Obituary of William Albert Teschner

It is with deep sadness and love that we share the passing of William Albert Teschner, 71, of Morris Plains, NJ on July 12, 2025.

Born on October 15, 1953, Billy was the beloved son of Albert and Ruth Teschner. He grew up on Emerson Drive in Whippany with his older sister, Eileen, and his younger sister, Joanne. As a kid, Billy loved crabbing, fishing, and boating with his family at the Jersey Shore, hiking and camping, and playing baseball with his neighborhood buddies. He had a natural talent for fixing things—even at a young age, he could be found repairing a lawn mower or building hobby models. Music was always a big part of his life; he got his first guitar at age 15 and proudly played the tuba in the Whippany Park High School Marching Band.

Billy earned his Associate in Arts degree from County College of Morris in 1977 while working at Robbie’s Music City. After graduating, he briefly worked at Liberty Mutual before joining Wilmans Auto Body, where he eventually became partner and later sole owner. In 2005, his son Will joined him in the business, and the two worked side by side until Billy’s retirement in 2024.

Billy met his wife, JoAnne, in 1973. Six months later, he sold his car to buy her an engagement ring. They were married for over 50 years and had three children: Danielle, Nicole and William Jr. He loved his family more than anything, including his two sons-in-law and two beautiful granddaughters. Nothing made him happier than weekend family barbeques at their pool, but a daily Costco run was a close second. He loved his annual family trips to St. Martin and Lavallette and never went anywhere without his camera. He was a man of a million hobbies, but his greatest passion was playing “groovy” music in his basement studio with his friends.

Billy is lovingly remembered by his wife, JoAnne; his daughters, Dani and Niki, and their husbands Carlo and Eli; his son, Will; and his two granddaughters, Olivia and Ava. He is also survived by his sisters, Eileen (Bob) and Joanne (Chip); his nephews, Matthew (Cristina) and Jones (Sharon); his niece, Erin (Gerard), and all of their families; his sisters-in-law, Patty (Ed) and Debbie (Ed); and his nieces and nephews, Ryan (Mackenzie), Lindsy (Chris), Jessica, and Ed (Adriana and daughter).

Billy’s legacy lives on in the music he loved, the family he cherished, and the countless lives he touched with his humor, loyalty, and kindness.

In keeping with Billy’s generous and musical spirit, the family suggests a donation to Music Will in lieu of flowers. https://musicwill.org/about/