William Delaino Jr

Lieutenant Colonel William Edwin Delaino Jr "Bill", 80, of Cedar Key, Florida, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2021, surrounded by his family. Bill was born on May 31st, 1941 to William E. and Mary Ann Delaino in Madison, Florida. Bill grew up in Cedar Key, with his brother Tom. He graduated from Cedar Key High School and went on to get his bachelors and masters degree in Physical Education at the University of Florida. Bill joined the US Air Force in 1964, where he proudly served his country for 24 years. While teaching at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Bill met Peggy Daye Bezyeck and they were married on May 27th, 1972. They raised three children Gina, Russell and Billy. Throughout his military career, he traveled the world and was stationed in numerous countries including the Philippines, England and Germany. Bill retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1988 and moved to Toronto, Canada, as Executive Director of Operations at King Ranch Health Spa and Fitness Resort. In 1993, Bill and Peggy, embarked on yet another chapter, returning to Cedar Key, where they built their dream home. Never one to stay idle, Bill continued working on multiple projects, including Seahorse Landing condominiums, Delaino Perez Clam Company and, with his wife Peggy, founded the Cedar Key Food Pantry. He was a member of the Cedar Key Lions Club and was always charitable with his time. His last contribution to the beautiful island he loved was the Cedar Key Living Shoreline beach preservation project in association with the University of Florida, which will have a lasting impact for years to come. Eventually retiring, Bill and Peggy enjoyed traveling and spending time with their five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Bill loved being on the water in his boat and always stayed busy. He was a man of faith, very active in his church, read his Bible daily and was always willing to help those in need. Bill is beloved by many around the world and at home in Cedar Key. His generosity, kindness and selfless nature have touched so many people. He will be truly missed. Bill is survived by his wife, Mary Margaret Delaino "Peggy"; three children, Gina A. Stamp (Randy), Russell E. Delaino (Bonnie), William A. Delaino "Billy"; brother George Thomas Delaino "Tom" (Frances); five grandchildren, Stefany Campbell (Michael), Russell W. Delaino, Cole E. Delaino, William N. Delaino "Will", Grant H. Delaino; two great grandchildren, Tyson Sundvik, and Aurora Campbell. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 3rd 2021, at 11:30AM at the Cedar Key United Methodist Church, 6050 D Street, Cedar Key, FL 32625, Interment at Cedar Key Cemetery, followed by a reception at Bill and Peggys home, 1191 8th Street, Cedar Key, FL 32625. In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be made to the Cedar Key Food Pantry or to the Alzheimers Association . Memorial Service Cedar Key United Methodist Church Wednesday, November 3, 2021 11:30 AM 6050 D Street Cedar Key, FL 32625