Obituary of William DeVane Foley

William D. Foley (fondly known as Dee), a devoted family man, skilled craftsman, and lifelong lover of the outdoors, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2025, at the age of 86.

Born on September 16, 1939, in Coffee County, Alabama, Dee was the son of John and Eva Foley and brother to Johnny Romero (Foley), Henry Brandt Foley, Paul Basile, Ilanda Basile, Marcilia Basile, and Luigi Basile. He eventually moved to Hopatcong, NJ. There, Dee graduated from Roxbury High School, setting the stage for a life marked by hard work, dedication, and deep family values.

After high school, Dee began his career as a mason, working tirelessly to build a name for himself. Through years of determination and skill, he established his own business, W.D. Foley Mason Contractor. His exceptional craftsmanship earned him the title of master mason—capable of building or repairing just about anything with precision and pride. During this time, he also proudly served 2 years in the National Guard.

Outside of work, Dee had a passion for the outdoors, especially fishing and gardening. Whether it was a day spent fishing with his grandkids or tending to his garden, he found peace in nature and joy in the challenge. He was also known for his talents in the kitchen—his famous BBQ pulled pork and hearty breakfasts, always featuring cheesy grits, became favorites among family and friends.

But above all, Dee was a family man with a heart of gold who cared deeply about everyone he knew. He shared over 62 wonderful years with his beloved wife, Janice, and together, they built a life full of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Dee cherished every moment spent with his siblings, children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews; the legacy of those moments will continue to live on in the hearts of all those who knew him.

Dee will be remembered for his quiet strength, his skilled hands, his warm smile, and the deep love he had for his family. His presence will be profoundly missed, but the life he built will never be forgotten. Dee is survived by his daughters, Janet Prideaux (Scott), Joann Holick (Tim), Jennifer Kruger (Jurgen), his grandchildren, Sarah Pallarino (Michael), Christopher Holick, Skyler Prideaux, Tyler Kruger, Emily Kruger, his siblings, Paul, Ilanda, Marcilia, and Luigi Basile, as well as many nieces, nephews, friends, and colleagues who will remember him fondly. 

Hours of Memorial Visitation for William are scheduled for Saturday, October 11, from 11 AM to 2 PM with a funeral service begining at 1:30PM at Norman Dean Home for Services 16 Righter Avenue, Denville, NJ 07834 www.normandean.com. 

Memorial Donations can be made in his memory to the Interfaith Pantry by way of www.inmemof.com.

All are welcome to come and celebrate the life of this incredible man and to continue to let Dee’s light shine!