William John Hommen Jr., a resident of Gilbert, Arizona, and formerly of West Orange, New Jersey, passed away on October 3, 2025, at the age of 83 at his home, which he shared with his wife of 61 years, Joyce. Born on January 24, 1942, in Montclair, New Jersey, Bill and his twin brother, Robert, were raised in Essex Fells, New Jersey, by their parents, William John Senior and Theresa.
Bill graduated in 1961 from James Caldwell High School and excelled in technology, working as a manager in the aerospace industry until his retirement. He played a significant role in the Viking Mars lander project, and his name is memorialized on the lander currently on Mars. A gifted guitarist, Bill’s band, the Revengers, opened for the Supremes. He was also known for his ability to fix anything, including rebuilding classic cars with his son, and served as the neighborhood’s handyman and HOA secretary .The family moved to Arizona in 2012, where Bill spent his remaining years in Gilbert.
Bill will be survived by his wife, Joyce, his beloved granddaughter, Julia, son Bill III, and daughter-in-law Amy. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 2-4 PM at Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery, 7900 East Main St., Mesa, AZ 85207.
Joyce, Bill, Amy and Julia,
We are saddened by the loss of such a beautiful man with a huge soul. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Bill will always remain in our memories and our hearts. Love to you all, Denise and Bruce
So sorry to see this today, l worked with/for Bill for 10 years and have many good memories of our time together.
Joyce, Bill, Amy and Julia,
We are saddened by the loss of such a beautiful man with a huge soul. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Bill will always remain in our memories and our hearts. Love to you all, Denise and Bruce
So sorry to see this today, l worked with/for Bill for 10 years and have many good memories of our time together.