William E. Rostron

_Somerville


William E. Rostron, 92, better known as "Knobby" by his friends and family, died Monday (December 5th, 2011) in his home surrounded by family. Although born in Brooklyn, NY on November 11th, 1919 as one of 10 children to George and Caroline Rostron, Knobby spent the majority of his life as a resident of Somerville, NJ.

In 1942, Knobby joined the 96th and 82nd fighter groups of the Army Air Corps in WWII as an aircraft armorer, moving up the ranks to Corporal before being honorably discharged in 1945. Upon arriving home, he joined the firefighters of the Central Hook and Ladder Company and served as a member for over 50 years. In addition to fire fighting, he worked for PSE&G as an inspector in the gas division. Knobby retired early, convinced he did not have long for this world, not knowing he still had 40 years of living left to enjoy.

He will be remembered as a devoted brother, husband, father, grandfather & great-grandfather. His daughters and grandchildren will remember him best for his avid golfing both on the course and in his backyard hitting balls against the garage, building snowmen every winter, swimming at the Reddy's every summer, and hearing him sing his favorite song, "Heart of My Heart," loudly and to anyone who would listen. Friends and family will never forget his signature wit and sarcasm, which stuck with him even in his final days. Knobby is predeceased by Terry Rostron, his loving wife of 56 years, and survived by his siblings Charles, Margaret and James; daughters Carole and husband Randy Cunningham, Barbara Klobusicky, Donna and husband Brian Morrison; grandchildren Jodi, Eddie and wife Heather, Janine and husband Sean, Dana and husband Stephen, Carrie, Colleen, Jessie and Connor; great-grandchildren Emerson, Trevor, Ava and Jaiden.

Visiting hours are on Thursday, December 8th from 2pm-4pm and 7pm-9pm. Funeral services will be held at 11am on Friday, December 9th, at the funeral home followed by the entombment at St. Bernard Mausoleum, Bridgewater.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Somerville's Central Hook and Ladder Company located at 22 Division St., Somerville, NJ 08876 would be appreciated.