Obituary of William John Maas

William John Maas, beloved husband and father, peacefully passed away surrounded by loved ones on May 25, 2024, after a meaningful 76 years. His legacy is one painted with unwavering love, kindness, and dedication to his family and friends.

Legacy

Born and raised in Woodbury, Bill grew up around educators who instilled in him the natural curiosities that paved the way to greatness. In his youth, dirty baseball cleats were the norm as he spent many years on the baseball diamond. Bill graduated from Woodbury HS in 1965. He served our great nation by joining the United States Navy, where he learned the electrical trade, and then became a long-term, esteemed electrician at DuPont in Deepwater. Bill’s deep confidence and problem-solving nature was evident in his parenting, as his sons gravitated toward hands-on, complex technical skills that only a forgiving, supportive father could have encouraged. In Bill’s later years, he proudly wore the orange Home Depot apron; when customers saw him, they knew they would get good help and a great story.

Bill and his wife of many years, Mary, literally met on the side of a road. Mary worked with Bill’s mother, Margaret, and Margaret had learned of Mary’s recent breakup. Margaret set up a call, and when Bill was going to meet Mary, he couldn’t find her house. Bill found Mary walking to the store and picked her up for the date, and they’ve been inseparable ever since.

Bill could usually be found crafting a uniquely hearty meal—also often baking his impeccable Jewish apple or 30-day cakes—as part of his ongoing efforts to bring joy and comfort to those blessed to be in the strength of his presence. You could catch him sometimes humming a classic rock or country song as he moseyed about, bringing that feisty yet peaceful, cool energy to the space he was in.

Bill rode his motorcycle through scenic landscapes, with a true zest for adventurous life. He may have been on his way to the bowling alley, where he relished friendly competition, the opportunity to showcase his skills, and the sharing of boisterous laughter, probably prompted by the inside jokes he had with everyone. You see, Bill had a subtle way of making everyone feel special and welcome.

Bill's greatest joy was his family. Quality time could be anywhere, anytime. He was not fancy, but he made moments feel fancy, such as when he’d leave a gentle, scruffy-faced kiss on an unexpecting loved one’s cheek. Bill proudly watched on as his oldest grandchild, Dillan, achieved a black belt in karate just last year. Bill had a special name for his youngest

grandson, Preston, who will forever be cemented in time as Pop-Pop’s “Bud-Bud.” These moments are now exponentially cherished.

Bill’s boundless love, warm smile, and infectious laughter will forever be remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Family

Bill is the beloved husband of 51 years to Mary (nee Lieze); loving father of David and his wife Katelin and the late Brian Maas; dear brother-in-law of Harry and Peter Lieze; and cherished grandfather of Dillan and Preston Maas. Bill is predeceased by his brother, Buck, and parents, Paul and Margaret, along with his grandmother and stepfather, who were very significant figures in his life.

Farewell Ceremony

To honor Bill's memory, a celebration of his life will be held at McGUINNESS FUNERAL HOME, 573 Egg Harbor Road, (Sewell) Washington Twp., NJ, where family and friends will come together to share stories, reminisce, and pay tribute to a remarkable man who touched the lives of so many on Friday, June 7, 2024, after 9 AM, where his Funeral Ceremony will follow at 11 AM. Interment with Military Honors will follow in Eglington Cemetery, Kings Highway, Clarksboro, NJ.