01/07/2008

John W. "Bill" Stirling

December 31, 2007

OFDA received word this afternoon that a longtime community icon and Alliance area funeral director, John W. "Bill" Stirling, died at the age of 87, on Monday, December 31, 2007.

He was a Veteran of World War II with the U.S. Navy, stationed in Alaska and in the South Pacific. While in the service, Bill served with the HMI Medic's and was a member of the Navy's Military Funeral Detail. Following his returning home from the war, Bill enrolled at the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in Pittsburgh, Pa. During his time at the mortuary college, he served his fellow classmates as class treasurer and graduated in 1948.

After graduation, he accepted a position at the Sharer Funeral Home in Alliance and received his license from the State of Ohio in 1949.

Bill later served during the Korean Conflict, again with the Navy, and after returning to Alliance, was employed with the Myers Funeral Home in Alliance as General Manager until 1968, when he purchased the Sharer Funeral Home. Adding his name to the business, he owned and operated the Sharer-Stirling Funeral Home from 1968 until 1986, when he sold the funeral home to Dan Skivolocke.

Bill continued to remain active with the funeral home after retiring, and was present at most visitations and funeral services, until his recent illness last fall.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, this morning. Interment, with military honors provided by the Alliance American Legion Post 166 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1036, followed at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 427 E. Broadway St., Alliance, Ohio 44601 or to any organization involved with youth activities.

Arrangements are by the Sharer-Stirling-Skivolocke Funeral Home, 1000 S. Union Avenue, Alliance, Ohio 44601. Complete obituary may be viewed and condolences may be sent to the family online at www.sharerfuneralhome.com.