Obituary of William Francis Jacobs

Sewell, N.J. William F. Jacobs of Sewell, NJ (formerly of Pitman, NJ), passed away peacefully at home on December 12, 2022. He was 90 years old. Born in Philadelphia, PA and raised in Hammonton, NJ, he enjoyed growing up there and the heritage of his family's farm. He graduated from St. Joseph's High School in 1950, earning multiple varsity letters. An avid, lifelong fan of both playing and watching sports, he played baseball and basketball for St. Joe's High. At the tender age of 47, he earned a black belt in Tang Soo Do martial arts. Watching Eagles' games (especially at Veterans Stadium with his pal Dave Marre), and a good Sixers game were two of his favorite past times. Another guilty pleasure was a good game of Pinochle at the St. Anthony Italian Club in Glassboro, NJ, where he was a long-time member. But perhaps his happiest and proudest moments were attending his children's and grandchildren's sports games and performances. He barely missed one in 40 years. Bill was very proud to serve his country in the United States Navy for four years, enlisting on his 20th birthday in 1952. He was named Honor Man for his company in boot camp, and toured Europe in 1954 as a Storekeeper 3rd Class. In 1954, Bill made two big choices -- to open his first gas station business, and to have it located in Pitman, NJ. From that day forward, through determination, long hours, hard work, and most of all, integrity, Bill developed several successful businesses, and more importantly, deep respect and life-long friendships in the Pitman area. Between 1960 and 1965, he constructed and opened Bill's ESSO Service Center and Jacobs' Auto Supply on Woodbury Road in Pitman. He took great pride in providing great service and high quality for over 30 years. In 1957, he married his hometown sweetheart, Marguerite Salvatore. They settled down at a property in Pitman, NJ that was his pride and joy for 60 years. He was so proud to raise his three daughters there. It was the site of countless great times with family and friends, especially his four grandchildren. He loved and protected his family with every fiber of his being, and he expressed his love and gratitude often through words and deeds. He enjoyed a deeply loving marriage with Marguerite for 65 years. Bill Jacobs was a man known for his generosity, kind heart, hard work, sense of fair play, integrity, honor, and love of country. He was always quietly aiding those in need with a helping hand, a few dollars, a job, business advice, or an understanding ear. We will never know how many people awoke one snowy morning to find their driveway anonymously plowed by Bill Jacobs with his stumpy cigar and his trusty Willys Jeep! His giving heart was as big as the sky, and it truly warmed his heart to help people. Bill is perhaps remembered most for his great and slightly mischievous sense of humor. He loved telling jokes and tales, especially recounting the antics of his youth. He always knew the perfect combination of nostalgic setting, comedic timing, nutty character names, humorous anecdotes, suspenseful build-up, and a "wait for it" ending that kept his listeners smiling and wanting more. He could lighten your heart and reassure you with one wink or smile. It was great to see how children and pets always amused and delighted his heart. William is survived by his devoted wife Marguerite (nee Salvatore), three loving daughters and two deeply caring sons-in-law: Margaret Jacobs, Marie Nicholas (nee Jacobs) and her spouse Jeffrey Nicholas, and Renee Post (nee Jacobs) and her spouse Dean Post. Most beloved are four cherished grandchildren: Ethan Nicholas, Isabelle Nicholas, Owen William Post, and Abigail Post. Also surviving him are his brother John E. Jacobs with wife Angelina, and brothers- and sisters-in-law Vincent and Rita Salvatore, and Joseph and Jacqueline Salvatore. He also leaves behind many affectionate nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He is predeceased by his parents William and Marie Jacobs of Hammonton, NJ, and his son William Michael Jacobs, who died in infancy. Services will be held on Tuesday, December 20, 2022. Friends and family may pay their respects at Kelley Funeral Home in Pitman, NJ from 9 am to 10:45 am. A mass of Christian burial will be held at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Pitman, NJ at 11 am. Interment will take place at Holy Sepulcher cemetery in Hammonton, NJ immediately following the mass. A luncheon reception will take place at Rocco's Towne House, Hammonton, NJ immediately following the interment services. All are invited and welcome. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, or the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR).