William H. Airel

William H. Airel, 88, of Toms River, NJ, passed away on Friday, March 25, 2022. Born in Jersey City, NJ, he lived in Little Falls, NJ, before moving to Toms River ten years ago.

Bill was loved and respected by many. He lived an amazingly full life and was dedicated to his family and to his many outreach endeavors. He worked 38 years in ATT and before that at Western Electric in his last year at Synder High School topay for his College. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree from St. Peters College while working full time and going to College at night graduating in 4 1/2 years in 1957. He earned his Master’s Degree (MBA) at Seton Hall University in 1961 at night while working full time at ATT in New York, all without the convenience of a car. He paid for his whole education himself with very little sleep.

He retired from ATT in 1989 as a Manager of Accounting, and the Author of two books on pricing for ATT. Bill was President of the Little Falls NJ School Board, member of the Little Falls Welfare Board, Leader of the Little Falls Cub Scouts Pack 72, member of the Shade Tree Commission, Parent Teachers Association and Little Falls Republican Board member.Bill devoted a good part of his life to Masonry. Four times Worshipful Master of Little Falls Masonic Lodge #154, former member of Euclid Lodge in Hasbrouck Heights #136 and a member of Harmony Lodge in Toms River #18.

Bill was president of the Shriner’s Drum and Bugle, Northern District Field music, a member of the Royal Order of Jesters, and Sovereign Prince of the Scottish Rite. In the Northern District he is remembered for his yearly Christmas Parties for members, families and children in Lincoln Park including performances from Turtle Back Zoo, Shrine clowns, Magic Acts and more, including presents from Santa Claus that Bill and his wife spent months collecting for each child. Bill and his family arranged many events for the Scottish Rite members also. Bill was a member of the ATT choir, singing in concert at Yankee stadium in New York with the Billy Graham choir. Bill put on shows with his family for Nursing homes and was one of the first to bring in dogs to visit patients including his own two poodles.

Bill was married to his wife Mary Jane for 68 years. He was a devoted Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather. His children are Linda, Brenda and Billy. His grandchildren are Christopher, Lori, Ian, Chrissy and Scott. His great grandson is Daniel. Bill has seven nephews, ten nieces, and three sisters; Dorothy, Peggy and Betty Lou and one brother Edgar, parents Edgar and Charlotte Airel of Jersey City. Bill and his family were part of the Evangel Hour TV show out of Newark for three years, one of Comcast’s first TV shows in New Jersey, and performed in concerts at the Ocean Grove Auditorium. Bill is a member of Saint Andrews Church in Toms River and a choir member. He is a former lay leader and choir member of Verona United Methodist Church. Bill was a World Traveler, loved AC, sports and puzzles.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday, March 30, 2022 from 4 to 8pm at the Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals, 145 St Catherine Blvd., Toms River, NJ. A Funeral Service will be celebrated at 6pm at the funeral home, followed by a Masonic Service at 7pm. Interment will be held on Thursday, March 31, 2022 at 12pm at Laurel Grove Cemetery, Totowa, NJ. Condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.ryanfuneralhome.com.

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