William Garfinkle

Bill was married for 48 years to the late Linda Garfinkle (née Braverman). He is survived by his daughter Stacey (fiancé, Kevin Miller); sister-in-law Ellen (husband, Robert Greenberg); niece Monica Greenberg; nephew Brian Greenberg (wife, Nicola Zheng-Greenberg); and grand-niece Morgan.

Bill was born on September 2, 1945, to Flora and Edward Garfinkle. Raised in Bayonne, New Jersey, Bill was a graduate of Rider University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree before going on to receive two Master’s degrees. Bill dedicated his career to educating the children of Bayonne public schools, teaching remedial math and reading, English, and public speaking, among other subjects, for the better part of four decades. He also worked as a camp counselor in the summers and served in the Army National Guard.

Bill had a talent for music. In retirement, he enriched the lives of countless senior citizens across northern New Jersey through music and poetry through shows at nursing homes.

A lifelong athlete, Bill was a dedicated runner. He completed 20 marathons and ran in countless races. He was also an avid cyclist and rarely missed a day at the gym.

He was a voracious reader, with a well-worn library card and eclectic collection of books that evidence a lifelong interest in the pursuit of knowledge. A dog lover as well, he held a special place in his heart for his late miniature poodle, Perry.

Bill will be fondly remembered for his sense of humor and zest for life.

A funeral service will be held at Schwartz Brothers-Jeffer Memorial Chapels, located at 114-03 Queens Blvd, Forest Hills, NY, 11375, United States, on January 16, 2026, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. The service will be available via live stream.