CURRENT CELEBRATIONS

William “Bill” Beetle

William S. Beetle, known to all as Bill, departed this world on January 23, 2025 after a long, valiant battle with leukemia. Bill was a generous, loving soul known for his creativity, thoughtfulness and kindness to others. Born on April 22, 1943 and raised in Mount Ephraim, New Jersey, Bill’s love of cooking, culture and gardening were present from his youth. Bill was a graduate of Lafayette College, where he studied French and fondly recalled his time living in Switzerland, where he worked in a floral shop and learned the art of floral arrangement. While serving in the Peace Corps, Bill lived in Brazil where he learned to speak Portuguese and enjoyed cooking South American cuisine. Bill traveled throughout England, Europe and South America prior to his marriage to his beloved wife of 48 years, Constance (Connie), and starting a family. He earned a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning from the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, Rutgers University, and was employed as an urban planner with the State of New Jersey, Department of Transportation for over 25 years. Bill was also certified as a Master Gardener, sharing his love of nature and volunteering his gardening expertise to those in his community.
Bill and Connie met while working as social workers in Camden, where their shared commitment to helping others laid the foundation for a beautiful life together. Bill’s creativity and thoughtful spirit shone through his ability to cook anything, hosting memorable lunches and Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners that brought family and friends together. He is especially remembered for making animal and dinosaur shaped pancakes for his children and grandchildren. Bill and Connie’s shared love of history saw them exploring museums, historical sites, cultural landmarks, and old houses. They particularly liked visiting antique shops and enjoying a nice meal together. Bill loved art and was skilled in drawing and painting. An active and dedicated community member, Bill volunteered with the Westfield Friends Meeting, Religious Society of Friends, serving as Clerk of their Property Committee and a member of the Finance Committee. Bill was also a board member for the John Woolman Memorial in Mount Holly.
Bill was particularly devoted to his wife, Connie, and was a loving father to his daughter, Lauren Testa and her husband, Mike, his son, Jonathan Beetle and his wife, Amber, and his son Andrew Beetle and his wife, Lauren. He will forever be remembered for his smile and loud, joyful laugh. Bill was a proud “Pop Pop” who cherished time with his beloved grandchildren, Giada, Jackson, Hendricks and Kennedy. He played every child’s game with enthusiasm, shared captivating stories, encouraged creativity through art and storytelling, and delighted in building Lego masterpieces. Bill is survived by his family; and his sister, Vivian Beetle. He was predeceased by his brothers, Melvin, George, and Warren Beetle.
Universally described as a “great guy”, Bill will be deeply missed by his family, friends, neighbors and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Services will be held privately by the family.