William E. Price, Jr.
December 14, 1944 – February 9, 2025
William E. Price, Jr., 80, of Emerson, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 9, 2025. Fondly known as “Billy” to his family and friends, he is survived by his devoted wife of 28 years, Patricia Price (née O’Malley), and his beloved dog, Luna.
Billy was born in Teaneck, New Jersey, to William E. Price and Marie (née Scholz). He grew up in River Edge alongside his seven siblings. Billy proudly served his country in the United States Army while stationed in Vietnam during the war. After his service, he returned to New Jersey, where he worked as an electrician with IBEW Local 164, in Paramus. He was a very active and dedicated member of his union for over 50 years and served on the Executive Board until retiring in 1998 due to health issues. Billy was known for his vast collection of IBEW hats and t-shirts, and could always be seen wearing them with great pride. His collection of IBEW Local 164 satin jackets fondly became known as the “Billy Price Jackets” to his fellow union members.
Billy had a deep love for sports. He played competitive softball in multiple leagues, including The IBEW Local 164 B Softball Team, where he famously changed his jersey number each year to correspond with his age. His teammates affectionately dubbed him “Poppa Price,” and before each game, their energetic “1-2-3” chant was always, “1-2-3, PRICE IS RIGHT!” This took him to compete in many different tournaments across the country.
A regular on the golf course, Billy enjoyed playing the annual IBEW Local 164 Golf Outing for as long as his health allowed. At family gatherings, he was always the one to encourage everyone to play a game of wiffle ball or volleyball. He remained a devoted fan of professional sports as well, always ensuring he had the best seat in the house on Super Bowl Sunday. When he wasn’t playing sports, Billy could often be found tackling his newspaper’s crossword puzzles.
Billy also had a deep love for cars, proudly owning his 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme since it was new and showcasing his 1985 Mustang 5.0 Fox Body at car shows and parades.
Billy’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. His kindness, generosity, and unwavering support made a lasting impact on his family and friends. He will be deeply missed and his legacy will endure in the cherished memories he leaves behind. May he rest in peace, forever remembered and loved by All.
Billy is also survived by his two children, Shannon Mourar (Mike) and William Price (Diane); four grandchildren, Peyton, Zachary, Elena and Josephine; and three sisters, Patricia Eickman, Linda Lee Sasser and Maureen Yowe. Additionally, he leaves behind many in-laws, nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He was predeceased in death by his siblings, Rita Marie Handabaka, Roberta Stedtler, Mary Ellen Cromer and Thomas Price; and two of his devoted dogs, Allie and Darla.
Visitation will be held on Friday, February 14, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, at Beaugard-McKnight Funeral Home, 869 Kinderkamack Road, River Edge, NJ 07661.
A Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, February 15, at 10:00 AM, at St. Peter the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, 445 Fifth Avenue, River Edge, NJ 07661.
Billy will be interred with military honors at George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus.