William Mathisen

A funeral mass was held for William J Mathisen, 63, at Our Lady of the Valley Roman Catholic Church in Wayne on 16 December.

Mathisen, who died on 12 December, was general parts manager for materials handling equipment firm Raymond of New Jersey LLC in Union, New Jersey for almost 30 years. The dealership represents the Raymond and Clark forklift lines and Columbia ParCars utility vehicles.

John Wermert says, "Billy was not only my general parts manager, he was my mentor, my colleague and, above all, my dear friend for almost 30 years. He was so much a part of our lives, he will not be forgotten." Wermert is vice president of aftermarket sales for Raymond of New Jersey.

Mathisen achieved industry recognition and multiple awards for his achievements and performance. He and his wife took four all-expenses-paid cruises that he won.

Mathisen grew up in Wayne's Packanack Lake section and graduated from Wayne Valley High School in 1969. He worked for a family restaurant as a bartender for many years, loved to cook, hosted barbeques and pool parties and prepared Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday meals for his family. For many years, he was a member and officer of Property Owner League fire company number 2 in Wayne. He coached in youth sports programs and was a fan of the baseball New York Yankees and football New York Giants.

Mathisen is survived by his wife Donna, two children, one granddaughter, his parents, a sister and two brothers.

Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home in Wayne handled the arrangements. The cause of death was withheld.