Willard ''Bill" P. Frissell

Willard "Bill" P. Frissell (89) of Mentor, Ohio (Bokeelia, Fl.) passed away February 22, 2016 peacefully with his wife Eleanora at his side. Born August 1926 to Willard E. and Evelyn Frissell, of Euclid, Ohio, joining his 2 older sisters. After graduating from Shore High School in 1944, Bill joined the Army 1944-1946. He obtained the rank of Staff Sargent in the 7th Infantry Division Artillery and was part of the US peace keeping force in Incheon, Korea, immediately following the end of the war. He enrolled in Case Institute of Technology (Phi Delta Theta), graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1950. While in college he was on both the wrestling and football teams. He married Eleanora Eridon December 5th, 1951 and has been married for 65 years. In 1962 Bill and Case classmate, Tom Rogers purchased Lax Industrial Products, renaming the company RAF Fluid Power which continues to thrive. Shortly after college Bill started racing Thistle Class sailboats, first at North East Yacht Club and shortly afterwards, Mentor Harbor Yacht Club, earning the respect of sailors nationwide. . Bill was President of this growing class in 1957. From the mid 1970's to the early 2000's Bill also owned and raced several auxiliary class sailboats all named "Wildcat", either winning or placing in numerous events along the south shore of Lake Erie. He also enjoyed tennis, fishing, and spending the winters in Bokeelia, Florida. He is survived by Eleanora, sons Willard E (Laura) and Peter D. (Diane), and daughter Heather J. (Steven) Lampman, five grandsons, two granddaughters and two great grandchildren. A memorial service will be planned at a later date. Please send donations to Operation Homefront