William E. "Bill" Gould

William E. “Bill” Gould, a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, accomplished businessman, and man of remarkable talents and adventures, passed away on November 1, 2026, at the age of 84.

Born on August 15, 1942, in Dover, New Jersey, to Gerald G. Gould and Beulah E. Gould, Bill lived a life defined by hard work, determination, curiosity, and an enduring love for his family.

Bill graduated from Pompano Beach High School in 1960, and on June 28 of that same year, married the love of his life, Joy Gould, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Together, they began building their family in 1961, embarking on a lifetime of shared memories, adventures, and accomplishments.

A man of many talents and boundless curiosity, Bill began his professional journey as a door-to-door salesman selling Watkins products. He later entered the sheet metal trade, working his way from apprentice to shop foreman and ultimately earning the title of master sheet metal worker. His dedication and expertise eventually led him to become Vice President of Krumholtz Stainless Steel, where his work involved commercial stainless steel kitchens.

During his career with Krumholtz, his employer asked him to obtain his pilot’s license. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Bill attended flight school and earned his license, adding yet another accomplishment to an ever-growing list of skills and interests.

Bill’s ambition and entrepreneurial spirit eventually led him into construction. After earning his general contractor’s license in the early 1970s, he became a successful homebuilder, constructing homes from Coral Springs to Florida’s Treasure Coast, including the Indian River Estates area. Through Gould Construction, he contributed to the growth and development of communities throughout South Florida.

Always looking for his next opportunity, Bill and his family recognized the need for entertainment in the growing Port St. Lucie community. That vision led to the development of Port St. Lucie Lanes, which opened in 1978, along with WEG Plaza, a nearby commercial development. As the owner and operator of the bowling center, Bill became a familiar presence in the community, providing a gathering place for families, friends, and bowling enthusiasts for nearly two decades.

An avid and accomplished bowler, Bill was a professional bowler and member of the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA), later competing on the senior bowling circuit. He eventually sold Port St. Lucie Lanes in 1997 and WEG Plaza in 1998, bringing another successful chapter of his business career to a close.

Yet Bill’s professional achievements were only one part of a life lived to its fullest. While building businesses, pursuing new opportunities, and raising his family, he also embraced a wide variety of interests and adventures. An avid hunter and fisherman, race car driver, motorcyclist, pilot, golfer, bowler, and airboating enthusiast, Bill had a passion for experiences that challenged and excited him. He was also an accomplished poker player, taking his competitive spirit to the World Series of Poker stage. Whether at the poker table, behind the wheel of a race car, or pursuing his love of gold prospecting, Bill was always drawn to the excitement of a new challenge.

For Bill, these pursuits were never simply hobbies saved for retirement; they were woven into the fabric of his everyday life. Whether building a home, operating a business, spending time outdoors, or embarking on his next adventure, he approached each endeavor with determination, enthusiasm, and an unmistakable sense of independence. He believed in working hard, living fully, and making the most of every opportunity.

After selling his businesses, Bill continued his lifelong pursuit of knowledge and new challenges. He returned to Indian River Community College to study computer science, developing an interest in computer programming and day trading. His passion for learning reflected a belief that there was always something more to discover, understand, or accomplish.

Bill and Joy enjoyed traveling throughout the country, including spending time in Montana and purchasing property in Colorado, where they appreciated all four seasons and the unique beauty each brought. Eventually, they returned to Florida full-time, making their home in Port St. Lucie and enjoying time with their growing family.

Throughout his life, Bill wore many hats: master craftsman, general contractor, entrepreneur, pilot, race car driver, motorcyclist, golfer, bowler, outdoorsman, and adventurer. Yet among all his achievements and experiences, none meant more than his family and the roles he held as husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Joy Gould; his children, Margaret “Marty” Vander Meulen, Theresa “Terri” Robison, and William G. Gould; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Nancy Pascal, and brother, John Gould.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald G. Gould and Beulah E. Gould.

Bill’s life was a testament to hard work, perseverance, independence, and the courage to pursue new dreams. He was a man who could build almost anything, learn almost anything, and accomplish whatever he set his mind to. His legacy lives on not only in the homes and businesses he built, but also in the family he loved, the lives he touched, and the countless memories created along the way.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and remembered for a life truly well lived.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Treasure Coast Food Bank or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.