Oliver William Stoughton, known as “Bill” to his friends and family, 88, of Vero Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2026. Born on October 12, 1937, in Connoquenessing, Pennsylvania, to Paul and Verda Stoughton, Bill lived a life defined by service, adventure, quiet strength, and deep devotion to his family.

A proud graduate of Butler High School and Allegheny College in Meadville, PA, Bill answered the call to serve his country by joining the U.S. Air Force as a pilot. He was stationed in Moultrie, Georgia; Valdosta, Georgia; and San Antonio, Texas before embarking on a distinguished career as a pilot with American Airlines. Bill and his wife Susan Coates Stoughton raised their three children—Annie, Bill, and Scott—in Glen Ridge, New Jersey. The family spent many joyful summers at their home on Long Beach Island, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

Bill and Susan were married on December 19, 1959, and shared 66 wonderful years together. Following family tradition, once the first grandchild arrived, he became lovingly known as “Daddy Bill.” Bill was a constant source of calm guidance, humor, and love for his wife, children, and grandchildren. For the past 20 years he courageously lived with Parkinson’s disease, facing it with remarkable dignity and never a word of complaint. He was an active member of First Presbyterian Church in Vero Beach for 20 years, where he found community and faith. His wife Susan continues her dedicated involvement there, particularly caring for the church gardens and flowers.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of many years, Susan Coates Stoughton of Vero Beach, FL; his sisters ZoAnne Weckerly and Polly Krebs; his children: Annie Speno (Vero Beach, FL) and her children Zach and Carly; Bill Stoughton (wife Karen Ogas Stoughton) and their sons Johnathon and Blakeley of Centennial, CO; and Scott Stoughton (wife Britt Stoughton) and their daughter Mia of Steamboat Springs, CO.

He was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Verda Stoughton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Bill’s honor to one of the following organizations that were meaningful to him and his family:

Alzheimer & Parkinson Association of Indian River County (Vero Beach) Donate Online

VNA & Hospice Foundation (Visiting Nurse Association of the Treasure Coast, Vero Beach) Donate Online

First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach (address below)