Obituary of William K. Mackenzie, Jr.
South Plainfield, NJ – William K. MacKenzie, Jr., 59, passed away on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital – New Brunswick.
Born in Rahway, NJ, Billy spent his childhood in Rahway, before moving out of the family home in 1987. In that same year, he met Nancy Hoffman, while she was visiting a friend at work. The two later married in 1995 and settled in South Plainfield in 2001.
As a successful restaurateur, Billy worked at and owned several businesses throughout the years. During that time, he managed to be inducted into the Bartender Hall of Fame. In 2004, he opened Drewby’s Grill Pub, located in Manville, which he owned up until his passing.
An avid sports fan, he enjoyed rooting for the Giants during football season, and the Yankees during the baseball season, he also enjoyed watching NASCAR. However, he was the biggest fan of any team his children were on. He attended every game, match, or recital he could, always cheering his children on as a proud parent.
Billy could often be found watching movies, especially Marvel movies which he shared a passion for with his children. As it was his career choice, Billy loved all things food. He loved to cook, explore new recipes, and watch all types of shows or videos surrounding food. Above all else, he loved his family. Any type of family time was his most cherished time.
He is predeceased by his father, William MacKenzie, Sr.; stepfather, Edward Ferrara; father–in–law Karl Hoffmann; and brothers–in–law, Gunther and Fritz Hoffman.
Billy leaves behind his wife, Nancy (nee Hoffman), and children, Elissa (Justin), Drew, and Aidan. He will also be missed by his mom, Barbara (nee Best) Ferrara; siblings Katy (Jay) Alequin (nee MacKenzie) and Edward (Julie) MacKenzie; sister–in–law Carla Hoffmann; mother–in–law Sylvia Hofmann; and nephews Rowan MacKenzie and Joey Novakowski ( Julianne); great-niece Kiera, along with a host of extended relatives and friends.
A visitation will be held at the McCriskin – Gustafson Home for Funerals, 2425 Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ, on Thursday, May 4, 2023, from 4 PM to 8 PM.
A funeral mass will be held at Sacred Heart RC Church, 149 S Plainfield Ave, South Plainfield, NJ, on Friday, May 5, 2023, at 10 AM. Family and friends may gather at the funeral home prior to mass, beginning at 9 AM. A live stream of the mass will be viewable by visiting the Church website, www.churchofthesacredheart.net.