Honoring Joe Dallas, Sr.

Joe Dallas Sr.

Joe Dallas Sr., jazz trombonist and adjunct jazz faculty member at Duquesne University had a long and varied career. He performed with artists such as Tony Bennett, Vic Damone, Sammy Davis, Jr., Aretha Franklin, Lou Rawls, Neal Hefti, Frank Sinatra, Jr., and Michelle Le Grand. He performed in the world Premiere Jazz Ballet “The Great Gatsby”, conducted by Guenther Schuller; made guest appearances on “Mr. Rogers Neighborhood” and other PBS specials; is a former member of the Si Zenter Band at the Tropicana in Las Vegas; was artist in residence and jazz trombone teacher for the Clark Terry International Institute of Jazz at Westmar University in LeMars, Iowa, and was clinician and guest performer at Frostburg State College in Maryland and SUNY in Binghamton, New York, among many others. Local Pittsburgh performances include the John Wilson Big Band, the Joe Negri Quartet, Jimmy Beaumont and the Skyliners, and many jazz venues including performances for the Pittsburgh Jazz Society.
Joe was also a member of the Paradise Big Band in Key West, Florida, the Key West Pops, and he appeared frequently in shows and jazz performances in Key West although he was mostly a Pittsburgh-based jazz musician. Joe produced a jazz CD which featured himself, his son Joe Dallas Jr. and many of the best jazz performers in Pittsburgh and Key West.
Joe was born in Pittsburgh in 1939, and he started playing trombone when he was in sixth grade. Within a couple of years, he became a student of the renowned trombone teacher, Matty Shiner. He attended Morehead University in Kentucky on a full music scholarship, taught public school music and gave private lessons in Kentucky and Pittsburgh for many years while continuing to perform.

Honoring Bob Wandras, Jr.

Bob was born in Norfolk, VA on May 30, 1956. As a child, he was told all the Memorial Day parades were in celebration of his birthday. What a lucky guy to have such special memories. As a young man, he went in search of adventure. He served in the US Navy as a culinary specialist, cooking on the aircraft carrier, the USS Nimitz. After his service he lived in Alaska for a time, set up camps and cooked for the Army Corp of Engineers on the Aleutian Islands as well as cooking on Off Shore oil rigs. When he finally tired of the long, cold, dark nights of Alaska, he sought the warmth and sunshine of Key West. It was here that he found his safe spot in the world. It was here that he worked as a cook, sponger, lighthouse keeper, caregiver, landscaper and generator technician. As a cook, Bob served up delicious food with a smile on his face, a side of kindness and a story to tell. Whether pedaling his bike-boat to the water’s edge or sailing it around the island, you can bet he was smiling. He always found time to stop and chat or lend a helping hand. Bob always made time to be kind , he made time to be helpful and he made time to shine his light for all to see. Bob was one of a kind and the world was the better for it. “They existed. They existed. We can be. Be and be better. For they existed. - Maya Angelou (from the poem, When Great Trees Fall)

Honoring Mark Zynda

Mark was born and raised in Chicago and came to Key West some two decades ago. He was a popular hairdresser, artist and comedian. He will be best remembered for working at the Anchors Aweigh Club house as an assistant to the manager where he served hot coffee, meals and literature to those seeking a new way of life. When you got a cup of coffee from Mark, it always came with a smile and a corny joke. Mark’s dream was to open a hair cutting school. His friends hope that in his new life, his dream has come true.

,

Honoring Rob Billy

,

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.