Obituary of William E. Whilden

William "Pudge" E. Whilden, age 79, died on June 25, 2023. Pudge lived in Pitman all his life. He graduated from Pitman High School in 1962 where he was class president. Pudge served in the US Air Force from 1962-1965 during Vietnam War. He worked as an Operator at Texaco, later becoming Coastal, in Westville for many years. He was a member of the American Legion and he coached soccer, little league and minor league baseball in Pitman. He is survived by his wife of 56 years Penny (Rathgeber), sons Kevin (Cindy), J.J. and Kurt, grandchildren Brady, Ansley, Emma, Jack, Mackenzie, Benny, Sam, Vada, Jagger, Lenni and siblings Joseph (Janelle) and Adelia Adams. He was predeceased by his sisters Tressa Joyce and Kathy Quinn. Friends may greet the family after 9:30am on Friday in the Kelley Funeral Home, Pitman, NJ. Memorial service will be at 11am. Interment Gloucester County Veteran's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans at www.dav.org.