William Listing (1953-2010), known as Captain Bill to many, was a Jones Beach lifeguard in the 1970’s. He always said the summers that he spent as a lifeguard were the best times in his life. This is not a surprise, considering Bill’s love of the ocean, friends, family and taking charge of all situations.
Bill spent much of his life on the ocean. He was a true mariner, with a U.S. Merchant Marine master and 500 ton sail endorsement, a PADI dive instructor, highly qualified to tackle any task at sea. Whether it be fishing, diving, navigation, maintenance on all vessels, refit or crew management, he could handle it all. Power, sail or steam, Bill literally sailed the seven seas with extensive experience in the Caribbean and Mediterrean waters. He had a second sense about the ocean, like it was in his blood.
Bill would blow into town like a storm, gathering all the elements at hand to embellish life at full tilt. He loved to prepare fabulous meals for family and friends. If you ever found yourself in his culinary company, you were in for a treat seasoned with local color and stories of the sea.
Captain Bill was a good guy. He had a big heart. He was a generous and passionate man, willing to share all he had with those he loved.
We will miss you Bill, but the memories and stories of Captain Bill will live on forever. Your sister Beth.
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