William (Bill) Pertusi, of Basking Ridge, NJ, went to his Eternal Rest on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Bill is pre-deceased by his wife, Patricia (nee O'Brien) Pertusi. 

He is survived by his loving family, to include cousin, Dr. Bob Vecchiotti of Peterborough, NH, his niece, Karen Pertusi O'Malley, of Oaklyn, New Jersey, as well as his nieces and nephews, Pat O'Brien Hamilton, Kathleen O'Brien Cucci, Steven O'Brien and Tom O'Brien, of Bradenton, Florida. Bill was born in New York City on September 26, 1933 to Teresa (nee) and Frank Pertusi. 

He is pre-deceased by his siblings: Joseph, Elena, Frank and John. Bill was a typical city kid", who quickly learned how to be a Yankees fan thanks to his father and brothers. Life was all about faith, family and Joe DiMaggio. Bill attended P.S. 3 grammar school in Greenwich Village, and Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx. He continued his education and graduated from St. John's University in Queens, where he studied Business Management, made the Dean's List and performed in musical theater. The highlight of his college years was meeting the love of his life, Patricia O'Brien, who performed with him in musicals. They were married on January 19, 1957, and eventually purchased their first house in Lynbrook, Long Island. During this time, Bill worked at New York Bell in Manhattan. 

After a number of years, Pat and Bill moved to Basking Ridge, New Jersey. Bill worked for AT&T in Bedminster, while Pat became a successful real estate agent in the area. They were a fun loving couple, who enjoyed singing, dancing, movies, concerts and Broadway shows. They loved to travel, and enjoyed many trips around the U.S. and abroad. Bill loved to play golf, enjoyed attending baseball and ice hockey games, and he was an active member of St. James Church in Basking Ridge. Upon his retirement from AT&T, Bill followed in his father's footsteps as a talented carpenter who created beautiful pieces of furniture. During this time, he also enjoyed working in the Basking Ridge Community Garden. Each year he maintained a large plot of vegetables, which he ultimately donated to the local food bank. This was a life well lived, and Bill will be missed by all who knew him.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:40 a.m. at Gallaway & Crane Funeral Home, 101 S. Finley Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ. Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00am at St. James Church, 184 S. Finley Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Basking Ridge. 

In lieu of flowers and in Bill's memory, the family requests that contributions be made to a local food bank.