In loving memory of William “Bill” Craig Oborne

July 20, 1951 – April 17, 2024

A small celebration of life will be held for family and friends over the Memorial Day weekend.

Bill passed away peacefully at the VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach, Florida at the age of 72, holding the hand of his wife Donna.

Bill was predeceased by his parents Lois Davison Oborne and John R Oborne, his sister Barbara Oborne, and his grandson Pierce Smith.

He grew up in Fairhaven NJ and graduated from Fair Haven/Redbank High School. Shortly after, he was drafted into the US Army. He was a proud Army Veteran and served during the Vietnam Era, stationed in Alabama as an MP.

Bill spent 30 years working for NJ Bell and its various companies. He was a Lineman in the beginning of his career and later worked in the office training co-workers on computerized systems, its programs, and new procedures.

Bill loved music; He was in All State Choir in HS and later became a member of the Hunterdon Harmonizers, Barbershop Chorus. He sang in Spotswood UMC Choir and Kingston UMC Choir.

He moved to FL in 2006 and joined the Sebastian Methodist Church. At SUMC he was a Lay Speaker, a Liturgist, Former President of the UMC Men, and Chair of the Administrative Council. During his time there he was also an active member of the Thrift Shop Volunteers. His best times at SUMC were singing in the Choir under the direction of Megan Mash for 12 years.

Bill loved woodworking and selling his creations at craft fairs and flea markets, was an avid toy train collector, loved to travel throughout the US with his family and loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Bill is survived by: 

His loving wife, Donna Marie Oborne, of 33 years

6 children: Thomas J. Oborne, Joseph P. Oborne, CariAnn (Leonard Kaczynski) Gowin                  Julie (Tariq) Mahmood, Harvey (April) Gowin & Tracey Oborne

9 Grandchildren: Amanda, Christina, Sabrina, Katie, Alana, Thomas, Victoria, Chloe

and Jackalyn.

6 Great-grandchildren: Miles, PJ, Adrian, Jayden, Wyatt & Zanovia

Bill is also survived by: 

2 sisters; Jan (Alan) Furtado, and Judy (Bruce) Fink

2 brothers-in-law; Jim (Dawn) Kidder & Norman Tremper

2 nieces; Jennifer & Ciarra and 2 nephews Brian (Amanda), Austin (Marissa)

Many thanks to the very fine professionals of the VNA & VNA Hospice House of Indian River County and to private care professionals Evelyn & Cheryl, their loving care for Bill and our family was exceptional.

Donations may be made to:  

VNA Hospice House 901 37^th Street, Vero Beach, FL