William Joseph Crothers

September 12, 1975 - March 6, 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 Ter, Cape Coral, FL 33909

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.

Guestbook

  1. Michael Floyd Mar 10, 2020 at 9:42 am

    May you Rest In Peace 🙏 Brother Stand Tall Next To St Michael 🙏

  2. Mo'Neke Ragsdale Mar 10, 2020 at 9:42 am

    My condolences and prayers to the family🙏🏽

  3. Barry Mar 10, 2020 at 11:16 am

    Love ya brother it was an honor to work with you. My prayers to Alex and Austin God Speed

  4. Laraine Mar 10, 2020 at 11:18 am

    He was my neighbors many years ago.
    Rest In Peace Bill

  5. Danielle Settar Mar 10, 2020 at 11:26 am

    You were a great man. I will never forget your kindness and friendship. Sleep soundly now my friend. Until we meet again.

  6. Chad & Suzanne Holland Mar 10, 2020 at 11:45 am

    I have no words. RIP Gut-Gut. Until we meet again 🙏🙏🙏

  7. Dan Mar 10, 2020 at 12:35 pm

    Rest In Peace Bill, I’m glad to have known you. Just sorry I wasn’t able to meet up with you a few weeks back when I was down in your area. May God Bless your family and friends and give them the strength to remember you for who you were and keep your memory alive. Sadly. Sgt. Daniel Ragone, DRPA Police.

  8. Sue And Jim Flood Mar 10, 2020 at 1:10 pm

    We Are Very Sad To Hear Of Bills Sudden Passing, Our Love And Prayers Are With The Crothers Family, Rest In Peace Bill 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

  9. Jim Smith Mar 10, 2020 at 2:00 pm

    RIP Sarge.

  10. Dionisio Mar 10, 2020 at 4:30 pm

    My condolences to the family, R.I.P. Brother.

  11. James McNutt Mar 10, 2020 at 4:48 pm

    RIP BROTHER 😢🇺🇸🇺🇸

  12. Maria Pinto Mar 10, 2020 at 5:15 pm

    Our deepest condolences to the Crothers family. Sending you all lots of hugs and prayers through this difficult time in your lives.

  13. V Leonard Mar 10, 2020 at 5:16 pm

    To Jeffrey Crothers and Family,
    My deepest sympathy to you and your family.

    Peace and Blessings,
    (Ret.) Sr. Investigator
    V. Leonard
    NJDOC-SID

  14. John callahan Mar 10, 2020 at 6:32 pm

    Rest In Peace Big Bill💪

  15. Bryn Mar 10, 2020 at 9:03 pm

    Godspeed Bill. The number of comments and posts on social media is a tribute to how genuine your personality is and was. Truly sad to learn of your passing. Condolences to friends and family. ❤️

  16. Jim Russo Mar 10, 2020 at 9:49 pm

    Rest in peace.

  17. Dana schiaroli Mar 10, 2020 at 9:59 pm

    Bill I am still shocked I was just with you for the last 9 months on light duty the fun times we had with making paper balls and throwing them at each other how could such an amazing man and kind heart leave this early I am lost for word bill I wish I had one last word with you .rest in peace bill miss you so much

  18. Lori Braunwarth Dorety Mar 10, 2020 at 10:55 pm

    My condolences to the Crothers Family. Rest In Peace Bill.

  19. Debbie Gasparo Mar 10, 2020 at 11:49 pm

    Dear Bill and family I am so very sorry for your loss you and your family are in my prayers

  20. Chris Johnson Mar 11, 2020 at 12:32 am

    Rest in peace brother, we will hold the line from here.

  21. Barry Mar 11, 2020 at 7:43 am

    Love ya brother rip

  22. Patrick “Paddy” Gallagher Mar 11, 2020 at 9:29 am

    Bill,

    Even though we didn’t see or talk much that we were still connected as family. You are a great man and will be missed but never forgotten. Much love and respect cuz!!! Rest in peace and will see you upstairs one day.

  23. Chuck Hampton Mar 11, 2020 at 11:35 am

    Rest easy Bill you were a great guy and friend. And a even better Police office…
    My God watch over your family in this time of sorrow…

  24. Patric L Cooper Mar 11, 2020 at 1:31 pm

    To my Camden County Police Academy Partner. May you rest in Paradise.

  25. Berry Mar 11, 2020 at 3:45 pm

    My condolences to the Crothers family. My classmate (Camden County Police academy 1997) was truly a good guy and he will be missed.
    🙏🏽

  26. Kim Whitty Mar 14, 2020 at 7:34 am

    My deepest condolences to your family and your two wonderful boys. Rest In Peace 💙

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