Bill Koteff, 76, passed away surrounded by love on April 23, 2026, at his home in Warren with his beloved wife Beverly and cherished daughters by his side.

Born in Blue Island, Illinois, to Mitchell and Beatrice (Colley) Koteff, Bill moved to Southern California as a youngster. He spent his childhood among the palm trees and sunshine of San Diego where his father, a Navy officer, was stationed after World War II.

An enthusiastic learner, Bill graduated from Hilltop High in Chula Vista in 1967 as valedictorian and student body president. He attended Pomona College in Claremont, CA, where he graduated with honors and a degree in mathematics. While there, Bill was
drawn to the emerging field of computer science, which became the focus of his entire career.

After college graduation, Bill became computing center director for the five Claremont Colleges. However, a job offer from Digital Equipment Corporation enticed Bill to move across the country to
New England. During his lengthy tenure at DEC, Bill's thoughtful leadership and easygoing demeanor served him in numerous roles, including chief of staff for the vice president of research, director of corporate technical services, and operations manager and chief information officer for the advanced technology group. He later joined Flagship Ventures in Cambridge as part of the information technology investment team and vice president.

It was in Massachusetts where he met the love of his life Beverly. They settled in Wellesley, Massachusetts, where they raised their family, lived for more than two decades, and actively volunteered in their community and Unitarian church.

Bill's passion for innovation and technology continued well after his retirement to Rhode Island to be near his young grandchildren. He focused his volunteer efforts on implementing technology systems at his beloved Unitarian church community in Providence, building websites, setting up the infrastructure needed to broadcast services during the pandemic, establishing platforms to digitize communications, and so much more.

However, Bill’s biggest sources of joy were his wife Bev and spending time with his family. He never missed a recital, concert, outing, or a sporting event where his children or grandchildren were playing or performing. A voracious reader of science and
science fiction, he always enjoyed following advances in the space program and notable scientific discoveries across the universe.

Closer to home, he was an excellent chef and enthusiastic foodie. He spent many happy weekends cooking, with his favorite 60s pop music or Red Sox game playing in the background. Bill was always at his happiest hosting his family, whether for casual dinners or ambitious holiday spreads. He will be long remembered for his warmth, ready smile, quick wit, calm presence, integrity, and most of all the storybook love he had for his wife and family.

Bill is survived by Beverly, his wife of 47 years; daughters Lisa Denny (Steve Buka), Anna Burns (Arthur Burns), and Emily Moreano (Keir Moreano); grandchildren Tyler Buka, Chloe Buka,
Jason Buka, Colette Moreano, Eamon William Moreano, and Noah William Burns; sister Rowena Bell (Mike Bell), brother Robert Koteff; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial service to celebrate Bill’s life will be held on Saturday, June 27, at 2pm at the First Unitarian Church of Providence. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bill’s honor can be made
to the Bill Koteff Technology Fund, First Unitarian Church of Providence, 1 Benevolent Street, Providence, RI 02906.