Obituary of William E. Prairie

William E. "Bill" Prairie, affectionately known by friends as "Coyote" passed away peacefully on Saturday evening, August 24, 2024 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ. He was 78.

Born and raised in Newark, NJ, he was a resident of the Menlo Park Terrace section of Metuchen, NJ and Piscataway, NJ before coming to Edison, NJ 52 years ago.

Mr. Prairie was a Senior Lab Technician with the Union Carbide Corp. in Piscataway, NJ for 35 years before his retirement in 2000. Following his retirement, Bill returned to work as a dual driver for the Edison Township Senior Citizens Bus and Willner's Livery Service in Edison as a limousine driver. In this capacity, he worked with many funeral homes throughout New Jersey.

Bill was a member of the Oak Tree Volunteer Fire Company in Edison since 1975, serving as chief for 30 years. He also served as a Middlesex County Fire Coordinator, and instructed at the State Fire Academy in Sayreville, NJ.

He was an avid Oakland Raiders fan and was involved with drag racing in the early 70's. Bill loved to tell stories, had a sharp wit, and a great sense of humor.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret and William Prairie, and son-in-law Joseph Cervati. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Deborah J. (nee Schulze); three beloved daughters, Arlene Kovacs of Highland Park, NJ, Heather Prairie of Somerset, NJ, and Jennifer Prairie and her fiance, Krzysztof Willman of Somerset, NJ, a dear sister, Denise E. Voorhes of Orlando, FL; and two cherished grandsons, Anthony W. Lichowid and Christopher Delia.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Visitation on Friday, August 30, 2024 from 2:00pm-4:00pm & 7:00pm-9:00pm at the McCriskin - Gustafson Funeral Home, 2425 Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ. A Fireman's Service and Catholic Prayer Service will begin at 8 pm during the visitation. Private cremation will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for memorial gifts to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (https://stjude.org).

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