Obituary of William C. Birath

William "Billy" C. Birath South Plainfield - William "Billy" C. Birath, 58, died on Monday, November 17, 2008 at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital in New York City after a profound struggle with cancer. Born in Plainfield, he was raised in Dunellen and resided in South Plainfield for the past 15 years. A 1968 graduate from Dunellen High School, Billy started his 30 year career in law enforcement working in Dunellen for 4 years before transferring to the Green Brook Police Department. He earned the rank of Sergeant and retired in 2003 after 26 years of dedicated service to the residents of Green Brook. Mr. Birath cherished his family and loved life. He enjoyed playing cards with his wife Gina (Celentano), bowling and visiting the Jersey shore spending time at the beach. Billy was an avid sports fan and followed many teams; the Yankees, Giants, Rutgers, Notre Dame Football, Duke University Basketball and NASCAR. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #23 in Green Brook as wells a member of the Pilgrim Covenant Church in South Plainfield. He is pre-deceased by his late wife Diane (Payne) Birath and by his father Carl. In addition to his wife Gina, Billy is survived by 3 daughters; Rebecca Ann Birath of South Plainfield, Elizabeth Ann Birath of East Brunswick and Christina Ettore of South Plainfield, his son Anthony Ettore of South Plainfield, his mother Louise Birath of Green Brook, his sister Beverly Keefer and her husband Fred of Montague, New Jersey and his granddaughter Gabriella Ettore. Also surviving are his niece Kimberly Keefer, his nephews Christopher and Kyle Keefer and many many friends. A 10:00 AM funeral service will be held on Friday, November 21, 2008 at the Pilgrim Covenant Church, South Plainfield. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery, Scotch Plains. Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 20, 2008 from 2-4 & 6-9 PM in the McCriskin - Gustafson Home For Funerals, 2425 Plainfield Ave., South Plainfield. In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Birath Children's Family Fund, c/o Pilgrim Covenant Church, 3121 Park Ave., South Plainfield, NJ 07080