Bill Stolze passed away on January 1, 2022 at the Highlands Living Center in Pittsford. We are deeply grateful to the excellent people at the Highlands Living Center and at Strong Memorial Hospital who were such a help and comfort to Bill and to his family.
Bill was born in June 1953 to Margaret and William J. Stolze, the fourth of six children. He lived his first 15 years on Yarmouth Road in Rochester, and later in Irondequoit. He attended School 46, St. John the Evangelist School, and graduated from Aquinas Institute in 1971. Bill attended the University of Rochester and St. John Fisher College, and followed that with a successful career in the retail industry. He worked a number of roles at McCurdy’s for almost 25 years until the day their doors closed. He said his favorite position he held was as Director of Training, because he would get to know every person coming into the company. Bill loved sharing his passion for his work and helping the new people find their place in the store.
Bill’s sister-in-law Julie Stolze created The Red Bird Market in Fairport in 2008 and Bill was a key person in so much of what the store was to become, from before it opened until he retired in 2020. Bill had a smile and kind words for everybody who came in the Red Bird, and for many he became the embodiment of the spirit that the store still has. (Tramadol) His niece and nephews had the pleasure to work alongside him, making it a real family affair.
Bill showed love and kindness in everything he did. As a son, a brother, an uncle, and as a friend, Bill touched all the people in his life. He fervently believed in equal rights and creating a safe space for all. He was a caregiver for his dear friend Nancy, his father, and his mother in their times of need.
Bill played the French horn in the Aquinas marching band, enjoyed sailing, reading, and living in his house in the arts district in Rochester. He was talented at crossword puzzles and always insisted on completing them in pen. He was especially a lover of classic movies and was full of passion and insight into everything from musicals to film noir, and he loved to share that passion with his family and friends. Bill found comfort in spending time with his favorite stars, including “the always classy Myrna Loy.”
Bill was a truly special person, and we are grateful to have had him in our lives. He will live on in our hearts.
Please add thoughts and comments of your own if you wish. Donations in Bill’s name may be made to Open Door Mission in Rochester. Thank you.
Comments
17 responses to “Stolze, William T.”
I’m so sad to lose my brother Bill. May his memory be a blessing.
I never knew the super nice guy at Red Bird who introduced me to Salt Bread was your brother. Your friend from Mercy 66 sends you and your family my most sincere sympathy. I miss Bills smiling face. Peach
Wow, a blast from the past! Thanks so much, Kathy.
I had the pleasure of working with Bill, as well as becoming friends during our times with McCurdy’s. When I would run into him We would always laugh together and part in a better mood! I would also see him at the market and enjoy every time we would meet. I’m sure heaven is a better place because Bill is now there.
Bill was a wonderful brother who will be tremendously missed. I trust he is now at peace.
I was very saddened to hear of the passing of my friend Bill. I knew him from his time at Red Bird. He always had a friendly greeting for me and was a pleasure to chat with. He had great tips on cooking and great advice on the supplies I would need to cook things. His positive outlook always made my day a little better. He will be missed by all who had the good fortune of knowing him. My condolences go out to his family and friends. Rest in Peace My Friend.
I am so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. You have my sincere condolences for your loss. Bill and I met at Aquinas and stayed in contact in the time that followed. Unfortunately, we lost contact with one another in the latter years. I will forever be saddened by not being able to tell him what a good friend he was.
I enjoyed meeting Bill when I took care of your parents. I was sorry to read of his passing and send my condolences to the rest of the family. I have so many treasured memories of your Dad, Mom and Bill. I loved being included in Sky Top. Fondly Amy
My condolences to Bill’s family and friends. I grew up in the same neighborhood as Bill and we attended the same grade school . Years later we became reacquainted when I went to work for McCurdys.. Bill was a total professional and a true gentleman. It was a pleasure working with him because he had a wonderful outlook on life and always had something interesting to say.
My deepest condolences. I new Bill in our youth on Yarmouth Rd. He was a kind soul and my heart goes out to his family
Nancy Pizzarelli Francione.
I JUST FOUND OUT BILL PASSED. SO SORRY TO HEAR THIS. HE WAS A NICE FRIENDLLY AND GIVING MAN. HE WILL BE MISSED!! JOHN AND I EXTEND OUR CONDOLENCES TO HIS WIFE AND FAMILY!
Bill was such a super welcoming presence at Redbird Market. He was always encouring us to try the new items, which was great! He will be missed!
God Bless our Aquinas Brother.
So sorry to lose BIll. I have such wonderful memories growing up on Yarmouth Road (the Winnies lived at 381) together, and the adventures we had throughout the neighborhood.
Best wishes to all you sibs from me and brother Doug.
Larry Winnie
I was a classmate and bandmate of Bill’s at Aquinas. My deepest condolences to the Stolze family
Bill and I had a few classes together at AQ. Nice guy and always had a good word to say. My condolences to the family on our loss. Rest in peace Bill.
Julie and family, I just heard of Bill’s passing, and was so sad to hear of such a wonderful, kind person that is no longer with us. I enjoyed talking with him as I poured my morning coffee at the Red Bird Market on the days that I worked at Anything Goes Consignment Shop, He would always have something special or interesting to say, and I would always leave the store with a smile and a little more knowledge. From all who knew Bill from Red Bird Market, our sincere condolences from the ladies at Anything Goes Consignment Store. Rest in peace my friend.