William A. Kanzler

Mr. Kanzler, 74, of Freehold Township, died Nov. 30, 2007, at CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township. Born in New York City, he had resided in Freehold Township since 1962 and was a Santa Claus in the Freehold area for many years. Mr. Kanzler was the owner of Four Seasons Sports Center, Freehold Township, for 30 years until his retirement 12 years ago. Prior to that, he was employed by Freehold Dairy for 15 years. He was a pitcher in the St. Louis Cardinals farm system from 1952 to 1954, as well as an umpire in the Freehold Babe Ruth League – where he was half of the “Fearsome Twosome” – and the Freehold Township Little League. He was the first coach for the St. Rose of Lima boys and girls varsity basketball teams. He was also the former Freehold Township welfare director. Mr. Kanzler was a communicant of St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church, Freehold, where he served as a Eucharistic minister and sacristan. A life member of Elks Lodge No. 1454, Freehold, he was named Elk of the Year. In addition, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Freehold Council No. 1672, and the Optimist Club of Freehold; an honorary member of the Marine Corp League’s Cpl. Philip A. Reynolds DeJohn tachment No. 203, Freehold; an honorary member of the East Freehold Fire Company, Freehold Township, and the Alapaha Fire Department, Alapaha, Ga.; and a 31-year member of the Board of Fire Commissioners for Freehold Township District No. 2, where he had served as a chairman. Mr. Kanzler was predeceased by a sister, Joan Kanzler; a brother, Matthew P. Kanzler; a brother-in-law, Richard Kirn; and a sisterin law, Doris Gaeta. Surviving are his wife of 53 years, Diane L. Kanzler; three sons and daughters in-law, William J. and Donna Kanzler and Gene and Jean Kanzler, all of Jackson, and Michael and Katie Kanzler of Millstone Township; two daughters and a son-in-law, Barbara Kanzler of Freehold, and Kim and Kevin Schweer of Jackson; two brothers-in-law and three sistersin law, Robert and Joan Masaro, Joan Kirn, Anthony Gaeta, and Caroline Kanzler; seven grandchildren and a spouse; a great-grandson; many nieces and nephews; and many Freehold friends. The funeral liturgy was celebrated at St. Rose of Lima Church, followed by interment at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery, Freehold Township. Higgins Memorial Home, Freehold, was in charge of arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to the Freehold First Aid and Emergency Squad, 18 Spring St., Freehold, NJ 07728.