William F. Tyler, 94, esteemed educator and retired Naval commander, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2025. He was predeceased by his loving wife Barbara (Young) Tyler, his son William F. Tyler Jr. and his brother Stephen L. Tyler.  He is survived by his daughter Elizabeth L. Tyler, her husband John Kindl and his son Robert S. Tyler and his wife Ellen (Kinnealey) Tyler.  He also leaves behind seven cherished grandchildren: Jeff Grondahl and his wife Nicole (Connolly) Grondahl, Kevin Grondahl, Scott Grondahl, Samantha Tyler, Kali Tyler, Matthew Tyler and Emily Tyler, two beloved great grandchildren: Abbey Grondahl and Kara Grondahl as well as four nieces and one nephew.
 
Bill graduated from Tufts University and shortly thereafter married his college sweetheart, Barbara.  He served honorably in the U.S. Navy as part of the underwater demolition team and retired with the rank of Commander after years in the Naval Reserves.
 
A passionate educator, Bill taught at The Hill School and served as a long-time Director of Admissions and women’s swim coach at Deerfield Academy.  In 1963 he founded Dennis Aquatic School where he taught thousands of children to swim.  After retiring to Dennis he continued to run Dennis Aquatic School and coached at the Cape Cod Swim Club.  Bill also served on the Board of Trustees at Cape Cod Academy.
 
Bill’s dedication to education and his community has left an indelible mark on countless lives.  His legacy of excellence, leadership and compassion will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
 
A memorial service to honor his legacy will be held in the spring.
 
Memorial donations may be made to the Dennis Conservation Land Trust, P. O. Box 67, East Dennis, MA 02641 (www.DennisConservationLandTrust.org)
 

Beth, so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I consider it one of my most blessed experiences to have gotten to know Uncle Bill and Aunt Barbara as not just family, but great friends. Along with my extended family, over these many years, Dennis is home away from home because of your parents. So many fun visits, hanging out on the beach, the door was always open, bringing everyone along to meet the King of the Cape, so many great stories to be told!! Bill will always be just a wonderful memory away!

Beth, I am so sorry for your loss. Your Dad sounds like a wonderful man. His service in the Navy is greatly appreciated. Cherish your memories. Thoughts & prayers, Sue

My deepest condolences to all of you. Bill was one of my favorite people in the world. I told him any chance I could that he was the best coach in the world-- and he really was. He had such a tremendous impact on me and all of us girls-- and that very first New England girls swim team win was a stand out. I can see that smile of his right now. So proud of us- he so believed in us! Bill, I love you and I'm so glad my daughter got to meet you to see for herself how very, very special you will always be. We all love you. Deepest condolences to his cherished family. Rest in peace, Bill, with your beloved Barbara and cherished loved ones. God bless all of you! Ashley '92 (And I am so glad that at our 50th birthday celebration last year, all of us girls made that group phone call to Bill-- he didn't miss a beat! Remembered each and every one of us and asked perfect questions and as always got all of us LAUGHING with him! As if it were 1989!)

Mr. Tyler was head of admissions at Deerfield Academy and im pretty confident that is the only reason that I was accepted to the school as I was a committed swimmer. I fondly remember the days of Mr. Tyler and Mr. Boyle sitting back and taking pride in their teams at big swim meets.

Mr. Tyler. No matter how many times he said to call him Bill I just always said Mr. Tyler. He taught my three kids about swimming and so much more. Always a gentleman, a wonderful swim instructor and excellent role model for us all. So fortunate to have known him. He will be missed but not forgotten.