Almost everyone who has lived in or visited Tampa Bay region knows about “Crabby Bill” Loder or has a Crabby Bill Story.
On April 19th, 2018 George William “Crabby Bill” Loder left this world behind to join his beloved wife, Dolores. Bill was born in Deptford, New Jersey in 1932 (although some records indicate he was born in 1933). He had two half-brothers, Albert and Robert and an older brother, John and younger sister, Gertrude. He was raised on a farm where he learned the virtue of hard work from a very young age.
He was a proud marine who served in the Korean War. He was a Sergeant and member of a tank battalion who saw combat on several fronts.
In 1954, he married the love of his life, Dolores (Trzaska). They were blessed to have five children: Ellie (Paul), Cookie, George (Valerie), Matt (Maria) & John (Debra).
In 1968, they moved to Madeira Beach, Florida, where they bought and sold fresh seafood throughout the state. Bill would operate shrimp boats, sell grouper & oysters, dig for clams, gillnet for mullet, etc. In September of 1975 they opened their very first restaurant, Captain Bill’s on Redington Shores. He maintained the Captain Bill’s Brand until he sold his two locations in 1982.
In 1983 on Indian Rocks Beach, Bill opened what would become his most successful venture- Crabby Bill’s. His daughter, Eleanor said, “Dad is crabby, we like crabs, why not Crabby Bill’s?‘” and history was made. Over the years, Bill had developed quite a following of devoted customers who enjoyed great seafood at fair prices. “Buy a heap and sell it cheap” was his simple, yet effective formula for success. The little restaurant with no sign and only a few tables had customers lined up nightly at the door. Bill and Dolores, their children and his extended family of nieces and nephews would treat guests like family. He would often sell you a meal, and then buy your first drink. Soon he purchased two adjacent buildings and extended the restaurant. In five years, he had purchased all but 2 parcels on the 400 block of Indian Rocks Beach.
Bill expanded to multiple locations in the early 1990’s. In 1995, an offer came to buy the entire business and decided to sell. However, his retirement was not meant to be. He bought back the business in 1997, once again happy to be back in Indian Rocks Beach, the community he loved dearly.
His wife Dolores unexpectedly passed away in 2000. Many people did not believe he would be able to carry on without her yet he carried on for 18 more years enjoying life with his family, friends, longtime employees and countless wonderful customers.
His was a remarkable life filled with too many great characters and interesting stories to recount them all. Bill is preceded in death by his wife, Dolores; daughter, Cookie: son, George and granddaughter, Dolores “Doe Doe”. He is survived by daughter, Ellie; sons, Matt and John; special mention to his nephew, Carl Trzaska who was Bill’s sidekick to the very end; thirteen grandchildren and their spouses, sixteen great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, employees, in-laws and outlaws. A graveside service will be held 9:30 am Tuesday, April 24, 2018 at Garden Sanctuary Cemetery, 7950 131st ST N., Seminole with a Celebration of Life Party to follow from 11-2 pm at Crabby Bills, 401 Gulf Blvd, Indian Rocks Beach. All are invited. Suggested attire for Celebration; casual-Crabby Bill T-shirts are appreciated (no suits). Warning: ties will be confiscated or cut in half as Crabby would like.
Arrangements were made under the direction of Garden Sanctuary Funeral Home, 7950 131st St. N., Seminole, FL 33776 (727) 391-0121.
