Obituary of William Anthony CASANOVA

November 15, 1930 – August 9, 2011 William Anthony Casanova, beloved husband of fifty-six years and best friend of Connie, passed away suddenly at home on Tuesday, August 9, 2011, at age 80. Bill was born and raised in Windsor, Ontario. He was an exceptional talent whose athletic prowess was renowned throughout Essex County. In high school, ‘Willie’ excelled at baseball, football, basketball and track and field. In 1951-53, Bill pursued a career as a professional baseball player in the New York Yankee AAA Organization. In 1954, he played Senior Inter County Professional Baseball in St. Thomas. It was there that he met his future bride Connie – his “21 Balaclava Girl”. Bill completed U of Western Ont., B.A. He played UWO Mustangs football ’54-58: drafted by B.C. Lions, traded to Calgary Stampeders ’58. He completed U of C, B. Ed. Played Calgary Dodgers semi-pro baseball until 1962. Bill was Athletic Director and Head Coach at St. Mary’s Boys’ High School ’59-63 winning two city championships in four undefeated regular seasons. His track and field teams won three consecutive titles. Bill coached Mount Royal Jr. College football ’60-63 and was assistant football coach U of C ’65-67. Bill accepted a position with the Alberta Teachers’ Association from ’68-91 as an Executive Assistant. In 1997, Bill was inducted into the Windsor Essex County Sports Hall of Fame. He was a playing member of Willow Park Golf and Country Club from 1972 – 2011. Handicap: 7. Trophies for ‘Hole in One’: 6. Besides his loving wife Connie, Bill is survived by daughters Patti Rose and Anne Marie (Rob); only granddaughter Bonnie Girl; sister Lillian (Casanova) Fairhurst (Joe); sister-in-law Irene Kerhoulas; and many loved nieces and nephews. Bill was predeceased by parents Erminio and Rosa Casanova; infant daughter Rose Ann; beloved brother Bruno Casanova (Audrey); mother-in-law Demitrula Kerhoulas; sister-in-law Vivian Kerhoulas; and by brothers-in-law John Borovilos (Alexandra) and George Kerhoulas (Norma). He was also predeceased by his much adored nephew, “Joey” Fairhurst, an exceptional Windsor, ON athlete, equally talented in baseball, basketball, football and track and field. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Fish Creek Chapel (14441 Bannister Road S.E.) on Tuesday, August 16, 2011 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church (1600 Acadia Drive S.E.) on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta. In living memory of William Casanova, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek Chapel, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD S.E. Telephone: (403) 256-9575.