William H. Eberly

William Howard Eberly, born 18 April 1946, the son of Robert Sr. and Anna (Wilson) Eberly, died January 01, 2026, from complications of a heart attack.

A Life of Service and Dedication

After graduating from Burlington City High School, Class of 1964, Bill's life path was briefly diverted by a call to service when he was drafted in January 1966 and served honorably in the United States Army. After completing basic training, he returned to Fort Dix for job training as a cook. Upon graduation, he was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 73rd Artillery in the 3rd Armored Division, stationed in West Germany. Starting as a Private, Bill remained a cook for most of his 2-year draft term, eventually achieving the rank of Specialist E-4. During the latter portion of his assignment, he became the personal cook for the command general and was even certified as an Executive Chef. Bill received an Honorable Discharge after sustaining an injury while cooking. Upon his return, he married Mary Baaden and returned to his former employer, Acme Markets.

Bill's career at Acme Markets started at age 16, to "buy gas and car parts". Initially a part-time stock boy, Bill spent the next 46 working years with the company as the Frozen Food Manager. His expertise was invaluable to multiple locations across New Jersey, where he helped to open numerous locations. It was here that he built lifelong friendships with coworkers that lasted well into his retirement.

A Heart for Family

Bill's greatest legacy was his devotion to those he loved. His marriage to Mary Louise Eberly (nee. Baaden) produced a son. He transitioned to single fatherhood in 1980 with his son, Duane. Bill learned early on the delicate balance of work and family. His passion for fatherhood extended beyond the traditional family. He provided guidance to many about how to be kind to others and emulated what it looks like to be a good man. His life expanded when he met his longtime partner, Mary Stoor. He stepped seamlessly into the role of father-figure to her daughters, Shellie and Ericka. Together, they navigated the joys of life as a blended family. In his later years, Bill retired from Acme and eventually settled in Southampton with Melanie Luciano who was his constant companion and remained by his side for the remainder of his life.

He took immense pride in watching his children grow and start families of their own. Affectionately known as "Pop-Pop," Bill doted on his grandchildren: Ryan Hughes (for whom he served as Godfather), Brooke Hughes, and Bryan Burning.

Quiet Joys and Gentle Wisdom

Bill was a man of many hands-on talents; he could often be found woodworking, tinkering in his workshop, or tending to his garden. He found simple pleasure in the company of his beloved pets, the campy thrill of a B-rated movies and pulp fiction books. He also had a deep appreciating for all that nature had to offer. From the woodlands, waterways, to the Jersey Shore, he enjoyed every moment in nature. When he could not physically explore nature, he would enjoy birdwatching with his cats Harley and Heaven.

Survivors and Precedents

Bill is survived his son Duane Eberly, daughter-in-law Karin Maynard Eberly, his sister Joyce Harding (nee. Eberly) of Riverside, NJ and her children Stephen, Reginald, and Athena. He leaves behind his longtime companion, Melanie Luciano and the family whom he lovingly accepted as his own, Mary Stoor, Shellie Hughes (nee. Stoor) (Chris Hughes) and Ericka Stoor-Burning (Jamie Burning), Ryan Hughes, Brooke Hughes, and Bryan Burning, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Sr. and Anna Eberly, and his brothers Jack Eberly and Robert "Bobby" Eberly Jr.

All are invited to a small memorial service and celebration of his rich life at Perinchief Chapels, 438 High Street, Mt. Holly, NJ 08060, on Saturday, January 24th, 2026, from 10-11:30 am. His ashes will be interned at a later date in the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery, Wrightstown, NJ 08562.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his honor to the Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, Medford, NJ, to continue preserving and protecting New Jersey's wildlife and habitats through education, conservation, and rehabilitation. https://www.cedarrun.org/get-involved/give/