William "Bill" Gearhart, 75, of the Sleepy Hollow section of Plainfield, NJ (formerly of Westfield, NJ), passed peacefully on Wednesday, July 13, 2022 at Overlook Medical Center in Summit, NJ.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Nancy Bauer Gearhart, his beloved daughters, Elissa Parsons and her husband Bradford of Charlotte, NC, Kristy McGovern, and her husband Michael of Oradell, NJ and his beloved son, William Ragnar Gearhart and his wife Katharine Ladd of Philadelphia, PA, along with his 5 precious grandchildren; Hunter, Riley and Deacon McGovern, Ryan Parsons, and William Brant Gearhart, his sisters, Susanne Boyle, Janice Gearhart and his brother, Kevin Gearhart.

Bill was born on June 29, 1947, in Pittsburgh, PA to simple beginnings as the oldest child of William F. Gearhart, a tool and die maker, and Mary Gearhart (nee Blair), a homemaker.  He spent most of his youth outside of Pittsburgh, PA and Camillus, NY.  He found local fame as a star football player as well as becoming a decorated decathlete, who at one time held the New York State high school high jump record.  Before settling down, Bill held a number of interesting and varied jobs.  He was a high-rise ironworker, a lifeguard and even entered the seminary for a brief period.  His wife and children are very glad he moved on from that last endeavor.

Bill & Nancy's love story began when a mutual friend asked Nancy to pick Bill up from the airport.  He told Nancy that Bill was bad news and she should stay away from him and he told Bill that Nancy was someone he should marry.  They've been together ever since, building a business together, traveling the world, raising three children and spoiling their five grandchildren.

Bill and Nancy are the owners of Classic Travel & Tours in Metuchen, NJ.  They have worked side-by-side everyday growing their business.  It began in the basement of their former home in Westfield NJ as they offered dinner theatre trips into NYC, weekend ski trips, Disco trains to Montreal.  This ultimately led to them opening a full-fledged travel agency.  As anyone who knew him knows, Bill was able to create unique travel experiences that were unlike any other.  He and Nancy, along with family and friends, traveled extensively throughout his life.  His adventures included going on an African safari, riding camels in Egypt, snorkeling in the Caribbean, hunting and fishing in Canada, glamping in Montana, visiting the markets in Vietnam, sipping wine in Italy, drinking beer during Oktoberfest in Germany, relaxing down the Jersey shore and many more.

Bill's love of travel was matched by his love of food.  He was always looking forward to his next meal and was an accomplished chef.  Many were fortunate to experience his cooking and select few were unfortunate enough to be tasked with the cleanup.  The quality of the meal was directly correlated to the number of dirty pots and pans used in its creation.  He enjoyed nothing more than a fine meal with family and friends.  No matter the establishment, he began every order with "what do you recommend?" – whether it was asked of the head waiter of a fine restaurant or a teenager working behind the counter at a fast food joint.

Bill was the ultimate Renaissance man.  He was just as comfortable in a rustic hunting lodge in the northern regions of Canada as he was in some of the finest hotels of the world.  He owned both hunting gear and tuxedos.  He was a man of many talents.  He could go goose hunting in the morning, make pate for lunch and then host an elegant dinner party later that evening.  He could chop firewood for his campsite one day and cultivate his beautiful garden at home the next.   He had a strong creative streak, which was evidenced through his landscape design and event planning.  Later in life he took up painting, creating several beautiful works of art that the family will treasure forever.  His friends came from all walks of life.  He could have a conversation with anyone and find something in common.  No matter your background, he was interested in your story and the friendship that was formed would last a lifetime.

Bill had many passions but he loved nothing more than spending time with his family.  He loved taking his grandchildren on spectacular vacations or just spending the day swimming in his pool.  He loved the holidays, especially Christmas, where he would decorate almost every surface inside and outside his home.  His goal was to create lifelong memories for his children, grandchildren and close friends.  He wanted to ensure that everyone enjoyed the moment, as he did, even after it was gone.

We will miss you every day and will carry the memory of your moments in our hearts.

Visitation will be on Sunday afternoon, July 24, 2022, from 1 pm through 7 pm, at the Gearhart family residence, 1039 Rahway, Road, Plainfield, NJ 07060. The family would appreciate masks being worn.

Private Funeral Services for family and close friends only will take place on Monday morning, July 25, 2022, at 10 am, at the family residence.

Entombment will follow in the family's private mausoleum, at Fairview Cemetery, Westfield, NJ.

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Flynn and Son / Koyen Funeral Home, 319 Amboy Ave. Metuchen, NJ 08840,