William John Hettmann, age 86, of Colts Neck, passed away on Friday, September 12, 2025 at JFK University Medical Center in Edison.

William was born March 28, 1939, in Cranford, NJ, to parents Peter and Marion Hettmann.  A graduate of Cranford High School, he was a track and field star during his school years.  He later joined the Marines, and in 1961, he married the love of his life, Rita (née Magnotti).  William spent many years honing his craft in landscape design, a passion that became his career, and most recently worked as the Maintenance and Environment Manager of Six Flags Great Adventure.

At home, William took pride in taking care of landscaping his own home, and tending to his garden, earning him the title of “Garden Master.” He was an avid collector of many items, including pocket watches, belt buckles, construction caps, and exotic plants.  William also found great delight in raising show chickens, breeding them and taking part in poultry shows.  A lover of the outdoors, he also enjoyed hunting, and making decorative wood carvings of various animals.  Above all, William deeply loved and cherished his wife, children, and grandchildren.  They will always remember his strength, determination, and will carry on the pride and devotion he has shown to them.

William is preceded in death by his parents, Peter Hettmann, and Marion (née Schultz) Hettmann.

Surviving are his beloved wife of 64 years, Rita Hettmann; his loving children, William Hettmann and his wife Deborah, and Susan Cullen and her husband, John; four devoted grandchildren, Thomas Cullen, Amanda Cullen, Rachel Hettmann, and Billy Hettmann; and his brother, Peter Hettmann.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a Visitation on Friday, September 19, 2025 from 3:00pm to 7:00pm at the Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 South Holmdel Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 10:00am at the Holmdel Funeral Home.

Entombment will follow at St. Gabriel Cemetery & Mausoleums, 549 Newman Springs Road, Marlboro, NJ 07746.

In lieu of flowers, donations in William’s memory are suggested to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html , Tunnel to Towers https://dogood.t2t.org/give/320847/donation/checkout , or a meaningful charity of your choice.