On November 26, it was reported that the popular St. Petersburg artist Bill Correira Woo had died. Woo, who owned Gallery Woo on Central Avenue in St. Petersburg, Florida, passed away suddenly on Monday. His Facebook page was reportedly overflown with messages from mourning friends and family.

Woo was a survivor of brain cancer, which struck him on Thanksgiving five years ago. The artist attributed his recovery to painting and was well-known in the St. Petersburg area where his trademark was marine life, particularly brightly colored saltwater fish. He was also known for painting in public and in front of audiences at charity events, and was loved for his compassion, generosity towards friends and fellow artists and talent.

Gallery Woo was a passion for Bill Woo, who had lived in St. Petersburg since 1976. It was after his battle against brain cancer, that he made the life-changing decision to pursue his painting and open a gallery. Inspired by his father, William Correira, and his connection with the sea, Woo quickly became a popular artist in downtown St. Petersburg, where his art was bought and displayed in private collections as well as restaurants and public spaces. After three years in the business, Woo had plans for expansion to Hawaii when Toonari Post spoke with him in September.

On Facebook, heartfelt messages filled the artist’s personal page:

“You will be deeply missed,” wrote Missie Stevenson McDow.

“Gosh, Bill, you will be missed. Your art and your soul,” said Jean Teira Hynes.

“You will live on through your paintings and have touched so many with your incredible story. May God bless you always,” wrote Meagan Willoughby.

“So deeply saddened to hear of your passing, dear, sweet Bill Correira Woo,” wrote Sandy Schell. “What joy you brought to everyone who had the pleasure of crossing your path. Thank you for being a bright light in our lives.”

For more please visit Bill Woo’s Facebook Memorial Page

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