William Kistulinec:  A Life of Faith, Family, and Love

William “Bill” Kistulinec, passed away peacefully at his home in Warren, New Jersey, on Friday, June 13, 2025, at the age of 87 years old. He was surrounded by his loving and devoted family.

Born on October 17, 1937, in Jersey City to hardworking, blue-collar parents, Basil and Anna Kistulinec, Bill grew up learning the values of faith, family, and community. As a young boy, he helped at the family store and began building the strong work and service ethic that would define his life.

While working full-time, Bill earned his undergraduate degree from St. Peter’s College and master’s degree from Stevens Institute of Technology. During this time, he met the love of his life, Betty. Bill proposed to Betty at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, beginning a marriage that thrived for 62 years, and was a model for so many. Settling in the suburbs of Towaco, and later Warren, New Jersey, Bill and Betty raised two children, Mark and Kara, building a home filled with love, laughter, and strong faith.

Bill’s Christian faith shaped his life; he was a devoted member of Our Lady of the Mount Catholic Church, teaching Faith Formation (CCD) classes to over one thousand middle schoolers for over four decades and modeling the values of kindness, humility, and joy. He served the community in many other ways: as a medic in the Army National Guard, a volunteer EMT, a driver for Good Samaritan ministry, and as a teen mentor.

Bill’s career reflected his dedication and hard work. He served in engineering and management roles at Colgate, Mobil, Yardley of London, Church & Dwight, and Universal Process Equipment, always motivated by a desire to provide a stable, loving home for his family.

He embraced life fully. Bill loved playing board games, couples’ bridge, and family poker. Summer vacations were spent at the Jersey Shore in Lavallette, jumping waves, strolling the boardwalk, and gathering with family for fun and laughter. Bill took pride and joy in taking care of his lawn and flowers outside his home and, after retirement, continued learning by studying art, politics, and other disciplines at Rutgers University. His love of singing in church was a true expression of his gratitude for life.

Bill’s greatest passion later in life (after his love for his wife) was his six incredible grandchildren:  Grace, Billy, Shannon, Hope, Jack, and Colin. He played boardgames, taught them chess and cards, took them to playgrounds, and created endless laughs and smiles. He loved them all “up to the sky.”

Bill is survived by his loving wife Betty; his son Mark William Kistulinec, and Mark’s wife Amy Strasser Kistulinec; his daughter Kara Kistulinec Pollard, and Kara’s husband James Lyle Pollard; and his six cherished grandchildren, Grace Elizabeth, William Edward, Shannon Elise, Hope Louise, Jack Courage, and Colin William. He is also survived by his brother Edward Kistulinec and Edward’s wife Benedetta. He is predeceased by his sister Mary Ann DeAcetis and her husband John DeAcetis.

Bill’s life was filled with devotion to his faith, unwavering love for his family, and gratitude for life’s simple joys, believing every day is a blessing. His legacy of faith, family and love lives on in all who know him.

In remembrance, and in lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Our Lady of the Mount – designated to the Faith Formation/CCD program (170 Mt. Bethel Rd, Warren, NJ 07059).

A funeral mass will be held at 11am, Wednesday June 18, 2025, at the chapel at Our Lady of the Mount church, followed by a short service at Holy Cross cemetery in Basking Ridge.