William W. Bain Jr.

William W. Bain, Jr., "Rusty" "Bill," of Wenonah, passed away on March 8, 2026. Beloved husband of Sharon Bain (née Snow), loving father of Joel R. Bain (Kathleen), Janet Bain, Lisa Wright (Tyrone), Lori Bain, Howard Gwin (Michelle), Sandra Ferris (Mark), Diane Snow, Nicole Sutton (Jason), and the late Kristy Gwin.

Devoted grandfather of Brittnie Jones (James), Keenan Bain (Tonya), Sandra Shevlin (Mike), Janelle Menzel (Andrew), Joel Bain (Jillian), Christopher Bain (Alyssa), Eddie Hutchinson (Dana), Mackenzie Gwin, William Bain, Isabel Ferris, Mark Ferris, and Maddie Ferris, and great-grandfather of 13. He was predeceased by his granddaughter, Ashleigh Ryan Gwin. Bill is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Bill's life was defined by service, dedication, and a larger-than-life spirit. A proud veteran of the U.S. Navy (1965–1967), he went on to serve as a firefighter for the City of Camden for 30 years. His commitment to the well-being of his fellow firefighters extended into Union leadership, including service as Vice President Emeritus of Local 788 and a variety of board and committee roles, helping to protect labor rights and benefits for decades.

Following his fire service, Bill continued his career as Assistant Superintendent of the Gloucester County Department of Buildings and Grounds, a position he held with distinction from 2000 onward.

A devoted public servant, Bill was a pillar in local government. He served as Mayor of the Township of Deptford (1996–2005), Township Councilman (1989–2005), and held numerous positions, including President of the Gloucester County New Jersey Mayors Association, Commissioner and Chairman of the Gloucester County Housing Authority, Delegate to the Democratic National Convention, and Executive Board member of the New Jersey League of Municipalities. Through every role, he championed initiatives to improve his community, guided local policy, and supported residents with fairness, compassion, and unwavering commitment.

Bill's civic engagement extended beyond government. He was deeply involved in community organizations, from the Deptford Elks Lodge #2708 and the Army & Navy Garrison 51 to the Gloucester County Animal Shelter, where his love of animals led him to rescue and find homes for countless pets. He created several scholarship funds, chaired benefit events including the Firefighters' Bed Race, and famously sat atop Sam's Club to raise money for Make-A-Wish and other charitable causes for children. Always one to blend fun with purpose, he officiated weddings, asking couples to make donations to charity in lieu of fees, leaving a lasting mark on families throughout the county.

Family was the heart of Bill's life. Known for his joyous spirit, he sang to all his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, often performing "I Can Sing a Rainbow" and filling birthdays with music, laughter, and love. He delighted in photography, cheered loudly for the New York Yankees, and had a special fondness for giraffes, which never failed to bring a smile to his face. Friends and family remember him as the "toughest guy with the greatest heart," a man whose humor and wisdom were captured in his signature Bill-isms.

Bill's lifetime of dedication earned him numerous honors, including the Firefighter-Statesman Award from the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey, citations from the New Jersey General Assembly and U.S. Congress, and honorary life membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars. His legacy of service, leadership, humor, and love will be remembered by all who were fortunate to know him.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a viewing on Friday, March 13, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon in the Chapel at Boucher Funeral Home, 1757 Delsea Drive, Deptford, NJ 08096.

A funeral service will begin at 12:00 Noon in the Chapel of the funeral home.

Interment to follow at Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Williamstown.