It is with extreme sadness to announce the sudden passing of William (Bill) Della Penna, of Vernon, New Jersey, who passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 14, 2022. He was a bright spark in this world and will be deeply missed by many.
Bill is predeceased by his wife, Lorraine and parents, Mary and Thomas Della Penna. He is survived by his daughter Jessica Chalas (Jose) and son William and Patience Della Penna, grandson Jagger, granddaughters Mary Lorraine Della Penna, Alexis Marie Wulffers, Danielle Joy Wulffers, great grandson Dylan Thomas Wulffers, brother, James, long-time partner Tara Martell and her daughters Katie and Lisa and their families, along with cousins and many close friends and golf buddies who were like family to him.
Bill was born June 30, 1948, in Paterson, New Jersey, and has lived in New Jersey entire life. He was a practical joker with a generous heart of gold. He was known for his friendliness and humor. He attended Kinnelon High School (Class of 1967) and Wilkes College in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. Bill worked with his father, Thomas, at the Pompton Seafood Market in Pompton Lakes, New Jersey, and ran the business after his dad’s retirement, and he was employed by Off The Hook Seafood, Midland Park, for over a decade.
Bill was an avid golfer and was happiest when he was out on the greens. He loved old movies, especially westerns, and music of the 50’s and 60’s. Additional passions of Bill’s included dressing sportingly and good food.
Special thanks to the intensive care unit staff at Chilton Memorial Hospital, Pequannock, New Jersey, and the Halpin-Bitecola Brookdale Funeral Home in Bloomfield, New Jersey