Orange, New Jersey
William H. Koonce "Icon" of East Orange William H. Koonce "Willie," 84, beloved husband, father, former proprietor/ owner of Modern Era Barbers and an "Icon" of East Orange, N.J., passed away peacefully on July 11, 2017. Visitation will be held July 16, from 4 to 6 p.m. and July 17 at 10 a.m....
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I bet there wasn't a person in East Orange, who didn't get their afro cut or trimmed by Willie Koonce/Modern Era. I want to offer my condolences to the family. I wish to express my deepest sympathy. May the love that surrounds you be a source of comfort at this time. I will keep you in my prayers.
Francesca Darling
August 04, 2017 | Irvington, NJ
My condolences to the Koonce family. I went into Mr. Koonce's barbership when I first moved from Passaic to East Orange when I was a young boy. I asked where to go to get a haircut , and they told me to go his shop. I was anxious and nervous not knowing anyone and but me at ease. He made me feel welcome and comfortable. My Dad , also a fellow barber always spoke in admiration of Mr. Koonce. Thank you Mr. Koonce for shaping young men's lives, and making a difference in the community.
Greg Mclaughlin
July 17, 2017 | Maplewood, NJ
Willie was a wonderful person and he will be missed dearly. Even though I moved to Delaware I would still go back to New Jersey to get my hair cut. I remember one of the last hair cuts I got from Willie he asked me, "don't they have Barbers in Delaware?" I responded, " Yes, but I like Friendship with my haircuts" RIP Willie. My Condolences to Ethel and the family.
Eric Cole
July 15, 2017 | Dover, DE
Hello, I have been having thoughts about Mr Koonce over the past few days. It has really made me sad to think. But, I smile and think of ALL of the good times in Colonia. They lived right behind us and Mr Koonce even put in a gate between our houses. We had plenty of good times with the neighborhood cookouts and parties. Mr Koonce would give us all a ride on the floor polisher when he would do the floor.
Now, The Modern Era was another GREAT memory. I look at the movie Barbershop and think...
Garrick Hart
July 15, 2017 | Seattle, WA
Will always be grateful for the opportunity as a single mother to be able to take a young son for a cut at a shop that displayed total respect for the presence of females and provided the opporunity to witness positive interaction among professionals. A class act. Our prayers are with youl
Joyce Swain
July 14, 2017 | West Orange, NJ
Heartfelt Sympathy to the Family and Friends of Mr. William H. Koonce. Thank YOU for being a Positive Role Model in Our Neighborhood and Our Community.Peace and Blessings!
Dyanne Ricks Jones
July 14, 2017 | East Orange, NJ
To the Koonce family. I remember Mr. Willie as a child. My grandfather lived on Halsted St..& he was my dad's barber. My prayers are with all of you in your time of sorrow. R.I.P. Mr. Willie
Toni Garrett
July 14, 2017 | Somerset/East Orange, NJ
To the Koonce family, deepest condolences and prayers be with you all. The best barber in EO, everypne knew where to get a good sharp cut. He was the best at it ,always with kind words and helpful commets. Mr. Koonce knew everyone ,he always help anyone that needed help...God Bless him.......RIP.........Willie........
Greg Barnes
July 14, 2017 | EO, NJ
Remembered By
Ronald Lilly
July 14, 2017 | Fanwood, NJ