CURRENT CELEBRATIONS

William “Bill” Toffel

William “Bill” Toffel, age 85 of Voorhees, passed away November 9, 2024 after a brave battle with kidney disease and diabetes for many years. Bill was born December 26, 1938 in Riverside to Fredrich and Margaret Toffel. He was a 1958 Riverside High graduate, and studied at Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina. After college, Bill joined the United States Air Force where he launched his career in media within the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service. His service took him to Witchita Falls, Texas, and then to King Salmon, Alaska. His service concluded at NORAD Cheyenne Mountain Complex, Colorado. Following military service, Bill continued his media career as an on-air personality with ⁸WREX-TV in Rockford, Illinois, conducting memorable interviews with historical figures which included former Presidents Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter, and Richard Nixon. Bill hit his stride after returning to the Philadelphia area and becoming Assignment Editor for KYW-TV and ultimately News Director at KYW News Radio where Bill’s fondest professional memories were forged, leaving a legacy of journalistic excellence. Outside of broadcasting, Bill maintained a career in public service for the Federal Government. Bill was appointed as Director of Public Affairs at the United States Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW), and later assumed various public relations positions within the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),including serving as Congressional Liaison.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, family was the central part of Bill’s life. His love story began on a blind date with a pretty girl named Rae, whom he would go on to marry. The two shared 51 years of marriage together living in Riverside, Delanco, Moorestown, and most recently, Voorhees. Blessed with two sons, William Jr. and James, Bill was a wonderful, loving, and present father providing a joyful childhood for his boys.

Bill’s personal hobbies included a voracious love for reading, staying informed with the news and current events, enjoying watching all types of sports (particularly the Philadelphia Eagles and Philadelphia Phillies), traveling with his family, deep sea fishing, and tending to his rose bushes (a former member of West Jersey Rose Society). After retirement, Bill stayed connected to broadcasting as a member of The Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia. Bill maintained a deep religious faith which helped guide him through his life.

Bill is survived by his wife Rae; two sons William Jr. (Melissa) and James (Courtney); and by his sister, Grace (Ghassam) Niknejad.

Please come celebrate an amazing life of 85 years this Thursday (Nov 14) 6-8 p.m., and Friday (Nov 15) 10-11 a.m. at Sweeney Funeral Home, 337 Bridgeboro Street, Riverside, NJ, where there will be an 11 a.m. memorial service. Interment at St. Peter Cemetery in Riverside, NJ. Flowers or memorial contributions to the American Diabetes Association (https://diabetes.org) are equally welcome.