William Joseph Griswold II

William J. Griswold, II, 56, of Clearwater, Florida died on September 8, 2011 at Hospice House Woodside, after a brief illness. He was born in Vermont to William and Beatrice Griswold, and raised in Florida since 1963. He graduated from Northeast High School, St. Petersburg Junior College, and Florida State University. In addition, after earning a second B.S. Degree at the University of South Florida (USF), he earned his Master’s Degree in Education, and was honored as USF’s Most Outstanding Student. For 22 years he has taught in Pinellas County schools, most recently at Frontier Elementary School and before that, at Fuguitt and Starkey Elementary schools. He also served as a Union Representative for the Pinellas Classroom Teachers’ Association. Bill’s generations of students were a driving force in his life.

A proud father and avid sports fan, his sense of humor and devotion to his family will be forever cherished. And he will be long-remembered as a generous and caring teacher and person.

He experienced great joy in the many academic and athletic accomplishments of his son, William J. Griswold, III. From Countryside High School in Clearwater, Florida to Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, he actively supported his son’s scholarly, musical, athletic, and Eagle Scout achievements. His son’s recent accomplishment as the #1 football kicker for the NCAA-South Western Athletic Conference (SWAC) made him especially proud. Bill also served as a sports booster and frequent radio show participant on Jaguar Journal’s Southern University football program. He also supported his son’s community outreach activities and Christian faith.

Preceded in death by his father, William J. Griswold, Bill will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 26 years, Diane, his son, William, III, his mother Beatrice M. Griswold; his three sisters: Deborah Griswold (FL); Terri (Wade) Reynolds (CA); and Colleen Ochs (CA); his nieces: Kelly and Taylor Reynolds, and his nephew Noah Ochs. He also has two uncles: Thomas (Barbara) Gates (CT), John (Marilyn) Gates (VT); and three aunts: Jean Brockway (VT); Bette McClimon (CA); and Elaine Hill (FL); and 34 first cousins. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Shirley Brewer, his brother-in-law, Scott (Marie) Brewer, and nephews Jacob, Mason, and niece, Madison.

A Celebration of Life service for Bill will be held at Heritage United Methodist Church in Clearwater, FL on Thursday, September 15, 2011, at 4:00 p.m., followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family recommends donations for one of the following: Frontier Elementary School Library Fund, 6995 Hopedale Lane, Clearwater, FL 33764 or the CJD Foundation, P.O. Box 5312, Akron, OH 44334. Condolences may be offered at the Moss-Feaster Funeral Home website at: www.mossfeasterclearwater.com