William G Lawson

William Lawson, 90, a long time resident of Branchburg, NJ and Palm Bay, FL passed away after a short illness on December 31, 2021. He is predeceased by his parents William Langelius Lawson and Marie Lawson (nee Aumuller), his wife of 52 years, Janet Lawson (nee McDonald), and his brothers Gary Lawson and Donald Lawson.

He is survived by his daughter, Jean Meier of Bridgewater, NJ and four sons, William (Barbra) and Thomas (Lorrie) of Branchburg, NJ, and Gerald and James of Palm Bay, FL, and his eight grandchildren, Julia, James, Patrick, Abby, Kate, Samantha, Sofia, and Will.

Bill was born in Brooklyn, New York on March 12, 1931 and grew up in the Bensonhurst section of the borough. He graduated from New Eutrecht High School and earned BA and MA degrees in English from Brooklyn College. While in college, he was the starting fullback for the “Bulldogs” soccer squad, earning varsity letters and playing for them during two undefeated seasons.

“Big Bill” as he was known, served in the Army during the Korean War as a Sergeant and Quartermaster at Fort Belvoir, VA and later as a reservist at Fort Dix, NJ.

In 1956, Bill moved to Branchburg, NJ and started a 35-year career as an English teacher in the Hillsborough school system, first in the middle school, then moving to new high school in 1969. He was the advisor for the student yearbook and news publications, the Valkyrie and Ramrod, and could always be found aiding students and fellow educators, helping with skill development and writing programs and giving guidance with lesson plan development.

During the 1970’s Bill was involved in the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) and Hillsborough Education Association (HEA), playing a vital role in securing standardized health care and retirement benefit plans on a state level. These benefits continue to be enjoyed by teachers within the state.

Throughout his years in New Jersey, Bill also worked at Sears Roebuck, selling the many items offered in the sporting goods department, becoming the “go-to” for bicycle sales and setup.

He was a New York sports fan and loved baseball, originally rooting for his hometown “Brooklyn Dodgers”, and following the local teams as he moved from the greater New York area to Florida.

In his free time, Bill became an expert in paper and silk origami, folding paper birds and flowers and giving them to friends, family, and fellow students and teachers.

After retiring from teaching in 1991, Bill and his wife Janet relocated to Palm Bay, Florida, enjoying the weather, the company of family and looking after their grandchildren.

Cremation care and niche interment were provided by Fountainhead Crematory and Funeral Home located in Palm Bay, FL.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FountainheadFuneralHome.com for the Lawson family.