Whiting - William A. Ainley, 93 of Whiting, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 30, 2012 at Van Dyke Hospice at Community Medical Center in Toms River surrounded by his loving family. Born and raised in the East Bronx, NY, he attended DeWitt Clinton High School and graduated from the Trinity School in New York City. He then went on to Colgate University where he became well known as a major force on their baseball team as a pitcher.
Upon graduating from college "Bill" entered the US Marine Corps in 1942 at OCS, Quantico, VA. He and his wife Dot were married at that time, and Bill soon received shipping orders to New River, NC where he attended Quartermaster school at Camp Le Jeune. From there his orders took him to the Depot of Supplies, San Francisco and later to Oceanside, CA to join the Fifth Tank Battalion, Fifth Marine Division, as Regiment Quartermaster. In August 1945 he served with occupation forces in Sasebo, Kyushu Island, Japan. In December 1945 he returned to the States and in 1946 he was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain.
Bill and his new family moved to Waldwick, NJ from Stuyvesant Town, NYC in 1951 where he and his wife resided until moving to Leisure Village West in 1985. Bill retired as an industrial salesman in New York City and Northern New Jersey. At Leisure Village West he was an active member of Kiwanis, the LVW Tennis Club and the Food Bank at the Redeemer Lutheran Church.
Bill and Dot then moved to The Pines at Whiting in 2005 where he was a very active resident-volunteer serving on the Health Care Committee, the Independent Living Council and as its Fire Captain. He loved to spend his day gardening in the Garden Walk and practicing his dance moves for the "Dancing with the Staff" competition. Bill will be remembered for his quick smile, hearty laugh, and his beautiful blue eyes.
Bill was predeceased by his loving wife of 66 years, Doris Ploch Ainley in 2008 and by a sister, Florence Ainley. He is survived by his three sons, Allan and his wife Cheryl of Toms River, Stuart of Rutherford, and John Charles and his wife Carol of Washington Township. He also leaves his six grandchildren, Allison Martinez and her husband Greg; Brent; Brian; Kaelin Cardone and her husband Chris; Taylor and Patrick. Bill also leaves many loving friends that he has made throughout his lifetime.
A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, October 11 at 11 a.m. at The Pines at Whiting, 509 Route 530, Whiting, NJ. Interment will be at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery, Wrightstown, NJ. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you kindly make donations in William's name to the Alzheimer Foundation, 400 Morris Ave. Suite 251, Denville, NJ 07834 or to the Community Medical Center Van Dyke Hospice Foundation, 99 Route 37 West, Toms River, NJ 08755. Arrangements are under the direction of the Anderson and Campbell Funeral Home, 115 Lacey Rd., Whiting. For further information or to send an online condolence please visit: andersoncampbellwhiting.com.
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5 Entries
October 8, 2012
Patricia Vigliotti
My deepest sympathy to family and friends for your loss. I knew Bill only a short time but was fortunate enough to know he celebrated life. He truly was a gentle spirit and will be missed.
October 5, 2012
Yvonne Lindia
My deepest sympathy to the Ainley family. Your dad was a very special man. I am blessed to have had him in my life. He was always there to lend a hand and brought joy to many people, especially me. He will be missed...
October 4, 2012
I met your parents when they lived on the same cul-de-sac in LVW as my parents.
Your Dad was so caring to Mom after Dad died in 1992. He would get her mail daily and check on her often. He was a wonderful and caring person to many. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Eileen (Smyth) and Jack Faletti
October 3, 2012
Chaplain Richard Reuer
I wish to extend to you and to members of your family my deepest sympathy on your loss. May the Lord's loving promises comfort you and give you strength as you walk through this difficult time. On behalf of a grateful nation as an expression of appreciation for the honorable and faithful service rendered by your loved one. (If you wish a personalized memorial card mailed to you with history of playing of taps, 21 gun salute, meaning of each fold of the flag as a keepsake, mail to: Chaplain Richard Reuer, Honoring Those Who Served Ministry, 1206 6th St SW, Minot, ND 58701. (This is a free service to fallen veteran families.) Thank you. Semper Fi
October 2, 2012
Jennifer Causer
I met Bill in 2005 shortly after he and Dot moved to The Pines. He was a truely generous and gentle soul. Bill gave his heart to my residents in the healthcare community and in turn he left his mark in mine. We worked together very closely as he led our volunteer program for several years. Bill was a good friend and he will be truely missed now that he has gone Home. May God Bless his family and friends in this time of sorrow. Please accept my sincerest condolensces. With warmest regards,
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