Obituary of William Jannarone

William "Bill" Jannarone, 76, of Vineland, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 10th, 2021. Bill was born in Nutley, NJ to Thomas and Agnes Jannarone on January 2nd, 1945, the fourth of six children. Growing up in a large Irish-Italian family-whose older generations found success after immigrating to the United States- taught Bill the value of hard work and the importance of family. Throughout his life, Bill was a talented athlete, excelling in baseball, basketball, football, and golf. An All-Star pitcher in Little League, the customers on his paper route in Linwood, NJ often found their newspapers on their roof. He played varsity basketball, baseball and football at Keyport High School and continued at Raritan Township High, the new school his father helped build as the Hazelet Schools Superintendent. During Bill's senior year, he averaged 20 per points per game on the basketball court and was voted to the All Shore Conference Squad. After graduating from high school in 1963, Bill received a dual athletic scholarship in basketball and baseball to attend Seton Hall University. Initially a premed major, Bill graduated with a business degree, but always said his biggest collegiate challenge was giving up football to focus solely on his baseball and basketball career. While at Seton Hall, he joined Phi Kappa Theta where he met lifelong friends PR, Ray, Cinch, Basso, and John Bland. His Brothers fondly remember a regular saying among their tight-knit group: "That's Bill!" At school, Bill was able to indulge his love of music, eagerly playing Ray Charles and Billie Holiday records for friends and family. He never forgot seeing one of Bob Dylan's early performances in Greenwich Village. Following his college graduation in 1968, Bill's spirit of adventure brought him to California where he spent his formative years, relishing the counterculture. A dedicated and loving brother, he introduced his younger sister to the state and, later in life, enjoyed taking all four of his children on road trips out West. After working at Jeep and serving in the Army Reserves, Bill returned to New Jersey, where he pursued a career in real estate. In 1977, he launched Pearce-Jannarone Realty with his business partner, Roger Pearce, and served on several committees with the Cumberland County Board of Realtors. Their firm was a staple of Vineland real estate for 44 years. Bill had a true spirit of service and highly valued education-a reflection of his upbringing by a nurse and an educator. Bill's passion was educational opportunities for all, which he acted on as an elected official of the Vineland Board of Education and as a member of the Vineland Rotary Club for over 28 years. As a Rotarian, Bill served on the Scholarship Committee and spearheaded a program to provide literacy resources to Vineland schoolchildren. When he wasn't building his business, spending time with his children, or serving the community, Bill enjoyed golf (and bragging about his lowest scores), making his own wine, playing pick-up basketball at the YMCA, and traveling. Curious about the world, Bill read the morning newspaper religiously. Above all, Bill considered himself a "proud and lucky" dad. He passed on his love of business and real estate to his son David, who started his own real estate business in Washington, D.C. Bill's excitement for travel and adventure was passed on to his daughter, Jessica, who explored the world while proudly serving in the US Navy for 20 years. Bill's admiration of his mother's chosen profession encouraged his son Derek to follow her into nursing, becoming an RN at Johns Hopkins Hospital. He gave the gift of sport to his daughter, Sarah, spending countless afternoons and evenings as her basketball and tennis coach. In his final months, Bill faced his cancer diagnosis with characteristic optimism. Despite the severity of his illness, he believed that everything happens for a reason-and cherished being surrounded by his children, siblings, dear friends, and his loving partner of ten years, Janice Meeks-Boriss. Bill is survived by his children, David A. Jannarone of Washington, D.C., Jessica Jannarone Kritzas of Norfolk, VA, Derek Jannarone of Baltimore, MD, and Sarah Rae Jannarone of Brooklyn, NY; his partner Janice Meeks-Boriss of Egg Harbor, NJ; beloved siblings Thomas Jannarone, Jim Jannarone, Marcia Coleman, Alicia Price, and Agnes Gordon as well as several cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Agnes Jannarone. Memorial donations may be made to Vineland Rotary Charities Foundation, with the memo "Scholarship Fund in Memory of Bill Jannarone." The family wishes to extend their deep gratitude to the healthcare workers who provided excellent care throughout Bill's illness. A funeral home visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 from 2pm to 4pm followed by a funeral service at 4:00 pm from Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland. Burial will take place on Wednesday, July 21st, at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Red Bank, NJ for family and close friends. ARRANGEMENTS are under the supervision of Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360 To send online condolences please visit our website at www.RONEFUNERALSERVICE.com