Bill Ivey

Left this world on April 17, 2026, at the age of 75. After suffering a hemorrhagic stroke, he held on bravely—pausing only to periodically mutter “shit,” frustrated by his sudden inability to communicate or deliver the sarcastic commentary his family had come to expect. A fittingly stubborn end to a life lived fully, loudly, and very much on his own terms.

Bill was predeceased by his father, mother, eldest sister Marilou, and a long line of ancestors who, frankly, set the stage.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Marybeth (Coyle); his daughter Annmarie and Peter Rogers, along with grandchildren Ellie and Henry Rogers; his son William, grandchildren Mitzie and Billy Ivey, and former wife Nicole Ross; and his daughter Natalie Ivey (partner Jarrod Duarte), plus grand-puppies Barney Ivey and Honey Rogers, and grand-kitty Pickles Rogers. He also leaves behind sisters Jean Hodgins and Susan and Phil Ficks, along with countless nieces, nephews, in-laws and extended family member he begrudgingly cherished, one family function at a time.

In his later years, Dad fully embraced his role as a grumpy curmudgeon, meeting the indignities of aging with very little grace and a level of ornery determination that was felt by all—especially his teenage grandchildren, who were undoubtedly up to something. He knew this because he had been exactly the same kind of teenager, which is why none of his children ever got away with anything – And, somehow, they all turned out alright.

Bill had a long and successful career in sales, moving everything from electronics to car audio systems to in-vehicle GPS. His work took him to all 48 contiguous states and Hawaii. Most notably (and perhaps most noisily), he played a role in making car alarms standard in GM vehicles—so if you’ve ever been woken up at 3 a.m. by one, you’re welcome.
One of his proudest memories was his time with the Tucson, Arizona Boys Choir, where he traveled across the country performing at notable venues, including one in Chicago that no one can quite remember—but he definitely mentioned it often.

He had a deep love for hockey, planes, automobiles, and history. He coached goalies at a local rink in North Richland Hills, Texas, working with kids as young as eight, while also playing in a men’s league himself. He later coached at NRH High School and Bell High School, helping build both skills and community. He had an almost unbelievable ability to recall the names of cars and planes, along with their model years and obscure details—a talent he proved time and again, especially during a trip to the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.
Bill met Marybeth in 1970 at a USO dance at Fort Dix, New Jersey, after a knee injury during a football game rerouted his Army path. He often said that Army doctor saved his life. Upon first seeing Marybeth from behind, he reportedly thought, “If the front looks as good as the back, I’m in trouble.” It turns out, he was. They married in 1974 at the age of 22, and their children followed in 1978, 1979, and 1982.

He never missed a chance to dance with his wife at weddings and had a habit of showering her with jewelry, setting a standard that his daughters made sure the world understood. He had a quick temper (genetically confirmed), but also a softer side that showed up in his love for music, art, and reading—passions he shared with his children. He taught his son how to fix cars and his daughters how not to get ripped off fixing them.

Bill and Marybeth built a life together across Philadelphia, New Jersey, Virginia, Florida, and Texas, before settling in Rochester in 2022. Never one to sit still, Bill quickly joined the Rotary Club and began driving seniors to appointments—helping people while staying busy, social, and, occasionally, a little bit opinionated. He made friends everywhere he went, left an impression on everyone he met, and, yes, probably ruffled a few feathers along the way.

He left this world the same way he lived in it: stubborn, spontaneous, and entirely unforgettable.

Family and friends are invited to call from 4 PM–7 PM on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Miller Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc. (3325 Winton Road South, Rochester, NY 14623). A formal memorial service will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s memory may be made to any non-political charity of your choosing. Some of his favorites included organizations supporting disabled veterans, Catholic Charities, the Humane Society, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Ronald McDonald House and any rescue that helps children, animals, or the community.