COLUMBUS
Arthur William “Bill” Ardizone, Jr., sailed out of this world on February 8, 2026 in much the same way he had lived in it for the past 91 years: curious, kind, and sharing stories that made up his remarkable life. Bill started his journey in Bridgeport, CT on Sept 1, 1934, as the youngest of two sons to his wonderful parents, Art and Mitzi, who were first generation Americans. You could say he had the good fortune of being born at the right time and place in the grand scheme of things. Then again, Bill often found luck on his side, even when the chips were down.
Bill was shaped by water. Learning to sail early in those East Coast years, he carried his passion for the sea with him forever. As a young man, Bill’s family relocated to Shaker Heights, Ohio—mercifully, a move that kept him close to “surprisingly big water,” albeit without salt, where he continued sailing and easily made life-long friendships with guys who shared his enthusiasm for boats, cars, and a healthy dose of trouble. He attended Kent State before joining the Army in 1957, although his military career was brief due to being seriously injured in a tank accident. Ever the survivor and consummate escaper of close calls, Bill took off for his next adventure, a 3-month road-trip though Europe, as soon as he was able.
Shortly after returning, Bill made his way to California. It was there that he met a knockout and fellow New Englander named Nancy while both were living in San Francisco. They married in 1964. Together, they moved back to Connecticut, and then to Chicago where their two children, Tom and Katy, were born. In late 1977, he transferred to Columbus with Caltherm, where (somewhat ironically) the ocean-loving pair decided to put down roots and raise their family.
Bill Ardizone left it all on the table in this life. He never met a stranger, loved long chats in cozy restaurants (attributes that aided his career in sales immensely) and was beyond proud of his family. He took chances. And if you knew him, you surely shared a laugh. In heaven now, he is no doubt wearing Breton Reds, holding a drink or trimming a jib, and the music is loud. His wife Nancy, son Tom (Shawn), daughter Katy (Manfred), and grandsons Andrew and Luke, along with many others, will miss him dearly.
Bill’s official send-off will be held at 11:00 Tuesday, March 24th at St. Paul’s Episcopal church in Columbus, with Reverend Brother Aelred Bernard Dean officiating. Refreshments will be served along with favorite stories immediately following.
The family asks that memorial donations in Bill’s honor be made to Friends of Bartholomew County Public Library either online or by calling Library Administration at (812) 379-1255.
Arrangements by Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home.
Condolences and special memories may be shared with the Ardizone family at barkesweaverglick.com
