William “Bill” J. Fish, age 88, of St. Petersburg, Florida died November 3, 2025 at the Bay Pines VA Hospital following a short battle with leukemia. On October 4, 1937, he was born in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of the late Duane “Bud” and Ruth (nee Lauterbach) Fish. On March 12, 1982 he married Harriet (nee Lucas) in Medina, Ohio. Together they shared more than 40 years of marriage; she died just one day after him on November 4, 2025. He is survived by his son James (Stephanie) Fish of Wooster, Ohio and daughter Patricia (Brian) Stephens of Mayfield Heights, Ohio, sister Fay (Ralph) Vaughn of Largo, Florida, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his son, Glenn A. Fish of Wadsworth, Ohio; grandson Evan Fish of Wooster, Ohio; and sister Karen Jesenovic of St. Petersburg.
Bill grew up in Cleveland and Brunswick, Ohio. In high school he was the smallest player on the varsity football team, crediting his stubbornness with earning him a varsity letter. After high school he served in the Marines for three years from 1957-1959, earning two good conduct awards. Following his service in the Marines he worked as a truck driver, had his own car reconditioning business, and later worked in airport security. In his younger years he was a jitterbug dance champion, played pool for recreation as well as in tournaments, and raced motorcycles on both dirt and ice tracks. Of all his roles, he was most proud of his time as a Marine and that identity permeated every facet of his life. He loved animals, especially dogs, and had a dry, self-deprecating sense of humor. Bill moved from Brunswick, Ohio to St. Petersburg in 1987 to be near his father and sisters. In his later years he could be found socializing at his local veterans post, tinkering with his many bicycles and tools, sitting on his porch enjoying the sun with his dogs, and watching old westerns. He was well known throughout his neighborhood and will be missed by many neighbors and friends. His family will honor him with a private military burial at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Seville, Ohio.
