2022 Honoree

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Honoring Rob Billy

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Robert Joseph Billy embodied everything that is good and bright in this world. Everyone who knew him loved him. He left this world on January 20, 2022, far too soon. His passing has left an immeasurable hole in the hearts of his family and friends. Born on December 4, 1972 Rob grew up in Point Pleasant, NJ. He attended Point Pleasant Boro High School before earning a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Stockton State College.

After college, Rob began his career in construction. Having visited Key West, FL, many times, with his friend Rob, he decided to move there permanently in 2006. Carl helped him get his start working on the island and became a mentor for Rob as he navigated Key West life. Eventually, Rob started his own business and became well known for his hard work, honesty, as well as for his outgoing, fun-loving personality. Being one of eight kids, Rob always valued relationships, so it was no surprise that he found himself a second family with all his long time Key West friends. 

Rob was an amazing son (mom’s favorite), fantastic brother, the world’s best uncle and a friend to all who encountered him. He loved spending time with his friends and family and would often travel the country to spend time with those he cared about. Rob enjoyed exploring new places to learn about the history, the culture, and the food. He brought back great stories from his trips to Japan and Italy.  He never turned down the opportunity for an adventure.  

Full of ideas and personality, Rob was able to connect with anyone. His spirit was infectious. He was curious and multi-faceted and did not take himself too seriously. He could dance and goof around and have serious conversations about books, politics and philosophy. 

Rob loved being an uncle and shared a special bond with each and every one of his 13 nieces and nephews. He played, cooked, told stories and jokes to the delight of everyone in his presence. His greatest gift was the time he spent with all of us.

He leaves behind his loving parents Paul and Mary Billy, seven beloved siblings: brother Brian Billy; sister Colleen Ebarb and brother-in-law Kelly Ebarb; brother Paul Billy and sister-in-law Carol Billy; brother Keith Billy and sister-in-law Tricia Billy; sister Beth Rayner and brother-in-law Tony Rayner; sister Mary Jane Dulabon and brother-in-law David Dulabon; sister Kathleen Maiorana and brother-in-law Frank Maiorana; and 13 nieces and nephews: Kimberly and his Goddaughter Morgan Ebarb; Kevin and Violet Billy; Jake, Sean and his Godson/partner in fun Braden Billy; Paul and Chloe Rayner; Julia and William Dulabon; and Delaney and Luke Maiorana.

Rob will be remembered as the playful and mischievous instigator of fun with a larger-than-life laugh. All who remember him are asked to celebrate Rob’s life in their own way, raising their glasses in his memory and smiling knowing that he just made every moment better.

Honoring Diane Tolbert Covan

Diane Tolbert Covan died on Aug. 19, 2021, after a heroic battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband, Fred; sons, Zachary and Benjamin; stepsons, Alexander and Daniel; sister, Kathryn Burns; and many cousins, including her Sicilian family, with whom she became very close.

In Jewish tradition, there is an ideal of the “Woman of Valor.” Essentially, this refers to a woman “designated by G-d to bravely and forcefully give life to the world around her.” There is no doubt Diane was brave and forceful. She was born in Miami and attended the University of Florida for her undergraduate and law degrees. While there, she supported herself by working for the Center For Governmental Responsibility, which helped to draft litigation that led to the resignation of President Nixon. After school, she briefly worked for a criminal defense firm in Miami, and was sent to Key West to defend a marijuana smuggling case. Diane won the case and was offered a job by the local State Attorney’s office as a prosecutor. She took the position and moved to Key West in 1977; however, prosecution was not in her blood, and so she opened her own criminal defense firm.

In 1980, Diane was hired by a group of commercial fishermen who had gone to Cuba as part of the Mariel boatlift. Those boats received a U.S. Coast Guard escort on the way to Cuba; however, on their return, our government decided the venture was illegal. The boats were seized and the captains were charged criminally. Diane went to Miami and, as she related, faced 12 U.S. prosecutors in dark suits while wearing a “skimpy sundress.” Judge Stanley Aronowitz accepted her defense arguments and ordered the fishing fleet released. Thus, she saved the South Florida commercial fishing fleet. Diane spent the next 12 years defending these fishermen and succeeding in having the charges and civil penalties dropped and eventually received attorney’s fees from the U.S. government.

While on vacation, Diane met her husband, Fred, at a party in New York City on Thanksgiving 1982. They were married in 1984 and lived in New York City for 10 years, where she practiced law, had two sons, Zachary and Benjamin, and helped raise Fred’s sons, Alexander and Daniel. In 1994, after completing an agreement to live in New York for 10 years, she forcefully moved the family back to Key West and continued to practice law. In 1994, she became the attorney for the City of Key West for two years. After completing that adventure, she became certified in Health Law and continued to practice until she retired and opened a yoga studio. Diane was respected and loved by her clients, although not always loved by their opponents. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends in the community.