Final Salute

William Andrew Scampoli died suddenly near his home in Bluffton, SC on August 31, 2023 at the age of 65-years-old. Known more commonly as “Billy” or “Bill,” he is survived by his wife of over 41 years, Debbie, his mother and stepfather, Kay and Art Ranta, his three sisters, Mary, Kathy, and Donna and their families, his three children, Kristen and her husband George, Andrea, and Andrew and his wife Lauren, and his four grandchildren, Georgie, Ashley, Angelo, and James.

Bill was born in Queens, NY on October 10, 1957, and he was raised in Islip, NY. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17-years-old, where he joined the Seabees and honed his skills as an electrician. A true “Mr. Fix It,” Bill continued to utilize his natural abilities in the workplace after his service, and he was employed by PepsiCo for 26 years as a mechanic. With an almost unparalleled work ethic, Bill was often recognized for his dedication to his job, even once receiving a gift for not missing one day of work in over 15 consecutive years. He used to say, “ten minutes early is five minutes late,” something that stuck with Andrea and Andrew, much to the chagrin of their significant others who receive the side-eye if they are not ready to go exactly when they say they will be.

Both in Islip, NY, where he raised his family, and in Bluffton, SC, where he called home after retiring with Debbie, Bill’s neighbors could always count on him for a helping hand when they were in need. He was happiest in the kitchen, and his food was his art. Whether he was whipping up classic Italian dishes or experimenting with more modern American cuisine, Bill’s food never disappointed his family, his friends, or the countless neighbors who were gifted delicious leftovers after a dinner party. His loss leaves a hole not only in our hearts but in our stomachs.

In accordance with his last wishes, Bill was cremated after a private service attended by his immediate family. With his friends and neighbors not accepting that as a final goodbye, a spontaneous gathering was held at a park near Bill’s home shortly after the viewing. About 60 (or 70 or 80 depending on who was counting) guests shared stories about Bill’s cooking, how he fixed something for them, or how Bill was the first person to welcome them to the neighborhood. He will be truly missed by his family, his friends, his neighbors, and his beloved dog, Daisy.

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