WILLIAM ROBERT "BILL" BOSTON, age 74, passed away on October 7, 2024, at Southwest General Hospital in Middleburg Hts. Bill was preceded in death by his wife Mary Ann (nee Keyes) and is survived by his brothers, John and Robert Boston, sister Judith Kuhn, stepchildren Colleen and Michael Keyes, many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews, and his long-time paramedic partner and dear friend Jamie Marquardt.

Bill's life was a testament to his unwavering dedication to his country and community. Born in Pittsburgh, PA, he graduated from Hopewell Area High School (Aliquippa, PA) in 1968, earning a wrestling scholarship to Ohio University. After graduating in 1972, he served as a Vietnam-era veteran with the Navy at the Bethesda Naval Hospital. His commitment to service led him to Cleveland, where he made the area his lifelong home.

He began a career with Cleveland EMS (CEMS) as one of the original EMTs, answering their first emergency calls on October 13, 1975. He later trained as a paramedic and staffed one of the Advanced Life Support (ALS) paramedic units. He also served as a Field Training Officer, orienting recruits to the streets of Cleveland. He proudly served Cleveland as a first responder as part of CEMS for 30 years until his retirement in 2005.

Over the years, he enjoyed his companion animals, including his latest dog, Mia, and his Amazon Parrot, Parsley. His home was surrounded by bird feeders and baths that he tended and watched intently for what they attracted. Each spring, he dedicated himself to planting flowers and hanging baskets of them in his yard.

Bill's unique blend of caring nature, intelligence, and sense of humor made him a truly exceptional individual. His family, colleagues, and friends will deeply feel his absence, and they will forever cherish his memory.

Per his wishes, relatives and friends are invited to meet for his Committal Service and burial with military honors at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery (10175 Rawiga Road, Seville, OH 44273)—date/time to be determined.