William C. Hebeler, 88, of Red Bank, passed away Feb. 21, 2024.
Willie grew up on his grandfather’s farm in Colts Neck and attended high school there. He and his family then moved to Red Bank, where he lived the remainder of his life. Willie was the unofficial “mayor” of Red Bank. He did not drive; he walked everywhere. He knew everyone in town and everyone knew him. If you wanted to know any borough news, Willie had the inside scoop. He had his finger on the pulse of Red Bank.
After graduating high school in 1954, Willie began working at Kislin’s Department Store on Front Street in Red Bank. He worked there beside his brother Eddie and mother Margaret.
When the Kislin’s building was converted to apartments and retail In 2004, Willie stayed on as the building manager. He worked there until his death. He was a beloved fixture in the building, and he is sorely missed by the tenants, who became his friends.
William is survived by his sister Margaret (Peggy) and his brother Robert (Bob). He is interred at his family burial plot in Atlantic Cemetery, Colts Neck.
Red Bank will never be the same without him.
The article originally appeared in the July 1 – 7, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
