William Edward Furman, successful travel agent

William Edward “Bozo” Furman, 63, of West Palm Beach, Fla., passed away Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023, at Select Specialty Hospital in Wilmington surrounded by his loving family. He was born March 1, 1960, in New Jersey, son of William and Marianne Furman.

 

A New Jersey Native, Billy was born and raised in Parsippany, N.J., and graduated from Parsippany High School in the class of 1978. He then furthered his education by attending Central Pennsylvania College, graduating with an associate’s degree in the specialized field of travel and tourism in 1982. Billy’s path would lead him to a lengthy and successful career as a corporate travel agent starting with TWA, American Express Travel TSA Air Marshalls, Boscov Travel, and ending with Hickory Global Travel. He was also a partner at Travel with Hilo.

 

He devoted and volunteered countless hours to working with North West Student Exchange Program, where he hosted several exchange students and oversaw many others. Billy will always be remembered as the “Dad” to those who stayed with him, especially to his first-ever exchange student, Gregely Apjok, whom he loved very much.

 

Billy was an avid traveler who had the opportunity to travel all over the world. Some of his favorite places were Egypt, London, Hungary, Cuba, Switzerland, Iceland, Alaska, Amsterdam, and countless other amazing destinations.

 

Earning the nickname “Bozo the Clown” as a child, Billy was always known for his wicked sense of humor since he was a little boy. Billy was a loving and devoted son, the best big brother, and the absolute best uncle to his nieces, nephews, and great-niece. He was a loyal and dedicated friend. Billy was the type of person who would give the shirt off of his back to help someone in need, and often went above and beyond for all of those in his life. Billy had a remarkable way to brighten even the darkest of days for those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

 

If you had the pleasure of knowing Billy, you know how much he loved the “Wizard of Oz.” Billy had an extensive collection of memorabilia, such as a piece of The Yellow Brick Road, an original script, and several autographs, and most recently had the opportunity to travel, and hold Glinda the Good Witch’s wand. Billy also loved Disney, where he was an annual pass holder for several years. Billy shared his love of Disney with his sister and later spread his contagious love of Disney to several nieces and nephews. He was always up for a park day!

 

In addition to his parents, Billy is survived by his sister, Leigh-Ann Zerden; two brothers, Michael Furman (Coleen) and Scott Furman (Stacey); nieces, Cassandra Rozsas (Christopher Rozsas), Grace Furman, Sadie Furman and Michaela Furman; nephews, Scott Furman Jr., Samuel Furman and Ryan Furman; as well as, his great-niece Peyton Rozsas. He is also survived by his Aunt Lorraine and Uncle Jose Cintron, and cousins, Candee and Todd; as well as many other aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is also survived by his best friend, Michael White-Duarte (Marcio Duarte); and several kitty fur babies, whom he loved very much. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, William and Elizabeth Furman, and Edward and Frances Kuntz; and his uncle, the honorable Francis Hayden, wife Aunt Lillian Hayden, and cousin Francis Hayden.

 

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 30, at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.  A Viewing for family and friends will begin at 10 a.m. Interment will follow the services at Odd Fellows Cemetery, Milton.

 

All unable to attend in person are invited to join the service via livestream by visiting: parsellfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/permalink/11236053/LTWebcast.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Billy's name may be made to: Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, National Paralysis Resource Center, 636 Morris Turnpike, Ste. 3A, Short Hills, NJ 07078, ChristopherReeve.org.

 

Visit Billy's Life Memorial webpage and sign the online guest book at parsellfuneralhomes.com.