- Welcome to Sweeney and Beverly Life Celebration Services, where we Celebrate the Color of Life.
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 WREX-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.
6 Comments
I am saddened to learn this news about Bill. I had the privilege of working with Bill at EPA and he was an insightful supervisor and was kind to me as I navigated my early career. I offer my condolences to Bill’s family and wish peace to all who knew, admired, and loved him.
What a bright light Bill was and what a contribution he made to the world! Yes, the world is a little darker without him, but he lives on through his sons Bill, Jr. and James. I had the pleasure of seeing his smiling face many times in the halls of the Philadelphia Regional Office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a co-worker. I have the pleasure of knowing his daughter-in-law, Melissa, who is blazing a beautiful trail in her career at EPA as well!
OK, Bill, it’s time to take your place in the heavenly choir. I know that the harmony your soul will add will make a heavenly sound, and I know that you will be pulling for us down here in the trenches!
Much love,
Mark Goldstein
USEPA Region 3
I”m so sorry to hear this … Bill was one of my favorite people that I met at Weichert! He was a wonderful, caring man that I will always think of as my “Killa” (because we played the same cell phone game) … my thoughts and prayers to out to Rae and the rest of his family!
I am so very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He and I shared many moments at EPA, and we often discussed world and local affairs when we worked together and when we ran into each other. Bill was the ultimate professional, and his sense for the news and telling of the news was unparalleled. I always enjoyed chatting with him, and EPA lost a wonderful employee and spokesperson when he retired. I can imagine him announcing the arrival of many well-known (and unknown) guests at the pearly gates. The world is a sadder place with Bill’s passing. May the many wonderful memories of Bill help to comfort his family.
Working with Bill was such a pleasure. He did not have a personal agenda and always worked for the good of the Agency. I was proud to be his colleague. May he rest in peace.
We grew up in the same neighborhood as young boys, even then I knew he would make his mark in life. He was two years older than me and my twin brother Fred. His sister Grace and my sister Janice were good friends. We went to the same little Park Community Church just down from the L & M Bakery in Delran Township. Bill’s mother and father were the most wonderful people as is his sister Grace. I am looking forward to meeting his wife and boys as well as seeing Grace after so many years. I currently live across the street and down a couple of houses from Bill’s childhood home. So sorry for his loss, may he rest in peace.