William Howard “Bill” Woolley passed away on November 5, 2023 at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, New Jersey. He was 82 years old.

Bill was born at Monmouth Memorial Hospital in 1941 to the late Howard H. Woolley, Sr., and Dorothy (Chiovarou) Woolley in Long Branch, NJ. He was a lifelong resident and fan of the Jersey Shore.

Bill graduated from Long Branch High School in 1959. He received his BA in History from Dartmouth College in 1963 and is a 1964 graduate of the New York University School of Retailing (now NYU/Stern Graduate School of Business) with a MS in Retailing.

His family and friends were the major blessings of Bill’s life. He was a proud father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend. He will be remembered as an incredibly kind, thoughtful gentleman loved by his family and friends.

Bill had a long career in menswear. For many years, he was a principal of W.H. Woolley, Inc.  Woolley’s, a family-owned clothing store where Bill participated in all aspects of the business, was a mainstay of downtown Long Branch for 80 years, His career also included posts with Brooks Brothers’ Madison Avenue flagship in New York, and M. Epstein in Princeton, NJ. He was a member of the National Association of Men’s Sportswear Buyers in NYC. A quintessential haberdasher, he was very fond of good men’s clothing, especially pocket silks, shirts and three button jackets.

Bill was a lifelong parishioner and communicant of St. James’ Episcopal Church, Long Branch. He served as Treasurer for many years and enjoyed the Saturday evening services. He was an Eagle Scout (Troop 39, Long Branch) and a Camp staffer at Forestburg (NY) Scout Reservation in its opening year of 1956 through 1960. In 1957, he attended the National Jamboree of US Scouting in Valley Forge, PA and the International Jamboree in Sutton-Coldfield, England, celebrating the 50th year of world scouting.

Bill loved good, smart, humorous conversation, and was a Charter Member of the Harpoon & Needle Club of Long Branch. He was infamous for lively discussions and his penchant for historical facts and thorough storytelling, oftentimes from his regular perch at Tuzzio’s.

His lifetime of service to Monmouth County included membership in the 200 Club of Monmouth County as well as being named an Honorary Life Member of the Greater Long Branch Area Chamber of Commerce.

Bill was predeceased by his daughter, Catherine Ellen Lund in 2008.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Bonnie and Michael McSherry, son-in-law Claude Lund, grandchildren Nicole and Chris Pollak, Claude Lund and Sara Hagen, and great grandson Logan Louis Pollak; brother Howard (Chub) Woolley, Jr. and Susan L. Woolley; nephews Howard (Denise), Ben (Laura) and niece Anita (Eric); and some terrific friends.

Bill’s family would like to recognize the remarkable care provided by Preferred Care at Wall and Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

Family and friends are welcome to gather for visitation held on Friday, November 10, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Saint James’ Episcopal Church, 300 Broadway, Long Branch, NJ. Funeral mass will follow at 12:00 p.m.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Howard H. Woolley, Sr. Scholarship Fund, care of Howard Woolley, Jr., 33 Wellington Drive, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724) or Saint James’ Episcopal Church. 300 Broadway, Long Branch, NJ 07740, https://www.stjames-longbranch.org/sjlb/.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Woolley-Boglioli Funeral Home, 10 Morrell Street, Long Branch, NJ, ww.woolleyboglioli.com.