Obituary of William La Roza

La Roza, William G. Sr., age 87 of Midland Park, New Jersey, died Monday, November 24 2008. Born in Mamaroneck, New York, he was a resident of Midland Park for the last 46 years. Bill graduated from Iona College in 1953 with a BA degree and worked as the Controller for International Wire Company in Wyckoff, NJ before retiring in 1983. Bill proudly served his country in Europe during WWII where he was an Army Staff Sergeant with the 563D Field Artillery Battalion in the 89th Division. Survivors include his three children, Carol La Roza Bell and husband Jon of Waldwick, NJ, Nancy La Roza of Scranton, PA and fiancé Eric Horn of Clifton, NJ, and William G. La Roza, Jr. of Midland Park. Also surviving are his cherished grandchildren, Noelle Grube and husband Glenn, Marina O'Neill and husband Gregory Popil, Phalen and Casey O'Neill, and his four precious great-grandchildren, Caitlin, Hadrien, Victoria, and Lindsey-Claire, all of Pennsylvania who affectionately called him "Popeye." Also surviving are his brother Herbert H. LaRoza and wife Norma, nieces and nephews. Bill was predeceased by his beloved wife Eunice in September 2007 after nearly 59 years of marriage, and his sister Vivian. He will always be remembered for his love of family, hard work, playing golf and watching western movies. Visiting Friday 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the Olthuis Funeral Home, 159 Godwin Ave, Midland Park, NJ. Funeral Service Saturday 9:30am at the funeral home, followed by the interment at Valleau Cemetery, Ridgewood, NJ. Memorial contributions may be made to the Midland Park Volunteer Ambulance Corps, PO Box 58, Midland Park, NJ 07432. www.olthuisfuneralhome.com