Portage County obituaries for Oct. 1-2
- Staff Report
William “Bill” Stuart Thomson Govan
William “Bill” Stuart Thomson Govan wore his heart on his sleeve because the one in his chest was trash. Bill was an artist, a musician, a philosopher, a reader, an asker of questions, and truly one of the most genuine souls to ever walk the earth. His third eye was squeegeed clean. He was more in tune with himself and his place on this spinning orb than many of us can ever dream to be. The degree to which Big Boss Bill will be missed is simply immeasurable.
Bill died on Sunday, September 28, 2025, after battling a heart condition for many years. He was 40. Preceded in death by his father, Stuart Govan, he is survived by his wife and partner-in-crime Lauren Aquino, brother Michael Govan, mother Jacquelyn Olic, in-laws Thomas (Amy) Aquino and Melinda (Jay) Airhart, brothers-in-law Anthony (Kirby) and Dominick (Jalah) Aquino, nieces, nephews, cousins raised like siblings, aunts, uncles, and countless friends and bandmates.
Bill was born February 27, 1985. He was a graduate of Waterloo High School and a student of Art at KSU. He took great pride in his hardscaping work before his heart condition sidelined it. But Bill’s true work was the music and art he created, including countless found objects and collage pieces he created for the people he loved.
In lieu of something meaningless, go read a book. Create art. Think deeply. Apologize with conviction. And forgive if for nothing else than to lessen your own burden. Ask questions. Never settle. Stand in the rain. Listen to loud music. Book the “Nature Cruise of the Century.” And remember, “…we are all one consciousness experiencing itself subjectively. There is no such thing as death, life is only a dream, and we’re the imagination of ourselves.”
Friends and family will celebrate Bill’s life and collectively mourn his death at a later date. If you’re in the know, you’ll know. To leave condolences and memories for the family, please visit www.arnoldfuneralhome.com.
Ben Stidd Sr.
Benjamin Allen Stidd, Sr., 87, of Ravenna, Ohio, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at his home.
Timothy James Riemenschneider
Timothy James Riemenschneider, age 65 of Ravenna, passed away Saturday, September 27, 2025. He was born December 25, 1959, in Ravenna, Ohio, to parents Rose Mary and Paul Riemenschneider Sr.
Jerry Fiala
It is with deep sadness and profound respect that we share the passing of Mayor Jerry (Jerome) Fiala, a lifelong resident of Kent, Ohio, who dedicated more than three decades of his life to public service and the community he so deeply loved. Jerry’s legacy is woven into the very fabric of Kent, where he was known not only as a devoted Mayor and Councilman but as a neighbor, a friend, and a humble servant of the people.
Claudia Jane (Burt) Burt-Green
Claudia Burt Green, 76, of Ravenna, passed away Monday September 29, 2025 at her home. On March 6, 1949, she was born in Canton, Ohio to the late Frank and Edwina (Moore) Burt.
Billy Joe Williams
Billy Joe Williams, fondly known as “The Mayor of Blackhorse”, age 81 of Ravenna, OH passed away at home on September 28, 2025, surrounded by his loving daughters after a long illness. Born November 6 ,1943, in Powellton, West Virginia, to Opal and Albert Williams, Billy moved to Ravenna for work, joining his brothers at the A.C. Williams Co., where he formed many lifelong friendships.
Staff Report