William Edward Rose Sr.

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Funeral Service will be Live-Streamed on Saturday, December 13, 2025 - 11:30 AM EST. Visit the Tribute Wall above to view the Live/Recorded Webcast.
William Edward Rose, Sr.-lovingly known as "Chicken," "Chick," and affectionately known as "Zeen" by his late wife, Betty-peacefully completed his earthly journey on December 5, 2025, at Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, the same hospital where he was born 84 years earlier.
Born to Isaac D. Rose, Sr. and Nancy "Nannie" Watkins Rose, William was raised in Montclair, New Jersey, where strong family roots and community shaped his life. He attended Montclair Public Schools and graduated from Montclair High School.
At 17, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving faithfully and later working on missile systems used during the Vietnam War. After an honorable discharge, he continued serving the public as a corrections officer at Rahway State Prison. A call from PSE&G redirected his path, beginning a career of more than 35 years, culminating in his retirement as a Service Inspector Supervisor.
In the early 1960s, fate brought William and Betty together at the Rose family home on Mission Street. Their connection was immediate. They soon married, honeymooned at Niagara Falls, and built a life centered on love, faith, and family. From this union they were blessed with three children, William, Jr., Wayne and Melissa.
Family was the heart of William's world. He purchased the Rose family home at 73 Mission Street and transformed it into a warm, welcoming sanctuary where generations gathered. It remained his home for life and stands today as a testament to his love, craftsmanship, and devotion.
A lifelong member of Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church, where he served faithfully as a Deacon. His favorite solo, "I'm Going Home on the Morning Train," reflected the deep faith that guided him through every season of life.
Gifted with his hands, William was a master handyman-building, repairing, and creating with skill and pride. In the 1970s, he also made his mark on the softball field, playing with the Green Caps and coaching the Red Caps. After retiring from PSE&G, he continued serving his community as a crossing guard in the Glen Ridge School District.
William was known for his kindness, dignity, humor, and unwavering strength. As the last surviving sibling of the 11 Rose children, he honored their legacy while building one uniquely his own.
His life ended where it began; a full circle touched with grace. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, craftsmanship, and love-carried forward by the family who will forever feel his presence in the home and hearts he shaped. He was a proud father, grandfather and great grandfather. He cherished being a "girl dad" and granddad-and gentle, protective, and endlessly supportive.
William was predeceased by his wife of 61 years Betty Sue Rose and son William E. Rose, Jr. His parents Issac D. Rose, Sr. and Nancy Rose, and siblings Louise Booker, Ellen Drake, Margaret Rose, Frances Billups, Issac D. Rose, Jr., Marion Gordon, Nancy Rose, Juanita Perry, Douglas Rose and Stuart Rose (Musa Ali Nasir).
William leaves to cherish his memory Wayne Rose (Shonda), Melissa Rose, daughter in-law Lavora Rose and bonus son, Omar Shelly. Grandchildren Justin Rose, Ryan Rose, Jared Rose, Kayla Rose, Kennedy Rose Phillips and Kirsten Rose; great-grandchildren Myla Rose and Ryan Rose II. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family and friends.
May his journey be peaceful, his song everlasting, and his memory a blessing.
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