William Almasi Sr.

1926 - 2016

William Almasi, Sr.

AGE: 90 • Woodbridge

William (Bill) Almasi, Sr., 90, of Woodbridge and Forked River, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family on Monday, October 24, 2016. Bill was born in 1926, the same year his father, John Sr. started the family business, John Almasi Trucking Co., a commercial material hauling business located in Woodbridge, NJ. John Sr. then passed the reigns of the business to his two sons, John Jr. and Bill Sr.

Along with his brother, Bill Sr. took the business to the next level, mining the land they owned that was later sold and is now the home of Woodbridge Center and Wegmans. This land known as "The Clay Pits" was once boasted as the "best clay on the east coast" and was used in the building of the Lincoln Tunnel, major baseball fields and supplied clay to major brick companies in the area. The family business also helped build local oil refineries, steel mills, and commercial buildings, and excavated the land to build the foundation for the present day St. James Roman Catholic Church in Woodbridge.

As president of John Almasi Trucking Company, Bill fostered a strong work ethic, shared his wisdom, and never expected his employees to do anything he wouldn't do himself. Bill was a strong proponent of guiding his employees toward success. Gaining an "atta boy" from Bill let you know you did your job well and he was proud of you, something all wanted to do for him.

Bill was also a kind and generous man. He and his wife, Norma, quietly supported many philanthropic endeavors throughout their life time. He was a long time communicant of St. James Church in Woodbridge, (attending St James grammar school), and also St. Pius Church in Forked River.

He was a Navy Veteran, a member of the Knights of Columbus in Woodbridge, and was instrumental in the building of the Hungarian Club of Woodbridge. He was a proud member of Local 825 Operating Engineers for over 70 years.

He leaves behind a wonderful legacy of success, kindness and philanthropy. He was a man larger than life, a role model on how to be a great husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, boss and friend.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, Elizabeth and John Almasi Sr. and his brother, John Almasi Jr.

Bill will be sadly missed by his wife of 67 years, Norma Drost Almasi, his daughter , Claudia Almasi, his son, William Jr. and his wife, Anne Marie. His sisters, Elizabeth Nagy and Helen Haney, his grandchildren, Dina, Maura, Ted, William III and Andrew, and his eight great grandchildren. Funeral services will begin on Friday, October 28, 2016 at 10am from GERITY & CHUBENKO FUNERAL HOME, 411 Amboy Avenue, Woodbridge followed by a 10:30am mass of resurrection at St. James Church, Woodbridge. Interment will follow at St. Michael's Cemetery, Perth Amboy. Viewing hours will be Thursday, October 27, 2016 from 2pm-4pm and 7pm-9pm at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Bill may be made to St. James Food Pantry, 174 Grove Street, Woodbridge, NJ 07095.

To send condolences please visit www.gerityfh.com