William Donald Pickard
February 5, 1944 – June 27, 2026
William “Bill” Donald Pickard, known to his family as Dad and Grandpa, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2026 after a brief but courageous struggle with leukemia. He was a man of warmth, stature, generosity and an open heart that touched everyone fortunate enough to know him. He was 82 years young.
Bill was born in Yonkers, N.Y. and moved to Nanuet in 1956. His first job as a young man was at Baker Camp, in Bear Mountain, N.Y. He was a very popular lifeguard, swim instructor and waiter and made lifelong friends at camp. Bill reminisced about those youthful, halcyon days for over 65 years.
Bill answered the call of duty in 1964 at the start of the Vietnam War, proudly serving his country in the United States Coast Guard as a Hospital Corpsman aboard the USS Spencer until 1970. After his service he built a distinguished civilian career spanning 27 years with Delta Airlines where he worked in air freight and on the ramp – a job he approached with the same dedication he brought to everything in his life.
Bill had a deep love for the outdoors and the simple pleasures of nature. He fished in the lakes and The Sound of N.Y., from Alaska to Florida. From his home in St. Petersburg he fed then fished, snook and redfish. Grew oysters, flowers and vegetables. Whether he was out fishing on his boats, in the San Francisco and Tampa Bays, or kayaking along Weedon Island, tending to his garden, or working his three acres as a farmer, he was always happiest with his hands busy and the sky above him. In his later years, Bill found quiet fulfillment in being there for those closest to home, lending a helping hand to his neighbors whenever they needed it. It was a simple act that spoke volumes about the kind of man he was. His way of life reflected his patient, grounded spirit. Bill would do anything for his family; he adored them most of all and was a kind, strong, wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He was beloved in return and was truly loved by all he met. His laughter, his generosity, and his genuine care for others will leave a hole that cannot be filled. He will be deeply missed and forever loved and remembered by everyone who knew him.
Bill carried the memory of those who predeceased him. His beloved parents, Eleanor and Donald Pickard, and his stepson, Michael L. Lemole.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Arlene; his children, Erik Pickard and Heather Nesfeder and their mother Marilyn Bowes; Heather’s husband, David Nesfeder and their children, Sven, Finn and Liam Nesfeder; his step grandchildren with Arlene, Zaira Dorothy and Michael Lemole; and his siblings, John Pickard and Carolyn Roscoe as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins he still kept in touch with.
Private burial services will be held at Bay Pines National Cemetery in St Petersburg. Donations can be made in his honor to fight Leukemia thru the American Cancer Society at donate.cancer.org
5 Responses
His smile and laugh were contagious! He will be sorely missed, but his memory will always be a blessing!
As one of Bill’s neighbors and close friends, this obituary perfectly describes the man we so loved and admired. He absolutely would do anything for you and I was often a recipient of his kindnesses. He helped me during hurricanes and other emergencies, as well as being there when my beloved pets passed away. He and Arlene were the very best of cocktail party organizers and kept our street socialized on a regular basis. He is already missed in SO many ways. We deeply share in your loss, Arlene. He was a truly special man and the ones of us who got to really know him are grieving too. Heaven definitely gained an angel of a man.❤️
This is such a beautiful tribute to uncle Bill and truly captures who he was. He was a kind, generous man who touched so many lives and will be deeply missed. Sending my love and keeping all the family in my thoughts and prayers.
Such great memories with Bill growing up. Could not have asked for a better neighbor. Even though he scared the hell out of me as a young child when he came back from canoeing with my father with a bandage wraper around his hand. Stories about how they fought the alligator off. Never wanted to get in a canoe again!
I will miss you Bill but will carry countless fond memories.
Bill was my biggest cheerleader – like he was for everyone around him. One of the most positive forces I have ever met. Always helping … “Look for the helpers”, Mr. Rogers would say – Bill was the best of them. I miss him every day and will always remember him and that smile !