William R Bausmith

December 18, 1941 – April 30, 2021

William Robert Bausmith of Manahawkin NJ, born in Plainfield NJ on December 18, 1941 and raised in South Plainfield NJ, passed away peacefully at home on April 30, 2021. Bill was a gifted teacher and coach and an inspiring and genuine man who brought a spark of life and joy.

He was a resident of Manahawkin NJ for the last 29 years. Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Irene Heaney Bausmith; his sons William R. Bausmith Jr. and his wife Jean Cunningham; David S. Bausmith and Gina Lamson; Stephen T. Bausmith and his wife Phissamay Heng; grand children William III, Katie, Sarah, David Jr, Caber and sisters Edith Grant and her husband Ian Grant and Clarissa Jane Ackatz. He is predeceased by his parents Alfred E. Bausmith and Elizabeth Schillinger, his brothers Frank T. Bausmith and Alfred E. Bausmith Jr.

Bill graduated from SPHS in 1961 and The College of New Jersey in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering. He was also a lifetime member of Carpenters Union #254 in Newark NJ, and was a US Navy veteran and member of the Naval Reserve.

After 12 years in the construction industry Bill taught Building Construction at Hunterdon Central High School in Flemington NJ where he inspired and nurtured his Junior and Senior students. He also coached football, winter track and the state champion girls cross-country team. Students and athletes adored him and some keep in touch to this day. In 1992 Bill joined the NJ State Department of Education, coordinating programs dedicated to Workforce Development. He retired to “life on the bay“ in 2000.

Bill and Irene travelled the United States and Canada extensively, completing 14 cross-country trips by car, visiting every state, including Hawaii and Alaska by plane and ship. They also took overseas excursions to Europe, the Baltics and South America.

Bill enjoyed his life on the Manahawkin Bay boating in CLAMALOT, crabbing, clamming, fishing, and watching the rising and setting sun. He relished his grandchildren – patiently teaching them how to bait a crab trap and detect those elusive clams with their toes.

Arrangements are with Thos J. Shinn Funeral Home, Manahawkin, NJ. Cremation is private. A Celebration of Bill’s Life will be held on the bay for family at a later date.

Please consider a donation in Bill’s name to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PANCAN pancan.org/donate or through the mail at 1500 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 200. Manhattan Beach, CA 90266) Pancreatic Cancer is a formidable disease with few symptoms or screening options for early detection.

To leave online condolences and memories of Bill please visit www.shinnfuneralhome.com.