William J. Rush

William J. Rush

8/4/33 – 10/26/23

William J. Rush, age 90, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday October 26, 2023. 

He was a devoted husband, loving father, a proud grandfather, and a friend to many. His quick wit and kind personality will be missed by all who knew him. He was a devout Catholic and a long-time active member of St. Genevieve’s parish in Elizabeth.

Bill was born in 1933 in Vailsburg, Newark and grew up there with his older sister Dolores and younger brother Raymond, until he got married. He graduated from Seton Hall Prep and Seton Hall University. 

After serving two years in the Army, he worked as an Accounting and Computer Specialist for Exxon in Linden and Computer Supervisor at Burry Biscuit in Elizabeth. He retired in 1999 from the Elizabeth School District.

Bill is predeceased by his beloved wife, Joan Grant Rush, He is survived by his five loving children, James Rush and wife Deanna, Kathy Otterbein and husband Bill, Daniel Rush and wife Shawn, Barbara Delacruz and husband Vince, and Nancy Scott and husband Fred. Bill has 14 grandchildren whom he adored:  Tyler, Griffin, Liam, Madison, Sommer, Austin, Kelly, Jenna, Faith, Megan, Declan, Braden, Jocelyn, and Ethan.

Bill believed the best way to meet new friends was to be active. Some activities in his life that he enjoyed included Boy Scouts, Baseball umpiring, Bowling League, Glee Club, St. Gen’s Leisure Group, Elizabeth Old Guard, Ventnor gang, and Discussion Group. He was an avid sports fan and will be cheering for the NY Yankees, Knicks, and Giants from heaven.

Visitation will be on Sunday, November 5th from 4-8pm at Higgins and Bonner Echo Lake Funeral Home, 582 Springfield Ave, Westfield, NJ 07090.. A funeral mass will be held at St. Genevieve’s Church, 200 Monmouth Rd, Elizabeth, NJ 07208 on Monday, November 6th at 10am. Burial will be private.