William A. "Bill" Oertel

William Anthony “Bill” Oertel, 75, of Pohatcong, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. Throughout his illness, Bill faced each day with strength, grace, and the humor that brought joy to everyone around him.

Bill was the beloved husband of Eileen Oertel (née Weber), proud father of Kristen Holden and her husband, Jeff; Meghann Lipovetskiy and her husband, Andrey; Thomas Oertel and his wife, Laura; Kasey Charles and her husband, Patrick; William Oertel; and Kilee Oertel and her partner, McKayla. He was the cherished grandfather of Parker, Chloe, Sophie, Nash, and Ethan, who lovingly called him “Biggie.” Bill was beloved by countless nieces and nephews.

Born on August 28, 1951, at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Montclair, New Jersey, Bill was the son of the late Helen Henriette Oertel (née Dzilenski) and William Henry Oertel. He grew up in Belleville with his siblings, Mary Todaro, Chris Oertel, and Eddie Oertel.

Bill attended William Paterson University and dedicated nearly 40 years to the State of New Jersey Judiciary, serving first as a probation officer in Essex County and later as an Intensive Supervision Program officer. He was deeply committed to serving the people and communities of New Jersey.

Bill found joy in life’s simple pleasures: coffee every morning with his mother-in-law turned friend, Patricia Weber, breakfast at Harper’s, a good glass of red wine, cruises, poker, music, and spirited political discussions. He was creative and artistic, often turning his children’s school projects and family celebrations into memorable works of art. His quick wit, endless dad jokes, and love of making people laugh will be remembered by all who knew him.

Above all, Bill loved his family. He was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren, and treasured time spent with them. He also dearly loved his dogs, especially his beloved Charleigh.

Bill was predeceased by his parents and his father-in-law, Tony Weber. He leaves behind a lifetime of laughter, stories, creativity, service, and cherished memories. He will be deeply missed and forever loved as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and, most especially, Biggie.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Bill’s name to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at www.t2t.org.

Family and friends may pay their respects on Friday, October 2, 2026 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM and 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Warren Hills Memorial Home, 234 West Washington Ave., Washington, NJ 07882. A Catholic Prayer service will take place on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 11:00 AM in the funeral home.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Warren Hills Memorial Home. To send an online condolence please visit www.warrenhillsmemorialhome.com.