William H. Warner

William Henry Warner “Bill” of Toms River, NJ, born in Lakewood, NJ, November 12, 1944, passed away peacefully, while at home with his family on December 7, 2024 at the age of 80. Having watched a final sunrise over the river he loved, he conceded to Neuroendocrine Carcinoma.

Bill’s greatest joys in life were raising his family and sailing on the Toms River and Barnegat Bay. He had many friends in and out of the sailing community. Often found at Toms River Yacht Club (TRYC), Bill was always the first to help rig a boat in the morning and tie up the last of dinghies at night. He was the epitome of generosity, work ethic, and friendship which are values taught and passed onto his kids and grandkids. Christmas won’t be the same without Bill making and delivering his mother’s famous toffee.

The second of four children to Mary Marshall Warner and William Austin Warner. Bill leaves behind his beloved wife of 55 years. Beginning as high school sweethearts, Bill and Barbara Evans Warner thoroughly enjoyed their three children and nine grandchildren. Heather Warner Cohen (Jason) Warner, Bay, Barron, and Stern. William Evans Warner “Billy” (Chrissy Mahoney Warner) Austin, Graham, and Maeve. Gwen Warner Demand (Matthew Ward) Ella and Maryn, Taylor and Devin Ward.

He was preceded in death by his parents and elder brother Robert C. Warner (2014) and survived by his siblings, Marshall Warner (Linda) and Mary Ann Warner Stauffer (John) and all of his wonderful nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews.

As a lifetime member and third generation Commodore of TRYC he served for many decades as Treasurer of TRYC, BBYRA and The Barnegat Bay Sailing Foundation. Bill never met a stranger, having lifelong friendships from childhood, the sailing community and people he met throughout his journey. In addition to helping start the TRYC tech dinghy fleet and chairman of several national regattas, Bill was a member of the Barnegat Bay Maritime Museum, Ocean County College Sailing Foundation and First United Methodist Church of Toms River.

An accomplished wrestler at Toms River High School (1963), he went onto Pennington School (1964), and Rider College class of 1968. Bill served four years in the U.S. Air Force, and had an accomplished career as a Certified Public Accountant, ultimately retiring from his job as CFO of the International Thoroughbred Breeders - Garden State Park Race Track.

Bill often regaled friends and family of tying the fastest bowline, backing it up with his 1960-63 Ocean County Boy Scout Knot Tying Championships! Bill was recognized with the 2008 O.G. Dale Memorial Sportsmanship Trophy and 1959 George Roth Powell Jr. Sportsmanship Award. Some sailing highlights include 2nd place 1998 Laser Radial North Americans, 2017 1st Place M-Scow Easterns Skipper, 2022 M-Scow Eastern Championship Regatta Mega Master, and 2008 Flying Scot North American Masters Championship. A spot on his E-Scow was always open for family and friends to share his passion for sailing.

Countless hours were spent working on his award winning wooden boats, “Anchorage” 1960 Prowler and “Lady Bay” 1946 Trumpy. He was nicknamed the “Energizer Bunny” working on the boats all day then enjoying a boat ride to dinner or watching the races with family, with the Beach Boys or Jimmy Buffett playing for all to hear.

He was one of the “Good Guys”—a true gentleman, an incredible friend, and a connection to the rich history of Barnegat Bay, its boats, and its people. Bill’s absence will be deeply felt with his family, in the sailing community and beyond, but his remarkable spirit will continue to inspire.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025 9:30am at the Toms River Yacht Club.

In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations made out to: The Sailing Foundation of Barnegat Bay.

Checks may be mailed to Barbara Warner, 51 Cranmoor Drive, Toms River, NJ 08753.

Or www.sailingfoundationofbarnegatbay.org with a note in the special instruction box: for Bill Warner.