Obituary of William P. Ashnault I

South Plainfield – William P. Ashnault I, passed away at JFK Medical Center in Edison on Wednesday, March 9, 2022. 

Bill was born and raised in Elizabeth to the late Joseph and Elizabeth (Kern) Ashnault.  As a young man, he bought his first residence in Linden, New Jersey. In 1969, he purchased a plot of land where he and his wife Nancy built their dream home in North Edison, of which they lived for over 40 years.  After retirement, he spent many long weekends at his residence in Seaside Heights where he enjoyed swimming, fishing, and walking the boardwalk.  For the past 12 years he has lived in South Plainfield. 

Bill prided himself on working hard and providing for his family.  He had a long career as a Master Mechanic with the Elizabethtown Gas Company at which time he also took on work,  fixing cars, painting houses and other miscellaneous handyman jobs.   More recently he proudly worked for Twin City Pharmacy, of where he made many friends, both fellow employees and customers. 

Bill was a proud Seabee who was honorably discharged from the United States Navy, and remained in the Navy Reserves for twenty four years.    

Bill loved people.  He was always there to help a friend in need, from home repairs to fixing cars, he was a phone call away.  His favorite time spent was with his family, of which he hosted many holidays and pool parties. In his 80's he regularly hosted pizza parties with his grandchildren. He was a former member of the BPO Elks and Ortley Moose and a proud supporter of Rutgers Wrestling.  He enjoyed attending his grandchildren's sporting events, he was so proud of them all. 

Predeceased by his wife Nancy in 2015 and two siblings Joseph and Fred; Bill leaves behind his four children; Kimberly Sikora and her husband John, William P. Ashnault, II and his wife Susan, Robert Ashnault and his wife Lisa, and Mark Ashnault and his wife Dawn. He will be missed by his twelve grandchildren; William III and his wife Jessica, Brian, Carly and her fiancé Ryan, Kelly, Anthony, Zachary, Connor, Parker, Spencer, Nicole, Laci and Skylar, two great-grandchildren; Micah and Brenna, and by many extended family members and friends. 

Visitation will be held at McCriskin-Gustafson Home for Funerals, 2425 Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ 07080 on Sunday, March 13, 2022 from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. 

Funeral services will begin in the funeral home on Monday, March 14, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass in Sacred Heart Church, 149 South Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ 07080 at 10 a.m.

Bill will be laid to rest with his wife at St. Gertrude Cemetery in Colonia.