Rev. William E. Bantz, age 89, died Sunday, February 20, 2022. Born in Canton, raised in Massillon he had lived through out the Diocese of Youngstown until retiring to Massillon. He was a 1950 graduate of Central Catholic High School, ordained a priest on May 28, 1960. He had served at St. Rose – Girard, St. Louis – Louisville, St. Patrick – Kent, St. Patrick – Youngstown, St. Mary – Conneaut, St. Joseph – Canton, St. Ambrose – Garrettsville and retired as pastor of St. Joseph – Maximo in 2002. Survived by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Kathy and Jack Helmick, Christine Bantz and Trevor Huth and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Maurice and Monica (Sullivan) Bantz, sister, Judy Huth and brothers, Thomas and David Bantz. Family and friends may call Monday from 12 noon- 1 p.m. at the Basilica of Saint John the Baptist followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 1 p.m. with Bishop David Bonnar as celebrant. Burial will be in Saint Joseph Cemetery in Maximo. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Emmaus House.