William Joseph Kisch

William Joseph Kisch, 83, of Tobyhanna, died at home on Sunday, June 8, surrounded by his family. He married E. Wilma "Willie" Kisch in 1945. They were married 57 years.

Born in Newark, N.J., on Sept. 15, 1919, he graduated from Columbia High School in Maplewood, N.J., in 1936.

Bill and Willie raised their family in West Orange, N.J. He worked as a systems analyst for Public Service Electric and Gas Co. in Newark for 41 years, and moved to Tobyhanna in 1992.

In 1942, he joined the U.S. Navy where he served as a fire controlman 2nd class on the U.S.S. Macon.

Bill is remembered as a quiet man with an endearing sense of humor. His family described him as a "tender-hearted" person who deeply loved his wife and children, extended family of brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews, and many dear lifelong friends.

He was an avid and talented golfer, and in his younger years was an accomplished amateur bowler and softball player. He loved books, gardening, baseball, and The New York Times Sunday crossword puzzle. He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Tannersville and Pocono Farms Golf Club.

Surviving are his children William J Kisch Jr., Steven G. Kisch and Virginia Kisch Messina; and grandchildren Bogart Kisch, Christen Kisch and Christopher Kisch.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 13, at Jacob Holle Funeral Home, Maplewood, N.J.

A viewing will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, June 12, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Pocono Mountain Public Library Building Fund, 5540 Memorial Blvd., Tobyhanna, PA 18466.