William "Bill" Di Meo

William Raymond Di Meo, known as Bill to most and “Billy Ray” to those closest to him, passed away at the age of 72 on December 21, 2025, in Provo, Utah.

Born on September 23, 1953, to William Anthony Di Meo and Maria Rosario Lopez, Bill grew up in Reseda, California. He attended St. John’s Military Academy and later graduated from Cleveland High School, where he distinguished himself as a competitive swimmer throughout his middle school and high school years.

As a young adult, Bill married his first wife, Debra, and together they began a new chapter in Langlois, Oregon. There, Bill worked at a sawmill, and in 1980, the couple welcomed their son, Weston, in Coos Bay. After several years in Oregon, the family returned to California, where Bill and Debra later ended their marriage.

In 1986, Bill met and later married his second wife, Andrea, and together they welcomed two children, Sara and Michael. Though life and circumstance shaped his role as a father in complicated ways, Bill cared deeply for his children and carried that love with him throughout his life.

Back in California, Bill found steady work with the City of Los Angeles at the airport as a carpenter, where he honed his woodworking skills and developed a lifelong appreciation for working with his hands. He later joined the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, where he dedicated 26 years of service and retired as an Underground Distribution Construction Supervisor.

After retiring, Bill moved to Nephi, Utah, where he purchased a home and spent the last ten years of his life. He moved to Utah to be closer to his daughter and grandchildren, a decision that reflected how deeply family mattered to him.

A cowboy at heart, Bill was a true maker and restorer. He enjoyed woodworking, painting, and upholstery, often bringing new life to old furniture. He loved collecting antique furniture and meaningful trinkets, surrounding himself with objects that carried stories of their own. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Bill also took up Kung Fu, training seriously from around 1989 to 1992. He once competed in San Francisco and told the story of losing to a world champion, a memory he always shared with pride. He was also known for his love of hot sauce, especially his favorite, Mexi-pep, and for his fondness for classic cars, especially his 1970 El Camino and 1979 MG.

Bill was especially proud of his children’s service in the United States Navy. His son Weston retired after a distinguished career, his son Michael was pinned Chief a few years ago and is set to retire in the coming years, and his daughter Sara was honorably discharged after six years of active duty. Their service was a source of immense pride and joy for him.

Bill lived a full and complex life, meeting its challenges with grit and heart. He was kind, loving, strong-willed, and often the life of the party. He is survived by his children: his son, Weston Raymond Di Meo, and Weston’s children, Collin, Griffin, and Logan; his daughter, Sara Marie Di Meo, and Sara’s children, Carleigh, Alice, and Billie; and his son, Michael Anthony Di Meo. He is also survived by his brother, Brandan Di Meo.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Anthony Di Meo and Maria Rosario Lopez.

No formal funeral will be held. A celebration of life will take place next summer, when family and friends can gather to share stories, honor Bill’s life, and spread his ashes.

Please send any photographs, stories, and memories to dimeo.memorial@gmail.com.