William B. Parisen

Surrounded by his loving wife Ruth and family, William B. Parisen (Bill), 94, of Wayne, New Jersey passed into the open arms of our Good Lord on September 6, 2023. Bill spent his life fully dedicated to being a husband, father and friend to many.

William was born on January 29, 1929 in Paterson, NJ to John and Clara Parisen. He thrived as a young boy in Wayne chasing squirrels, playing the violin and excelling at being the mischievous and protective big brother to his sisters Jean and MaryLou. His sense of humor and jokester ways always kept everyone that had the pleasure of knowing him entertained.

William began his professional career as a young, eager Civil Engineer learning the industry and playing silly pranks on his co-workers.

Bill met the love of his life, Ruth, and married in 1953. Ruth was quite surprised when he asked her one day if she’d like to buy a restaurant on Nassau Street in lower Manhattan. For 20+ years Bill served the working class of New York City from behind the deli counter at Bill’s Place, The Hero of Nassau Street. Choosing to get back into the office, he served as a Project Engineer for Orange and Rockland Utilities for 25 years retiring as manager of the Civil Engineering Department.

As if there wasn’t enough with work and raising 7 children Bill and a few close friends turned WestBrook Park, their quaint local swim and picnic area in West Milford into WestBrook Park KOA Campground. Weekends were spent in the beautiful surroundings of the park caring for the property, campers, staff and all that made the campground special.

Bill was also proud to be the founder and owner of Parisen Associates, a home inspection company in the tri-state area. His sons, Robert and David Parisen and grandson Ian Parisen will carry on the company’s success for years to come.

William and his wife Ruth are recognized as founding members of Our Lady of Consolation Church, Wayne. They have been active parishioners for over 60 years.

Bill was an avid gardener and took pride in the surroundings of his home, yard and vegetable garden in Wayne. He thoroughly enjoyed ice cream, Diet Pepsi and the Yankees.

Bill and Ruth shared their home on Long Beach Island for many years with family and friends. Bill enjoyed a relaxing swim in the ocean while waving off the "pesky" lifeguards as he was always the furthest swimmer beyond the breaking waves.

William is survived by his devoted wife Ruth having shared 71 memory filled years of marriage, his 7 children, Nancy and son-in-law Jay Jarossy, John Parisen, Loren and son-in law Pat Ascione, Robert and daughter-in-law Susan Parisen, Jill and son-in-law Robert Mertrud, David and daughter-in-law Brigitte Parisen and Kim Thomas. Bill’s 17 grandchildren will miss him dearly: Michael and Sara Jarossy, Emily, Ethan and Eric Parisen, Neil Ascione and Allison Romeo, Jessica Parisen, Jenna Pinchook and Jared Parisen, Scott, Sam and Emma Schultz, Ian and Victoria Parisen and Chris and Amanda Thomas. He leaves his 9 great grandchildren, Mason, Tenley and Sienna Romeo, Evelyn and Natalie Ascione, Lucas Parisen, Theodore, Calvin and Thomas Schultz.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Bill’s name are asked to consider:

St.Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Memorial Processing

501 St. Jude Place

Memphis, TN 38105-9959