William John Honan

William (Bill) John Honan, 85, of Brick, passed peacefully on Sunday, December 18, 2022 at Ocean Medical Center, Brick, with his son, Mike, and daughter-in-law, Kate, by his side.

Born in Bayonne, NJ May 14, 1937, the Honan family moved to Brick when Bill was 5 years old where he remained a resident for the next 80 years, living throughout Laurelton and Herbertsville sections of the town.

Bill was rarely without a pair or work boots on and had numerous jobs including working at R&R Chicken Farm in Brick at an early age, then Chapman’s Boat Basin in Brick where he met his wife Jean, and later as an Equipment operator for Van Sant Equipment, Lakewood.

In 1963, Bill and his wife launched Honan’s Boat Hauling, which they owned and operated in the Brick area for over 50 years until retiring in 2015. Their work allowed them to travel up and down much of the Eastern seaboard, where Bill favored the trips to warmer weather.

Affectionately nicknamed Homer (ie Simpson), Bill loved to complain. He would list it among his hobbies (or at least his family and neighbors would list it among his hobbies). Whether it be the perceived quality differences in manufactured goods from past to present, the gross mislabeling of egg carton sizes, the “incorrect” way home renovation shows completed a build, or his favorite topic; the cold, Bill was going to tell you how he felt.

He was a proud grandpa who loved to brag about his granddaughter’s accomplishments to anyone who would listen, he loved the family home he and his son built, he loved salted pistachios and Ritz crackers, and he loved reminiscing with friends, or strangers, about old times.

Never without a tan, Bill loved spending the winter months with his wife in Florida or otherwise enjoying the sun anywhere with a folding chair and his cassette player.

Bill was predeceased in death by his parents, Leonard and Dorothy (Dot), and his wife of 62 years, Jean.

He is survived by his loved son, Wm. Michael Honan and his wife Kathleen; his cherished granddaughter, Kerri Honan; his dear brother, Kenneth Honan; and sister Diane.

The family would like to express their deep gratitude to all the caregivers at The Chelsea Assisted Living Facility, Brick, and to those at Ocean Medical Center, Brick, for their exceptional care of Bill over the last year.

Funeral Services were conducted privately and a Celebration of Life will be held in Bill’s honor at a later date. Jersey Shore Cremation Service, Manasquan, is in charge of arrangements.