Stephen W. Haywood

Stephen Walsh Haywood, 76, of Fort Myers, Florida, died peacefully, surrounded by his family and close friends, on May 30, 2017, after a brief illness. He was born in Washington, D.C. and was the second of five children. Steve attended Le Moyne College in Syracuse, New York then transferred to the University of Florida at Gainesville, where he received his business degree in 1965. Shortly after graduating from college, he began working for the Gulf American Corporation where he met Paul Staffile, and together they soon formed the successful real estate firm of Staffile & Haywood. For the next five decades, Steve pursued what would become a distinguished career as a real estate developer and entrepreneur in Southwest Florida.

Considered eccentric by some and brilliant by many, Steve was well-known in his community for his keen foresight in land development, his generosity of spirit, and his passion for sports, particularly tennis, where he became a formidable opponent who could dominate much younger players with ease.

Despite his great success in real estate, he kept a low profile that belied his numerous accomplishments. As many of his associates can attest to, Steve was always his own man; he was guided by a passion and instinct for business. As well, he possessed a talent for making life-long, genuine connections with people from all walks of life.

Tragically, Steve lost his son, Paul, in 2000. He is survived by his four sisters Ann Haywood Beeler, Mary Beth Sunenblick, Mary Robin Haywood, Mary Hollis Haywood, as well as his nieces Laurel Beeler USMJ, Dr. Mari-Elena Haywood Davis, D.O., Ana Haywood Davis, and nephews Jesse Haywood Sunenblick and Pierce Haywood Sunenblick.

A mass to celebrate his life will be held at the Church of the Resurrection, 8121 Cypress Lake Dr., Ft. Myers at 12:30pm on Saturday, June 3, 2017, followed by a reception at Rene's Restaurant, 7050 Winkler Rd., Ft. Myers. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Steve’s name to the Ft. Myers Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) by using the link www.swflymca.org/give.or by mail to Ft. Myers YMCA, 1360 Royal Palm Square Blvd., Ft. Myers, FL 33919, checks made out to Ft. Myers YMCA.

Arrangements under the direction of Coral Ridge Funeral Home & Cemetery, Cape Coral, FL.