William J. Lavelle

William J. Lavelle, age 78, of Bonita Springs, FL, passed away in his home surrounded by family, on June 5, 2023, after a heroic battle against cancer. Bill was born in Pittsburgh, PA, to Aloysius and Martha Lavelle. He was the youngest of their children. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Mary Ann Lavelle, and his brother Gerald Lavelle. Bill attended St. Joseph Catholic School and joined the Marine Corps after graduation. When Bill returned from Vietnam, he became engaged to Elaine, his wife of 55 years. They have three children, Stacey Johnson (Scott), William J. Lavelle, Jr., and Laura Strollo (Dominic). They have been blessed with 4 grandchildren: Reagan Johnson, Bridget Johnson, Sydney Lavelle, and Raegen Sherfey. Bill spent 32 years working for Columbia Energy Group. During this time, he went to night school and completed his Associate of Science Degree from Point Park College in Pittsburgh, PA, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Franklin University in Columbus, OH, and Master of Business Administration from The University of Dayton. He was also a Certified Public Accountant. He retired as Vice President and Controller for Columbia Gas and Distribution Companies. Bill loved teaching. He taught night classes at Franklin University in Columbus, OH. Upon retiring from Columbia Gas, it was only natural for Bill to pursue his teaching career. He taught at Flagler College in St. Augustine, FL, and Ava Maria in Naples, FL. Bill was passionate about golf. He loved the game. He was also a devoted Pittsburgh Steelers fan. He had season football tickets when he lived in Ohio and tried never to miss a home game. He also enjoyed attending whatever sport his children and grandchildren played. Playing Gin was a favorite pastime that he taught his children and grandchildren to play. He took pride in working in his yard. Bill was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who had a project going on. He enjoyed keeping busy. He was enthusiastic about everything he did. He enjoyed serving on community boards. He loved telling jokes. He was proud of his wife, children, and grandchildren and their accomplishments. He loved his dog, Buddy, who was a great comfort to him during his illness. Everyone who knew him knew he had the gift of gab. Giving up was never in his vocabulary. He bravely did all he could to survive his illness. Bill was proud of being a Marine and a Vietnam Veteran. Once a Marine always a Marine. Oorah and Semper Fi! A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples, FL 34120, at 11:30 am on Saturday, June 17, 2023. Internment with military honors will follow the service. In Lieu of flowers please make donations in Bill’s name to Our Lady of Light Catholic Community who provided spiritual guidance during Bill’s illness: Our Lady of Light Catholic Community, 19680 Cypress View Dr., Fort Myers, Florida 33967 The family of William Lavelle would like to give a special thank you to the Bill Young VA Home Health Team, . The Pace Hope Hospice Team, and the Home Health caregivers for all they have done for Bill over the past several months. To sign his guest register or to leave an online condolence please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com

William J. Lavelle

August 22, 1944 - June 5, 2023