William C. Zwald

William “Bill” Conrad Zwald, 79, of Tampa, Florida, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on August 29, 2024. Born on July 15, 1945, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Bill lived a full life of love, friendship, and adventure. 

Bill will be remembered for being a resilient, fun-loving spirit with a positive outlook on life, no matter what it dealt. As a young boy, he grew up in difficult conditions and found support from his loving Aunt Carrie. As a teenager, Bill hustled to make money. He sold hotdogs in Hoboken, New Jersey, so he could pool money with his friends to rent a house and fund mischievous parties at Greenwood Lake. As a young man, he sought adventure driving across the country in a beat-up car. He loved music, attended Woodstock, and was often found listening to Fleetwood Mac or his favorite band, The Band. Settling into adulthood, he drove a motorcycle to his job at the Saks Fifth Avenue department store in New York City, where he met his wife of 48 years, Rosena “Zeny” Torres. Bill worked his way up from an entry-level position at Simmons Market Research to Vice President, which brought his wife and family to Tampa, Florida. His work offered him opportunities to travel with Zeny and flexibilities to be fully present as a soccer dad through his retirement. Ever-hustling, Bill came out of his retirement to earn extra income as a Tampa airport shuttle driver, where he met his hero, Yogi Berra. 

After a windy but fulfilling professional career, Bill returned to full-time retirement to be the Zwald household’s cocktail innovator, head chef, doting husband (proud author of “The Diary” which held Zeny’s long list of likes and dislikes), and snuggle expert and groomer to his furry friends, Zoey, Barley, and the late Wylee. Bill enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, trips to the blackjack tables in Vegas, and sports, especially football. He was always ready to attend a Tampa Bay Bucs, USF Bulls, or Seminoles game.

Bill was a constant force of peace, patience, kindness, and loyalty to his immediate and extended family, lifelong friends, and neighbors that deserves the reverence and honor of a great man. Having survived cancer twice, he was a fighter, skilled at rolling with the punches and getting back up, one step at a time. With an easygoing personality and good humor, you could always rely on his library of dad jokes for a laugh. He was sensitive, observant, and analytical of the world and the people in it. He leaves a lasting impact on all who knew him.

Bill is survived by his wife, Rosena; his daughters, Marissa (Keith) and Jenna; and granddaughters, Lona and June. 

A celebration of his beautiful life will be planned at a later date. Please honor Bill’s memory by doing a random act of kindness and offering a cheer for a Bucs home opening win.