Obituary of William A. Pillucere ""Bahama Bill" Pillucere

Obituary William A. Pillucere, “Bahama Bill” Passed away February 18, 2021 at Hospice in Dunedin, FL. The noted restaurant owner earned the nickname “Bahama Bill“ when he went to the Bahama Islands in the late 1950’s with a friend. He was born in Long Island, NY. The third child of Antonio and Mary Pillucere. Owners of the well-known Tony’s Tavern in Centerport. He was a loving, vivacious, volatile, generous man of many talents. He once opened a bar with $14.00. “’Hard’ I can do. ‘Impossible’ just takes me a little longer.” Bahama boasted about having many occupations throughout his lifetime. He was a hairdresser, wig shop owner, and water ski instructor to the stars in the 1960’s. Dressing up for Halloween was often met with interesting costumes from Lawrence of Arabia to Geronimo. He jokingly remarked that he would have been a pirate had he been born in that era. Performing modern standards on the piano with two of his sons, Billy and James, in the mid-1970’s, Bahama Bill and the Bahamigos was a very popular travelling band. William also continued to play Accordion and guitar for his patrons at his numerous restaurants. He was not only the chef, but also the entertainer and comedian. Listening to Bill tell jokes was delightful. Bahama was a delightful storyteller. He operated Bahama Bill’s Restaurant in Gulfport 1976-1982, Downtown St. Petersburg 1982-1987, and the Gulfport Casino 1987- 1989. He specialized in International foods, steaks, and seafood. William is survived by his wife Karen Pillucere of Tarpon Springs; sisters Carmela DeBaun of Stuart, Catherine Cattar of Ridge Manor; sons James Pillucere and Antonio Pillucere of St. Petersburg; grandchildren Gabriella Foster and Michael Pillucere of St. Petersburg; great-grandchild Aria Foster of St. Petersburg; and Carolyn Pillucere of Seminole, mother of James and Antonio. Celebration of Life will be held at A Life Tribute Funeral Home 5601 Gulfport Blvd. S. Gulfport, FL 33707 On April 10th, 2021 @ 2:00PM