William C. Stavana

NILES - William C. Stavana, 93, passed away Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, at Otterbein Lake Vista.

Bill was born Sept. 17, 1933, in Cortland, a son of the late Tony and Valentina (Cvetnik) Stavana.

On Nov. 14, 1953, Bill married Lois Druschel. They built their home and raised their three daughters on the family homestead. They shared more than 72 years together until Lois' passing March 27, 2026.

Bill was a man who could fix just about anything. At age 18, he earned his private pilot's license and went on to restore a 1945 Luscombe airplane. He worked for Republic/LTV Steel for 30 years and Ajax Magnethermic for an additional 15 years before retiring.

He had a lifelong passion for anything with wheels. Whether it was his motorcycles, airplanes, tractors of all shapes and sizes, or his pride and joy, "The Roadster," Bill was happiest working with his hands and creating something special. He began building The Roadster from scratch at age 17 and proudly completed it at age 82.

In addition to his talents as a machinist, Bill was a certified aircraft mechanic. He was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) for more than 60 years and was inducted into the Ernie Hall Aviation Museum Hall of Fame. He was also a member of the Antique Tractor Club and the Masonic Lodge of Cortland.

A 70-year member of Bazetta Christian Church, Bill faithfully served in many capacities, including as elder emeritus and on building committees and the church board.

Above all else, Bill loved his family. He leaves behind his daughters, Deb (Buddy Cochran) Thoren of Austintown, Janet Soda and Denise (Joseph) Cera of Niles; grandchildren, Jonathan (Emily) Soda, Jesse Soda, Tyler (Jessica) Thoren, Kacie (Tre') Dorsey and Carli (Noah) Olejnik; and great-grandchildren, Levi, Reese, and Cooper.

Bill will be remembered for his remarkable talents, his love of all things mechanical, his faith and, most importantly, his deep devotion to his family. His legacy will live on through the many things he built, the lives he touched and the family he loved so dearly.

In addition to his parents and wife, Bill was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Charlie Soda, and his siblings.

Family and friends may call from 5 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026, at Bazetta Christian Church, 4131 Hoagland Blackstub Rd., Cortland, where a celebration of Bill’s life will take place at 6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bazetta Christian Church or a charity of the donor's choice.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Otterbein Lake Vista and Patriot Hospice for their compassion and care.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Kinnick Funeral Home in Youngstown.