William J. Sugrue

William “Bill” Joseph Sugrue, Sr., age 92, of Toms River, NJ passed away at Community Medical Center on April 29, 2021. Born and raised in Newark, NJ, he moved to Whippany, NJ in 1972 before moving to Toms River, NJ in 1995.

William attended Immaculate Conception High School in Montclair, NJ as well as Seton Hall University. He was elected into the I.C.H.S Hall of Fame in 1990 for baseball.

William served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953. He joined the Newark Police Department in 1953, becoming the 4th member of his family to do so. He spent 19 years in uniform patrol before earning the title of sergeant in 1962 and lieutenant in 1973. During his time on the police force, William received six merits for excellence in policy duty. He retired after 32 years of service.

William was a loyal member of the Fraternal Order of Police, the Superior Officer’s Association, the American Legion Post 129 in Toms River, and the Holy Name Society of St. Maximilian Kolbe Church.

William was predeceased by his parents Frank and Sadie Sugrue, his brother, Francis “Bud” (Betty) Sugrue, and his sister, Eleanor (Jim) Dougherty. He was also predeceased by his son-in-law, Patrick Corcoran.

William is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Rosemary (nee Fox) Sugrue; his daughter, Kathleen Corcoran, and his son, William Jr. (Peggy). William leaves behind five grandchildren, Patrick, Shanna (Luke), Emily, Daniel, and Kelly and one great-granddaughter, Teagan Ninomiya. In addition, William is survived by his sister, Shirley Sabino (Sal), his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Maureen and Kenneth White, as well as three nieces, Cheri, Michele, and Kristen.  

William, better known as “PopPop” or “Uncle Bill”, was happiest when surrounded by his family. His best days were spent at one of his grandchildren’s sports games, or taking them bowling, to the boardwalk, and on other childhood adventures. He loved photographing all these special moments, and it is clear that in every picture, his family is lovingly smiling back at him. His sense of humor, kindness, and wisdom will be forever missed.

A funeral mass will be held at 12:00pm on Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church located at 130 St. Maximilian Lane, Toms River, NJ. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Holiday Heights First Aid Squad at 120 Prince Charles Drive in Toms River.