William "Bill" Hess

1938 - 2018

William "Bill" Hess obituary, 1938-2018, Punta Gorda, FL

BORN

1938

DIED

2018

William Hess Obituary

HESS, WILLIAM "BILL" Punta Gorda, FL It is with great sadness the family of William "Bill" Hess announce his passing on May 23, 2018, at the age of 79, after a courageous five-year battle with cancer. Bill passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Miami, Florida on July 13, 1938. Growing up in South Florida, he spent his summers in Islamorada working on his uncle's commercial fishing boat. He was a Class of 1956 graduate from Miami Jackson Senior High and later attended the University of Miami after serving in the Air National Guard during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Bill had an illustrious career with Southern Bell (BellSouth) that spanned over thirty years. He started as a cable splicer helper in South Florida and progressed through the ranks, including Vice President of Advanced Systems, and ultimately retired as Division Manager of Corporate Commu-nications in 1991. Bill also served on the Board of Directors for Tropical Financial Credit Union (formerly known as Telco) for twenty years. He was very passionate about his family and friends, photography, cooking, music, fishing, golf and flying. He enjoyed playing two of his favorite golf courses, Doral and Harbour Town Golf Links (Hilton Head Island), with close friends and was proud of his hole in one while playing the Kendall Lakes Golf Course. Bill also served as the Head of Rangers for the Doral Eastern Golf Tournament in 1973 and 1974. He earned his pilot's license and loved flying the Cherokee single wing plane, whether it was to visit family throughout Florida or to take his wife someplace special for breakfast or lunch. Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sandy (Colletti) Hess, mother, Esther (Wicklund) Rizzi and stepfather, William Rizzi. He is survived by his sister, Ann Scott (Ron), who was his loving pillar of support until his death. He is also survived by his loving nieces, nephews, in-laws and cousins, devoted friends and cherished loved ones. He will be remembered for his kind heart, brilliant mind, his caring and compassionate spirit and for being considered by most all as "one of the good guys". He treated family, friends and even strangers with kindness, humor and warmth and was loved and respected in return. He will forever be missed and will always be remembered. At his request, a private family memorial service will be held on a later date.

Published by the Miami Herald on Jun. 3, 2018.
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Memories and Condolences
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Nadine

Other

May 23, 2022

Nadine

Other

May 23, 2022

My Handsome Pal, My Buddy, I got to know Bill through taking care of him .It was a great pleasure to meet a very special,intelligent,funny gentleman.
I took care of him up to his last breath.He will forever be in my heart.He is truely missed.Rest in Peace,my Pal.... With loving memories of good times..... Nadine.

Nadine

Other

May 23, 2022

~nina

July 13, 2018

MAY THIS CANDLE SHINE BRIGHT FROM THE HEAVENS ABOVE, AND ITS LIGHT GLOW WITH PEACE AND COMFORT FOR. ALL WHOM YOU HAVE LOVE.GOD HAS GAINED AN ANGEL......REST IN PEACE, MY HANDSOME FELLA......ALWAYS,NADINE

June 6, 2018

We will all miss you

Susie and Chip Hansen

Family

June 5, 2018

Bill was one of my best buddies from Little River Jr.Hi. We won the Dade County Basketball championship. We went to Jackson together and played a little basketball and football together. He was a wonderful childhood friend whom I will never forget.

Jim Nelson

June 4, 2018

Shelly

June 3, 2018

Long ago playmate. Be at peace.

Martha Rollman Richards

June 3, 2018

I am sorry for the loss of your loved one . May the family find comfort in the words found at Jeremiah 29:11.

Torres

June 2, 2018

nina

May 29, 2018

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