William Formisano

William Formisano, 90, of East Hanover, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2026, surrounded by members of his loving family.

William (Guglielmo, Willy, Uncle Willy, Bill) was born and raised in Newark, NJ, the seventh of eight children. He served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Frankfurt, Germany from 1957-1959, where his eldest child, Theresa was born. He and his wife, Frances, enjoyed their travels abroad, often visiting William's family in Naples during holidays. He and Frances raised their family, Theresa, Melina and Billy, in the Vailsburg section of Newark, as members of Sacred Heart parish, and later moved to East Hanover and became members of St. Rose of Lima. After some time with the NJ Railroad, William worked for the Newark Fire Department for over 30 years, a beloved Captain with Engine 27, as well as for Newark Testing Labs for many years, inspecting materials at construction sites in the greater NY/NJ area. 

Willy learned the art of home winemaking from his father in the basement of their Newark home. Decades later, he would help resurrect that annual process as Uncle Willy with his nephews. Family winemaking has continued ever since, and he was so proud of that.

A devout Catholic who embraced his faith wholeheartedly, William attended daily mass. Anyone who met him was better for knowing him. We were truly blessed to have him in our lives. 

Devoted father of Theresa Riccardello & her husband Joseph, Melina Formisano, and Billy Formisano & his wife Casey. Cherished grandfather of Kayla Miscia & her husband Robert, Vittoria & Joey Dunn, Liam(Maureen), Evan(Mercedes), Aidan & Colin Formisano.  

Dear brother of Carmella Capko, and the loving partner of Marge Kurkewicz. William was also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. 

William was pre-deceased by his wife Frances Formisano(nee Schalkoff), his parents Guido & Teresa Formisano from Italy, and six beloved siblings.

Visitation at the Leonardis Memorial Home, Inc., 210 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park on Friday, January 23rd from 4-7pm. Funeral on Saturday, January 24th, assembling at the funeral home at 9am, followed by the funeral mass at St. Rose of Lima Church in East Hanover at 10am. Interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in William's name to St Rose of Lima, East Hanover or to a favorite charity of yours.

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