William J. Oliver

William J. Oliver obituary, Hawthorne, NJ

William J. Oliver

William Oliver Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Browning-Forshay Funeral Home - Hawthorne on Mar. 27, 2026.
Oliver, William J., age 78, of Hawthorne, on Thursday, March 26, 2026.

Born in Paterson, William was a lifelong resident of Hawthorne. After graduating with his bachelor's degree from William Paterson University, William attended Montclair State University where he earned at least two Master's degrees. He then went on to teach chemistry at Fair Lawn High School until his retirement. William was an avid traveler, collecting many souvenirs and taking many beautiful photographs along the way.

William is survived by his dear friends, Philip and Linda Miller of Hawthorne and Mary Chris Kreloff. As well as their families.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 11:00am, meeting at Fair Lawn Memorial Cemetery, 22-21 Maple Avenue, Fair Lawn.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Ruth Johnson Oliver Nursing Endowed Scholarship at William Paterson University.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign William Oliver's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

April 1, 2026

Shari Sellers posted to the memorial.

March 30, 2026

Alida K. Mancinelli posted to the memorial.

March 30, 2026

Olga Lysenko Tobin posted to the memorial.

Shari Sellers

April 1, 2026

Mr. Oliver was an amazing educator. He has a lasting impact on my and my decision to go into science as a career. I'll never forget vying for the coveted Mole Award! We will be sorely missed.

Alida K. Mancinelli

March 30, 2026

I'm SO sorry to hear this devastating news! Bill Oliver was an outstanding teacher who had a profound affect on my son, Ian, who is happily employed as a chemical engineer, encouraged to that study by this wonderful man. May he rest in peace.

Olga Lysenko Tobin

March 30, 2026

Mr. Oliver was the best Chemistry teacher. He made one of my most difficult subjects fun and accessible. His warm personality made me want to try harder. And his good humor was infectious. I still celebrate mole day to this day because of him. He was a gift to his students. May his memory be a blessing.

Monib Zirvi

March 30, 2026

An outstanding educator who made learning difficult concepts easier through his use of humor and entertainment. May he rest in peace and may his memory be a blessing for his former students and his family and loved ones.

Dr. Monib Zirvi, MD/PhD

Wren DiGisi

March 29, 2026

Bill was a devoted friend, educator and life-long learner who made his community a better place through his kindness and sharp mind. May he rest in peace.

Eric Cohen

March 29, 2026

Mr. Oliver was a top notch Chemistry teacher who cared equally as much about his students as the science. He made a positive impact in many lives including mine. Keep trekking, Mr O!

Ron Durso

March 29, 2026

On behalf of your students and colleagues at Fair Lawn High School, may you rest in peace.

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Browning-Forshay Funeral Home - Hawthorne

557 Lafayette Avenue, Hawthorne, NJ 07507

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Sign William Oliver's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

April 1, 2026

Shari Sellers posted to the memorial.

March 30, 2026

Alida K. Mancinelli posted to the memorial.

March 30, 2026

Olga Lysenko Tobin posted to the memorial.