William "Bill" H. Gierisch

William “Bill” H. Gierisch, Jr., age 82 of Wayne, passed away on Monday, December 30, 2024.

Bill was born the eldest of three children to William Sr. and Dorothy Gierisch in Queens, NY. His early years in Queens fostered a love for the Brooklyn Dodgers – a team he would loyally follow even after their move to Los Angeles (he still referred to them as the Brooklyn Dodgers regardless of their location). During his high school years, the Gierisch family moved to New Jersey, where Bill became an active member of the Boy Scouts, developing a lifelong passion for camping and outdoor activities.

After graduation, Bill began his working life at the School of Conservation handling general maintenance before moving to WR Grace, a plastic manufacturer. However, his career path took a significant turn when he first received his draft notice and enlisted in the United States Navy. His military career started with boot camp in Michigan and led him to San Diego, where he served as a boilerman aboard the Destroyer Herbert J. Thomas for six years.

Following Bill’s service, he took advantage of his skills as a boilerman with the Navy and worked briefly for Beatty Rugs before finding his professional home at Dye Specialties. He had an unconventional career working nights and having irregular days off. He also worked hard to earn his black seal and blue seal licensures while working full-time. His work at Dye Specialties included contributing to the production of dye used in the U.S. dollar by the United States Treasury Department! He remained with the company until its closure in his 60s, at which point he embraced a well-deserved retirement.

Bill was a man content with the simple life. He enjoyed watching his favorite sports teams like the Brooklyn Dodgers and Navy football team, old country music and old westerns, and traveling to San Diego to see his friends from the Navy. Notably, Bill loved the holidays, especially Christmas. Bill loved Christmas so much he kept a Christmas tree up year-round! He will be deeply missed by his friends and family.