William Donald Pellechia

Life Story of William Donald Pellechia
April 30, 1937 – December 2, 2025
William Donald Pellechia, age 88, of Daniel Island, South Carolina, passed away on Monday, December 2, 2025, after a brief illness, surrounded by the love of his family.
Born on April 30, 1937 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Bill was the son of Salvatore Pellechia and Elizabeth (Athens) Pellechia, and from an early age embodied the curiosity, discipline, and quiet determination that would shape a long and varied life.
Bill was educated at Fairfield Prep and Fairfield University before pursuing graduate studies in chemistry at Rutgers University. His intellectual agility and love of problem-solving eventually led him to the Brooklyn School of Law, where he earned his law degree and began what would become a distinguished early career in corporate and patent law. He practiced in both Connecticut and New York City, working internationally with Velcro Corporation as vice-president and general counsel. His legal work-complex, technical, and often global-suited his analytical mind and his ability to see possibility where others saw obstacles.
In 1983, Bill remarried and made a mid-life shift that reflected his courage, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. Leaving corporate law behind, he moved to Camden, Maine, where he and his wife Elaine opened Miss Plum's, a beloved restaurant in Rockport. There he became not only a business owner but a fixture in the community-someone who greeted patrons warmly, took genuine interest in people's stories, and created a space known for its hospitality and charm. During his years in midcoast Maine, he also became a licensed real estate broker, building relationships and helping families put down roots in the beautiful communities he had come to love.
In the late 1990s, after selling the restaurant, Bill & Elaine moved to Andover, Massachusetts, where he began a new chapter working for the IRS. His steady demeanor, integrity, and lifelong penchant for precision made the role a natural fit. He completed his career in public service before retiring to Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, where he and Elaine enjoyed coastal living, time with family, and the slower rhythms he had earned.
In 2016, Bill and Elaine moved to Williston, Vermont to be near family, and Bill quickly became an integral part of the community. He served with pride on the Restorative Justice Council - work that reflected his deep belief in fairness, compassion, and helping people repair harm and rebuild their lives. His empathy, humor, and ability to listen with patience made him a natural fit. He was also active in his local church, forming friendships that enriched his life and the lives of others.
In 2021, Bill and Elaine moved to Daniel Island, South Carolina, delighted to be closer to more of their children and grandchildren.
Bill's life spanned nearly nine decades and touched countless people across multiple states and vocations. He lived many lives-a scholar, a lawyer, an entrepreneur, a public servant, a community volunteer, a husband, a father, a stepfather, a grandfather, and a friend. Through all of it ran the thread of his character: thoughtful, principled, intelligent, steady, and quietly devoted to the people he loved.
Bill's life was defined not only by his professional accomplishments and personal reinventions, but also by his interests and passions. He was a devoted NY Yankees fan, a keen observer of politics, and a lifelong lover of music. Most memorably, Bill was a tireless joke-teller - with stories, one-liners, and quips that were "too numerous to count." His humor filled rooms, softened hard days, and became an essential part of how his family and friends will forever remember him.
He is survived by:
• His beloved wife, Elaine Pellechia, of Daniel Island, SC
• His children:
• Bill & Deborah Pellechia (Fort Myers, FL)
• Geoff & Andrea Pellechia (Cape Elizabeth, ME)
• Chip & Jackie Stahle (Exeter, NH)
• Scott & Pam Stahle (Windham, ME)
• Brooke Stahle & Rebecca Freeman (Charleston, SC)
• Suzanne Stahle (Wheeling, WV)
• His grandchildren:
Nick Pellechia, Andrew Pellechia, Jack Pellechia, Livie Stahle, Charlie Stahle, Ty Stahle, Liza Collins, Dacia Trundy, Rye Stahle-Smith, Kate Stahle-Smith and Charlie Mewbourn.
Bill was predeceased by his parents, Salvatore and Elizabeth Pellechia, and by his son, Michael Pellechia.
Bill's family will remember him as a man of sharp intellect, deep principle, endless reinvention, and an unmistakable, joyful sense of humor. He lived with curiosity, worked with integrity, and loved with his whole heart. His stories, jokes, and warmth will echo across generations.
Services will be planned at a later date.

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