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William Hamilton Obituary
New Brunswick - William J. Hamilton, Jr., former Speaker of the New Jersey Assembly and state senator representing parts of Middlesex and Somerset Counties, died Oct. 10, 2019. He was 86. Bill lived most of his life in New Brunswick, where he served as a city attorney. He graduated from St. Peter's High School (1950), Rutgers University (1954) and Georgetown University Law School (1960). In 2009, he earned a master's degree in history from Monmouth University.
He served as an aviator in the U.S. Navy (1954-1958) and later in the reserves, rising to the rank of captain.
In 1962, he was appointed First Assistant U.S. Attorney in Jacksonville, by then-Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy. He prosecuted civil and criminal cases including a landmark civil rights case.
In 1967, Bill returned to his beloved hometown where he established a private law practice, eventually specializing in municipal law. He served as borough attorney for Highland Park, municipal attorney for South Brunswick, Winfield Park and Carteret. He was honored to be called to serve New Brunswick as city attorney from 1986 until he retired. Later, he supported the city law department as a special counsel.
Bill was both a passionate public servant and beloved leader serving in the General Assembly from 1972-1978 and New Jersey Senate 1978-1982. He held various leadership positions in the assembly, rising to Speaker of the House in 1977. He was encouraged to run for higher office by many loyal supporters and friends, and in 1981, he sought the Democratic nomination for governor.
He treasured his friendships in the state legislature and was proud of the accomplishments they achieved for the people of New Jersey.
He served on numerous boards, notably, as a member of the board of trustees for Crossroads Theatre Company, St. Peter's Medical Center, CASA of Middlesex County, and the Irish Repertory Theatre, New York City. He helped establish the New Brunswick Sister Cities program and was active in Friendly Sons of St. Patrick.
He enjoyed flying, sailing and traveling internationally, particularly to his ancestral homeland of Ireland.
He is survived by his four children William J. Hamilton III (Gigi Castrorao) of North Brunswick, Brian Hamilton (Kristen) of Cranbury, Sheila Caballero (Eduardo) of Bethlehem, PA and Michael Hamilton (Holly) of Delmar, MD; his grandchildren Alecia, Gianna, Griffin, Bridget, Liam, Vaughan, Nyah, Lyric and Syvelle; and his former wife and dear friend Barbara Hamilton Duffy.
Visitation will be held Saturday, Oct. 19 from 2-5 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 20 from 3-7 p.m. at Gleason Funeral Home, 1360 Hamilton Street, Somerset. Funeral services will be held Monday, Oct. 21 at 9 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by a 10 a.m. mass at St. Peter The Apostle, Somerset Street, New Brunswick. Interment to follow mass at St. Peter's Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Eagleton Institute programming/scholarships in memory of Senator Bill Hamilton. Contributions should be written to the Rutgers University Foundation, PO Box 193, New Brunswick, N.J. 08901.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Hamilton
Sponsored by Gleason Funeral Home of Somerset.
Bernie Mee
October 6, 2024
May the gregarious & gentle Bill rest in eternal peace....
Always remembered.
Bernie Mee
Co Clare, Ireland
Brad Higginbottom
October 21, 2019
New Jersey had a great friend in Bill Hamilton. He served as acting governor many times and made great contributions to our state as both a legislator and humanitarian. My sympathy and prayers to his family and friends.
Bernadette Mee
October 19, 2019
I met Bill when I was with a delegation from Ireland as part of The Sister Cities Program. He kept in contact with me thereafter. It was a privilege to speak with him, to be in his company & to share news from Ireland. He was a gentleman & a scholar. He had a great sense of humor & was truly generous to the core! He was able to read a situation, & apply fair play & decency to every situation. He had a great grá (love), for Ireland, Co Kerry in particular, Irish cuisine & certain Irish beverages!!
Ar dheis Dé go raibh sé...
Zusette Dato
October 18, 2019
I worked in Bill's law office in the 1970s just as he was beginning his stint in Trenton. He was incredibly bright, brilliant I'd say, but he was also witty and had a wicked sense of humor. Always on the side of what was fair, his moral rudder pointed in the right direction. It was my privilege to work with him and become his friend. Thank you, Bill's cherished family, for sharing him with us.
Stephanie Brown
October 18, 2019
Bill dedicated much of his time, energy and resources to CASA of Middlesex County. We will be forever grateful.
Though Bill will be sorely missed, his service to children from Middlesex County will continue to live on through the work of CASA, as we continue to benefit from the many partnerships he helped us cultivate.
thomas kistner
October 18, 2019
Bill was a stand up guy with class and one hell of a sense of humor.
Joe & Pat Morahan
October 17, 2019
Proud to have served with Bill in the NJ Senate and City of New Brunswick. Bill was a wonderful and passionate public servant and will be missed.
Nicholas Stroumtsos
October 17, 2019
Middlesex County and the city of New Brunswick were well served by this statesman. Those who knew him were fortunate to share his love of life and friendly smile. He could accomplish much by just listening and working with his adversaries. We have much to learn from this man. My hope is that his memory will not fade away. Nicholas Stroumtsos JSC (ret)
Mark Usinger
October 16, 2019
I served as Bill's driver and personal aide when he ran for governor in 1981. We traversed the State of New Jersey day in and day out, visiting what seemed like every nook and cranny at times. We had some great laughs, and shared some experiences that I will never forget. My work schedule will prevent me from attending the service, but know that I am there in spirit.
Lisa Prioli
October 16, 2019
Bill was a wonderful man of the world. He truly embraced his community and family. He was a thoughtful, intelligent and intuitive individual. I am blessed to have I known him and have had the pleasure of working for him. His children and friends meant the world to him. My deepest sympathies to all of them.
- Lisa Prioli
michael bacorn
October 16, 2019
Thanks for always coming out to hear us play, and as you always said, Play it again ,Sam". Gog bless
October 15, 2019
We are so very sorry to lose our good friend Bill Hamilton.......he was truly a warm and special friend to us, & his memory will live in our hearts. May you rest in the peace of our Lord, Bill.
Bob and Phyllis MacKinney
Jon Moran
October 15, 2019
He was a mentor and a friend. And, sadly, they don't make 'em like Bill anymore. May his gentle soul rest at God's Right Hand.
October 15, 2019
My condolence to his family. It was a pleasure working with him when I was a councilman and then the city clerk in New Brunswick.
Rocco J Catanese
Joyce Munkacsi
October 15, 2019
I have the fondest memories of Bill. A very kind man.
Claire McInerney
October 14, 2019
My condolences to Bill's family. He was an exemplary public servant and a dear friend to many in New Jersey and New York. He was devoted to many causes including the New Brunswick Sister Cities group, the Irish Repertory Theater, CASA, and others. Bill cherished his beloved Ireland and so enjoyed traveling there. No doubt, his community, friends, and family will miss him and his generous spirit.
Jim Clarkin
October 14, 2019
What a stand up guy Bill was. I enjoyed working with him as an attorney and spending time having a cocktail and dinner.
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Memorial Events
for William Hamilton
Oct
19
Visitation
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Gleason Funeral Home of Somerset1360 Hamilton St., Somerset, NJ 08873
Oct
20
Visitation
3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Gleason Funeral Home of Somerset1360 Hamilton St., Somerset, NJ 08873
Oct
21
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