Obituary: William H. “Willy” Formica, 87

William H. “Willy” Formica, 87, of Monroe Township died peacefully on Tuesday at in Freehold Township. Formica was born in South Plainfield where he lived before moving to Monroe in 2008. He retired from the New Jersey National Guard as a Staff Sergeant in 1984, where he had been a Transportation Specialist for over 25 years, including his participation in the Nike Missile Program.

Formica was a World War II Navy Veteran and a US Army Veteran of the Korean Conflict. He was a member of the B.P.O. Elks #2298 in South Plainfield. His love of his family was only equaled by his love of this country. Formica truly enjoyed his Florida vacations, a good scotch and a fine cigar.

Formica was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Anna M., on Jan. 22. He is survived by one sister, Angelina Maltese of Monroe, two brothers, James Formica of White Plains, NY and Thomas Formica of Decatur, Georgia, two sisters-in-law, Ann Formica of White Plains, NY and Jean Fantazir of Somerset; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Visiting at the in Freehold Township will be on Thursday, Feb. 16, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friends may gather at the Funeral Home on Friday, Feb. 17, at 7:30 a.m. for a Rite of Committal followed by his 8:45 a.m. Funeral Mass at The Church of the Assumption Chapel, 76 Evergreen Road, New Egypt. Internment will follow at Brig. Gen. Wm. C. Doyle NJ Veterans Cemetery, 350 Provinceline Road, Arneytown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Willy’s name may be made to Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301. For information, directions or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.