Dr. William L. Schreiber

William Lewis Schreiber, 82, of Highlands, NJ, passed away surrounded by his loved ones on the evening of November 4, 2025.
Originally from the Bronx, Bill (also known to family and friends as Brother Billy, Dad, OFW, and Grandpa Bill) fell in love with organic chemistry at thirteen. He went on to study at MIT, received his Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of Rochester, and did his post-doctoral work with Amos Smith and William Agosta at Rockefeller University. He began his career at IFF, retiring as the vice president of research and development. After 'retiring,' Bill went on to found a chemical company, Chemlumina, and serve as the executive vice president and technical director. From his corporate experience, he learned that he had a gift for mentoring young professionals and a love of teaching, rarely passing up an opportunity to engage in a conversation about the importance of science. Most recently, he enjoyed his work as an organic chemistry lecturer, an undergraduate advisor, and department chair at Monmouth University.
Bill believed in the importance of public service, seeking to better the world through action. He spent many years active in the Jackson Democratic club, working to help elect local, state, and national candidates, and serving as the "bring back good government" Mayor of Jackson Township in 1984. In addition, he donated his time as a member of the American Chemical Society for more than fifty years, the president of the community association of Monmouth Hills, and an outspoken volunteer on the Faculty Association of Monmouth University, where his "unselfish dedication" was recently acknowledged by the university through the Donald Warncke Award.
To know Bill was to know his love of classical music. He was a proud member of the MIT band, and through the years played the euphonium in local concert bands. One of his most cherished family traditions was annually performing duets for flute and euphonium with his sister, Elizabeth, for Jodi's birthday.
Bill was a committed supporter of the arts, regularly enjoying concerts, theater, opera, and broadway shows. He loved traveling the world, awed by natural beauty, fascinated by learning about the history and cultures of the world, and always ready for the next delicious meal. Above all else, he treasured his family and enthusiastically embraced his role as husband, dad, and grandpa.
Bill is survived by his his wife of 37 years, Jodi Schreiber; his sister, Elizabeth Schreiber; his son, Sean Schreiber; his two daughters, Karen Caballero and her husband, Kim; and Ruth Bowler and her wife, Kathleen Basham; and his grandchildren, Ethan and his wife, Alexis; and Clare Schreiber. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Sidney and Theresa Schwartz Schreiber.
A green burial, graveside service will be held on Friday, November 7th, at Bay View Cemetery, for close friends and family. A celebration of life will be held at a later time.
Bill's commitment to preserving our world and cultivating human connection was evident in his generosity to organizations such as 350.org, the ACLU, and World Central Kitchen. If you wish to make a memorial contribution in Bill's honor, please consider one of these charities.
Arrangements are under the direction of John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, Middletown.