William Paul Tully M.D.

October 16, 1940 - December 10, 2025 William Paul Tully, M.D., known as Bill, passed away suddenly in Pasadena, California, on December 10, 2025, at the age of 85. Born in Los Angeles on October 16, 1940, Bill lived a life defined by love, dedication, and service.
Bill grew up in the San Gabriel Valley, attended San Gabriel High School and UCLA where he met his first wife, Susan Balsley Tully. They were married on June 15, 1965. He also graduated from medical school at UCLA. Together, Bill and Sue built a beautiful family and shared countless memorable experiences while living in South Pasadena and Pasadena until Susan's passing on July 31, 2016.
A distinguished orthopedic surgeon, Bill began his career serving in the U.S. Navy at Camp Pendleton before dedicating over 45 years to Kaiser Permanente, primarily in Bellflower and Baldwin Park, California. His expertise in scoliosis and pediatric orthopedics touched countless lives.
On New Years Day in 2021, he walked out the front door of his house to watch the Rose Parade and serendipitously struck up a simple conversation with another parade-goer and her family. That chance meeting quickly blossomed into one of the most romantic and loving relationships Bill could have ever asked for. From that day to his passing, he spent every moment of every day with Rita. All of those moments were spent talking, laughing, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and holding hands. On December 30, 2023, Bill married Rita Guajardo Lepicier Tully.
Bill had 2 sons and 4 grandchildren from his marriage to Susan. His sons included Michael Tully (Jill) and Stephen Tully (Michele) and his grandchildren included Madison (Wesley), Mackenzie, Payton, and Adelina. Through his marriage to Rita, he warmly embraced her children, Stephanie Kelsey (Graham), Lauren Lepicier (Ben), and Matt Guajardo Kelsey (Christina) and her three granddaughters, Teagan, Gwyn, and Isla.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bill led an active and vibrant life. He enjoyed daily multi-mile walks, traveling, amateur astronomy, and genealogy research. A devoted sports fan, he never missed a UCLA football game at the Rose Bowl and proudly rooted for his beloved Dodgers. Immediately prior to his passing, Bill ventured into the entertainment industry, working alongside Rita as co-executive producers on an upcoming film written and directed by his stepson Matt.
Bill left a loving legacy on so many people. He mentored, inspired, and supported everyone. Bill was a modest person who will be dearly missed by more people than he would have ever imagined.