age 79, of Stow, Ohio, passed away Wednesday afternoon, March 29, 2023. 

Bill Head was born September 20, 1943, to Albert and Helen Head in Cleveland, Ohio.  After Bill graduated from Chardon High School, he attended the Ohio State University and graduated in 1967 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

He met Rebecca "Becky" Rossley at the Dairy Whip in Chardon, OH and they married in 1966.  Bill and Becky went on to have 2 children, Janet and Laura.   

Bill joined Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company and retired after 33 years of service.  While working for Goodyear, he welcomed an opportunity to work in machine design in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.  He is named on 32 patents, designed advancements in tire production machinery including the Hot Former, and was named Inventor of the Year for Goodyear in 2000.  After retirement, Bill continued to consult as an engineer and collaborated with NASA on replicating the moon tire.

In retirement, Bill loved to work in his shop at home.  He could repair just about any mechanical device and was beloved for that skill.  He loved music and listened to his favorites while he worked.  Becky and  Bill traveled across the US in their camper, enjoying the sights at National Parks. 

Bill’s love of rocketry began in high school, and he shared this love with his grandchildren, building and firing many rockets off together in the backyard. 

Bill's survivors include his wife, Becky; his daughters Janet (Eric) Ross of Cincinnati, Ohio and Laura Kelso of Zanesville, Ohio; five grandchildren John Kelso, Julie Kelso, Jorja Kelso, Eddie Ross, and Evan Ross; his sister Carol Miller, Becky’s siblings and their wives, and many nieces and nephews; as well as friends and colleagues. 

A Celebration of Life will be scheduled this summer.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Akron General Hospice Foundation.  The family wishes to thank Comfort Keepers especially April and Judy and Cleveland Clinic Akron General Hospice for the time they spent with Bill and the exceptional care they gave. 

Bill was a talented engineer, a loving spouse, caring father, and fun grandfather.  He will be missed and remembered by many.  We will always love and miss you until we meet again.