William J. Brandenburg, Sr.

William J. “Bill” Brandenburg, Sr., 90, passed away on Saturday, February 18, 2017 at JFK Medical Center.

He was born on November 4, 1926 in Staten Island, NY, son of the late William and Ursula (Menton) Brandenburg.  In 1952, he and his wife, Genevieve, moved to Iselin.  He was employed by PSEG and retired in 1988.

He was a member of St. Cecelia RC Church and a past Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus St. Cecelia Council 3639.  As a young man, Bill served his country as part of the United States Army Air Service.  He was also a member of American Legion T. Nulty Post 471 in Iselin.

Bill loved big band music and swing dancing.  He had a beautiful baritone voice and enjoyed singing in the church choir.   Bill also appeared in many of St. Cecelia's “Musicana” productions and is remembered for his terrific renditions of "Old Man River" and "Seventy Six Trombones".  No performance, however, can match Bill's version of "My Way" sung at his own 90th birthday party this past November.

Bill was an extremely generous and big-hearted man who always took care of his family and extended family.  He also found time for lots of fun.  Bill traveled the world, first with his wife, Genevieve, and then later with his partner, Marion.  Some of his happiest times were spent at Kentucky Derby parties with family in North Carolina.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 44 years, Genevieve and his brother, Paul, both of whom died in 1995.  He was also predeceased by his companion of 17 years, Marion Janis.  Surviving are his children and their spouses, William Jr. and Judith Brandenburg, Paul and Charlotte Brandenburg, Terry Brandenburg and Howard List, Christine Brandenburg and Thomas Krovatin, his four grandsons Paul Matthew, Stephen and Donald Brandenburg and Robert Krovatin.  He is also survived by his nieces, nephews and their families in North Carolina.  

Funeral services will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, February 24th from the Gosselin Funeral Home, 660 New Dover Road, Edison, NJ with a 10:00 a.m. mass at St. Cecelia RC Church, 45 Wilus Way, Iselin, NJ.   Visitation will be Thursday, February 23rd from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Bill’s name to “The V Foundation”, 14600 Weston Parkway, Cary, NC 27513.  Phone:  800-4-JIMMYV   Web site: jimmyv.org.