William Mason Caldwell, 58, passed away peacefully July 20 into a world of endless sun and surf surrounded by his loved ones. He fought a long, hard battle with pancreatic cancer and faced his illness with the same dignity, grace and determination as he lived his life.
Bill impatiently burst into this world in 1960 not wanting to waste a single second to get started on a lifetime of adventure. He was raised in Fair Haven and graduated from Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School. He received a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Monmouth University. He began his sales career at the age of 3 when he picked the neighbor’s prized roses and sold them back to the owners for a “paper dollar.” He had a successful career in sales with the Asbury Park Press for 30 years.
His retirement in 2015 allowed him time to pursue his many hobbies and interests. A talented wood worker, his pride and joy is “Willa,” a Chesapeake Light Craft that he built with lots of sweat, determination and perseverance. Bill lived his life to the fullest and was an accomplished surfer, snowboarder and skate boarder. He enjoyed kayaking, sailing, fishing and paddle boarding. His love of the ocean took him around the world surfing, fishing and enjoying the sun with his friends and family.
Bill is survived by his wife Wendy of 28 years, his parents William T. and Betty Ann Caldwell, mother-in-law Agatha Breidenbach, sisters Linda (Bill) Werner and Mary Ellen Caldwell, sisters-in-law Pamela Danz and Tamera Kloberdanz, nephews Bill (Ida Brown) Werner, Michael Werner, Eric Werner, Patrick Murphy, Gregg Ault, Mark Ault and Zak Danz, as well as his many aunts, uncles and cousins.
He will be missed by his many lifelong friends and his beloved companions Penny and Pepper.
Friends and family were received at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank July 24 with a service. A surfer’s paddle out in his honor will take place in September. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Clean Ocean Action and Surfrider Foundation.
