William James Hastings

William James “Bill” Hastings passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 6, 2019. Born and raised in Jersey City to the late Louise Matilda (nee: Budd) and George Braker Hastings of Stony Point, NY.  He was a longtime Bayonne resident and local business owner. Mr. Hastings was a graduate of St. Aedan’s Grammar School where he also served the church as an altar boy, and later a graduate of Dickinson High School. 

After proudly serving the nation as a Private - Ordinance Supply Specialist of the United States Army during the Vietnam era and being stationed in Germany, he was employed as a Postal Supervisor at the United States Post Office for over ten years.  He then became the proprietor of Gilligan’s Dairy, a local grocery store on the corner of 13th Street and Avenue C in Bayonne from 1969 until his retirement in 1999. He also played an active role in Saint Mary, Star of the Sea Church as a volunteer for many events.  He was a member of the Holy Name Society and also served as President of the Parish Council.

Mr. Hastings is survived by his loving children; Jacqueline, Lisa, William and Peter, his grandchildren; Peter Bond, Alyson and DJ Hastings; six adoring great grandchildren; and his dear brother, George Hastings.  He was predeceased by his former wife Elizabeth Ann (nee: Sweeney) and his dear sister Dorothy Ziruolo.

The funeral will be conducted by Bayonne Memorial Home, Inc. on Wednesday, February 13, 2019. A funeral Mass will be held at Blessed Miriam Teresa Parish at St. Mary, Star of the Sea Church at 11:00 a.m. followed by interment at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Wrightstown.  Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday morning from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Castle of Dreams Animal Rescue, PO Box 739, Keyport, NJ 07735, www.castle-of-dreams.com.

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