William Ladd Zvara

William Ladd Zvara (“Bill”), a 35-year resident of Jacksonville, Florida, died peacefully in his sleep on June 2, 2018, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 61 years old.

Bill (or “Billy” to some close to him) was born July 28, 1956, in Lexington, Massachusetts, to John & Rose Zvara (deceased). He was the middle of five children, and he was blessed to grow up in a loving family with a strong faith in Christ. He attended Lexington High School (1974) and went on to Gordon College, graduating in 1978 with a degree in English Writing and a minor in Economics. While at Gordon, Bill played varsity basketball and also met the love of his life, Allene Bostwick.

After graduation, Bill & Allene were married on November 22, 1978, in Birmingham, Alabama. The couple then moved to Michigan for Bill to attend Cooley Law School, graduating in 1982. Eager to leave the cold weather behind upon graduation, Bill & Allene moved to Florida where they would become lifelong residents.

Bill & Allene moved to Jacksonville in 1983. Bill joined the law firm of Livermore, Klein & Lott, where he spent 11 years as bond counsel and law partner. In January 1995, he struck out on his own, forming his own practice where he enjoyed the thrill of dealmaking. From 1997–1998, he also served as Director & Past President of the Christian Legal Society (Jacksonville Chapter). In 2009, Bill joined the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), where he would spend the remainder of his career, eventually rising to the Office of the General Counsel in Washington, DC.

Ever the aspiring entrepreneur, Bill tried his hand at numerous ventures throughout his life. In addition to forming his own law practice, he created Bold Lion Enterprises, a software program focused on Christian education and outreach. He was founder & director of Christian Professional Resource (CPR) and served as editor-in-chief of The Resource, its main publication. Bill even convinced his loving wife to join in his adventures, jointly owning and developing a franchise of Peterbrooke Chocolatier in Birmingham, Alabama.

Bill’s Christian faith was central to his life. At 12 years old, he was baptized and received into membership at historic Park Street Church in Boston. Bill later served in numerous roles at Ortega Presbyterian Church and Westminster Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville, including elder, deacon, treasurer, Sunday School teacher and member of the pastoral search committee. He also had an insatiable love for cars, enjoying several recent trips to the Concours d’Elegance car show in Amelia Island. Bill particularly treasured time with his family, including movie date nights and sunset dinners with his wife, as well as family beach vacations where he cherished long walks for peaceful reflection.

Bill was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother & friend. He is survived by his beloved wife of 39 years, Allene; his four siblings John, David, Diane & Jim; his three children William (Mallory), Daniel (JoAnna) & Jean Battle (Daniel Jourdan); and his four grandchildren Ladd, Adeline, Carli Rose & Burke.

A Memorial Service will be held 11 AM Saturday, June 9, 2018 at Ortega Presbyterian Church, 4406 Longfellow Street, Jacksonville.  The service will be followed by a reception to celebrate Bill’s life at the family’s home at 4810 Arapahoe Avenue, Jacksonville. In lieu of flowers, gifts are suggested "in memory of Bill Zvara" to Seamark Ranch, Equine Program (https://www.seamarkranch.com/donate-now).

Arrangements by Giddens-Reed Funeral Home, Baldwin, FL, 904-266-2337 (www.giddensreedfh.com).

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