Obituary of William J. Blair, Jr.

William John Blair, Jr., a lifelong Madison resident, died peacefully on Monday, May 19, 2025 surrounded by his beloved family. He was 89.

William, known to many as “Willy,” “Bill,” or a select few as “The Reverend” was born at All Souls Hospital in Morristown on March 27, 1936 to the late William and Helen (née Clark) and was raised in Madison with his brother and sisters on North Oak Court. After attending St. Vincent Martyr School for primary and junior high school, William went on to graduate from Bayley-Ellard High School Class of 1953. William served in the United States Army from 1958 to 1960 before being honorably discharged.

On his return to Madison, he worked jobs with the Mazzochis and Allocco Brothers Paving.

As fate would have it, he was working on an addition at a home in Florham Park when a young blonde caught his eye. He eventually asked her out and they shared their first date at the old Morris Plains Drive-in. In 1966, he married that young woman, Mary Ellen Germershausen of Felch Rd.

They settled on Greenwood Avenue and had five children together. William was a wonderful father and he adored all of his grandchildren.

William had a 34-year career with the Borough of Madison with the Parks Department from 1966 to 2000. He was deeply dedicated to his work and making sure that the parks in his hometown were kept beautifully. He always enjoyed an afternoon tea at Dodge Field with his partner in crime, the late Rudy Frattali. He worked tirelessly to provide a comfortable life for his family and he also instilled the values of hard work in his sons. 

Upon retirement, William drove trucks for Leo G. Hinds and Son and cut lawns with one of his sons. He enjoyed nothing more than sitting in the backyard, listening to classic rock and enjoying a Pabst Blue Ribbon beer or three. William loved taking long, scenic drives through the country, especially through Harding Township. William loved music, especially classic rock and Elvis. He recently took a trip to Graceland with his sons, a memory they will treasure. He had a soft spot in his heart for the family cat, Friskey and his “Grandoghter” Emma. He enjoyed sharing food with them.

William is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary Ellen Blair (née Germershausen); his four sons, William and his wife Claudia, Kevin, James and his wife Kristen, and Timothy and his wife Corinne; one sister, Mary Ann Pietromonaco and her husband Gabe; ten cherished grandchildren, Emily, Sara, Allison, Jeremy, Jamie, Liam, Harrison, Colin, Grace and Cora; his goddaughters, Mary Jo Johnson and Tina Konstal; and John Blair, who was his “favorite nephew”; three sister-in-laws, Josephine Blair, Colleen Germershausen & Patricia Di Francesco and her husband Dominick; one brother-in-law, Charles Germershausen; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends.

In addition to his parents, William was predeceased by his daughter, Colleen Susan Blair; his brother, John J. Blair, Sr.; and one sister, Helen E. McCardle. 

William was also very grateful to his next door neighbor and friend, Don Finnerty, for bringing him his donut and coffee every Monday.

Wiliam was a faith-filled, humble, hard-working man, whose family was everything to him. William will be deeply missed by his family and friends. We will always keep his memory in our hearts. May he Rest in Peace.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the visitation for William to be held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison.

Funeral services will begin at the funeral home at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 followed by Mass of Christian Burial that will be celebrated at 9:00 a.m. at Holy Family Church, 1 Lloyd Avenue, Florham Park.

Entombment with military honors will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made in William’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation.