Obituary of Bill Bruce Ismay

ISMAY, Bill Bruce 79, died Friday, April 15, 2016 after his years long battle with dementia. He leaves his daughter, Karla; son, Bill (Lisa); two grandchildren, many loving family, friends, former teachers and students. Born in Phoenix, the son of William and Pearl Ismay, he was a longtime resident of Tucson. He had loving memories of his childhood with the Ismays, Fanfarillos, and cousins and friends he grew up with in the Church. He met the love of his life, Stana Kulinovich, at Phoenix Union high school, and they were reacquainted as students at the U of A. They had a loving 54 year marriage until Stana passed way in 2014. As an athlete, Bill was a state champion wrestler at Phoenix Union High school, and a storied heavyweight wrestler at the University of Arizona. He was also played football in the Navy and at the U of A. Until his dying days, he loved telling stories of his Navy and U of A teammates, and still kept in touch with his old friends and teammates. At the U of A Bill was a member of Sigma Chi, and Vice President of the student body. He was a teacher at Palo Verde High School, and went on to a career as a high school administrator and principal at Sahuaro, Tucson, and Palo Verde high schools. He valued all of the relationships and friendships he had with former teachers and students. For all of us who knew him, most of all he treasured fellowship with friends and family. Our fond memories of Bill will include trips to Rocky Point, Mission Beach, the Greensticks, morning golf club, couples tournaments, tailgate parties, Mexican food dinners, Wildcat alumni events, and Thanksgiving and Christmas parties with the Kulinovich family. He lived his life in service to others. A Celebration of Life Service is being planned for Saturday, April 30, 2016. For information on the service please email b_ismay@yahoo.com. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOME, Dodge Chapel.