William Joseph Simonson, age 96, of Whiting, N.J. passed away on March 24th, 2025. He grew up in Perth Amboy, N.J. and was one of four brothers. William was a World War II veteran who served in the Navy on the aircraft carrier, USS Bonhomme Richard. He worked for many years as an artist/illustrator for the Federal Government before retiring in 1990. William married his sweetheart in 1953, Ann Weckerle, and had five children. Bill and Ann moved to Matawan before settling in Morganville, N.J. for over fifty years. The great loves of William's life were his family and his art. Over the years, William painted many portraits, landscapes, and animal paintings. He was also a very talented cartoonist. Upon retirement, William started writing and illustrating children's books for a series he called "Itt & Ott". To date, he had published six books. The seventh book is on his drawing board to be completed. William is predeceased by his wife, Ann and daughter, Donna Resto. He is survived by his brother Gerry of Odessa, Florida, daughter, Karen and husband, John of Colts Neck, N.J. & Florida, his daughter, Dawn Suarez and husband, Michael of Conway, S.C., William, Jr. and partner, Kate of Freehold, N.J. and Scott of Whiting, N.J. He has four grandchildren, Shawn, Shane, Kira, and Jessie as well as two great grandchildren, August and Olivia. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 from 5 PM to 8 PM at Tilghman Funeral Home, 52 Main Street, New Egypt, N.J. 08533, and again Thursday morning from 10 AM to 12 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 12:30 PM at Church of the Assumption Chapel located on 76 New Egypt - Allentown Road, New Egypt, N.J. 08533 with interment to follow at Brig. General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 350 Province Line Road, Wrightstown, N.J. 08562. Should you wish to donate in lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the American Diabetes Association (diabetes.org/donate/donate-memorial)