Tragedy ends man's work in smile business

TAMPA -- It made sense that William Stoeltzing didn't get depressed when times got rough, his friends said Friday.

He made his living making people smile.

Stoeltzing, who died Thursday night in a car crash in South Tampa, ran Bryn Alan Photography Studios, where thousands of students have gone to get their yearbook pictures taken.

"He made people feel good," said attorney Martin Garcia, a lifelong friend. "This was a guy I never saw down. When things were tough he would say, 'It is what it is, and we have to deal with it.' "

About 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Stoeltzing, 45, was driving his 1999 Toyota Land Cruiser west on W Azeele Street when a woman in a 2000 Mercedes struck his car, police said.

Stoeltzing was thrown from the sport utility vehicle and died at the intersection.

Susan Hite, the driver of the Mercedes, stopped at a stop sign at Azeele and S Sterling Avenue and then continued driving south, police said.

She was cited on a charge of violating the right of way, police said.

Scores of Stoeltzing's friends, including the sheriff, the mayor and members of the City Council, were stunned Friday.

"That guy is fine one day and then he is gone," Mayor Dick Greco said. "It just shows you how fragile life is."

Stoeltzing's family has been taking photos in Tampa for generations. His father, William Stoeltzing Sr., entered the business with partner Charles Adler in 1948 and became major stockholder of Bryn Alan Studios in 1972.

He grew the company from a small business into a household name with more than 15 studios in Florida, and offices in South Carolina and Texas. He also kept the business in his family. He met his wife of nearly 50 years at the office, where she began as a receptionist and artist.

Today, Stoeltzing Sr., his wife and his daughter work as company executives. His son was a vice president.

Stoeltzing Sr. and his son ate together every day. The pair were so close that Stoeltzing moved into a house in Culbreath Isles around the corner from his parents' home, Garcia said.

An avid fisherman and snow skier, Stoeltzing donated photos to charities and to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

Stoeltzing, who was divorced, leaves two sons, Brent, 5, and Eaton, 7. Arrangements for a funeral and memorial service were still being made Friday.

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