Paul T. Wille, 73, of Freehold died Tuesday, Feb. 7 at home. Originally was born in Bellmawr, Wille had resided in Freehold since 1972.

Wille had served in the United States Air Force and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aviation Technology from Thomas Edison College. After college, Wille was a realtor and operated Family Realty in Freehold with his wife Geraldine since 1997.

Wille was a licensed pilot since 1956 and was a well known hot air balloonist.  He and his wife operated the former Colts Neck Airport. He was a member of the Balloon Federation of America, Aircraft Owner and Pilot’s Association, Great Eastern Balloon Association, and the Monmouth County Association of Realtors.

Wille was also a communicant of St. Rose of Lima Church, Freehold.

Surviving are his wife, Geraldine Mullen Wille; two daughters, Korene Wille-Griffith and her husband David Griffith and Shannon Keavy; his grandchildren, Tabitha, Adam, Taylor, Arinn, Thomas, and Elliana; three sisters-in-law, Mildred Bard, Catherine Carpenter, and Carol Mullen; three brothers-in-law, Willilam Mullen, Robert Mullen, and Charles John Mullen; and many nieces and nephews.

Visiting will be held at the Higgins Memorial Home, 20 Center Street, Freehold on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.  The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at St. Rose of Lima Church, Freehold on Monday at 10:30 a.m. followed by entombment at Maplewood Chapel Mausoleum, Freehold.  Memorial donations to the Deborah Heart and Lung Center would be appreciated.