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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.

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Honoring Blas Mesa

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Blas Mesa 3/6/62 – 2/25/21

It is with a very heavy heart that we announce the passing of Blas Mesa on February 25, 2021 from a battle with cancer. Blas is predeceased by his parents, and three siblings: Abe Wetzler, Rosa Mesa and Hildelisa Mesa. He is survived by his best friend Jack Wetzler and other friends of over 25 years: Eileen Wetzler, Myke McCoy, Dennis Mikkelsen and Katrina Birt and many more friends too numerous to list. He is also survived by five siblings: Josefina Peralpa, Hortensia Mesa, Anisia Barroso, Vikky Lopez and Dorian Mesa; numerous nieces and nephews; primos Minerva, Francisco, Anicia and Aneisy and so many more family members still living in Cuba. And, the loves of his life, Boston Terriers, Rhonda and Snoopy miss him so much.

Blas was born in San Francisco De Paula, Cuba, on March 6, 1962 and came to the Unites States to settle in Astoria, New York in 1969. Blas spent many summers on Fire Island, New York; spent several autumns in the Catskill Mountains in upstate New York and loved all that New York City had to offer. Blas moved to Florida in the early 1990’s and in 1995, upon the death of his brother and best friend Abe, moved to Key West to live with Jack Wetzler. Blas’ most recent business venture was when he purchased Millie’s Convenience store located near Mallory Square in 2004 before retiring in 2009 to tend to his home and garden on Eagle Avenue, Key West. 

Blas was a very fun-loving guy, always had a smile for everyone he met and loved to travel to various locations in the States, Cuba, Europe, South America, and on various cruises; he just enjoyed life.

Blas will truly be missed but now he is no longer in pain and is with his other three siblings whom he loved so much.

We want to thank all of the caring angels [doctors, nurses, administrative staff, case managers, housekeeping staff] that have come into our lives from the Lower Keys Medical Center, Genesis Care (formerly known as 21st Oncology), Island Home Care and Hospice.  We are so blessed to have this group of talented and compassionate people right here in our hometown community.   We also want to thank all of the loving and caring friends and neighbors who provided so much support to Blas and those left behind since his diagnosis on 1/14/21.

Key West Mortuary has arranged Blas’ funeral which will be celebrated on his birthday, 3/6/21 and will begin at the Key West Mortuary at Truman Ave and Whitehead St at 1:30PM followed by a short walk to the Basilica of Saint Mary Star of the Sea for a 3:00PM mass and then a short walk to the Key West Cemetery for a graveside service. It is strongly suggested that those who attend park at The Basilica at approximately 1:15PM, and take the short walk to the Key West Mortuary as parking is very limited.      

For everyone’s safety and protection, masks and social distancing for the entire funeral service are required. And of course, because we are on this great island, Key West casual is the dress code for the day.   

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the American Cancer Society is suggested so that one day, there may be a real cure for cancer.

Honoring Peter MacDougall

Peter MacDougall

Community Hero

In Paradise for Good – October 27, 2021

 

Peter was a retired partner at Ropes and Gray law firm in Boston, where he specialized in business and corporate law with a focus on mutual funds and investment management, including a number of years as the head of the mutual fund group. After retiring in 1997, Peter split his time between homes in Key West and Westport, Massachusetts, and traveled extensively abroad with friends and family. He also enjoyed concerts and operas, fine food and wine, gardening, reading, and the New York Times crossword puzzle.

 

The MacDougall Match for Nonprofit Endowments will make it possible for 25-50 Florida Keys nonprofits to start or grow their savings, adding a total of $1 million to our island’s Community Chest and ensuring that the Florida Keys will be a better place now and in the future. The Peter MacDougall Endowment will significantly increase the grants that the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys will be able to provide to Monroe County charities every year.

 

Thank you, Peter, for Leaving a Legacy in Key West and the Florida Keys.


Honoring Dr. Patricia Major

Dr. Patricia Major

Community Hero

In Paradise for Good – October 23, 2018

 

Pat Major was a physician who lived and worked in Key West for more than 40 years. Valedictorian of Key West High School, Class of 1962, she was the editor of the Conch yearbook, and a member of the ski team, tennis team and the drama club. Pat was an art collector, animal lover, avid reader, and certified scuba diver. She was a master gardener and a member of the Orchid Society and the Garden Club.  For many years, she ran a guest house called Sweet Caroline.

 

Pat’s generous gifts of over $2 million to Florida Keys nonprofits will leave an impact on our islands forever. The Patricia T. Major M.D. Endowment funds annual gifts in perpetuity to the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition, Florida Keys SPCA, Friends of the Key West Library, Key West Garden Club, Key West Orchid Society, Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden, and hospice services. The $500,000 “Major Match” added $1 million to the Community Foundation’s endowment, which will have a significant impact on the Florida Keys for decades to come.

 

Thank you, Pat, for Leaving a Legacy in Key West and the Florida Keys.


Honoring Jon Allen

Jon Allen

Community Hero

In Paradise for Good – December 28, 2020

 

Jon Allen made an impact on Key West in business, civic and philanthropic spheres. He and his late partner bought the run-down Island House in the late ‘90s and transformed it into “the best gay resort in the world.” The Lodging Association named Island House the “Lodging Property of the Year” in 2003.

 

Jon served on the board of the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys from 2006-2014. He was a top donor and started the Island House Fund to support charitable and educational activities benefiting gay youth and adults in Key West. Jon was the Community Foundation’s board chair from 2007-2010 and was so beloved that the other directors pitched in their own money to create a Chair’s Award Fund in his honor. The fund makes possible a grant of choice for outgoing chairs at the end of their service to the Community Foundation. Jon chose the Friends of the Aids Memorial, which he had helped found. Jon also chaired the boards of the Tropic Cinema and the Tourist Development Council’s District Advisory Council for Key West. 

 

Jon’s husband Bobi LoreÌ now continues Jon’s commitment to keeping our community vibrant, through his continued proprietorship of Island House and philanthropic support of Key West.

 

Thank you, Jon, for Leaving a Legacy in Key West and the Florida Keys.



Honoring Joe Viana

Joe Viana

Community Hero

In Paradise for Good – July 23, 2021

 

Joe Viana was a kind and caring man and was a joy to know. He and his husband Ray Baker were incredible supporters of theater, symphony, art, and music and attended all the plays, musicals, and events in town during the 35 years they lived in Key West. Their friends have grand memories of their marvelous parties, and especially their wedding reception. Joe and Ray were passionate about bringing world class performers to Key West. Joe served as Treasurer of the Fringe Theater Key West from 2011 through 2018. He was recognized as its “Unsung Hero” in 2017.

 

Joe and Ray donated over $350,000 to the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys to benefit local nonprofits and created the Ray Baker and Joe Viana Performing Arts Endowment in 2011 to foster excellence in the performing arts. The fund, now over half a million dollars, makes grants every year to Key West-based theater and classical music organizations. These have included the Fringe Theater, Key West Impromptu Classical Concerts, and the Bahama Village Music Program.

 

Thank you, Joe, for Leaving a Legacy in Key West and the Florida Keys.



Honoring Dick Jones

Dick Jones

Community Hero

In Paradise for Good – September 5, 2020

 

Richard Jones lived until age 105. The consummate Southern Gentleman, he championed arts and music, and was a sportsman, gardener and travel enthusiast. Following his retirement as a distinguished media executive at the J. Walter Thompson Company, he split his time between his Long Island country home in Water Mill, and Key West. He shared his life for 48 years with his partner, Dominique Del Monte. In retirement he continued to play golf and tennis and fell in love with classical music.

 

Dick was one of the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys’ best supporters for over 15 years. He continued to “give back” in Key West even after he moved to Pompano Beach. In 2007, Dick he created the Jones-DelMonte Endowment which he augmented with a six-figure estate gift. This makes it possible for the Community Foundation to make many grants each year in the areas of health, human services, arts and culture.

 

Thank you, Dick, for Leaving a Legacy in Key West and the Florida Keys.

 


Honoring Campbell Cawood

Campbell Cawood

Community Hero

In Paradise for Good - January 10, 2022

 

Campbell Cawood gave unsparingly of his time and talent to help the performing arts and human services in Key West. He was a participant in both congregations of the Metropolitan Community Church, firmly supporting its advocacy for human and civil rights equality. He was a member of the Key West Business Guild.

 

Campbell worked closely with other local leaders to establish the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys. He generously contributed his investment management services as well as office space and staff support. He served on the Foundation’s board of governors, and then as a special advisor. A gracious host, many memorable charitable events took place at his welcoming homes. This included a 2001 wine tasting on Sunset Key, a fundraiser for the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys. He managed the Community Foundation’s investment pool for the Baker-Viana Performing Arts Fund, which will continue through his Keys Wealth Management business partner Todd German.

 

Part of Campbell’s legacy will be the Cawood Courage Fund, an endowment that will fund multiple nonprofits. This will significantly increase the grants that the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys will be able to provide to Monroe County charities every year.

 

Thank you, Campbell, for Leaving a Legacy in Key West and the Florida Keys.