William Bailey Demeza Jr.

William B. deMeza Jr. passed away quietly November 11, 2024, surrounded by his loving wife, Connie and daughters, Michele, Kristine, and Juliann. He was born in Rome, Italy on April 16, 1947, to William B. deMeza and Gertrude (Tud) Adams deMeza and was baptized at St Peter’s Basilica. His parents remained in Italy after World War II as his father partnered to start the English language Rome Daily American newspaper before returning to the United States in 1950.

In 1970, Bill earned a Bachelor of Science, Engineering from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH. Although he moved to California for a job in engineering, he became interested in the medical field and returned to Ohio with the thought of going to medical school. He worked at Columbus Children’s Hospital in the Respiratory Therapy department where he met Connie. He was asked to start a respiratory therapy program at Muskingum College in Zanesville, OH, where he defined the curriculum and taught courses. In 1977, Bill found his passion, and with the support of Connie, he attended law school. They moved to Toledo, Ohio with their three girls and Connie worked at the hospital while Bill attended The University of Toledo College of Law where he was Editor-in-Chief, Law Review graduating in 1980. After graduating law school, Bill clerked for the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, Hon. James M. Sprouse. In 1981, he moved to Florida to join Holland & Knight LLP where he became an esteemed lawyer. He was honored with a distinguished 43-year career as an associate and partner focused on employment law.

Bill retired from Holland & Knight in March of this year planning to “trade a lawyer’s uniform for a t-shirt and jeans” so he could increase his volunteer efforts. Even from his hospital bed, true to his calling, he was a lawyer to the end, telling Connie to “make sure all parties are aware…” while she signed some paperwork. He was well read and could talk to anyone on just about any subject, extremely witty and with one-liners that would have you laughing for hours. He loved to travel with his wife and family. His heart was kind, and his generosity knew no bounds. Bill was a champion for children in Guardian ad Litem, enjoyed the 9/11 Day of Service each year, was active with the Great Pyrenees Rescue; adopting three dogs over the past ten years, and his philanthropic efforts were too many to list. No life too small to care for, he was known to save turtles crossing the road on his way to work early in the morning (and on occasion called Connie from the car to go check on them). He was partial to a dogs’ company which could sometimes question our rankings in the family dynamic of humans vs pets. He preferred watching TV in the evenings lying on the floor with the dogs rather than sitting on the couch and we have no doubt he was welcomed to heaven by many past pets who are excitedly taking their daily walks and looking for biscuits in his pockets.

Bill was preceded in death by his father and mother, brothers; Jonathan, Timothy and Andrew, infant sister, Molly, sons-in-laws, Robert Loughry and Jon Bibik, and infant granddaughter, Emma Bibik.

He is survived by his wife, Connie Carter deMeza, daughters Michele Koval, Kristine Loughry and Juliann Bibik, grandchildren Stacy Fouty, Randy Castle, Whitney Hagemann, James Hagemann (Grace), and Gavin Bibik, as well as 9 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren and sisters-in-law, Tracy (Timothy) deMeza, MaryJo (Jonathan) deMeza and Julie (Andrew) deMeza.

He would not want people to be sad about his passing or to send flowers but if you wish to remember him tangibly send a contribution to charities he supported, including Metropolitan Ministries, Meals on Wheels or Amazing Love Ministries.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at Bay Hope Church, Lakeshore Campus, 17030 Lakeshore Rd. Lutz, FL. Visitation at 3:30 and Service at 4:00.