William Paul Dunlap

William “Bill” P. Dunlap age 71 of Butler passed away peacefully on August 24, 2025, with his loving wife and friends by his side. Bill was born on April 21, 1954, in Dumont NJ. He grew up in Pompton Plains and then in 1972 the family moved to Terrace Lake in Butler.

He worked at Sunset Valley Golf Course and then he was an employee for the DPW of Pequannock. After his retirement Bill continued to work with the Borough of Butler as a crossing guard. Bill was an active life member of the Butler Fire Department up until his passing. Bill was the former Chief of the Kiel Hook and Ladder. Throughout his never-ending commitment to the community Bill held many positions in the Butler Fire Department and had been the Assistant Chief during his 52 years. Bill was a 25-year member of the Tri-Boro First Aid Squad holding the titles of rescue lieutenant, lieutenant and assistant captain. Bill was an active member of the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety, Life Member of New Jersey Relief Association, Life Member Exempt Association, North Jersey Fireman’s Association, Morris County Fire Chiefs Association, as well as New Jersey State Fire Chief’s Association. He was also an instructor for North Jersey Fire Academy. He also belonged to the Golf Course Superintendents Association.

Bill met and married the love of his life Gayle in 1988. Together they shared 37 years of wonderful marriage having a yours, mine, and ours family. Besides being a loving father, he relished in being a Pop Pop. Bill was a family man who loved doing things with the family. The family would go camping, he would go deep sea fishing with the boys, and he loved to take the grandchildren fishing and playing card games with them. He loved Disney and would go to Disney World at least twice a year. One of his many talents was talking Donald Duck. Bill never missed the annual fireman’s convention in Wildwood, even missing his sister-in-law’s wedding. He loved going to Lancaster, PA., and Cape May. He was a mentor to many on the fire department, first aid squad and DPW.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Gayle. Children William Paul Dunlap III, Robert Ridlen, Amy Dunlap Snook and her husband Jason Snook, as well as Michael J Dunlap. Cherished Pop Pop to Robert Ridlen Jr., and Josephine Ridlen. Bill is also survived by his brother James Dunlap and his nephews, nieces and countless friends. Bill is preceded in death by his parents William and Everdene Dunlap, sister Everdene “Dee” Dunlap-Dean and her husband Richard Dean.

The visitation service for William “Bill” P. Dunlap will be held at Morrison Etheridge Funeral Home, located at 86 Bartholdi Ave., Butler, NJ. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects on Friday, August 29, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A service will be held at the Butler United Methodist Church, 5 Bartholdi Ave, Butler, NJ at 10:00 AM on August 30, 2025, with interment at Laurel Grove Cemetery in Totowa. Repass to follow at the Butler Fire House in Butler.

In Lieu of Flowers you can send donations in Memory of Bill to the Butler Fire Department or Tri-Boro First Aid Squad.

http://www.butlerfd.com/donate.html

http://www.triborofirstaidsquad.org/donations.html