William Paulus Obituary

William Paulus, Jr., 94, of Hopatcong, NJ, passed away peacefully at home on June 21, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on May 15, 1931, in Jersey City, NJ, to the late William Paulus, Sr. and Louise (Benoist) Paulus, William grew up in Brooklyn, NY. He graduated from Cooper Union with a degree in Civil Engineering and went on to earn a master's degree in Structures from NJIT. A proud U.S. Army veteran, William served during the Korean War in the Counterintelligence Corps.
In 1962, William co-founded Paulus, Sokolowski & Sartor (PS&S), an acclaimed architecture and engineering firm based in Warren, NJ. His passion, drive, and devotion to his family helped shape the company's cultureone rooted in dedication and integritythat endures to this day.
William served on the Board of Trustees at NJIT, where a room has been dedicated in his honor. He also gave back locally as a member of the Warren Township Board of Health, where he lived for many years and raised his family before retiring to his beloved lake house on Lake Hopatcong in 2003. Alongside his wife Lois, William generously volunteered at the New Jersey Food Bank, reflecting their shared commitment to helping others.
Brilliant yet humble, William was known for his optimistic spirit, kind heart, and quiet generosity. He never complained, always found the good in any situation, and brought light to others with his quick wit and great sense of humor. His warmth and positivity left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, William lived a rich and fulfilling life. He was an avid reader of John Grisham novels, a lover of opera, and enjoyed countless rounds of golf. Together with Lois, he traveled the world and cherished family vacations in Bermuda.
He is survived by his three devoted children: Susan Ormesher, William W. Paulus and his wife Misse, and Lori La Maire and her husband Jim; six loving grandchildren: Elizabeth Salcedo and her husband Daniel, Brenton La Maire, Brice Ormesher, Matthew Ormesher, Kate Paulus, and Emily Paulus; and two cherished great-grandchildren: Celeste and Luna Salcedo. He is also survived by many other loving family members and friends.
William was predeceased by his beloved wife, Lois Paulus, in 2013, and by his dear grandson, Jordan William La Maire, in 2016.
William's Life Celebration will include visitation on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, from 24 p.m. and 68 p.m. at the William J. Leber Funeral Home, 15 Furnace Road (corner of Route 206), Chester, NJ 07930. A Funeral Service will be held at 7 p.m. during the evening visitation. Interment will take place privately at Somerset Hills Memorial Park in Bernards Township, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to one of William's favorite charities:
Mercy Ships (www.mercyships.org/donate).
Mercy Ships, PO Box 1930, Garden Valley, TX 75771.
Market Street Mission (www.marketstreet.org/donate).
Market Street Mission, PO Box 1937, Morristown, NJ 07962-1937.
If you wish to send flowers, the family kindly requests no roses due to a family allergy.