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William Herbert Gaiser
William Herbert "Bill" Gaiser, 92, owner of the "Carriage Trade" guest house and
restaurant, former salon owner and caterer of island social events for many
years, died suddenly after a brief illness Sunday, April 15, 2018, at Lower Keys
Medical Center.
William Herbert "Bill" Gaiser was born May 26, 1926, in Worthington, Pa. He was
the son of the late Elmer G. Gaiser and the late Bernita C. (Bowser) Gaiser, of
Worthington, Pa.
Mr. Gaiser, whose diverse skills were unknown to many, also included nursing,
pharmacy, and being a confidante to many from island characters to Presidents,
came to Key West in 1959, moving here from New Orleans, LA, where he owned a
pharmacy and nursing care facility. In his nearly 60 years in Key West, "Bill"
was a friend, supporter and helper of many, more often than not quietly.
During World War II and later, Mr. Gaiser served two terms of enlistment in the
U.S. Navy, in war years serving aboard the U.S.S. Bolevar, a transport ship
converted for medical services. He was honorably discharged as Seaman First
Class in 1954, after serving nearly 9 years in the U.S. Navy, and moved to Key
West about five years later.
Mr. Gaiser was a 33rd Valley of Key West Scottish Rite Mason, and an active
member and former officer of Dade Lodge No. 14, now Key West Lodge #64, F. &
A.M.
He was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters, Mrs. James J. O'Lear
(Merium Eva) of Delmont, Pa.; Harold D. Gaiser, of Pittsburgh, Pa.; Mrs. Elmore
(Virginia M.) Brady of Tarentum, Pa.; Mrs. Charles (Lois M.) McDowell of
Springdale, Pa.; Mrs. Kenneth R. (Louise Elinor) Black, Maxine Gaiser, and
Wilfred A. Gaiser, all of Butler, Pa.; and Mrs. Thomas (Geraldine Isabel)
Lipscomb of New Jersey.
Mr. Gaiser was also preceded in death April 9, 2014, in Key West, by his good
friend of many years, Dana R. Wenant.
He is survived by nephews and nieces, including his nephew Joseph E. O'Lear,
M.D., and his wife Jennifer of Key West. Mr. Gaiser also was preceded in death
by, and is survived by, many friends of Key West, FL and in other states.
A funeral Mass will held at the Basilica of Saint Mary Star of the Sea, 1010
Windsor Lane, Key West, FL., on Wednesday, April 25, at 11 a.m.
Interment will be in the Key West City Cemetery at a future date.
Funeral services are entrusted to Castillo & Thurston's Key West Mortuary, 328
Truman Ave., Key West, FL. |
