William E Rose, Jr.

William Edward Rose, Jr., affectionately known as Bill, Manny, or Little Man, was born in Newark, NJ, on November 28, 1963, to William Edward Rose, Sr., and Betty Sue Rose. He departed this life on January 4, 2025. William touched the lives of many with his wonderful personality, infectious smile, kindness, and generosity.

In June 1981, he graduated from Montclair High School in Montclair, NJ, and went on to attend Virginia State University in Petersburg, VA. There, he met the love of his life, Lavora Bascome, whom he married on April 15, 1989. Their union was blessed with three sons: Justin, Ryan, and Jared.

William grew up in Montclair, NJ, on Mission Street, where he began his amazing and adventurous childhood, formed lasting friendships, and developed his love for sports. He spent much of his time playing Cobras football, Saint Paul's Basketball, Little League baseball, and training his brother Wayne to become an amazing athlete (with a few emergency room visits along the way). William volunteered his time coaching his sons' Little League teams and umpired for the Cooperstown Little League World Series. He had a knack for bringing out the best in children and was known by parents as the "best coach ever." He was very proud to have won many championships along the way.

William was baptized at First Baptist Church Lincoln Garden and remained a member until his passing. He enjoyed hosting holiday celebrations and events at his home and was known for captivating his family and friends with his excellent storytelling. William loved vacationing with family, Chinese food, ice cream, and frying his signature fish. He especially loved spending quality time with his two grandchildren, who affectionately called him "Papa." They were truly the loves of his life.

William worked in business sales for Comcast, where he formed many lasting relationships. His vibrant spirit and warm personality touched the lives of everyone he met. Charismatic, energetic, and endlessly fun-loving, he had a unique gift for making strangers feel like lifelong friends. His presence was a beacon of warmth and acceptance, creating an atmosphere where everyone felt valued and cherished. Bill's memory will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him.

William was predeceased by his mother, Betty Sue Rose.

William leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 35 years, Lavora Rose; sons Justin Rose, Ryan Rose (and his fiancée, Judy), and Jared Rose; his father, William E. Rose, Sr.; brother Wayne (and his wife, Shonda) Rose; sister Melissa Rose; brother Omar Shelley; sisters-in-law Jaton Bascome and Audra (and her husband, Vernon) Kirkwood; grandchildren Myla Rose and Ryan Rose; nephews Jordan Daniels and Myles Kirkwood; nieces Nia Kirkwood, Kayla Rose, Kennedy Rose Phillips, Kirsten Rose; and a host of relatives and friends.