William J. Curotto

Curotto, Bill, 71, of St. Pete Beach, died October 7th, 2008 at home. He was born January 7, 1937 in Chicago, Illinois the son of William and Gladys Ramsey Curotto. Bill is survived by his wife, Leslee Garner Curotto; daughters: Cathy Grace of St. Petersburg, Missy Curotto of Derry, NH; sons: Bill, Joe and Tony all of St. Petersburg; four grandsons: Joseph Daniel Curotto, Eric William Heinrich, Jr., Taylor John Heinrich, Carter Matthew Curotto Heinrich; three granddaughters: Catherine Ramsey Grace, Caitlyn Marie Curotto, Chandler Marie Grace; and his sister, Carol Ann Upham of St. Pete Beach. Bill Curotto grew up with an entrepreneurial father who opened restaurants at the 1942 world's fair and downtown Chicago as well as eventually opening the M&C manufacturing company. In 1950 the Curotto family moved from Chicago to St. Pete Beach, FL and built the Bon-Aire Motel in 1953. During the early years Bill not only worked at the Bon-Aire Motel with his father but also attended both St. Leo High School and Admiral Farragut Academy. After finishing High School, Bill was drafted into the United States Marines, doing his basic training at Parris Island, SC, and eventually transferring to Quantico, VA, where he completed his service. After completing his service, Bill came back to run the Bon-Aire Motel with his father for the next 11 years. Bill's mother and father passed away in 1955 and 1969, respectively, and then Bill began running the Bon-Aire Motel full time. Taking the entrepreneurial spirit from his father, Bill in the 1970's created and expanded the Bon-Aire Motel, opened a car rental business, owned a gas station and eventually built Sandbar Bill's and the Emm & Cee Pasta Seafood Grille. Bill guided the motel through many difficult times over the years including; the 70's financial crisis, the OPEC Oil Embargo as well as multiple tropical storms and hurricanes. In the 90's and 00's Bill's family and his extra curricular activities continued to grow, these included; golfing, boating and enjoying time with his grandchildren. During this time Bill joined the St. Petersburg and Feather Sound Country Clubs as well as the PolyWog's. The Curotto family is grateful to the people at the Hospice of the Florida Suncoast, their help allowed the family to keep Bill at home with family, friends and animals during his short illness. A gathering to celebrate Bill's life will be held on October 12th at the St. Pete Beach Recreation Center, 7701 Boca Ciega Dr., from 4 - 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Hospice of the Florida Suncoast, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd. Clearwater, FL 33760 or the American Cancer Society, 4801-86th Ave. N., Pinellas Park, FL 33782. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Home 727822-2059