William (Bill) Guerino Cona, age 84, of Palm Harbor, Florida, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 27, 2025.
Born to Anthony and Margaret Cona, Bill was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He lived a life marked by dedication, service, and enduring love for his family. On August 6, 1977, Bill married Frances Cona, with whom he shared 48 years of steadfast love and devotion.
He is survived by his wife Frances, his six loving children: Margaret Ann (Richard), Theresa (Joseph), Pietrina (Steven), Anthony (Ellen), Georgette (Greg), and William Cona Jr. (Joanne); his 16 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Additionally, he is survived by his siblings Judith, Lucille, and Anthony.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Robert.
He is a graduate of John Jay College and holds a Masters Degree in Education from the College of Staten Island. Bill was deeply dedicated to education and to the young people of his community. He taught Literature and served as Dean at William McKinley Junior High School in Brooklyn. After retiring, he and his wife moved to Palm Harbor, Florida, where they have resided for the past 20 years.
A proud United States Marine Corps veteran, Bill served his country with honor and continued that commitment throughout his life. Bill became a strong advocate and volunteer with the Marine Corps League and was an active member with Detachment #54 in Palm Harbor.
His past leadership roles include: Marine Corps League Department of Florida–Commandant; Marine Corps League Department of Florida– District #7 Vice Commandant; Marine Corps League Detachment #54 –- Commandant; Member of Detachment #54 Honor Guard; Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 2473 –Commandant.
His passions for veteran advocacy also extended to organizations such as: The Wounded Warriors Foundation, The Disabled American Veterans, The American Legion, Toys for Tots, Young Marines, and The Chapel of Four Chaplains.
Awards for his exemplary service include: Marine of the Year – Department of Florida; Marine of the Year — Detachment 54; PoundKeeper #79 – Military Order of Devil Dogs, The Legion of Honor Award –The Chapel of Four Chaplains.
Remembered for his integrity, compassion, and unwavering service to others, Bill leaves behind a legacy of strength, honor, and love. His impact on family, students, veterans, and community will continue to be felt for generations.
He found great pride in serving his country as a United States Marine. His life was a living testimony of “Once a Marine, Always a Marine.”
A service will be held in Bill’s honor on Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025 at Veterans Funeral Care located at 830 N. Belcher Rd. Clearwater, FL 33765.
Visitation 11AM-2PM
Funeral Mass 2PM
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the Dementia Society of America.
DementiaSociety.org or 1-800-DEMENTIA
I will miss you my dear brother, I love you with all my heart you are forever a part of me always. Our many talks made me the person I am and I thank you for all you have done for me. I am happy your suffering is over and you are in a wonderful place with Bobby, Elsie, Mom (Maggie Pic), Dad and Grandma and Grandpa whom you loved so very much. Until we meet again dear brother. Rest in Peace. Your beloved Sister Lucille 💔🫶🏻
Uncle Billy, thank you for your unwavered devotion and dedication to Family, the USMC, and the USA. You were a true example of a servant leader. I wish you nothing but the best top-side and I will cherish the moments we got to share talking about the military. Keep an eye on us all will ya? Rest easy Brother. -John Paul
Dear Family,
I’m writing this for Mom, as she is feeling the loss of her brother so deeply that she isn’t able to put her thoughts into words right now. She loved him with all her heart, and his passing has left her truly heartbroken.
Mom wants you to know just how special he was to her. She remembers his kindness, the way his smile could brighten even the hardest days, and his sense of humor that brought laughter to every room. She keeps thinking about how he always cared for the family, how he showed up with love, support, and warmth whenever someone needed him. These memories all of them are what she will hold close forever.
She sends her love and her deepest condolences to each of you. Even in her grief, she is thinking of your whole family and wishing you comfort, strength, and peace during this painful time.
With love, Jodi ( on behalf of my mom Judith-Ann)
A very sad day for our family.
I was very fortunate to get to spend a lot of time with Uncle Billy & Aunt Fran these past couple of years. Visiting for coffee and going out to dinners. I always felt smarter after a conversation with Uncle Billy, great advice and a warm hug when I left.
Most recently visiting him in the rehab center talking and wheeling him around !!
Rest in peace Uncle Billy, you taught me how to hit a baseball, and came to my games. One game you asked me to hit you a homer, and I did, you looked so proud.
You hit me one in Heaven now Uncle Billy. I love you.
I write this with a very heavy heart ,you were not only my uncle but my Godfather.Very sad to hear you passed ,there isn’t a childhood memory that I have that you weren’t in, always turning something into a teachable moment an intelligent conversation to a funny joke or two. I’m so sorry that I didn’t get the chance to see you, funny you always think that you have all the time in the world. We should never take it for granted. Rest in peace uncle Bill. To my aunt and cousins my prayers are with you all and to our family. Love you all Danielle Marie.