William Edwards

William “Billy” Edwards, 71, passed away on Sunday, December 28, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Paterson, NJ to William and Grace Edwards, he spent his early years in East Rutherford before residing in Kearny for the past fifty years. Billy worked as a driver for Roadmaster Towing in East Rutherford for ten years, following a twenty-year career as a roofing contractor with S & S Roofing in Carteret.

Billy loved the outdoors during warm sunny days, enjoyed cooking good (bangin’!) Italian food and singing along to the oldies, especially Elvis Presley. He loved old cars, particularly his first set of wheels, a 1950 Ford F100, which he’d often reminisce about “cruising the avenue with his bride, Rosie”.

He had a few favorite tv shows, such as Sons of Anarchy, Yellowstone and Tulsa King, but Billy’s favorite was always watching Friday night WWE with his grandchildren. Billy enjoyed nothing more than making his own pizza and having the grandchildren join him for their weekly gathering.

Billy was happiest spending time with his grandchildren, laughing and joking with them, watching a movie, and having family get-togethers. Always in tune with everyone’s personality, he provided an appropriate nickname for every family member. His grandchildren, in return, gave Billy a fitting nickname— never ‘Grandpa’, Billy was fondly called ‘Pop Pop’ by all his grandkids.

He is survived by his wife, Rosemarie; children Donna Austin (husband Robert), Michael Edwards (wife Elena), Matthew Edwards, and William Edwards; sister Sharon Edwards (wife Diane Sage); seven grandchildren— Kaitlynn (husband Brian), Ryan (fiancé Kelly), Carly, Tyler, Jayden, Evan, Leann— “adopted” granddaughter Jackie, and nephew John James. Billy also leaves behind his beloved aunt MaryAnn, brother-in-law Tommy, sister-in-law Bernadette, and many cousins. He was predeceased by his brother, Johnny Edwards.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit at the Thiele-Reid Family Funeral Home, 585 Belgrove Drive, Kearny, NJ on Wednesday, December 31, from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. A prayer service will begin at 1:30 p.m. Cremation will be private.

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