William C Johnson
William C Johnson
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William Johnson Obituary
Bill was proudly raised by his grandmother Mary Elizabeth McElroy and mother Ann Johnson in Demarest, New Jersey and attended Northern Valley Regional High School at Demarest. He was a graduate of Cornell University, (B.S.) and Pace University School of Law, (J.D.).
Upon graduating from law school where he met his wife Audrey, Bill and Audrey raised their family in Washington Township, where Bill spent many years coaching his children in various sports and activities. Bill never missed an event with his children despite his successful career as a labor attorney, both in private practice and with Quest Diagnostics, from which he retired in 2021.
Bill had varied interests and in his retirement spent his time as an avid reader, a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and an adjunct professor at Pace University School of Law. He took great joy in his volunteer activities, in traveling across the country to visit friends and stopping in to see a baseball game at all 30 MLB ballparks, though his loyalty always remained with the Boston Red Sox. An incredible husband, father and friend, Bill will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
The family held a private burial on May 24, 2025, with a celebration of life to be held on a date to be determined.
As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions in Bill's memory may be made to Meals On Wheels North Jersey (), Wounded Warrior Project (support.woundedwarriorproject.org ) or John Theurer Cancer Center (hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/donate ).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Michael R
June 10, 2025
My deepest condolences to Audrey and their children in the passing of Bill. I met him in 1998-99 at Quest Diagnostics when he replaced our labor attorney. He was a breath of fresh air, a friend to HR and made a difference in our organization. He was critical as we acquired a number of organizations including SmithKline's Laboratory operation.
One of my fondest memories was helping him to learn the game of golf which he took to immediately. I shared some golf clubs to help him with his journey and love for golf. He got us on to Montclair Country Club through his relationship with Cornell and we had so much fun.
I always admired his care for others and often visited patients and seniors in the hospital his wife worked to provide some company that they would cherish. He was a deliberate man with a sense of humor and he liked to talk face to face. He knew his profession and was confident in his decisions. He made a difference at Quest Diagnostics and I learned much from him. May he RIP,
Mike Szmidt
Makenzie Cox
June 4, 2025
I knew Bill through my mom, Michele Cox, who worked with Bill for years! I had the privilege of working with Bill myself when I joined Quest in 2013. He treated me like family and I am forever grateful for being able to get to know him more at work and personally! His smile was everything, brightened any day! I am deeply sadden to hear about his loss. I know my mom was waiting at the gates for him and that they are catching up in the skies.
I am sending my heartfelt condolences and prayers to his family during this difficult time!
Brett Sams
June 2, 2025
Bill was the best orator I have ever had the privilege of listening to. Bill asked me to co facilitate a presentation with him. When is asked for the power point he provided me with a 10 slide document for a 3 hour presentation. I asked him where were the speaker's notes and he said he never really used them. I asked him if I could modify the presentation and put some more content in to help me with my part and he said I could if I wanted. I sat there and watched Bill wow the crowd with his stories and smooth style for almost 2 hours without ever looking at a slide or a single note. Needless to say his opening act, that was all off the cuff was far superior to my detailed but uninspiring PowerPoint. Bill always referred to me as his wingman which was one of the greatest compliments I could have received. The world is a far less interesting place without Bill. My deepest condolences to all of his family and friends.
Leslie Ames
June 2, 2025
When I started working in the legal department at MetPath in 1989 I worked with Bill. He was a great guy and he had a great sense of humor. I will always remember him just back from vacation with a friend telling us that his friend developed appendicitis on the plane trip down to the island. He had us all laughing and crying, recalling his experience staying overnight in the native clinic. The staff went home and left him all alone to take care of his friend overnight. His dry sense of humor always had us laughing. He leaves us with so many great memories.
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Kathi Geter
June 2, 2025
I reported to Bill for many years and learned so much from him, especially kindnessI will always remember him as a remarkable person. His memory will hold a special place in my heart,
Mike Knapp
June 1, 2025
Bill and I have been friends for over 20 years. I´ve always enjoyed his company and respected his knowledge, courage and compassion. He was a wonderful and caring person who was deeply devoted to his wife and kids and dedicated to his work, friends and colleagues. I grieve for his loss but will cherish his memory. My thoughts are with you, Audrey, Harry, Kelly and Marilyn. Grief is an emotion best shared with others.
Lori Benevento
May 30, 2025
My deepest condolences to Audrey and his family. I will miss you cousin. May you rest in peace. You will always be in my heart.
Jean DeVico
May 29, 2025
My prayers and sympathies to Bill´s family. I will always remember him as great mentor and he was always willing to lend a helping hand. Rest in peace Bill, you will be missed.
David Meinhard
May 29, 2025
When I was made aware of Bill being very sick and, in the hospital, I was stunned. And much more so after hearing he passed. I first met Bill in 1987 and worked with him for many years. He is one of those unforgettable people, to me and probably many others. He was smart, confident, funny and always good company. A man who cared for his family and was a positive force for those of us who knew him He was also the best father of any children that I have ever known.
I truly cant express my heartfelt condolences to Audrey and the children- Harry, Marilyn and Kelly. I literally have a hole in my heart now, and cant even imagine how difficult it is for them. Bill's memory is certainly a blessing for those of us who knew him. Rest in peace, Bill.
Laura Civello
May 29, 2025
Bill was a great guy in so many ways. Lots of great memories at Quest. May he rest in eternal peace and may his family and friends take comfort in their memories with him. Gone way to soon.
William Catogge
May 29, 2025
My deepest condolences to the family. I will miss Bill always he was a friend and mentor. I will always remember out lunches together and going the yankee games.
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