William G. "Bill" Von Stetina, age 84, passed away peacefully on the evening of August 4, 2026, while under the compassionate care of Hospice.

Born and raised in Scotia, New York, Bill was the son of George and Ethel Von Stetina. He grew up alongside his brothers, Michael Von Stetina and Bruce Von Stetina, and his sister, Joan Giles. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Joan Giles.

Bill was fiercely proud of his service in the United States Navy aboard the USS  Franklin D. Roosevelt, an aircraft carrier. His time in the Navy remained one of the great honors of his life, and he carried a deep love of country and pride in his military service throughout his years.

While attending high school, Bill met Sandra, the love of his life and his high school sweetheart. Their relationship grew into a devoted marriage of 64 years, and he deeply cherished her and the life they built together, which remained one of his greatest sources of pride and happiness.

Family meant everything to Bill. He was a loving father to his son, William A. Von Stetina and his wife, Trisha, and his daughter, Diane Bryant and her husband, Jeff. He was a proud grandfather to Andrew Bryant, Joey Von Stetina, Matthew Bryant, and his cherished granddaughter, Megan Enns. He also took great joy in being Papa to his great-grandsons, Liam Enns, Cooper Enns, and Tucker Von Stetina. He is also survived by his brothers, Michael Von Stetina and Bruce Von Stetina.

For 25 years, Bill was affectionately known throughout the Redington Shores community as "Bill the Barber," and was also fondly given the honorary title of "Mayor of Redington Shores." He was frequently contacted by the town hall for advice and recommendations, a reflection of the respect and trust he earned within the community. Barbering was much more than his profession. It was his way of connecting with people, listening to their stories, sharing a joke, and making them feel welcome. Bill also generously gave his time by visiting nursing homes to cut men's hair, offering not only a haircut but kindness, conversation, and companionship.

His grandchildren fondly remember having their hair cut by Papa, whether at his barber shop or while sitting on a stool in the garage. Those haircuts became treasured family traditions, even if they occasionally included a small clip of the ear. The stories and laughter that accompanied them made the experience uniquely Papa's.

Bill was a wonderful storyteller and joke teller. He could hold the attention of a room with a familiar story, a well-timed punch line, or a memory from his years in the Navy and behind the barber chair. He understood the value of laughter and took great pleasure in making others smile.
He also loved walking the beach. The shoreline offered him a place to enjoy the beauty and peacefulness of the community he called home. Whether walking quietly or stopping to visit with someone he knew, those moments reflected his appreciation for simple pleasures and personal connections.

In an era when technology so often replaces the personal touch, Bill continued to communicate in a way that was distinctly his own. He took the time to handwrite personal notes to the people he loved. Whether he was expressing affection, encouragement, gratitude, or pride, Bill wanted others to know exactly how deeply he cared about them. Those handwritten notes will remain cherished reminders of his thoughtfulness and love.

Bill will be remembered as a devoted husband, a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, a proud Navy veteran, a loyal brother, a gifted storyteller, and a caring friend and neighbor. His stories, his jokes, his handwritten notes, his barber's chair, and the love he gave so freely will remain lasting gifts to all who were fortunate enough to know him.

A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church on Tuesday August 18th, 2026 at 11:00AM

In lieu of flowers, Bill's family asks that memorial donations be made to a veterans' organization in recognition of his enduring pride in and support for those who served.

Bill will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends, longtime customers, and the Redington Shores community he served for so many years.

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