William R Hess

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 uncles 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 Communications 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 pilots 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 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.