William Baird Obituary, Death – Poland, Ohio Community Mourns Beloved Husband, Father and Firefighter
The Poland, Ohio, community is mourning the unexpected passing of William W. Baird, affectionately known as Bill, who died on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the age of 53.
Born on December 28, 1972, in Youngstown, Ohio, Bill was the son of Burton Baird Sr. and the former Mary Rishel. He graduated from Lowellville High School in 1991 and worked in sales at #1 Cochran Buick GMC in Boardman.
Beyond his professional life, Bill was known for his devotion to his family, his service to his community, and his willingness to help others.
Remembering William “Bill” Baird
Bill had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and especially enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was also a longtime firefighter with the Western Reserve Joint Fire District Station 93 and an active member of the Ellsworth Sportsman Club.
Those who knew Bill also appreciated his remarkable ability as a handyman. He was someone family members, friends, and neighbors could depend on whenever something needed to be repaired, built, or fixed.
His willingness to lend a hand reflected the generosity and dependability that made him such an important presence in the lives of many people.
Bill’s sense of family extended beyond biological relationships. He became a treasured family figure to many people who were not related to him by blood, creating lasting bonds through his kindness, generosity, and willingness to help.
William Baird Cause of Death
William W. Baird passed away unexpectedly on August 22, 2026.
The available obituary does not specify the cause of his death. No particular illness, accident, or other circumstance should be attributed to his passing without confirmation from his family or an authorized source.
His unexpected death has left his wife, children, parents, siblings, friends, fellow firefighters, and extended family facing a profound loss.
William Baird Family
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Rebecca Frattaroli Baird, his father, Burton Baird Sr., his mother, Mary Hepler, and his daughters, Lily and Zoe Baird.
He is also survived by four sisters, Gayle (Paul) Brideau, Barbara Webb, Barbara (Vance) Rosler, and Bonnie (Billy) Schiraldi, and two brothers, Burton “Skeeter” (Karla) Baird and Lee (Chris) Whinery.
His surviving family also includes his sister-in-law, Megan Frattaroli; mothers-in-law, Janet Kirns and Marianne Frattaroli; numerous nieces and nephews; many great-nieces and great-nephews; and countless friends and extended family members.
Bill was preceded in death by his grandparents, Burton and Edna Baird and Walter and Lois Rishel; his stepfather, James Hepler; stepmother, Kay Whinery; father-in-law, Patsy Frattaroli; and brother-in-law, JR Webb.
Funeral Services for William Baird
Calling hours for Bill will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Poland Chapel, 2726 Center Road, Poland, Ohio 44514.
A funeral service will begin at 6:30 p.m. following calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations in Bill’s memory be made to Ashlin’s Alliance, 6296 Stoney Ridge Drive, Youngstown, OH 44515, or Friends of Fido, P.O. Box 2963, Youngstown, OH 44511.
Arrangements are entrusted to Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Poland Chapel.
A Life of Service and Generosity
Bill’s life was defined by the people he cared about and the many ways he was willing to serve others.
His work as a firefighter reflected his commitment to helping his community, while his love of hunting, fishing, and the outdoors provided him with activities he enjoyed throughout his life.
For those who knew him personally, however, Bill’s greatest legacy will likely be found in the countless times he showed up when someone needed help.
Whether repairing something, lending a hand, spending time with family, or serving alongside fellow firefighters, he demonstrated a generosity that people will remember.
William “Bill” Baird’s Lasting Legacy
As relatives, friends, fellow firefighters, and community members gather to honor Bill, they will remember the husband, father, son, brother, uncle, firefighter, outdoorsman, handyman, and friend he was.
His unexpected passing has left an enormous absence, but the memories he created and the relationships he built will continue to connect those who loved him.
William “Bill” Baird will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved him. His generosity, kindness, dependability, and willingness to lend a hand will remain an enduring part of the legacy he leaves behind.
May Bill rest in peace, and may his wife, daughters, family, friends, fellow firefighters, and community find comfort and strength in the memories they shared with him.