Obituary of William Joseph Friend, Jr.

William Joseph Friend, Jr., 84, of Ocean City, NJ passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at home with his family by his side.

Born in Philadelphia, Pa to the late William J. and Mary (nee Carmody) Friend.   He was a graduate of North Catholic High School class of 1956.

Bill came from a long line of police officers and earned the rank of Detective Sgt with the Philadelphia Police Department before his retirement in 1984.  He was a Bus Driver for the  Upper Township and Ocean City students and athletes.

He served in the US Army Reserves retiring as a First Sergeant.

He was an active member of Our Lady of Good Counsel R. C. Church serving as an Usher for many years. Bill was a Past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus in Philadelphia and Ocean City.  He was a member of FOP Lodge # 5.

In addition to his parents he was predeceased by a granddaughter: Brianna Friend, sister: Maryanne Holden and brother: Lawrence Friend.

Surviving are his wife: Barbara (nee Turic) Friend, children: Bill (Jackie) Friend, John Friend and Patti (Fran) Donlan, five grandchildren:  Makenzie Friend, Ethan Dawson, Cassandra Friend, Jennie (Eric) Stokley, Bridget (David) Rheinfeld.  Also surviving is a brother: Robert Friend.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Monday, March 13, 2023 at 11 o’clock from Our Lady of Good Counsel R. C. Church of St. Damien Parish, 40^th Street at Asbury Avenue, Ocean City, NJ where friends may call from 9:30 until 10:45.

Burial will be private.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Knights of Columbus # 2560, 1337 Asbury Avenue, Ocean City, NJ 08226.

Arrangements by The Godfrey Funeral Home of Ocean City.  Condolences may be left for the family at www.godfreyfuneralhome.com