A mass of Christian burial was celebrated April 10 at Church of the Nativity, Fair Haven, for William J. Stack II, 78. He died April 6. Born and raised in Hoboken, he attended Seton Hall Prep in South Orange and then furthered his education by earning a BA degree from Providence College in Rhode Island. Son of the family business co-founder Edward M. Stack, William successfully manned the helm of Stack & Stack, a Hoboken based real estate and insurance firm established in 1920, along with his brother Maurice, before turning it over in good health to third generation sons Maurice and Thomas, and nephew Edward M. Coolahan.
William J. Stack distinguished himself professionally as a real estate appraisal expert specializing in property tax appeals. He provided this service to the public and private sector for nearly 50 years and valued thousands of properties throughout New Jersey and the Northeast. He qualified and testified as an expert before the United States District Court, United States Bankruptcy Court, Supreme Court of the State of New York, Superior Court of New Jersey, State Division of Tax Appeals and Tax Court of New Jersey, 15 of the 21 County Boards of Taxation, various Planning Boards, etc. Several of the cases in which he participated resulted in reported decisions that influence property tax valuation guidelines today. If his colorful personality did not touch the heart of the most tenacious adversary, it was his in-depth knowledge of the appraisal profession and local market that ultimately earned their respect. His mark on the property tax field will be remembered for generations.
He lived a life dedicated to service. He served his country and received an Honorable Discharge from the Army of the United States on June 4, 1962, as First Lieutenant, ARMOR, USAR, 04 038 156, he served his God and he served his family. His reward comes now as he rests in peace knowing that he can look back on his life and take pride on a job well done. He was loved by many and will never be forgotten. He was preceded in death by his son, Timothy in January, 2010. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Maureen; his two sons Maurice Stack, II, married to Megan Stack of Shrewsbury, and Thomas Stack and his fiancé, Lori Jo Kinsella of Sea Bright; his two daughters Teresa Pearson, married to Dana Pearson of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, and Shelagh Gilbert, married to Scott Gilbert of Little Silver; six grandchildren, Devyn, Camryn and Liam Stack, Blair and Caleigh Gilbert, and Bridget Pearson, his brother Maurice J. Stack and three sisters Teresa Pflugh, Margaret Coolahan, and Mary Gaspar. Services arranged by the Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank.