Pennsville is mourning the loss of longtime youth football coach William Joseph “Bill” Boden, Jr., who passed away on November 3, 2025, at the age of 79.
Boden, who grew up in Woodbury, New Jersey, spent around two decades coaching in the Pennsville Midget Football Program.
The late coach inspired the next generation of players, thanks to his passion and dedication to the game.
He was also a huge Philadelphia Eagles Fan, who would find a time to watch them play, no matter the circumstances.
Former players who had the opportunity to play under him will remember him as someone who pushed them to reach their full potential and who sought 100% from the team.
He always drove us to play bigger and tougher,” wrote former player Kris McNiss Sr. “His toughness was his love for the game and his players.”
A Great Professional and a Family Man
Beyond the field, Bill was a proud family man, a devoted husband to Carol Ann Boden, his wife of 59 years, and a loving father to William Joseph Boden III and Lisa Michelle Boden (Michael Malusis).
He also cherished the time with his four grandchildren: Brooke, Haley, Mitchell, and Nathan.
Alongside coaching, Bil, a graduate from Woodstown High School and Memphis State University, also worked as a heavy equipment operator for over four decades.
The outpouring of messages on social media reflects the impact Boden had on the Pennsville community.
“He was one of a kind and will be missed by so many,” wrote Karen Gott Padlo. “He left an incredible mark in the world,” added Gina Friebel.
Many other individuals, including close friends, family members, and former students, called him a fantastic person, a kind soul, and one with humility, and have offered deepest condolences to the family and close ones.
“He was a big part of my childhood from midget Football days to your family trips to West Virginia and the Pine barrels. So much fun on those trips because of him. We all miss him,” wrote an emotional student.
Another individual added, “My dear friend Carol, I’m so sad to hear this about Bill. What a great guy and are sorry to know he has passed on. Im here if you need me for anything. My deepest sympathy goes to each and every one of you.”
According to Bill’s daughter, Lisa, the funeral services will be held on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Laughrey Funeral Home in Pennsville.
Instead of flowers, the family has requested donations to the Pennsville Animal Shelter or the Pennsville Midget Football team, fitting tributes to a man who loved both his hometown and the next generation of football players growing up in it.
