William "Bill" G. Poelstra

November 5, 1919 - May 27, 2018

POELSTRA, WILLIAM G. “BILL”, 98, of Paterson died on Sunday, May 27, 2018. Beloved son of the late Andrew and Lucy Poelstra (nee Malone). Before retiring Bill work as a Nuclear Physicist at the St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Paterson. He was a WWII Veteran and served in the US Army from 1943-1944. A Graveside Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, August 1st at 1:00 PM at Laurel Grove Cemetery, Totowa with interment to follow. In lieu of flowers donations are requested in Bill’s name to the First Baptist Church of Paterson, 95 Washington Street, Paterson, NJ 07505. Some church history: William G. Poelstra was born in Paterson, NJ and reared at The First Baptist Church of Paterson. He has been an Honorary Member of the First Baptist Church of Paterson, NJ from birth, November 5, 1919, to present. Mr. Poelstra is 98. His father Andrew G. Poelstra was born in Holland on November 5, 1881, and migrated to Paterson around 1884. He worked as an accountant for a rawhide business. Andrew was also an Usher at First Baptist Church in 1918. Bill Poelstra's mother Lucy Poelstra was born in Passaic County on June 1, 1891. She served as nurse's aide in WWII and was a member of the White Cross Missionary Group well into the 1940's at our Church if not more. William George Poelstra went to School 13, Eastside High School and is a graduate of New York University where he studied Physics. He is also the oldest continuing member at New Jersey MacIntosh Users Group. A physicist, an author, an inventor... At our Church, he has served many roles over the years as well, but the one that stands out the most is preserving our Church history. As I was calling My colleagues from Paterson Public schools for information on starting a Museum And library here..one of them told me how the Church he attends gave away their history and can never get it back. Thank you, Bill Poelstra, for taking Care of our treasure. God bless you.