William J. Crothers, 44, of Florida, Former Resident of Gloucester City

Cape Coral, Florida (March 10, 2020)–William Joseph Crothers, 44, a resident of Cape Coral for the past 3 years, formerly of Mickleton, NJ, passed away Friday, March 6, 2020 in Cape Coral.  He was born on September 12, 1975 in Woodbury, NJ.

William was of the Catholic faith.  He was a bull in a china shop with a golden heart. His big, burly stature could not mask the teddy bear inside of him. His thunderous voice was heard by everyone, and no one could depict if they were       being welcomed or scolded. When William was not working, you could find him at the Matlacha Bridge with a rod in his hands. While fishing, he enjoyed snapping photos of the beautiful scenery, and sending it to the relatives saying, “I live where you vacation.”

He loved to spend time with his family and friends and would do anything possible to ensure that they were safe. Not only a father of his two children, he served as a public parent within the baseball community. Whenever another kid needed guidance he was there to listen and suggest a proper path. Within his early stages in high school, William knew that his career path was to follow his father’s footsteps and become a police force. At the ripe age of seventeen, he actively pursued his dream of becoming a member of law enforcement and took his first police exam. In 1996, he successfully achieved his goal of becoming a member of the Brooklawn Police Department. He quickly amassed the respect and friendship of a large number of local officers. In 2001, he transferred to East Greenwich Police Department, and had the opportunity to increase his professional opportunities, and he became head of traffic investigation and firearms instructor. He quickly rose to a Patrol Sergeant in July of 2013.

His knowledge of police procedures and the law was widely recognized, and it was not uncommon for officers of various ranks to ask for his guidance. After retiring from the force in 2017, he moved to Cape Coral, Florida. He spent his time as a beach patrol officer. He soon realized that he missed police work, and he joined the Lee County Sheriff’s Office in February 2019. Other officers quickly recognized his capabilities and was accepted into their brotherhood. Bill seemed to amass friends wherever he went. People recognized Bill for three things: An outstanding family man, An outstanding officer, and a terrible fisherman.

He is survived by his two loving children, Alexander Crothers and Austin Crothers, both of Cape Coral; parents, Bill and Donna Crothers of Deptford, NJ; one brother, Jeffrey Crothers (Alicia) of Mr. Ephraim, NJ; one sister, Dana Like (Brandon) of San Diego, CA;  former wife, Kimberly Crothers of Cape Coral; five nieces and nephews, Gabriel, Ava, Amelia, Aurora and R.J; predeceased by his grandparents John Gogolin, Lillie Gogolin, Harry Crothers; Uncle Jack Gogolin, and survived by his Aunt Dot Gogolin; cousins Scott, Dawn, and Shawn; one brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Robert Watson (Robin) of Cape Coral; as well as the two huskies, Kona and Sanibel.

A time of visitation will be held 4:30 – 7:30 PM on Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at Mullins Memorial, 3654 Palm Beach Blvd, Ft. Myers, FL 33916.

Memorial Contributions in memory of William Crothers, are suggested to the College Education Fund for Alexander and Austin Crothers. Donations to be directed through Mullins Memorial c/o William Crothers, 1056 NE 7th, Cape Coral, Florida

Ter, Cape Coral, FL 33909

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home

& Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.