William John Bean

William John Bean, age 92, of Ocala, Florida, passed away on September 3, 2026. He was born on October 5, 1933 in Burlington, Vermont a son of Victor and Orea Bean. 

He leaves behind to cherish his memory: wife, Jene Veronesi Bean; son, William "Sean" Bean; sisters, Margaret Titus and Eleanor Francis.

Bill led a very colorful life. Born and raised in Charlotte, Vermont on a dairy farm, and after marrying his high school sweetheart, went to serve in US Army for the first 2 years in France, where he began his love of sports cars. After army, Bill went on to Glassboro Stte College, then moved to Daytona Beach where he taught at Port Orange Elementary And then went on to teach at Daytona State College for 32 years. He retired and then began a Porsche business in Holly Hill, Florida for many years before moving into a motor home, touring the country as well as Nova Scotia. 

After that, he and Jene moved to Ocala on a little farm, where they resided with their son, Sean, until he passed away peacefully at home on September 3. All during his college teaching years, he found time on weekends and summers to race his favorite sports cars around the world, in Japan and Mexico, as well as setting a speed record in 1969 of 225 miles per hour at Daytona. He holds record for many things, such as teaching others to race. He was Paul Newman’s first racing teacher, and many others who became aware of his great knowledge of racing, and mechanics. He was respected mostly for his love of helping others in education, in racing, and in his personal dedication to friends and family alike. Bill and Jene enjoyed a wonderful marriage of over 70 years, and he quietly lived a life which inspired so many people. He was known for being a man of great faith, strength of character, and physical endurance, no matter what hardship he endured. 

A funeral mass will take place on Friday, September 11, 2026 at 2:30 P.M. at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church.

Countryside Funeral Home has been entrusted with the final arrangements.