Coachella Valley
PRIDE Scholarship Fund
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Founder's Message
ABOUT US
Founder - William C. Tumelty
William C. Tumelty grew up in New Jersey and studied in Washington, D.C prior to serving four years in the United States Air Force while stationed in South Dakota. He completed his MBA in Denver, Colorado and enjoyed a fulling career as a Commercial Banker. He continued his career when he moved to California in 1999 and retired and made Palm Springs his home in 2011.
William has enriched his life volunteering with nonprofit organizations such as Meals on Wheels, Colorado AIDS Buddy when AIDS patients were ostracized, serving holiday meals for organizations like Well in the Desert, and volunteering for fundraising events. He also served as a Board of Director for multiple nonprofits.
Tumelty says “I don’t have any offspring nor significant other, so I felt I wanted to leave some sort of legacy and chose a scholarship venue”. When asked why a scholarship Tumelty says “ I love education and feel it helps us attain our goals and broaden our perceptions of the world, making us better people through understanding ourselves and others”.
Celebrating the Life of William Clement TumeltyJuly 9, 1944 - July 5, 2023It is with heavy hearts, yet filled with love and gratitude for a life well-lived, that we celebrate the remarkable life of William Clement Tumelty. On July 5, 2023, our beloved Bill, a proud Air Force veteran, retired banker, and devoted volunteer, departed this world in Palm Springs, California. Born on July 9, 1944, in Trenton, New Jersey, Bill began a life of purpose and service. After proudly serving his country as a Captain in the United States Air Force, he embarked on a nearly four-decade-long career in commercial banking, impacting businesses and communities in Boulder, Golden, and Denver, Colorado, as well as Santa Barbara, California. His journey includes a BA in Economics from Georgetown University and an MBA from the University of Denver. Bill brought financial expertise, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to many organizations and causes he sincerely believed in. Bill was compassionate and selfless. He was a true friend, mentor, and role model. His proudest contribution was creating the Coachella Valley Pride Scholarship Fund, to support the education of LGBTQ+ youth. The fund has awarded over 100 scholarships totaling $90,000 and many more will benefit from Bill’s generosity and vision. Bill was predeceased by his mother, Dorothy Elizabeth (nee McGee) Tumelty, his father, William Clement Tumelty, and sister, Beth Ann Tumelty. He is survived by his sister Barbara Tumelty; her husband William Ewall, his niece Katharine Ewall, her husband Darrin Beek, and his two grandnieces Stella and Annalee Beek. Bill is also survived by his brother Bob Tumelty, his wife Elizabeth (nee Scheffer) Tumelty, his nephews Mark Tumelty and wife Kathryn (nee Spiker) Tumelty, Scott Tumelty, and Todd Tumelty, as well as his grandnephew Parker and grandnieces Camryn and Teagan Tumelty. Bill was fortunate to have an extensive loving and dedicated chosen family. In honoring Bill’s wishes, no formal service or ceremony will be held. His remains will be inurned at Arlington National Cemetery. In tribute to his legacy, donations can be made to the Coachella Valley Pride Scholarship Fund (cvpridescholarshipfund.com) to carry forward Bill’s passion for education and ensure that his legacy endures. Rest in peace, dear Bill. Thank you for the love, compassion, and joy you brought to our lives. Your spirit is forever with us. May you find eternal peace as your legacy lives on, inspiring us to make a difference in the world, just as you did.Love Strong, Worry Less, Laugh Often.
Team members - Lucio Bernal, Jon M. Smith, Tony Ogden
Lucio A. Bernal and Jon M. Smith had been looking for a “purpose” outside their normal work as a real estate team in Palm Springs. They had many options but stumbled on one by mere fate. “One day we received a call from our friend William saying that he was giving a scholarship and was asked to give a speech.
Both Jon and I mentioned to him that he could practice his speech with us and that we would be delighted to attend in support” states Lucio.
Several weeks later both Lucio and Jon attended the event and walked away with a longing to give a helping hand to William. Jon says “The night was so emotional. To see the gratitude and hear the emotional stories of the recipients that night was both heart wrenching and inspiring!”.
Lucio and Jon both feel the same about William: a humble, caring, and sincere person who finds good in others.