William James Stahl January 3, 1939 – March 18, 2025

William “Bill” James Stahl, 86, passed away on March 18, 2025. Born in Jamaica, Queens, to Mildred Rose Schultze and Wilhelm Stahl and raised in Easthampton, Massachusetts, Bill later settled in Putnam County, New York, where he raised his children before retiring to Venice, Florida.

Bill was a brilliant mind and dedicated educator, earning his BS in Chemistry from Merrimack College, and continuing his studies at Fordham and Temple University before completing a PhD at St. John’s University in 1968. He devoted 43 years to educating and mentoring generations of future scientists as a Professor of Biochemistry at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, where he also served as the faculty advisor for the shooting club.

Beyond the classroom, Bill had a distinguished career in forensic science and security. He served as the Chief Coroner of Putnam County for 32 years and was the President of the New York State Association of County Coroners and Medical Examiners. He was also the owner of Casse Systems, one of the first security alarm companies in the New York City area. Recognized for his expertise in forensic science, Bill was frequently called upon by major primetime news stations as an expert consultant for high-profile forensic cases, providing his professional insights to the public.

An avid hunter and enthusiastic fisherman, Bill helped create the Tri-Star Hunting Club and found great joy in hunting, shooting, and fishing with his family and friends. Deer season was one of his favorite times of the year, and his “first-day” excitement was infectious. Along with his wife Georgena, Bill traveled extensively, exploring the world and taking frequent opportunities to experience different cultures across countless destinations.

Bill was a devout catholic, and a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus. He demonstrated his devotion to his faith and to his family throughout his life. He was a wonderful and loving husband, father, and grandfather. We will miss his humor, his stories, and his many “Bill-isms”. We are grateful for the time he was a part of our lives, and his memory will be deeply cherished.

He is survived by his wife, Georgena Stahl, and children from an earlier marriage: Andrea Stahl (Sidney Hinds) and their children Sam, Cecelia, and Sophia; Christopher Stahl (Amy) and their children Reed and Cayden; and Melissa Stahl-Downey (Joe Downey) and their children Owen and Averill. Bill was a loving stepfather to Laura Belleville (Buzz) and her daughters Tess and Lily; and Kelly Grega (Joe) and their son Jonn (Kristen). Bill was proud to be a great-grandfather to Jonn Junior (JJ). He is also survived by his brother, Joseph Stahl (Convy), and nephews Jameson and Nathan.

He will be laid to rest in Venice, Florida. The family requests donations be made in his memory to the Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s at 722 Apex Road, Suite A in Sarasota, FL 34240.

Memorial Keepers (2)

William "Bill" J. Stahl