William Ellgren

Obituary of William Ellgren

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William Ellgren, a proud U.S. Navy Veteran, passed away peacefully Monday, December 29, 2025 at Morristown Medical Center following a sudden illness. He was 87.

A native of Brooklyn, NY, Mr. Ellgren moved to the Passaic County, NJ area as a young man, where he met his love, the former Betty Jane Lauwe. Following a wonderful courtship, the couple married on March 7, 1964, settling in Saddle Brook, NJ and then to Paterson, NJ. They subsequently came to the Lake Hiawatha section of Parsippany in 1978 where they raised their family. They spent 57 years together before her passing in 2021.

A veteran of the United States Navy, Petty Officer 2 nd Class, Ellgren served aboard the U.S.S. Macon 132. He was with the Navy from 1956 until his honorable discharge in 1960. He was extremely proud of his service to his country. He was a longtime member of the US Navy Cruiser Sailors Association and subsequently the American Legion Post #390 in Denville where he enjoyed the camaraderie of his fellow veterans.

Following his military service, William became a member of the Pipefitter Local Union 274. He was employed as an HVAC technician with the Benmar Conditionaire Corporation of Clifton for 45 years, retiring 25 years ago.

William was an avid fisherman and lover of the sea and a member of the Jersey Pioneers Camping Club.

Preceded in death by his much beloved wife, Betty Jane Ellgren on December 27, 2021; he is survived by his two loving children, William Ellgren Jr. and his wife, Gretchen Schild-Ellgren of Fleming Island, Fl, and Bonnie Novotny and her husband, John of Lake Hiawatha, NJ; three grandchildren, Eric Novotny, Melissa Novotny, and Lillyanne Ellgren; two step-grandchildren, Nicholas and Brennan Schild; two great-grandchildren, Audrey & Lorelei Schild; and his dear niece Gail and her family.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Visitation on Thursday, January 1, 2026, 5:00pm to 8:00pm at S.J. Priola Parsippany Funeral Service, 60 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha, NJ. The family will gather again on Friday morning, January 2, 2026 from 9:30 to 10:30am for a final goodbye before proceeding to the Fair Lawn Cemetery, 22-21 Maple Avenue, Fair Lawn, NJ, where a Graveside Service with Military Honors at 11:00am.

In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for Memorial Gifts to the American Legion Post 390, 9 Legion Place, Denville, NJ 07834 in Bill's memory.

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