William Denis "Bill" Stay

William (Bill) Stay rode off into the sunset on July 13, 2024, at the spry age of 84, from his homestead in Melbourne Beach, Florida. Born in the summer of 1940 in Queens, New York, Bill was a man who lived life with gusto, a twinkle in his eye, and a prank up his sleeve.

After bidding adieu to his high school years, Bill donned the cap of a cleaner extraordinaire at Peter’s French Cleaners in Hicksville, New York. He eventually became the co-owner, proving he wasn't just blowing hot steam. When the sunshine state beckoned, he answered the call and took the helm as the Superintendent of Parks Department for the City of Vero Beach, FL, where he planted seeds of joy and watched community spirit bloom.

A die-hard Florida Gators fan, Bill didn't just cheer from the stands; he coached girls' Little League softball, proving he was as good at nurturing talent as he was at cheering touchdowns. Off the field, Bill was a renaissance man, dabbling in everything from garden mastery to sandcastle engineering. He was also a jukebox hero with a fondness for the King, Elvis Presley, and could often be found carving up a storm on palm trees, leaving passersby "all shook up" with his artistic flair.

Bill's fan club includes his leading lady, Patricia Lee Stay, and his chart-topping daughters, Suzanne Stay Blackledge and Denise Monroe. They'll keep singing his praises alongside his grandkids: Kyle, Krystal, Kory, and Kameron Phillips. His band of siblings, Sharon Cohen, Kenneth and Michael Stay, will carry the tune, while his parents, Leo and Rose Stay, and sisters, Mildred Fusco and Rosemarie Stay, have secured the best seats for his encore in the sky.

The curtain call to celebrate Bill's grand production will be at Community Chapel By The Sea, at 8240 S Hwy A1A, Melbourne Beach, Florida, on August 3rd at 11am, with reception following. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society - a cause close to Bill's heart as he bravely faced cancer with the strength of a true champion. Also, donations may be made to the Community Chapel By The Sea.

Bill Stay's final bow reminds us that life's a stage, and he played one heck of a part. His script may have ended, but the laughter and applause will echo forever. Curtain down, standing ovation—take your rest Bill, you've earned it!