William Speranza Obituary

William “Bill” J. Speranza, 79, of Bonita Springs, FL and Lakewood, NJ, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2020 with his family by his side, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was loved by many and his positive spirit will always be remembered.

Born October 26, 1940 to immigrant parents William and Angelina Speranza in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania, Bill was the youngest of 7 children. He is predeceased by his parents as well as his brothers and sisters: Josephine, Anne, Constance, Michael, Angeline and Joseph.

After graduating from Philipsburg Osceola High School in 1958, Bill was recruited by Rutgers University, where he became a two sport letter winner, playing football and baseball. He was very proud to play on the 1961 undefeated football team and cherished the lifelong friends and teammates he met while at Rutgers.

Upon his college graduation in 1962, Bill accepted a high school teaching position in Bethlehem, PA. In 1964, he returned to Rutgers to coach football for over 20 years. 1976 led to another proud career moment—the second Rutgers undefeated football season—this time, he had the privilege to coach vs. play! Beginning in 1984, Bill enjoyed working as a Business Manager at Speranza Brickwork, Inc., where he was employed until his retirement.

In 1968, Bill met the love of his life, Linda (Walsak) Speranza, and they wed in 1969. Linda and Bill enjoyed over 51 amazing years together and their relationship illustrated the definition of true love. Together, Bill and Linda raised two daughters and enjoyed four grandchildren.

Bill’s proudest accomplishment was always his family – he took great pleasure in making family memories a priority—whether it was an annual family vacation, the Speranza March Madness competition, or playing bocce in the backyard! Besides his friends and family, Bill loved anything sports-related, golfing, reading, and the warm Florida sunshine.

In work and in life, Bill was always a “coach”— he was honest, supportive and always brought out the best in people. He was a voice of reason for many because of his huge heart, his ability to listen and his calm, trusting demeanor. Bill brightened up each and every room he entered with his infectious smile and laugh and will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.

Bill is survived by his wife Linda, his daughters Susan (Sean) Kelly of Lebanon Township, NJ, and Karin (Erik) Weikert of Stewartsville, NJ and his four grandchildren Evan, Emma, Madison and Grace. He also leaves behind nieces, nephews and many very special close friends.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2020 at 10:00am at Saint Dominic Roman Catholic Church, 250 Old Squan Road, Brick Township, NJ.

Bill and his family have always been incredibly thankful for the doctors and nurses that cared for him and the medical treatments he received over the years, all of which helped prolong his life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to the John Theurer Cancer Center in his honor: https://www.hackensackumc.org Please indicate that the gift is in memory of William Speranza.