William F. Doak Jr., veteran, lifetime fireman
William “Bill” F. Doak Jr., 91, of Millsboro, went home to his Lord and Savior Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at home with his family by his side. Bill was born in Nortonville, N.J.
Bill grew up in Bridgeport, N.J. He graduated from Paulsboro High School Class of 1952. Bill served in the U.S. Army as a corporal and Presidential Honor Guard Third Infantry, stationed at Arlington, Va. Once holding the rank of lieutenant, Bill was a proud member of Billingsport Volunteer Fire Association in Paulsboro, N.J., for 70 years. Until his death, Bill was their longest-living member. Bill was a charter member of Paulsboro Ambulance Association, a dual member of Clarksboro Masonic Lodge Number 87 in New Jersey, and Jefferson Lodge No. 15 of Lewes. Bill additionally served as a member of the Korean War Veterans Chapter 1 of Delaware and American Legion Post 28 of Millsboro. Other organizations that Bill dedicated himself to include, the Bonsal Blues Color-Guard Post 133 of Woodbury, N.J., Excelsior Consistory of Collingswood, N.J., and the Crescent Shriners in Trenton, N.J. Bill once served as a board member of Lake Garrison in Elk Township, N.J., where he had a seasonal home.
Bill was a member of St Paul’s Methodist Church in Paulsboro, N.J., and Conley’s Methodist Church in Lewes.
Bill raised his family in Paulsboro, N.J., from 1956-95. Bill retired from Air Products Chemical Company in Paulsboro in 1995 and moved to Long Neck with his wife, Sally. In Delaware, Bill volunteered in the cardiac testing area of Beebe Medical Center in Lewes.
He enjoyed camping with his family and friends, especially at Old Cedar Campground in Monroeville, N.J., and Four Seasons Campground in Elmer, N.J. He was an avid square dancer for many years and enjoyed woodworking and spending time with his grandchildren after retirement.
Bill is predeceased by his parents, William F. Doak and Margaret M. Kletzing; his brother, Donald Kletzing; his wife of 57 years, Sally J. Doak (nee Long); his eldest son, William F. Doak III; and his grandson, Andrew Doak.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret Zaly, of Long Neck; his sons, Joe (Lisa) Woodstown, N.J., and Donald (Peggy) Glassboro, N.J.; his daughter, Trish Doak of Long Neck; his brother, Ed Doak (Lila) of Pitman N.J.; sister-in-law, Jaclynn Pavone; and aunt, Theresa Burke, both of Paulsboro; his grandchildren, Kimberly (Dave) Showers of Gastonia N.C., Jason Doak of Woodstown, Megan (Brian) Tatum of Woodstown, Donald Doak Jr. (Kelley) of Washington TWP, N.J., and David Doak (Michelle) Elsinboro, N.J.; his 11 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; three nieces; one nephew; many cousins; family members, Dolores Weber, Steven Weber, Robert (Michelle) Weber, Jennifer (Bob) Sampson, Melissa (Chad) Bittle, Kenny Aumack, Jeff Parks and Anastasia (Andrew) Bradsher; and four additional great-grandchildren.
Interment will be with his late wife, Sally, at Gloucester County Veterans Cemetery in Williamstown, N.J., to be announced at a later date.
