William Luke Douma

William (Bill) Luke Douma, passed away on September 12, 2021, at the age of 78, after a prolonged struggle with a neurodegenerative illness. Bill grew up in West Paterson, New Jersey, and graduated from Newark College of Engineering (NJIT) (BSME, 1965) and from Rutgers University (MBA, 1970). Bill served in the Military Police Unit of the Army National Guard of New Jersey for six years, and worked as a Professional Engineer and Venture Analyst at Sequa (Rutherford Machinery), retiring in 2004. Greatly admired for his intellect, creativity and integrity, Bill was frequently called upon for his practical, innovative, and ethical problem solving skills. Bill’s inventions garnered a number of patents for his employers. For over 40 years, Bill lived with his family in Wyckoff, New Jersey, and there developed and nurtured many enduring friendships. Generous with time and talent, Bill was always at the ready to lend a hand and fix just about anything. Indeed, Bill was a builder in every sense of the word. From home renovations completed with care, to terraced landscapes in abundant bloom, to enjoying a game of bridge or golf with friends, Bill steadfastly improved the world around him. One of his touchstones was the adage, “If a thing is worth doing, it’s worth doing right.” Bill is remembered for his quick wit, affability, and warm, occasionally mischievous grin. He delighted in methodically completing, in ink, the Friday New York Times’ crossword puzzle, and singing with gusto at any opportunity, whether at church, a Yankees’ game, or the Show Place on LBI. As a father, Bill struck the delicate balance between protecting and nurturing his children and instilling in them his strong and deliberate work ethic, leveraging his humor, conviction, and integrity to help them rise to every occasion. When his grandchildren arrived, Bill delighted in the role of “Pop-Pop”, sharing his considerable acumen for entertaining and teaching even the youngest minds in creative and thoughtful ways. Bill is survived by his beloved wife Irene; daughters Alyson Eayre (Matthew) and Jessica Senk (Timothy); grandchildren, Ben and Emily Eayre, and Calvin Senk; and sisters Marion Start and Elizabeth Kerns. Bill was preceded in death by his older brother, Herman. A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, October 9, 2021 at 11:30 AM at St. Francis of Assisi at 4700 Long Beach Boulevard in Long Beach Township, NJ, 08008. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Cure PSP at www.psp.org, would be appreciated.