William “Bill” Zukowsky, 82, of Rumson, formerly of Long Valley and Leland, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family
April 1, 2022, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Bill was born in Kearny to William and Catherine Zukowsky. He entered the United States Army in 1962 and continued his military service with the National Guard. Bill worked as a purchasing manager for Vornado, Inc. in Garfield, then established his own flooring company, Solarbrite, Inc. in Denville for 25 years.
A history buff and gourmet cook, Bill also thoroughly enjoyed golfing, skiing, hunting and fishing. In addition, he loved watching his grandchildren play sports as well as teaching his granddaughters a few things about art. Born with a natural talent and passion for art, especially painting, Bill attended the Newark School of Fine Arts and was honored to show his work in a juried art show at the Azalea Festival in Wilmington, North Carolina and the Cultural Center in Monmouth Beach.
Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Elaine (née McGarry); his loving children, William Zukowsky and wife Theresa, James Zukowsky and significant other Ashley Lauren Fischer, and Karen Stephenson and husband Robert; his cherished grandchildren, William, Lauren, James, Carly, Zachary, Isabelle and Kyle; his sister Catherine Harding and husband Frank; and a host of loving and caring nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Family and friends visited April 6 at the John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank. A Memorial Service including prayer, reflection and sharing of memories concluded visitation. Private cremation followed.
In lieu of flowers, family and friends are invited to make a donation in Bill’s memory to any of the following charities: American Cancer Society (cancer.org), Muscular Dystrophy Association (mda.org) or Autism Speaks (autismspeaks.org).
The article originally appeared in the April 7 – 13, 2022 print edition of The Two River Times.
