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William Caldwell Obituary
- - William Mason Caldwell, 58, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2018 into a world of endless sun and surf surrounded by his loved ones. He fought a long, hard battle with pancreatic cancer and faced his illness with the same dignity, grace and determination as he lived his life.
Bill impatiently burst into this world in 1960 not wanting to waste a single second to get started on a lifetime of adventure. He was raised in Fair Haven , New Jersey and graduated from Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School. He received a bachelor's degree in Marketing from Monmouth University. He began his sales career at the age of three when he picked the neighbors prized roses and sold them back to the owners for a "paper dollar". He had a successful career in Sales with the Asbury Park Press for 30 years. His retirement in 2015 allowed him time to pursue his many hobbies and interests. A talented wood worker, his pride and joy is "Willa", a Chesapeake Light Craft, that he built with lots of sweat, determination and perseverance. Bill lived his life to the fullest and was an accomplished surfer, snowboarder and skate boarder. He enjoyed kayaking, sailing, fishing and paddle boarding. His love of the ocean took him around the world surfing, fishing and enjoying the sun with his friends and family.
Bill is survived by his wife Wendy of 28 years, his parents William T. and Betty Ann Caldwell, mother in law Agatha Breidenbach, sisters Linda (Bill) Werner and Mary Ellen Caldwell, sister in laws Pamela Danz and Tamera Kloberdanz, nephews Bill (Ida Brown) Werner, Michael Werner, Eric Werner, Patrick Murphy, Gregg Ault, Mark Ault, Zak Danz as well as his many aunts, uncles and cousins. He will be missed by his many lifelong friends and his beloved companions Penny and Pepper.
Friends and family will be received at Thompson Memorial Home , 310 Broad St Red Bank , NJ on Tuesday July 24, 2018 from 5 to 8 PM. , with a service at 7:30pm . A surfer's paddle out in his honor will take place in September. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Clean Ocean Action and Surfrider Foundation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Caldwell
Sponsored by Thompson Memorial Home - Red Bank.
Frank
December 6, 2024
He was a kind person who just loved to surf every day in any weather.
July 30, 2018
I didn't know Bill well, but I remember seeing and talking to him in Tony G's O hut and around the island. He was always friendly to me and my friends: girls trying to learn how to surf. It's been a long time since I've seen him but I like to think he's surfing perfect sets and spreading the spirit of Aloha wherever he is.
Jennifer Wilson
July 25, 2018
My condolences to Wendy, and the Caldwell family. When I look at this picture now the lyrics "Welcome back" come to mind. Billy and A.J. reunited. Best friends both taken too soon . Skateboarding and surfing were in their blood. I hope that this may bring you some sense of peace, knowing that Billy is not alone. He lived life to the fullest, and will always be remembered as the kind, gentle soul that he was.
cindi kipple
July 24, 2018
For 40 years we have lived, loved , and laughed! Most of all we have been each others backstop, and listened and shared for hours. I will never let you go BC, your wonderful family and amazing wife have added to your exceptional person that gave so many so much. You will be missed forever .. and ever after that xoxo
July 24, 2018
My deepest condolences to the Caldwell family. I will always remember Bill's humor, good nature and free spirit. May his soul rest in peace.
Linda
Jaideep Bhatt
July 24, 2018
Please accept my condolences. May god blesses and comforts you and your family during this time of grief.
July 24, 2018
My deepest condolences to the family. May the God of comfort grant you strength during this difficult time.
Cheryl Gaugler
July 23, 2018
Wendy-My condolences and thoughts are with you as you make your way through this journey.
Cheryl Gaugler
Mary Murphy
July 23, 2018
So wish we were able to convey our sympathy in person . Thinking of you all. May Bill's soul Rest In Peace.
Mary Murphy and Carl Vitale
Anonymous High school class mate
July 23, 2018
To Wendy,
One of the most difficult times in your life is when you lose the person you love. You miss him; miss him being alive. You feel for him. The pain is so strong your body goes numb. Your days are different. Your friends will tell you that it takes time. You nod and hold back tears. You wonder how much time.
It does take time. You will change, you will see things differently, more clearly. You will still be sad; an acceptance of sadness. The best advice I received was to take care of myself. This sounds selfish, but your body needs you too. Grief takes a toll on you especially after you have lost your love to cancer. This may not be the advice or words that move you forward, but you will find them. Feeling your pain.
Ann Marie Valentino-Daly (Dixon)
July 23, 2018
Billy, it was great seeing you at our little APP reunion, you will be missed my friend..
My hope for you is that you are surfing the world once again. Smiling down while basking in the sun... Godspeed!
My condolences to Wendy and the Caldwell Family during this most difficult time.
Kamal Sharma
July 23, 2018
I am both sad and shocked to hear this sad news. May God give strength and courage to his near and dear ones, to get over this loss. May his soul Rest in Peace.
Tim Dewyngaert
July 23, 2018
Deepest sympathies to the Bill Caldwell Family. Funny how Bill and I met, I called the Asbury Park Press to run an ad, he shows up, looks kinda familiar, says we surfed somewhere together so I placed the ad with him (1985ish), 10 years later, no longer had the restaurant, needed to place an ad for the company I was working with, Bill again, he got around! Always fun to surf with and talk with, glad I got talk with him a few months ago, he was hopeful to play a round of golf, I said you know it...
July 23, 2018
Bill, you will be truly missed. You were part of my entire career at the APP. I will always be grateful for your leadership and guidance over the 15 years we worked together. Godspeed my friend.
Pamela Danz
July 22, 2018
Pamela Danz
July 22, 2018
Pamela Danz
July 22, 2018
Pamela Danz
July 22, 2018
Pamela Danz
July 22, 2018
Pamela Danz
July 22, 2018
Pamela Danz
July 22, 2018
Pamela Danz
July 22, 2018
Pamela Danz
July 22, 2018
Peter Mauger
July 22, 2018
My sincere condolences and prayers for the Caldwell family. I didn't know him that well, being two years behind him in school, but I do recall him as a cool guy who was well liked and admired. In reading the obituary, I can see that he carried those traits with him his whole life. God Bless. RIP, Billy.
Linda Mueller
July 22, 2018
My thoughts and prayers to Wendy and the Caldwell family. It was an honor and pleasure to have known Bill. He lived life to the fullest and enjoyed every moment of all his adventures. "What we once treasured and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us." You fought a courageous battle Bill...now is your time to rest in peace. Linda and Roger
Chip Cottrell
July 22, 2018
I first met Billy while I was dating his sister Linda in 1970 - he was a precocious youngster. Watching most recently from afar, he has been an inspiration to many of us and has helped bring perspective through his life's journey. My thoughts and hugs to Wendy, Linda, Mary-Ellen as well as Dr and Mrs. Caldwell.
Susan Skidmore
July 22, 2018
Dear Wendy, Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell, Pepper & Penny, and all families and friends of Bill... please accept my most sincere sympathy in the loss of this stellar human being. It was truly a pleasure to know Bill. Always a smile, a great sense of humor and so many talents that it's hard to believe all his accomplishments were done in his lifetime (which has been cut way to short). Bill was and always will be the nice guy everyone would want as a friend. He will be deeply missed. "Sea" you on the next wave, Bill. Rest in peace dear man.
Susan Balevre
July 22, 2018
Condolences to family, friends and surf buddies. I am humbled to have known him.
john lauer
July 22, 2018
So sorry for the loss of Bill. He fought so hard and met the challenge with real human grace. I am lucky to have spent my teenage years side by side with Bill, grinding the asphalt on our homemade skateboards, terrorizing the grown-ups and feeling our oats. Too many positive memories to mention here. I will never forget any of them as I hold them dearly. Peace to Bill's spirit, and to his wonderful family and friends. with love and sympathy, john lauer.
Missy Rienzo-Frank
July 22, 2018
My heart goes out to the whole Caldwell family. You are very good lifetime friends and Billy had such a zest for life. He will be missed. Godspeed Billy!
Robin Ens
July 22, 2018
So sorry for your loss.
KSA Reunion
Todd Thompson
July 22, 2018
I took this photo of Bill at The Hook late one afternoon closing in on getting dark after another classic session. He lived life to the fullest and anyone who knew him saw how he approached life's ride... Quitely determined to make the next section of the ride. He let his actions speak for him...
You will live in our hearts & souls for ever. Mahalo for being you, and making us all better people......Ride On Bill
Laura Ladeira
July 21, 2018
My thoughts and prayers are with you Wendy, and all the family. I will always remember the boss someone full of life, happy, and when he was home he would be back in the pool house working on a surf board. So much talent! Next to The Lord he is, in peace! May God comfort you each and every day.
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