Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1954
DIED
2021
WILLIAM VOLONTE Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for WILLIAM VOLONTE
James Hershman
February 16, 2026
I recall from so many years ago at Virginia how Bill was a young person filled with kindness and a sincere desire for making the nation a better place. Those traits defined his life just as they did back in the early 1970s as he was part of making the University of Virginia a better place. He was taken from us too early.
James Hershman 2026
Ken Karn
February 15, 2025
Your son David has grown to be an exceptional scholar! Its sad that your not with us to share his and your triumph. But your inquisitive, scholarly spirit lives on.
Andrell
December 28, 2022
I'd been out of touch for too long. He was my favorite "uncle" and I was always "too busy". I still remember how he would bury himself in the sand and then rise and chase us down the beach. Or when he got squirt guns and had me cornered and told me it was filled with toilet bowl water He was a joy and deserved better contact - and now it's too late. Never wait.
Carinne M.
February 15, 2022
Being in law school, I miss our friendly legal debates.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Glennis Clark
February 15, 2022
As Dion so eloquently put in his song, "Abraham, Martin and John." I am reminded of my friend Bill because it is true, "...it seems the good they die young I just looked around and he's gone..."
Glennis Clark
October 29, 2021
I am shocked and heartbroken to learn of the passing of my friend and Seton Hall classmate Bill Volonte. Bill was bright, friendly and hardworking. Over the years we worked on several cases where he exhibited the passion and depth of knowledge he was known for in law school. My deepest sympathies to Jean and David, whose photo is posted on my refrigerator alongside my family. Your father was so proud of you David and I wish you and your mom the very best.
Gabriel Fedorko
April 25, 2021
Dear Jean, David and family,
So very sorry about Bill’s passing. Our sincerest condolences.
I fondly remember the many joyous times Bill and David spent at our pool. Such wonderful times! I also remember the brilliant appearance Bill made at one of our town meetings. Truly a memorable event.
Jean and David, along with these fond memories, please know that you are in my heart and in my thoughts.
In sympathy,
Sincerely,
Gabriel Fedorko and family
Maria Nieves
March 26, 2021
Jean and David,
I'm so sorry that I only literally just found out today about Bill's passing. And I'm incredibly sorry for your loss. I obviously knew Bill as a fellow member of CUC. We were friends on Facebook and I always appreciated his holiday cards. He adored you David! That was clear from the holiday cards. He was just always truly a nice guy, a good guy. I'm so sorry. I almost can't believe it. My deepest condolences to you both.
Angeline Montauban
March 18, 2021
I am saddened to hear of the news of Mr. Volonte's passing. He was a kind and a wonderful person. We bonded over our passion for human rights and social justice. He was gifted, well- read and cultured. What a beautiful man who loved his son and family dearly. Our world has lost a great man! I will always remember him for his kindness, patience and trustworthiness. He will always have a special place in my heart. Condolences and Peace!
Cari
March 17, 2021
Bill was wonderful human being. He always cheerfully greeted our family at Church, and he kindly taught our children. We would have thought provoking conversations from law to politics to philosophy. He touched all of our lives, abd he will be missed. Thinking of him, his son and his family.
Lynda Fritsch
March 17, 2021
Bill was a fun loving man, he adored his son and enjoyed the RE children very much. Bill was very proud of his son, especially when his son had a role in the service or answered a question during the service. Bill also had a wonderful appetite and he enjoyed the church picnics, ice cream socials and coffee hours at the end of service. Bill was an amazing friend and Father and he will be remembered for his dedication and relationships he built at CUC.
Maureen Nassan
March 16, 2021
Jean & David
I'm so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. We worked together at CUC as teachers and I truly enjoyed his company. Peace and love from our family to yours. Maureen, Bob, Aidan & Maeve
Sally G
March 16, 2021
I always enjoyed chatting with Bill at CUC; such a loss, gone way too soon! Condolences
family fun faces
kate schwarz
March 10, 2021
Bill & David
kate schwarz
March 10, 2021
Bill
kate schwarz
March 10, 2021
kate schwarz
March 10, 2021
Hope these 3 photos capture Bill's warmth - hard to do it justice
Dylan Miles
March 7, 2021
Growing up, Bill was the best uncle a kid could have ever asked for. He always spent lots of time with me and my siblings and we had lots of fun. I am so grateful now, more than ever, for all the wonderful memories I have with my Uncle Bill. Such a natural with kids, I am glad that Bill was able take all of his qualities as a great uncle and apply them to being an even greater dad to his son, David.
Bill was such a larger than life personality and a day won't go by that I don't miss him. My heart goes out to Jean and David, as well as the countless others who surely feel the void of Bill in their lives.
Betty Miles
March 7, 2021
Today would have been Bill's 67th birthday and it seems so strange to not be able to call him and give him my good wishes. More than a month later, I am still in shock over the sudden death of my brother. We have always had a very close relationship. In our youth we were each other's best friend because we were a military family and moved around a lot. As adults we did many things together and were there for each other through good times and bad.
Bill was a kind, intelligent, sensitive and very decent human being. He had close relationships with my husband and all of our children. He was a constant in our lives and his death has left a tremendous void for all of us. We have shed many tears over the past month and yet so many wonderful and funny memories keep popping into our heads and into our conversations. We take some solace in the fact that he died peacefully in his sleep.
Our hearts go out to Jean, David, Naomi and Gwyn as we try to help one another cope with this terrible loss. Our love continues and we are grateful that Bill is resting peacefully.
The Miles Family: Betty, Marty, Dylan and Angelika
Renee Greene Levitt
March 6, 2021
I first met Bill in the early 1980’s. He was one of the kindest, most thoughtful and sincere people I have ever met. I valued his friendship and insights. My heart goes out to his family, with deepest stmpathy.
Bokyoung kim
March 1, 2021
Deepest condolences to Jean, David and all of his family and friends. Bill was an amazing person with great sense of humor. He will be deeply missed.
Owl
February 27, 2021
Just wanted to say Many Many Many Many thanks to Bill Volonte and family of Bill for life and work.
I'm from Ramapough Munsee Lenape Nation and can't imagine a better lawyer and human being who helped me tremendously.
Anushiik (many thanks).
Owl
Frank Quaratiello
February 26, 2021
I have so many great memories of time spent with Bill. He was one of the most kind, funny and intellectually curious (and interesting) people ever. He was a devoted husband, father and friend. We were shocked and devastated to hear of his death and will miss him dearly. He was always the most pleasant companion. As Jean and Liz ambled off in one direction or other, I enjoyed sticking with Bill and chatting about the million different subjects that he knew every fascinating detail about.
Liz Quaratiello
February 26, 2021
Bill was taken from us much too soon. We will miss his quirky sense of humor, his encyclopedic knowledge, his love of ground hog day, and the example he set of being an amazing and loving father. But most of all, we will miss his friendship. Who else will look forward to our postcards as much as Bill? Wishing love and comfort to Jean and David.
Maryellen Kluxen
February 25, 2021
I knew Bill for many years when I lived in Brunswick, and saw him from time to time afterward. He was a kind, friendly man with a keen mind and an ironic sense of humor. He was dedicated to progressive causes and gave freely of his time and expertise to many people and groups in their fight for justice. My deepest condolences to Jean, David and all of his family and friends. Bill Volonte, presente!
Dr. Edmond C. Smith
February 24, 2021
In this social media age William and I wrote letters to each other for over forty years. We shared some good times and some difficult times and helped each other through the difficult ones. I miss looking for his letters in the mail. William had strong ties with his family and often spoke of the times he shared with his son visiting museums and historical places. I extend my sympathies to Jean, David and the rest of his family. He knew more about the US Postal Service than anyone else I knew. He demonstrated an attorney and political scientist could discuss many issues in a civil manner.
Maureen Gallagher
February 24, 2021
So very sorry and sad to hear this news. Bill was a kind, warm, funny, super-smart and social justice kind of guy who was a pleasure to see whenever we met during school events and birthday parties for our kids. We will all miss your spark and genuine indie personality. Love to the whole family.
Hunter C Bell
February 24, 2021
William, Bill to me in High School, was a spirited quiet soul who was always behind the scenes with a camera, pen and notebook. He was instrumental in covering events of the daily lives of SSS students. He always had kind words for me and a way of smiling sunshine into the day. My greates of sympathy to the Volonte family for your loss. Rest in peace, brother.
Eliot Katz
February 23, 2021
Bill and I were friends from Central Jersey activist circles. After not seeing Bill for about a dozen years, and after we had both moved to North Jersey, I had dinner with Bill in Hoboken about three years ago. Bill was going to help me with a housing-related legal issue, which worked itself out when my wife and I found another apartment building to move into. After that dinner, we kept in occasional contact by phone and email. Bill was a really nice, generous, and thoughtful person, who helped so many people through the decades. He will be deeply missed.
Eliot Katz
Kate
February 23, 2021
So sorry to lose Bill - my thoughts are will Jean & David & Naomi. Bill was always so thoughtful to send me a postcard from family travels and we shared a love for all things postal-related. His zip code knowledge was encyclopedic. I'll miss his humor and warmth.
Rachel Schemmel
February 22, 2021
Bill was a wonderful and truly unique person. This is a great loss.
Judy Gioia
February 22, 2021
Bill was such a good person, intelligent and thoughtful, with a kind and caring heart. He was a devoted husband to Jean and a wonderful, doting father to David. I feel so honored to have called him my friend.
Ken Karn
February 22, 2021
Bill was such a warm-hearted and generous guy. He told wonderful stories. He taught me about many things I had never thought to wonder about. He was always there for me when I needed his advice. My daughter and I will always cherish the wonderful summers we spent as Bill and Jean's guest at the beach. I've never seen a Dad who loved his little boy more than Bill.
Miss you Bill.
Jacki Allen
February 21, 2021
He can might be physically gone but never the life lived and the memories shared. Have faith, be strong and know that you’re not alone.
Jean Osnos
February 21, 2021
Bill in Ocean Grove, late December 2020.
Tamara Kossoff
February 21, 2021
Jean, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I had no idea there was sickness.
I can only hope your and your family’s many wonderful memories fill your hearts and minds.
I keep David’s photos above my computer and keep you in my thoughts. I can’t believe the message I just got really happened.
Very much love to you and your family.
Tamara Kossoff
Simone Taylor
February 21, 2021
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Please except my condolences for your loss.
Eileen Head
February 21, 2021
Wonderful memories of one of the kindest men I ever knew on Sundays at CUC.
Geoff Herzog
February 21, 2021
Im sorry to hear this news. Bill and I were vaguely back in touch the past several years via social media but we go back to the 80s in New Brunswick. I don't remember if we met during the divestment sit in in the spring of 1985 or a few months later, but he was always there to give legal support in the streets and then in the courthouse after they dragged us out of the streets! He will be missed.
Linda Bermas
February 21, 2021
Bill represented me in a difficult child support case. He was so kind and supportive. I kept up with him on facebook. It was wonderful to see his family grow and it was clear how much he adored his son. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Sachiko Miles
February 21, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
John and Pat Kelley
February 21, 2021
We are shocked to hear about Bill’s death. Bill is one of our oldest friends. We have known each other since we were all teenagers. We are sending live, comfort, and prayers to you and David during this very difficult time. You will remain in our thoughts and prayers.
NancyAnn Zecca
February 21, 2021
My deepest sympathies to your family.
Showing 1 - 51 of 51 results
Make a Donation
in WILLIAM VOLONTE's name
Memorial Events
for WILLIAM VOLONTE
People and places connected with WILLIAM
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support WILLIAM's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor WILLIAM VOLONTE's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
