LIBERTY TWP—A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Monsignor Robert Siffrin at noon on Thursday, May 18, at St. Edward Church for William “Knobby” Kane, 85, who passed away on May 14, at his residence with his loving family by his side.

                Knobby was born in Youngstown, on February 14, 1932, a son of Martin James and Lena Dannery Kane. He was a lifelong resident of the area and a 1950 graduate of The Rayen School. A member of the Tigers football team, he garnered All-City honors in 1949. He also attended Youngstown College.

                After graduation he enlisted in the US Navy, during the Korean War. He served his country for four years and received an Honorable Discharge as an Aviation Electrician’s Mate Third Class in April of 1955.

                During his military service Knobby married Patricia Ann Storey, on August 21, 1954, the absolute love of his life. That started a whirlwind love affair for nearly 58 years until her death on January 27, 2012.

                For 40 years he worked for Superior Chemical. He retired in 1995 as Vice-President of Sales. Knobby then became a driver for Gold Cross Livery where he worked for 10 years.

                A man of many talents, he was a tenor in the choir at St. Edward Church where he was a member. An avid golfer and bowler, he founded the North Hill Golf League. Knobby was a gifted ukulele player and enjoyed playing bocce at the MVR.

                Knobby is survived by his six children: William “Billy” Kane, Jr; Kathy Kane Edwards (Bob); Patricia Kane Sorter (Mike); Mary Jo Kane Lowry (Neil); Jamie Kane (Kelly) and Mary Kane Kappler (Ryan), 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren and a sister-in-law, Betty Lou Storey Camerino (Fremont).

He enjoyed a full life with many dear lifelong friends: Jack Pompoco and his family, Bob Carney and family, Hank Hurley and family, Dave Keffler and family, Neil Lowry and family, Jack Tucci and family, Bert Gallagher and Gooch.

Besides his wife and parents he was preceded by his sisters: Mary Ann Tricket; Dorothy Kane Dravis and Ruth Kane Roach, a brother Robert Kane and a daughter-in-law Julie Nasci Kane.

His children will forever miss his infectious laughter, the sight of his beautiful blue eyes & his inherent ability to 'make everything ok'.  They will forever more fight amongst themselves who was his favorite. He made them all feel that way. 

The family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, May 18, from 10 am-11:45 am at St Edward Church prior to the Mass of Christian Burial.

The family has requested that contributions may be made to St. Edward Centennial Campaign, 240 Tod Lane, Youngstown, Ohio 44504.

Thoughts and condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mccauleyfuneral.com          

The McCauley Funeral Home serving the valley for over 115 years. 

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