Celebrating the life of
William "Bill" Fox
June 14, 1946 - July 17, 2026
William "Bill" Fox, passed away on Friday, July 17th, at the age of 80, following what we believe was a heart attack overnight.
William “Bill” Fox, sometimes Billy or even Uncle Billy or Saba was a kind, generous, gentle man who cherished his family and was a joyous lover of life. Devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and trusted friend to many, Bill touched the lives of countless people who shared his enthusiasm for good ice cream, technology, and corny jokes. He was an engineer and educator, gymnast and yogi who loved solving people’s problems large and small while encouraging people to solve problems of their own. He lent his inventive prowess to AT&T/ Bell Labs, Lucent Technologies and enjoyed imagining professional ventures.
He had a brilliant, innovative mind and often let his dreams guide his creative spirit. Anyone who left him with a clean napkin and a pen in 10 minutes could anticipate a blueprint drawing of his next invention; anything from a medical device for Elaine, to custom inventory software, or an elevator to the moon. Bill found humor in the absurd and was eager to laugh at things that didn’t make sense, or only made sense to him. He believed strongly in a civic sense of justice and would be the first to point out when things were systemically not right. Bill liked to push himself intellectually to find technology at the cutting edge and embrace it as his own. Even his soap dispenser required batteries. Bill frequently opened his home to those in need, be they friends, family, or strangers, and provided an environment of support and compassion, “taking in strays” two-footed and sometimes four-footed. He was a lover of all animals, especially Tinker, Cody, Peter, Mozart and Mercer.
A native New Jerseyan through and through, Bill personified the “hostess city” ethos of his chosen home of over 20 years in Savannah, GA. He relished a good dinner party any day of the week, even just an intimate gathering of a handful of friends around his own table. He cooked elaborate meals by employing advanced methods like sous vide, vacuum sealing, and regularly wielded a blow torch. His knack for hospitality led him to a twilight career as night manager of The 1790 Inn, even entertaining a ghost or two. He trained as a sommelier and never hesitated to indulge his sweet tooth. Bill loved to tell stories including the time he skied into his living room; “Can I make a suggestion” to Paul and Heather, and enjoyed taking his nieces to Great Adventure.
Bill was predeceased by his father Hyman and mother Rose Fuchs, sister Diana Lavenhar, brother Saul Fuchs, sister-in-law Judy Fuchs and brother-in-law Marvin “Babe” Lavenhar. He is survived by his wife Elaine Dembe-Fox, daughter Heather Stoetzel, stepson Aaron Dembe and stepdaughter Alison Formidoni, sons-in-law Paul Stoetzel and Richard Formidoni, grandchildren Madeline, Samuel and Frederick Stoetzel, beloved nieces Hilary Hess, Penni Schultz, Jennifer Lavenhar and Hope Lachman together with their spouses and families.
In lieu of flowers, please consider taking a walk of remembrance in a beautiful outdoor location of your choosing. Please take a picture or video to share your experience, in honor of Bill’s habit of appreciating the everyday beauty of life. If you would like to make a donation in Bill’s name, please give to the school where Bill donated so much of his time and energy, Royce Learning Center: www.RoyceSchool.org.
Bill you will be so greatly missed! You were so very loved! My deepest condolences to Elaine and her family during this difficult time. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen
- Linda Santos Morgan, Rincon, GA
A candle has been lit!
WomenHeart Savannah Heart Sister
- Linda Santos Morgan, Rincon, GA
Bill and I met at a Toastmasters meeting at SCAD, easily, over ten years ago. We quickly realized we used the same AT&T parking lot (different buildings) in 1983 in New Jersey. We quickly bonded. I will miss our talks.
- Stu Klugler, Savannah, Georgia
Sending my condolences, love, and prayers to Bill and his family. I truly admired his commitment to his family, friends, & community. We will greatly miss you and appreciate you for always staying connected with us at WomenHeart. It was so good to see you laughing, enjoying yourself, and reflecting on the beautiful memories you shared with Elaine. That is a moment I will never forget and will always cherish. Rest in peace, friend!
- DeAndria Frazier, Savannah, GA
To hear of the loss of Mr. Bill was so unexpected and heartbreaking. Mr. Bill truly had a heart that cared for others in the community who needed not only support but to simply feel heard and understood. Every time I saw Mr. Bill he was with his wife Mrs. Elaine and they were attached at the hip. He often spoke about his children and community with such pride that it felt contagious. There were also more times than I can count where Mrs. Elaine would be out speaking to someone and you would see him just listening so intently and hanging on her every word. It was a true example of love and partnership. My condolences to his friends and family, as I know each day was a blessing to have him in our lives.
- Katee Sykes, Savannah, GA
am so incredibly sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you. I am keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. am so incredibly sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you. I am keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
- Khani Morgan, Savannah, Georgia
I met Billy when he was a young engineer and I was a young secretary at Western Electric. Bill who paced constantly in front of my desk became a lifelong friend. We continued to talk a few times a year. Billy loved his family and always talked about them; especially, Elaine, Heather and the rest of his family. I will miss him greatly.
- Susan Venditto Moubray, Melbourne, FL
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel
912-898-0900
- Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced at a later date.