William Joseph Maselli

William “Bill” Maselli, 87, of Palmetto, Florida peacefully passed away January 22, 2023 at his home. He was born in New Haven, Connecticut, to William V. and Marie (Balsiger) Maselli on August 8, 1935. He grew up in Woodbridge, Connecticut with his younger sister, Joan. Bill enjoyed an active childhood playing sports, the outdoors and helping with the Family masonry business and store.

Bill attended The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, located in Charleston. He enjoyed his occasional visits with the Company Commander regarding the Rules and Expectations at The Citadel. The discipline and fortitude Bill developed at The Citadel served him well throughout his life. While attending The Citadel, he met the love of his life, Jeanne Lewis, his wife of 45 years. Bill graduated from The Citadel in 1958. He then served our country in the Air Force National Guard in Germany from 1961-1962.

Bill began his professional career with F.W. Dodge, a division of McGraw Hill Publishing Company, where his direct and persuasive sales style propelled him to sales management positions. He served as a Regional Sales Manager in Los Angeles, California; Miami, Florida; Boston, Massachusetts; and Tampa, Florida. He was respected by colleagues and clients alike for his integrity, dedication, and straight-forward management style. He received numerous sales honors and awards during his distinguished career. Bill retired in May of 1996.

In his retirement, he traveled to Italy, Mexico, Hong Kong, Turkey, Bali, and many other places across the United States and abroad. He loved playing golf, cheering on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Rays, and Lightning and playing Bridge with his wife, Jeanne. With his daring card-playing style and Jeanne’s remarkable Bridge skills, they were an unbeatable couple at playing cards. Bill and Jeanne’s approach to playing Bridge exemplified their amazing marriage. Bill was the outgoing risk-taker and Jeanne was the calm and steady force. They made a great team that made a wonderful life together.

Bill was a devoted Husband, Father, Brother, and Grandfather known affectionately to his grandchildren as “Pomp” and “Bald Eagle” by many other family members. His greatest joys in life were spending time with his son and seeing his three grandchildren. He had an incredible sense of humor accompanied with an entertaining knack for storytelling. He was a master of well-timed pranks and witty banter with Family and Friends. Above all, he loved his Family dearly and would do anything for them.

He is survived by his son, Richard Maselli; daughter-in-law, Jennifer Maselli, and his three grandchildren: Caitlin, Olivia, and Jase. He is also survived by his caring and compassionate companion, Kathy Satterlee, as well as other dear family members, including cousins and nieces, that he loved deeply. Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanne (Lewis); sister, Joan (Leith), and parents, William V. and Marie (Balsiger) Maselli.

A Celebration of Life gathering for Bill will be held Wednesday, February 1, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Groover Funeral Home at Mansion Memorial Park, 1400 36th Ave East, Ellenton, FL 34222. A prayer service will occur Wednesday, February 1, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM, 1400 36th Ave East, Ellenton, FL 34222. A committal service will occur Thursday, February 2, 2023 from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Rd 72, Sarasota, FL 34241.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.groover-funeral-home.com for the Maselli family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation at https://nationalpcf.org/.