William B. “Bill” Havens

July 30, 1963 - April 9, 2020

William B. “Bill” Havens, age 56 years, of Shrewsbury, NJ, died suddenly on Thursday, April 9, 2020 at Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank, NJ.

Born in Plainfield, NJ, July 30, 1963, son of June Lindland Havens and the late Richard Havens, Bill was raised in Fair Haven, NJ and lived for many years in Little Silver, NJ, prior to moving to Shrewsbury in 2013.

The life of this gentle giant is not ended by this obituary, but rather it is the hope that all reading this get a glimpse into some of the reasons that made Bill so special and why he will surely live on in the hearts and in the actions of so many.

Bill was a 1982 graduate of Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School, and went on to attend Elizabethtown College where he played baseball and soccer. An outstanding athlete from when he was a child, Bill was an accomplished pitcher.

A ‘people person’, Bill had a natural ability to connect with anyone he met. His support of anyone, anywhere, anytime and for any reason made him both well loved and well respected. He would strike up a conversation and have that person be a close friend by the end of that conversation. His genuine care, compassion, and humor would come through every time, and it was not unusual for local outings to take much longer than usual because Bill would most likely know most of the people wherever he went.

When he was 20 years old, fate would have Bill take a job at the Little Silver Family Pharmacy where he would be trained in his new job by a 19-year-old Ms. Leslie Nelson. Although noticing the “hunk” when he came in on his first day, it would be a few years before the two would begin to date. Their friendship blossomed, and they would be married on March 18, 1989 in Tower Hill Presbyterian Church, Red Bank, NJ.

The union of their love would produce the family that Bill was so proud to boast about to everyone and anyone. Rebecca came first, and would be followed five years later by her sister, Samantha. The two were the apples of their Dad’s eyes. There was nothing he would not do for ‘his ladies’ and both recall their Dad preparing them for the real world in ways they never could have foreseen. He was proud to coach them in the Little Silver Rec Softball League and was there for every event and function one could think of. He taught them to use every tool possible and change a tire on the fly.

Bill’s love of family came first, but this was surely followed by his love of woodworking. A master woodworker, Bill was admired as a true artist and was known to tell people, “If you can dream it, I can build it.” And build he did. For many years he was the owner and operator of Havens Fine Woodwork where he created many custom and varied pieces of furniture, trim, and basically anything his customers could dream of. He also worked for many years at Custom Woodwork, Red Bank, NJ and Dykes Lumber Yard, Aberdeen, NJ.

His love of sports never faded and he was a proud New York Mets and New York Jets fan. He played softball for many years with the Little Silver Crocs and was proud to participate in the Seaside Polar Bear Plunge each year to help benefit Special Olympics. Bill also was a fan of any type of new, exotic sports car and surely there was a new Porsche waiting for him as he crossed the gates into heaven.

St. Francis of Assisi once wrote, “He who works with his hands is a laborer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist.” Bill’s legacy, besides the ideal that being covered in sawdust is the best way to be, is that no matter what, do everything you do with heart. Bill, your heart made this world a better place, and will continue to do so through all of the people you touched over the years. Rest in the sweetest of peace.

In addition to his father, Bill was preceded in death by a brother, Gary Havens.

Surviving are his wife, Leslie J. Nelson Havens; his daughters, Rebecca and Samantha Havens; his mother, June Havens; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Dawne and Mark Dragonetti, and Jill and Mark Lyasko; his sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Debbie and William Lamberson, and Carole Costell; his aunts, Gail Wilson and Ruth Havens; his nieces and nephews, Greg, Julianna, Bryan, Justin, and Tara; his great nephews, Shawn and James; his faithful puppies, Cooper and Riley; several extended family; and many dear friends.

Given the current gathering restrictions in place in New Jersey, a public service is being planned at a later date under the care and direction of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ 08822. Please check back on this page for updated service information; again, the information will not be available until the restrictions are lifted.

A private family visitation at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank, NJ, followed by burial at Fair View Cemetery, Middletown, NJ, took place under the care and direction of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Flemington, NJ.

***Due to the inability to have a public ceremony at this time, and knowing how vital the love of family, friends, and the community is when someone passes, everyone reading this is encouraged to leave a detailed note on this page—perhaps a favorite story, or maybe the way Bill touched your heart—something to help inspire a measure of comfort and hope to all who read the comments.***

Please visit Bill’s permanent memorial site at www.wrightfamily.com to light a memorial candle, leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of his life.

Those who wish to make a memorial contribution to honor Bill’s life are asked to do so to the Seaside Polar Bear Plunge via ‘In Memory Of’ donations. Please click HERE to be taken to his personal donation page. For those who wish to make a contribution via mail, please make checks payable to ‘In Memory Of’ and mail to P.O. Box 5472, Charlottesville, VA 22905. Kindly note ‘Bill Havens’ in the memo.

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Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”

William B. “Bill” Havens, age 56 years, of Shrewsbury, NJ, died suddenly on Thursday, April 9, 2020 at Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank, NJ. Born in Plainfield, NJ, July 30, 1963, son of June Lindland Havens and the late Richard Havens, Bill was raised in Fair Haven, NJ and lived for many years in LittleContinue Reading

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I just received the news from one of Bill's former coworkers at Dykes Lumber. I was deeply saddened and my heartfelt condolences to the entire Havens family. Bill was one of the good guys and will be missed. Will- Buckland Sales Co.

Bill and I met at an MS support group a few years back . Bill became a good friend that really helped me and my family as my ms progressed over the years . We would meet for coffee every several months and check in . I’m so sorry and really can’t believe this . I am so sorry , Bill was a great man .

We're grateful for the time we had getting to know Bill and we will miss him greatly. We will all miss our driveway conversations about life, family and especially home improvement projects. It's hard to believe he's gone. We think of him often when we look at completed projects around our home and when we think - what would Bill have suggested for this space? He always had so many good ideas. We're grateful to have you as neighbors. Thinking of you all.

Saddened by Bill's passing - I recall competing against him in Little League so many years ago, when he was a terrific pitcher and player and all I wanted to do was beat him because he did it all so easily! Really nice guy. RIP.

My sincere sympathies to your entire family. I was so saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. Way too young. He was the nicest guy in the world. Truly a gentle giant. His smile was all you needed. It always came from the heart. You knew he had your back. I will always tell myself when stuck on a project “what would Bill do”. And he will answer me in his own way. Peace and Love, Bob

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

God Bless

In memory of William B. "Bill" Havens, Sharon Seldin Bachman lit a candle

Growing up in a small town like Fair Haven and getting to be around Billy Havens was a dream come true for a small kid like me. Although i was a bit younger than he was, he always took the time to give me a smile and a hello when we would cross paths. He and i played baseball against each other for a few seasons and i will never forget the fear (more like awe) we all had when he picked up a bat and walked to the plate. You just knew that if he hit it at you, it was going to hurt whether you caught it or not. The thing i will remember most about him was his kindness. it was that gentle kindness that lifted up the people around him. I am fortunate to have gotten to grow up with him and my heart breaks for his family.

Remember Bill well from Custum Woodwork. Great Guy very talented and very much the Craftsman. I only wish I knew Bill better. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. God Bless ??

Dear Leslie, Katie just told me about Bill's passing. My heart is just broken for you, Becky and Sam. So many wonderful memories when the girls were growing up - Girl Scouts & Rec. Bill always seemed to have a smile on his face and I know how he will be missed. Lots of love to you and the girls, The McGuires

Dear Leslie, Know that my heartfelt sympathy is with you, your girls and all who loved Bill. You will be in my prayers for as long as you need them. With deepest condolences, Maggie Reid Raffa

I was friends with Billy in High School and always remember him being such a sweet, caring, and mild mannered person. I saw him at past reunions and he had not changed. The world has lost a good person. My heart goes out to his wife and daughters.

I send my deepest condolences to the entire Havens family. Growing up in a small town as we did we pretty much all knew each other. I remember your brother pretty well!!. Jill I know this pain is I lost my brother Tom just two years ago. I will be holding your family up in prayer!! Gail Gingras

sincere condolences to the all of bill's family and friends. He was a good guy and a helluva cabinetmaker. peace to the havens family.

Grieving in isolation is so difficult. Know that many tears, hearts and prayers are there with your whole family. Our memories of Billy start when he was a toddler living on Central Avenue in Plainfield, NJ. He was a happy outgoing boy. One of my memories from that time was washing cars with him. He had a red Mustang petal car and I had a GT Mustang Fastback. Later in life we both had 5.0 Liter Mustangs at about the same time. For me, Bonnie, it was my favorite “date” with John to go to the red house and babysit for his niece and nephew. Billy’s interest in woodworking began at an early age working small projects around the house with his Dad, who was also very skilled. Bill was the fourth generation in his family to work with wood. His great grandfather built houses, barns and had a shop making wooden barrels on the southern coast of Norway. His grandfather immigrated to the US in 1929 and worked as a cabinetmaker in New York City. As he was growing up Bill spent many hours with his grandfather, who adored him, in Pop’s workshop. We have one of Bill’s first cabinets in our family room that reminds us of him every day. Time and distance separated us in recent years but this summer Bill stopped in for a visit on the way up North to his mother’s. It was so nice to spend some time with him and we had a wonderful conversation. He updated us on and spoke proudly of Samantha, Rebecca and Leslie. He was feeling better and very positive about the future. He discussed the possibility of reopening his shop. He also still had that wonderful laugh that he had as a child and gave us his usual bear hug goodbye. We are grateful for that visit, even though, little did we know, it would be our last. Love, Uncle John and Aunt Bonnie

Dear Leslie and family. I may be one of those few nonfamily members that knew Bill growing up around the corner in Fair Haven, playing baseball with him in little league and at RFH and then knowing him by living in Little Silver together. Although on different teams I enjoyed the comradery and friendship we had on the softball field. Finally in recent years as Bill and Leslies accountant, I always enjoyed their visits and the new and exciting plans Bill had for starting his business again. He will be sorely missed.

Love to the Havens family

Leslie and family, There are no words to lessen the pain, but please know you're in my prayers.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

So saddened and shocked by Bill’s passing. Bill and I went to Sunday School together at Tower Hill and during the Summer we were 2 lockers apart at Surfrider. Bill and shared a love for Hockey. He taught me to drive a manual in brand new Mustang. So many great memories of a great friend. Rest In Peace Billy. You will be missed.

So sorry for your loss. I knew Billy growing up in Fair Haven. He was a few years older but was always the nicest guy whenever we would cross paths. So grateful to meet back up with him at the Atlantic Club not too long ago. True to form, he came right up and we had such a great conversation with many more to follow. A true gentle man and such a great person. Rest In Peace Billy.

I am so sorry to hear about Billy, I knew Billy since elementary school and he was always the nicest most sincere guy! My thoughts and prayers are with his family. I am so sorry for your loss.???

I am so very sorry to hear this sad sad news. Our prayers are with you during this very difficult time ❤️❤️❤️

Dear Leslie, Samantha and Rebeca Samantha just told me today that Bill has passed . I know that there aren’t any words that I can write that could ease your pain. I can only offer to help, even if it just sitting and listening. I will always think of Bill as a bright presence.

I was a baseball team score keeper at RFH - this is where I got to know Billy as quite a kind sole even back then, when guys are usually trying to be cool- he was just a nice kid. I am so sorry to hear of this loss to his family and close friends. May he Rest In Peace.

Shocked and heartbroken by this news. Despite the fact that we're both local, I haven't seen Billy in many years. But I especially fondly remember playing ice hockey with him on McCarter's pond, and for a short while at New Shrewsbury Ice where he played goalie. I believe he may also have played at Navesink as a youth. My heartfelt condolences to his entire family.

Leslie, Rebecca and Samantha, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Thinking of you, Leslie, Rebecca and Samantha at this very sad time and sending you lots of love.

Super sorry to the whole family - like so many others that have posted I went to elementary school with Bill in Fair Haven and high school at RFHRHS class of '82. He was one of the good guys. Peace and healing to everyone!

Please accept my sincere condolences. I went to school with Bill from kindergarten through high school. He will forever remain in my memory.

Dear Leslie, Rebecca, and Samantha: News of Bill's sudden passing is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with you at this terribly difficult time. Like everyone who knew and loved Bill, I will remember him with great fondness for his smile, his enormous talents, and his kindness. The world will be a lot quieter without his presence. Wishing you strength, peace and love, Holly Sraeel (RFH '82)

Dear Havens Family- We are so sorry to hear the sad news of Bill’s passing. We are thinking about all of you and keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. He was an amazing person. Love, Michael, Cindy, Cal and Nolan Mendoza

My condolences to the Havens family, Bill and I grew up together and he was a great kid then and when I ran into him a few years ago I realized that nothing had changed he was still a great man. I pray that God will lift you up in his mighty hands and give you comfort. God bless you

Dear Leslie, Becky & Sam, I loved playing softball with Bill and all the friendship we shared. Watching him coach his daughters' was ajoy not only for me but for Becky and Sam and their teammates. His players loved him as we all did for the giving and caring person he was. He is missed by all who had the pleasure to know and love him.

Wow. Still having trouble comprehending this. I've known Bill for the last couple of years from the Atlantic Club. There were 4 of us who would meet at Dunkin Donuts after workout for a coffee before we all went off to work. Bill would drop in even if he wasn't at the club in the morning. We'd solve the problems of the world for 20 minutes, catch up on life, tell some jokes. Bill ended up renovating our kitchen late last year, and its made this stay at home so much more enjoyable (which i am sure there are many homes enjoying his handiwork). I will think of him every time i enter the kitchen.... We had been texting back and forth almost daily since the virus shut everything down, and i thought he was out of the woods when he was able to come home from the hospital. Crazy stuff; it makes no sense, everything he's been through for this to happen. To his family, your loss must be devastating, I wish I could give you comfort. A great guy, we laughed alot. It hurts to think he is gone.

My prayers are with you and your family. I grew up in Fair Haven and was in elementary school with Bill or as we called him, Billy. I have such clear memories of him. He had this go-cart shaped like a sail boat - I think his Dad built for him and we tried to "sail" it in McCarter's Pond. It sunk. after the disappointment - we could not stop laughing. Billy was an athletic kid - I was not. He was tall. I was not. Kids picked on me because of my size. Billy stopped them from doing that. Billy was one of the good guys.

In memory of William B. "Bill" Havens, Glenn McCauley lit a candle

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

We are so very sorry for your loss. Sending our condolences and prayers to the entire family.

My dearest Leslie, Becky and Sam, We lost a real good man, a great man, with the passing of Bill Havens. Bill was a accomplished athlete who was a star on the field but more importantly Bill Havens was a star in life. You couldn't find a more reliable friend who was there for anyone that needed his help or support. Whether he was volunteering at the Polar Bear Plunge, donating his considerable carpentry skills at the No Limits Cafe or being one of the first Crocs to step up for fundraisers like the One Pitch and various other community events, Bill was there. We, along with anyone who knew Bill, will miss him tremendously. Leslie, Becky and Sam, you are treasured and loved by your friends as your Bill was. Our Sincere Condolences, Peter and Peg Roskowinski and family

Sendings hugs to you all ... I’m so sorry ??

In memory of William B. "Bill" Havens, Edward somers lit a candle

Thinking of you during this difficult time. You and your family are in my prayers. <3

I am so sorry for your loss. He was a great person

Leslie and family, May the memories held deep inside your heart help to comfort you. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathy.

Leslie, Rebecca and Samantha - I am so sad and heartbroken to hear about Bill's passing. I am thinking of you all and am sending love and hugs to you and your whole family. I am so sorry Leslie, he was a kind and wonderful man, husband and father.

Bill was such a kind man. Leslie, Rebecca and Samantha, words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Leslie, Our hearts go out to you & the girls. Bill was a wonderful person & will be deeply missed. Praying that wonderful memories of Bill will live in your hearts forever. Love to you all.

In memory of William B. "Bill" Havens, Brian Loudon lit a candle

Dear Leslie, I am so sorry for your loss. I am thinking of your family and sending prayers to you and your daughters during this time. <3 Love, Maggie Messina

Dear Leslie, Rebecca and Samantha, Ron and I cannot begin to tell you how saddened we are to hear about the passing of your beloved husband and father. I will always remember a most kind and gentle man. He was always smiling. Our hearts are heavy for the loss of Bill. Dina and Ron Betancourt

Sending deepest sympathy to Billy’s family, this is heartbreaking news.

I love you uncle bill so much .. you were my best friend and will always will I love you so much xoxo

Leslie, Sam and Becky, we are so very sorry for your loss. Bill was a wonderful man, husband and father and will he sorely missed. May your memories sustain you. With all our love, The Novellino/Schwinn family

Love to you guys. We are here

We were so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Our hearts go out to June, Dawne, Jill, and of course Leslie, Rebecca, Samantha, and all who knew and loved him. He was a special person who will be greatly missed. We are comforted by the fact that he is reunited with Dick and between them, we know the woodworking in Heaven will be amazing ❤. Our deepest condolences to the Havens family. May Bill's memory be eternal. - Carol and Rich

In memory of William Havens, Moccio Family lit a candle

So incredibly sorry for your loss Mrs. Havens, Rebecca, and Samantha. ❤️

Dear Leslie, Becky, and Sam We share in your loss and sorrow. When we think of Bill, we see his beautiful smile. Sending our love and deepest sympathy.

So sorry to hear about Billy's passing. He lived across the street from me growing up and we played lots of baseball, football, and hockey (mostly in the street!) I have good memories of him. My condolences and prayers for Billy and his family. Rest in peace.

Leslie, Samantha, Rebecca and the entire Haven’s family, I am so sorry for your loss. Bill was a terrific friend. I still remember all of the Super Bowl parties and backyard barbecues. They bring back such fond memories. Bruce Springsteen’s Song Glory Days starts as follows: I had a friend was a big baseball player back in high school He could throw that speedball by you make you look like a fool boy Saw him the other night at this roadside bar I was walking in, he was walking out We went back inside sat down had a few drinks but all he kept talking about was glory days. Every time I hear those lyrics I ALWAYS think of Bill and his menacing demeanor on the mound. He was such a fierce competitor. RIP my friend.

Our Condolences and prayers extended to the Havens Family... God's Blessings and Love, The Sullivan Family

Rest In Peace, Bill. Prayers to your family.

In memory of William Havens, Dorean Shaw lit a candle

Leslie, Becky & Sam, We are so sorry for your loss. We should all strive to be the father, husband and friend Bill was. Know that we are here for you... All Our Love, The Talavera Family

Leslie, Rebecca & Samantha, Words cannot come close to expressing how incredibly sorry we are! Bill always had such a great smile, laugh and hug for friends and I know he loved you all so much! We are sending you all of our love!

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.