William Jack "Bill" Schoen

William "Bill" Jack Schoen, 88, of Naples, Florida, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family on October 28, 2023. Bill was born on August 2, 1935, in Los Angeles, California. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Sharon Barto Schoen, and a loving father to his four children. Bill leaves behind a legacy of compassion, generosity, and service to others.

Bill Schoen was foremost a Christian and a proud member of Grace Lutheran Church in Naples, Florida. He lived his life in accordance with his faith, embodying the values of love, kindness, and charity. In 1993 Bill founded the Schoen Foundation, a philanthropic organization dedicated to helping the less fortunate, particularly the homeless, veterans, and those in need of an a education.

A proud Marine, Bill served in the Marine Corps from 1953 to 1956, achieving the rank of Sergeant. He was a recipient of several military honors, including the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. Bill's dedication to his fellow veterans extended beyond his military service, as he provided numerous opportunities for them to have a better life.

Bill Schoen received his higher education at the University of Southern California, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Business and an MBA in 1963.

Bill was the founder, chief executive officer and chairman of the board of Health Management Associates, Inc. He joined HMA's Board of Directors in 1983 and became president the same year. He is a former chairman of Commerce National Bank of Naples; former president, chief operating officer, and chief executive officer of the F. & M. Schaefer Corporation; and former president of the Pierce Glass subsidiary of Indian Head, Inc.

Bill was a member of the Founders' Group of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation and the Advisory Cabinet of the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation's American Patriots Campaign. Bill served on the Business Advisory Council of Florida Gulf Coast University's Lutgert School of Business and the Business Advisory Council of the USC Marshall School of Business. Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida inducted Bill into the Business Hall of Fame in 2009. In 2006 Ernst & Young awarded its Lifetime Achievement Award to Bill in recognition of his entrepreneurial endeavors. Hodges University named Bill its Humanitarian of the Year in 2003. He served on the USC Board of Trustees since 2005.

Bill Schoen was known for his courageous spirit, strong will, and loyalty to his friends and family. He had a competitive nature and enjoyed participating in athletic activities. Bill's infectious laughter brought joy to those around him, and his dynamic leadership inspired others to strive for greatness.

In addition to his wife, Sharon, Bill is survived by his three daughters, Kathryn Lynn Schoen, Karen Ann Sutton, and Kristy Schoen Pollard, and his son, William Jack Schoen, Jr. He also leaves behind five grandchildren, David Danley, Ainsley and Kelsey Sutton, and Walker and Jessica Pollard, as well as a great-grandson, Ezra Danley and a great-great-granddaughter, Frances Danley. Bill was preceded in death by his father, Jack Conrad Schoen, his mother, Kathryn Mabel Schoen, and his brother, Conrad Schoen.

A memorial service to celebrate Bill's life will be held on Thursday, November 2, at 9:30 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, located at 860 Banyan Blvd, Naples, FL 34102.
The funeral arrangements are being handled by Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens, situated at 525 111th Ave N, Naples, FL 34108.

Bill Schoen's legacy will continue to inspire and impact the lives of those he touched. He will be remembered as a compassionate philanthropist, a dedicated Marine, a loving husband, father, and grandfather. May his soul rest in eternal peace.