William August Vetarbo's Obituary
William (Bill) August Vetarbo of Detroit, Michigan, was called to his eternal home on January 31, 2025, at the age of 78 in San Francisco, California. Born August 8, 1946, Bill joins his parents, Frank Vetarbo, Sr., and Eunice Evola, formerly Vetarbo (née Campbell), and his brother, Frank Veterbo, Jr., in paradise.
A lifelong educator and world traveler, Bill was a guiding light in the lives of those who knew and loved him. He first found his love of travel and adventure after his deployment to Germany while serving in the Army in the 1960s, after which he obtained his degree from North Texas State University and took on teaching positions in Guam and Japan. He met the love of his life, fellow teacher Estella Vetarbo, formerly Ramsey (née Torres), in Guam in 1983, whom he married later that year after moving with her and her son Jonathan Ramsey to Panama and later to Germany. Together with Estella, he built house and home in Guam nestled among a vibrant community of Estella's immediate and extended family. Bill and Estella continued their journeys after the birth of their second son, Steven Vetarbo, in 1992, continuing their culture of worldliness in Saudi Arabia, Japan, Italy, Belgium, and Korea. His experiences both as an American GI and a guest of so many communities abroad made Bill thoughtful, moderate, and civic-minded. A product of the unique times in which he lived, a strong family foundation, and the privilege of educational opportunity, Bill favored civility, kindness, and thoughtful discourse, embodying the promise of a wiser, more tolerant America.
Throughout his tenure as an educator, Bill taught hundreds of students in Industrial Arts, Computer Science, and History. He was forever the beloved industrial and historical expert to his family and friends. Ever resourceful and project-oriented, he could often be found endeavoring on new auto projects; relaying the lessons and rewards of hard work to his sons; always searching for the new and interesting; and enjoying the simple pleasures of good food, a cold beer, the daily crossword puzzle, and his family and friends. His good humor, brainy jokes, and easy smile were the invitation to delight a playful mind, and he was warm and welcoming to people of all backgrounds and beliefs.
Bill is survived by his wife Estella, his siblings Shirley Responte (nee Vetarbo) and Steven Vetarbo, his sons Jonathan and Steven, and countless nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews. His sudden passing has left a void which will never be filled, but his memory remains that guiding light which has illuminated the path of so many who new him. In this time, we celebrate his life, his achievements, and the devoted love he had for his family and friends. Although he may be gone, we continue his legacy by always being curious to learn and experience the world, having our hands extended in assistance to others, and expressing a gentle demeanor in difficult times.
Remembrances and memorials will be scheduled in due course as we navigate the processes of moving Bill to his resting place at his home in Guam. For inquiries on memorial services to be held, please email [email protected].
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