Obituary of William G. Prentiss

~~William G. Prentiss “Bill”, of Madison, NJ, peacefully went home to be with his Lord and reunited with family and friends on May 19th, just shy of his 93rd birthday. 

Bill was born and raised in Morristown and graduated Morristown High School  in 1942. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served aboard the USS Winslow during WWII.  He sailed every ocean and was awarded many honors during his service.

After working for many years at Monroe Calculating in South Orange, he joined the Madison Fire Dept. Hook and Ladder Company in 1960, promoted to the rank of 2nd Lt. in 1972, promoted to Captain in 1973, and then on to Chief in 1987.  He retired as Chief in 1989.  During his career, he was a member of Local#74.  He achieved Life Status of both the Madison Hook and Ladder Co. and the Relief Association and remained an active member through 2016.  He was also a member of Morris County Fire Chiefs Association and served as on the Board of Trustees of The Morris County Police and Fire Academy.  He served Madison with much love and pride and was honored to be the Grand Marshall of Madison Memorial Day Parade in 2014.

A true athlete, Bill excelled in every sport, although his love of golf ranked #1.  He so enjoyed his many trips up and down the East Coast with his golfing buddies, playing as many courses as possible.  After his retirement he also took up the hobby of caning and rushing chairs which turned into a business for him.  Many antique dealers praised his work and expertise.

Being “Gramps” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren was his most precious part of life. 

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Helen (nee Nolan); his devoted daughter, Kathy and her husband, Scott Ross, of Basking Ridge; his grandson, Matt and his wife, Misty, of Apex, NC; and granddaughter, Erin Ross and her husband, Peter Hershberg, of Dorset, Vt.; and his precious great-grandkids, Brennan, Molly, and Liam.

Bill is also survived by his sister, Joan Rooney, of Morris Twp.; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Mary and John; and his three brothers, John, Fred and Frank. 

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 24th from 4-7pm at Burroughs, Kohr & Dangler Funeral Home, 106 Main Street, Madison. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, May 25th at St. Vincent Martyr Church, 26 Green Village Road, Madison. Entombment wil follow at Holy Rood Mausoleum, Morris Township.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Madison Fire Dept and Madison Volunteer Ambulance Corp.