Obituary of William H. Ennis

William Ennis, 89, of Wayne, loving and devoted husband of 61 years to Anne Ennis passed away in his home on Sunday evening. Bill was born in Connecticut in 1919 and was one of 7 children. He was a graduate with honors of The New Jersey State Teachers College (College of New Jersey) in 1941. In addition to being a lead trombonist in touring swing bands and a tenor in the recording group The Riffs, Bill became an educator and supervisor of music at the Union City school district. A civilian pilot before the war, he volunteered for the Army Air Force in 1942 where he was a decorated sergeant of the 306th Fighter Wing squadron serving in North Africa, Italy, and France. Following the war and his marriage to Anne, Bill was an entrepreneur in Long Beach, CA before returning to New Jersey. He quickly rose through the staff at the Essex County Corrections Facility where he served as the warden for many years until his retirement. A gifted singer and performer, Bill and his wife became life members of the Montclair Operetta Club where Bill served as President for two years. For more than 20 years Bill and his wife led the music and choir programs at Our Lady of the Lake in Verona. Bill is predeceased by his daughter Michelle, and his life is celebrated by his wife Anne, his six children, his 18 grandchildren and his four great grandchildren. Visiting hours will be from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. on Friday July 25. The funeral Mass will be Saturday July 26 at 10:00 a.m. at Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary RC Church, 45 Urban Club Rd, Wayne and at 9:00 a.m. at the Funeral home. Interment will be at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover. Please omit flowers. Donations may be made to St Judes Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905