William L. Riche

William “Bill” Lionel Riche

December 11, 1940 – November 16, 2025

William “Bill” Lionel Riche, 84, of Toms River, NJ, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2025, after a brave battle with Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease.

Born on December 11, 1940, in Brooklyn, NY, Bill was the beloved son of Lionel and Loretta Riche. Growing up alongside his brother, Charles “Roy”, and sister, Mary, he formed bonds that lasted a lifetime.

A proud Marine, Bill served aboard a ship stationed off Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis, carrying the values of discipline, courage, and a steadfast sense of care for others throughout his life. After his service, he dedicated over 30 years as a mechanic with the MTA (formerly MaBSTOA), commuting daily from North Jersey to New York City to ensure a good life for his family.

On October 23, 1965, Bill married, Louise Katherine, the love of his life. The marriage spanned six decades, marked by laughter, partnership, and unwavering devotion. Their love endured through life’s triumphs and challenges. Bill and Louise were the heartbeat of countless family gatherings, always the first on the dance floor, filling the room with laughter and love. In their later years, Louise lovingly cared for Bill with a tenderness that reflected the depth of their partnership.

Bill was the devoted father to four children - Barbara, William, Kevin, and Michael – and a proud grandfather to six: Stephanie, Joshua, Jillian, Samantha, Lucas, and Timothy. To his grandchildren, he was “Gpa” or “Grandpa” - cheering from the sidelines, applauding in the audience, sharing playful teasing, or celebrating milestones, always embracing every moment. For Bill, these were the moments that mattered most – the little victories, the shared smiles, and the memories made together.

He was a man of passion and simple pleasures. A devoted fan of New York sports, he followed the Giants, Rangers, Brooklyn Dodgers, and later the Mets with unshakable enthusiasm. He loved the beach, family vacations, music, and the timeless charm of old movies - Laurel & Hardy’s Babes in Toyland a cherished Christmas tradition.

Bill will be remembered for the way he loved — not through grand speeches or dramatic gestures, but quietly, steadily, and without hesitation. From assisting family members in times of crisis to securing help and opportunities for others when they needed it most, he led with action, not words. Friends and family often called him a “legend”, and indeed he had a way of making life richer and brighter simply by being present.

Even in the face of illness, Bill showed remarkable strength, humor, and resilience. Surrounded by the love of his wife and family, he met challenges with courage, faced

obstacles with dignity, and embraced every day with gratitude for the people around him. His legacy will live in the countless lives he touched, the values he instilled, and the enduring memories he helped create.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Louise; his four children and their families: Barbara (née Riche) Zimdars, her husband David and their children Joshua and Lucas; William Riche, his wife Jennifer, and their children Stephanie and Samantha; Kevin Riche, his wife Courtney and their children Jillian and Timothy; Michael Riche; and sister Mary (née Riche) Daugherty, along with cherished in-laws, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Lionel and Loretta Riche, and his brother Charles “Roy” Riche.

Bill lived a life defined by love, laughter, integrity, and devotion. He leaves behind a family bound by his values and a world made brighter by his generosity of spirit. Though he will be deeply missed, his warmth, humor, and gentle strength will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Services will be held on November 25, 2025, at Quinn Hopping Funeral Home (26 Mule Rd, Toms River, NJ) with visitation beginning at 9:30 AM and a prayer service at 11:30 AM. Burial will follow at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in Bill’s memory. Tribute page https://tribute.michaeljfox.org/tribute-page.php?id=3396&np=true.