Mr. William Pollanger

William “Wild Bill” Pollanger, 76, passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, March 14, 2026, with his wife of 31 years, Terri, by his side. Bill was born in Woodbury, New Jersey, the only child of William and Elsie Pollanger, and grew up in Paulsboro, New Jersey. Though recently living in Cape May County, he always held a fondness for his hometown, ‘the Boro.’ From the time he joined his first band at age 16, Bill was the consummate entertainer. He was never happier than when he had an audience. Over the years he entertained thousands through various band performances, including singing with the Bonsal Blues Dance Band, playing with different bands in various New Jersey venues, most notably the Krazy Kat in Deptford, the Riverview Inn in Pennsville, the Red Garter in North Wildwood, and the Springfield Inn in Sea Isle City; playing in parades with Ed Coles and The Entertainers, having recently taken over as Wild Bill’s Entertainers, and also entertaining ‘seniors’ at various nursing homes throughout New Jersey and senior bus tours in the Wildwood, NJ area. Though music was his first love, his interests were varied and he held other jobs throughout the years, but he was most proud of his service in the Office of Jury Management. He loved helping people and took great joy in helping them navigate a stressful situation. Always looking for ways to serve, his volunteer work included being an EMT with the Paulsboro Ambulance Squad for several years, and many years working with the local chapter of the Jerry Lewis Telethon and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Bill was also a proud member of the Order of Freemasons for over 50 years. Bill is survived by his wife Terri, her family whom he loved as if they were his own, his cousin Wayne, Aunt Winnie, and countless friends. His beautiful singing voice, his heart, and his soul will be greatly missed by all. In accordance with his wishes, Bill was cremated near his current home. A Visitation will be held 11 to 12:30 PM on Wednesday March 25, 2026 at McBride - Foley Funeral Home, 228 West Broad St., Paulsboro, NJ followed by a small service, with a Celebration of Life being held at a future date. Clarksboro Masonic Lodge will conduct Masonic services at 11:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Masonic Village, 902 Jacksonville Rd., Burlington, NJ 08016 or their website, www.njmasonic.org in his memory. As a tribute to Wild Bill, always look for the good and make the time to do things that bring you joy, whether it’s something big like planning that trip you’ve always wanted to take, or something as simple as enjoying time with good friends. When you think of Bill, he asked that you not be sad, but remember his favorite movie quote, which he felt summed up his life: “It’s been quite a party.”

Mr. William Pollanger

June 2, 1949 - March 14, 2026