William J. Auer

William J. Auer, of Milltown, passed away Saturday, September 12, 2026 at St. Peter’s Hospital in New Brunswick. He was 79 years old. Born in New Brunswick, he lived in Milltown all of his life.

Bill attended Our Lady of Lourdes School and later attended New Brunswick High School. Due to a tragic ocean accident at the age of 17, he was left paralyzed and wheelchair-bound. This did not prevent him from living an active, meaningful, and full life. Whether you knew him as Bill, Billy, Mr. William, or Uncle Bill, he was an amazing person, overcoming life difficulties with courage and a smile.

He worked at City Federal Savings Bank and most recently for the United Way in Milltown. He was a parishioner of Our Lady of Lourdes RC Church in Milltown and a 3rd Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus Council 7250. He was involved with the Milltown Senior Citizens Center. He was also a proud member of the Milltown Jaycees. Through his contributions, Bill was honored by Jaycees International with Senatorship, which is the highest individual lifetime recognition and honor bestowed upon a member for outstanding service, dedication, and leadership. A few years later, he was honored to be chosen as the Grand Marshal in the Milltown 4th of July parade.

Over the years, Bill helped mentor other quadriplegics at Kessler Institute in West Orange and volunteered his time with brain injured children.

Bill was a sports enthusiast and a star athlete prior to his accident. He maintained a lifelong love for the Yankees, Giants, and Rutgers teams. He lived and died with his teams and celebrated them with friends and family through the years following, cheering, and tailgating.

He is predeceased by his parents William A. and Rose (Charonko) Auer.

Surviving are his sister and brother-in-law, Rosemary and Richard Smith of Naples FL; his niece Stephanie Peeters of East Windsor NJ, his nephew Richard A. Smith of Doylestown PA, his great nieces and nephews Madeleine and Bryn Peeters and Connor and Christian Smith; extended family members, and dear lifelong friends.

Bill will be remembered fondly and missed by all.

A Visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, September 17th, from 4:00 – 7:00 pm, at The Crabiel Home for Funerals, 170 N Main St. at Riva Avenue, Milltown. A Mass will be held Friday, 10:00 am, at Our Lady of Lourdes RC Church, 233 North Main St., Milltown. Burial will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery in New Brunswick.

Flowers and/or memorial contributions to the Central Jersey Spinal Cord Association or the Milltown Rescue Squad are equally welcome.