William E. Sendelbach

Chief (Ret.) William E. (Bill) Sendelbach

Born December 12, 1935

Died September 1, 2023

Beloved husband of Marilyn (Bergman) Sendelbach for 67 years and devoted father of Cynthia “Cindy” (Bill) Griffin (dec’d), Daniel (Katie) Sendelbach, David (Rhonda) Sendelbach, Jennifer (Andy Walling) Wood, and Pat Brosnahan (dec’d). Grandpa Bill aka Pop adored his 13 grandchildren: Brad (Sarah) Griffin, Jeff (Emily) Griffin, Zach (Katie) Griffin, Bec (Kyle) Schmidlapp, Danny (T-Shaallyn) Sendelbach, Chuck Sendelbach, Jon (Alex Prince) Sendelbach, Justin (Sadie) Sendelbach, Josh (Teri Eisen) Sendelbach, Alex (Dan) Hendon-Wood, Kyle (Angie) Wood, Kelly (Coty) Maddux, Ada (MJ Salata) Wood. The lights of his life were his 15 great-grandchildren: Felix Griffin, Evelyn & Claire Schmidlapp, Cylus, Cillian & Lucian Griffin; Will, Nvie & Eddie Sendelbach; Taylor, Tristin & Grace Sendelbach, Brynleigh & Scarlett Sendelbach; and Graham Maddux.

He is also survived by his sister Nancy (Paul) Reinman, sister-in-law Joan Sendelbach, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his daughter Cindy Griffin, his parents Edmund & Marie (Brun) Sendelbach, siblings Bob (Anne), George (Fran), & Jim Sendelbach.

Bill graduated from Chaminade High School and retired from Miami Valley Hospital. He and Marilyn were very involved in the Randolph Township Fire Department where he served as the last volunteer Fire Chief. He was a volunteer firefighter for 39 years. He taught as an Ohio State Fire Instructor for many years. They also were parents to over 50 foster children. Volunteering was a large part of his life as he filled his time coaching, mentoring, and teaching. He also was a very active member of St. Rita Catholic Church. He was involved in the festival for many years, as well as serving on the Parish Council, and sharing his beautiful tenor voice with the church choir. During the 25 years they lived in Florida, Bill and Marilyn were active members of their church and community there, as well. He was the President of the Homeowners Association at the Plantation and sang in the community and church choirs.

Services will take place on Tuesday, September 5 at St. Rita Catholic Church, 5401 North Main St., Dayton. The visitation will begin at 9: 30 followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11am. Burial will take place at Royal Oak Cemetery in Brookville, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Rita Catholic Church. Funeral arrangements are with Gilbert-Fellers Funeral Home in Brookville.