William John Stevens

William John Stevens—known to all who loved him as Bill—passed away peacefully on March 10, 2026, at the age of 89. A New Jersey native, he was the son of William James Stevens and Camille Stevens (née Grabowsky). Bill served his country with dedication, enlisting in the United States Army (1956–1958) and then the United States Air Force (1958–1964). While stationed in Germany, he met and married JoAnne. Together they settled in Michigan, raised their daughter, and worked side by side at Ford Motor Company while putting each other through college. Bill earned both a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Business Administration from Eastern Michigan University.

Over his career, Bill dedicated himself to meaningful community work in metro Detroit before eventually retiring in San Diego, where the sunshine suited him perfectly. After JoAnne passed away in 1991, Bill found love again on the dance floor — meeting Luz, whom he married in 2005. Their love was a joy to witness, and Luz was by his side until the very end. Bill was a man of many passions: running, travel, dancing, music, photography, chess, the New York Times, and lively conversation. He was kind, funny, an exceptional listener, and curious about the world right up to the end. He is survived by his beloved wife, Luz; his daughter, Laura, and her husband Howard; and his grandchildren, Grace and Aaron. Bill Stevens lived fully, loved deeply, and left the world a little wiser and warmer for having been in it.