William King Schaedel, long-time businessman, dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend — passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 13^th 2026, surrounded by his family at home in Hope, NJ. He was 92 years old.

King was born April 3^rd, 1934 in Newark, NJ to William G. and Dorothy King Schaedel.  He grew up in New Jersey, graduating from Hackettstown High School in 1952. King attended multiple schools including Duke University, Miami University, Louisville University and Rutgers University where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree. He also served in the U.S. Army Specialty Training Regiment.

King was in business with his father at King’s Lumber Company in Washington, NJ. He was an arbitrator for the National Arbitration Association for 15 Years. King worked as a Construction and Zoning officer in Hackettstown NJ and building inspector for Washington Township, NJ. Among the businesses he owned were Chico’s Pizza in Phillipsburg, NJ and the Blairstown Dairy Queen.

King served as a VP and Director for the Hope National Bank for 31 distinguished years. Hope Township honored King with the Founding Father Award in 2001. This award, given once a year to one special Hope Township resident, honored King for outstanding service to the community. He was part of the Hope Historical Society, Hope Community Center and Hope Board of Adjustment. He also started the Hope Athletic Association, where he ground breakingly was the first coach of Warren County to include girls on the Little League team. King also formed a cub scout program in Hope, serving many years as Cub Master.

King had many passions. Among them, he enjoyed sharing what he had learned, trains, model trains, sailing and antique cars. He owned many cars which he drove to shows and tours around the country, the first being a 1927 Buick. He was active in the Antique Automobile Club of America and its regional organizations. King loved sailing so much he built his own sailboat. He taught Boat Safety and Celestial Navigation at the Delhigh Power Squadron. King was a member of the Train Collectors of America and often traveled to their conferences.

King liked to travel.  He participated in over 100 tours nationwide and visited England, France, Italy, Germany, and Ireland, often with his grandchildren.

King was a member of the Masons, Delta Tau Delta Fraternity and historic preservation organizations at the Hope and national levels.

King and Peggy were engaged on Thanksgiving Day 1959 and were married on Valentine’s Day 1960 sharing 66 loving years together.

King is survived by Peggy his wife, Nadine his daughter, sons Darin and Daryl, 6 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. But sadly, not his favorite Ass, Maybell.

A celebration of life to follow in memory of King.  The family welcomes donations to the Disabled Veterans or The Salvation Army.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown NJ 07840.  Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.cochranfuneral.com/