William “Bill” Cortese, 83, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2026. Orphaned at the age of seven, he faced many hardships. As a foster child, he worked on local farms where he developed the strong work ethic that became the foundation of his life. Never afraid of hard work or taking a chance, Bill moved his family to Las Vegas in pursuit of new opportunities before ultimately returning to Pompton Plains, where he raised his family before moving to Phillipsburg in 2001.

Bill was proud of his 25 year career as a delivery driver with United Parcel Service (UPS), where he built lasting friendships with his coworkers and was a familiar and welcome face to the many people on his route before retiring in 2008.

An avid outdoorsman, Bill found his greatest joy in fishing and hunting. He was a proud member of the Allamuchy Gun Club and spent countless hours enjoying the woods, lakes and streams he loved. During his retirement, he looked forward to his weekly trips to the casino, working in his yard and hiking the trails at Merrill Creek Reservoir.

More than anything, Bill loved spending time with his family. Whether you knew him as Dad, Pop Pop, Uncle, Bill, Two Dollar Bill or Boda Bill, he will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and eternally loved.

Bill is survived by his four children: Pamela Turney (William), William Cortese Jr. (Kathleen), Judith Waters (Robert) and Jennifer Brenner (David).

He was blessed with 11 grandchildren: Corey, Meghan, Hailey, Merideth, Emily, Lyndsi, Alyssa, Kyle, Justin, Gabriel and Nathan. He was also joyfully awaiting the arrival of his first great grandson.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, August 2, 2026 at Keri-Lozito Funeral Home, 125 Main Street, Lincoln Park, NJ from 3-7 PM.  Funeral Mass at Holy Spirit R.C. Church, 318 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Pequannock, NJ on Monday, August 3, 2026 at 10 AM.  Interment, Christ The King Cemetery, Franklin Lakes, NJ.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimers Association .