William L. Gethard

Bill was born on September 6, 1943, in Newark, NJ, to parents, Leslie and Mary (Cunningham) Gethard. He graduated from Essex Catholic High School in 1961. Bill went on to establish a career as a Telephone Installer, working for New Jersey Bell for most of his adult life. In addition, Mr. Gethard also served the Livingston Fire Department, reaching his 50th year of service on March 4, 2025.

Bill was known for his love of fishing, boating, vacationing, and doing yard work, often being known for having the greenest lawn on the block. Upon his retirement, he worked at the Livingston Library and as a crossing guard at Harrison School, where he became affectionately known as ‘Mr. Bill’ by all the children.

Bill is survived by his wife Patricia (nee Mercadante), a sister Joan Burke, brothers Kenneth (Sally), and Robert (Karen), and his four loving children, William (Donna), Suzanne Bien (Robert), Joseph (Christine), and Cynthia D’Andrea. Bill also had many loving grandchildren, Michael, Melissa, and Megan, Corrie, Will, and Ryanne, Joey and Gia, and Christian and Taylor. Bill also had two great grandchildren, Emily and Anthony.

Family and friends are invited to attend a four-hour Visitation on Friday, March 28, 2025, at Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home, 145 E. Mt. Pleasant Ave., Livingston NJ 07039, from 4:00pm – 8:00pm. An additional Visitation will take place on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home from 10:00am -11:00am, with a Service to follow. Burial will take place at Gate of Heaven Cemetery at 12:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to the Livingston Fire Department, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or the Livingston Animal Shelter.