William Joseph Tyler

1942 - 2016

Mr. William “Tip” Tyler, son of Dr. William and Margaret Tyler, of Pacific Grove, California, and Lahaina, Hawaii, passed away on April 5, 2016 surrounded by his family. Tip was born in Kansas City, Kansas and grew up in Muskegon, Michigan. Tip was the eldest of four children: Charles “Tom” Tyler, John Tyler, and Patricia Tyler Potter. Growing up in Muskegon he spent his summers on Lake Michigan, which influenced his life-long love of the water.

He graduated from Muskegon Catholic Central High School in 1960. Following graduation, he attended the University of Notre Dame and the University of Michigan. After college, Tip spent a number of years living in Colorado, Louisiana, and Hawaii. He ultimately settled in Pacific Grove where he worked as a general contractor. In 1980, Tip met his wife, Angela Ferrante, to whom he was married for 33 years.

In 1983, Tip suffered a tragic accident while working construction that left him paralyzed. Although quadriplegic, Tip was never defined by his disability. Tip and Angela traveled extensively and never allowed his injury to prevent him from experiencing life to the fullest. He was a man of adventure despite adversity. Tip ultimately established himself as a respected business person having successfully owned and operated a local business, Movie Mart. Tip also served on both the City of Pacific Grove’s Architectural Review Committee and Planning Commission where he advocated for improved ADA access for persons with disabilities. The Tylers’ would later go on to invest in residential real estate in Hawaii. Tip would routinely spend his afternoons enjoying the ocean breeze on their waterfront lanai while soaking in the majestic Hawaiian sun. Similarly, Tip could also be found spending his afternoons while home in Pacific Grove enjoying the cool Pacific breeze on his front porch or could be found riding his handcycle along the recreational trail.

Tip is survived by his wife, Angela Ferrante Tyler; sister, Patricia Tyler Potter and brother, John Tyler (Betsy). He is also survived by his nephew, Tyler Potter, and nieces, Sarah C. Potter, Hilary Tyler, and Jennifer Turpin (Josh). He was preceded in death by his brother, Charles Thomas Tyler, his father, Dr. William Tyler, and mother, Margaret Catherine Tyler.

A special thank you to Dr. Georgina Heal, Vaea Anitoni and Louise Bouchard.

A celebration of Tip’s life will be held on April 14, 2016 at 9:30am, at San Carlos Cathedral. The family kindly requests that any donations please be made to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, 636 Morris Turnpike, Ste. 3A, Short Hills, New Jersey, 07078.