Obituary of William J. DiCindio
Watchung, NJ – William J. DiCindio, 83, passed away on Wednesday evening, September 9, 2020 at Overlook Hospital in Summit, surrounded by family.
Born in Scranton, PA, Bill grew up on Homestead St. in Dunmore, PA and entered the United States Air Force following high school graduation. He served as an Airman First Class from 1954 to 1958.
Bill was a standout high school football player and continued that passion in the military, playing for the Air Force football team at the Chicksands Military Base in the U.K. Upon his honorable discharge, he was recruited by the University of Iowa where he continued his football career. Bill was on the 1959 Rose Bowl Championship Team and in 1960 was recognized with a game ball by his team which was ranked #2 in the nation. While playing football, Bill earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree and continued his education by earning a Law Degree from the University of Iowa’s College of Law. He continued to serve and support the Iowa Hawkeyes as a recruiter, fan and alumnus, remaining in contact with the football team and coaches throughout his life.
Bill, also known as, “D” and “Shaz” met his beloved wife Lois at the University of Iowa and they started their family while residing in Iowa before settling in South Plainfield, where extensive roots would forever take hold. He was active in Pop Warner Football as a coach and he supported various activities his children participated in, including football, wrestling, girls basketball and softball, as well as, cheering, pompoms and flag. Bill attended every event possible making his presence known by his vocal support. Eventually he relocated to Watchung, NJ where he and Lois have resided for over 10 years.
As a Labor Relations Attorney, Bill had a storied career and never fully retired. He continued working as an arbitrator and mediator on the Federal Board of Mediation and the Labor Boards of NJ, NY and PA through 2020.
Bill was not only the ultimate sports fan, he also loved traveling the world with Lois, attending Broadway and local theater, playing golf and was an avid reader. Being a “Grandparent in Demand” he and Lois supported their nine grandchildren in sports and activities ranging from chorus and musical concerts to recitals and plays, traveling to every corner of New Jersey, NY,PA, MD, DE, OH and even as far as Maui.
Predeceased by his parents, Jennie and James DiCindio and six siblings Mike, Grace, Mary, Domenick, James, and Gilda, he is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Lois and their five children, David and his wife Maureen and their children, Stephanie and her wife Marianne, Jessica, Cavina and her husband Dennis and their children Aaron, Avery, Avielle, Aiyana and Ashton; Sheena and her child Jream; Vincent and his wife Gina and their children, Vincent and his wife Jenna, Maria and Christina; William and his wife Sabina and their daughter Hailey; Michael and his son Michael; DeAnne Salzer and her husband Michael and their children, Gianina and Calilynn. He is also survived by many extended family members and dear friends.
Family and friends are invited to attend the visitation on Thursday, September 17, 2020 from 4-8 PM in the McCriskin – Gustafson Home for Funerals, 2425 Plainfield Ave., South Plainfield, NJ. Those attending are reminded that due to the Executive Order and CDC guidelines, all attendees are required to wear a mask and maintain social distancing protocol.
A funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, September 18, 2020 at 11:30AM in St. Mary’s Stony-Hill Church, 225 Mountain Boulevard, Watchung, NJ.
Interment with military honors will follow mass in Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Wrightstown, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to Pono Academy, School for Children with Autism, P.O. Box 1092, Kula, HI 96790 Ponoacademy.org or to Boys Town, P.O. Box 8000, Boys Town, NE 68010, boystown.org.