Obituary of Wilbur Albert Grupenhof

Wilbur A. "Big Bill" Grupenhof Jr., 88, of Hackensack, passed away July 12, 2018. He is survived by his wife of 66 years Marie (Giacchi), his 2 children, Bill (Erin) of River Edge and Jacquelyn Askling (Roy 3rd) of Paramus, and 6 grandchildren - Billy, Hailey, and Gabby Grupenhof and Roy 4th, Matthew, and Christian Askling. He is predeceased by his sister Barbara Von Garlem. "Big Bill" was born on September 30, 1929, in Fall River, Massachusetts to Marion (Darmody) and Wilbur A. Grupenhof Sr. He grew up in Astoria, Queens and Hackensack, NJ. He served in the Navy during WWII and upon returning home met and married his wife, Marie. He rejoined the Navy during the Korean War where his ship, The USS Hailey, received 2 Battle Stars. Upon returning home to Hackensack, he joined the Teamsters Union and worked as a truck driver for 38 years. He retired in 1992 and remained in Hackensack. "Big Bill" was a John Wayne type with a heart of gold, always willing to help his friends, neighbors and family. He enjoyed working on numerous construction projects and renovations at his children's homes and spending time with his grandkids. He also liked to spend time in his large garage/ workshop drinking coffee, listening to the radio, and tinkering.