William G. Lentz

William G. Lentz, 93, of Berkeley Township, died peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family. He was a loving husband, devoted father and very proud grandfather & great-grandfather. William was born September 26, 1927 in Newark, NJ. Having lived most of his life in Belleville, he moved to Berkeley Township with his wife Mary, in 1996.

William attended Belleville High School where he played basketball. He honorably served his country during WWII in the United States Navy onboard the USS Canisteo. Subsequently, William was a fireman with the Belleville Fire Department, serving his community for over 30 years before retiring in 1981.

A trusted friend, William had a lifelong bond with many people from his childhood, including his best friend, who he met in elementary school. Always one to lend a helping hand to any job or project, William was the neighborhood “Mr. Fix-it” and relished coming up with creative ways to solve problems. Taking pleasure in the outdoors, William liked to hunt, fish and spend time at the Jersey shore, whether on the beach or boating in the bay. He enjoyed tinkering in his garage and working on his vegetable garden that he kept for many years. As a proud veteran and patriot, William loved his country.

Above all, William adored his family. As a father, he was not one for long lectures as his actions spoke louder than words. William’s work ethic, good-natured demeanor, citizenship, sense of humor, and general “can-do” attitude was the best role model one could have. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, taking pride in their accomplishments. William’s greatest pleasure was watching his family grow and took delight in seeing everyone enjoy themselves at many gatherings, parties and events. He will be deeply missed by many.

William is predeceased by his parents, William A. Lentz; Grace Stinson Lentz; wife, Mary Carpel Lentz; brother, Roger Lentz and sister, Grace Brophy.

William is survived by his daughters, Joyce Wille and her husband Paul of Toms River; Susan D’Aries and her husband Tom of Toms River; son, William J. Lentz and his wife Allison of Cranford; grandchildren, Cheryl Homyak and her husband James; Paul Wille and his wife Valerie; Lisa Stein and her husband Brad; Lauren D’Aries; Thomas D’Aries; William Lentz; Kaitlyn Lentz; great-grandchildren, James, Jackson, Olivia, Rex, Gianna, Jacob, and Alex.

There will be a private service for William.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals, 145 St. Catherine Blvd., Toms River.

Condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting: www.ryanfuneralhome.com

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