William Lentz Candy
April 9, 1937 – January 15, 2026

William “Bill” Candy, affectionately known by many names — Handy Bill Candy, The Candy Man, Candy Ass, Pop Pop, Dad, and Bill — passed away peacefully at his home in Ocean City, New Jersey, on January 15, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer and other illnesses. He was 88 years old.

Born on April 9, 1937, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Bill grew up in a tight-knit family and faced life’s challenges with determination and humor. After the passing of his father when he was just 11, he went to live at the Masonic Boys’ Home in Elizabethtown, PA, where he found lifelong friends. He excelled in math and graduated as a machinist. Bill later attended Elizabethtown College for a year before beginning a career path that would blend both leadership and service.

Bill met his beloved wife, Carole, at a mutual friend’s wedding in 1965, and they were married just 2 years later in May of 1967. They built a beautiful life and family together with a marriage just shy of 60 years. They lived with their three children in their home in Southampton, Pennsylvania until retiring and moving permanently to their summer home in Ocean City, New Jersey.

A proud U.S. Army veteran, Bill served 2 years guarding the U.S. Embassy in post WWII Berlin, Germany. Upon returning home, he worked in newspaper circulation management for The Philadelphia Bulletin, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and The New York Daily News.

In later years, Bill followed his entrepreneurial spirit, acquiring his first replacement window company in Trenton, NJ, which specialized in replacement windows, doors, and sunroom additions. He retired in 2003, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, integrity, and craftsmanship.

Bill found joy in the simple things — spending a day on the water fishing or crabbing, enjoying a round of golf, playing cards with friends, cheering for his Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies, or reading the daily newspaper and working through Sudoku puzzles. He loved cars — especially antiques and Cadillacs. In the Car Museum in Tacoma, he was able to identify every car’s name, year and model and who owned one that he knew in amazing detail. His profound memory allowed him to recall dates like a Google search engine which often led him to call an old friend with an unexpected birthday wish. He could fix or build nearly anything and was quick to lend his talents to neighbors, friends and family. His woodworking skill, quick mental math, and knack for problem-solving were legendary among those who knew him best.

More than anything, Bill was devoted to his family. He loved traveling with his wife, Carole, telling jokes, and spending time with his children and grandchildren, who brought him tremendous pride and joy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lorraine Weir and William R. Candy; and siblings June, Bob, and Roy. He is survived by his beloved wife, Carole; his children, William (Danielle), Colette, and Karen (Andy); his sister, Charlotte; and six cherished grandchildren: Ryan, Alison, Courtney, Heather, Logan, and Eli.

To celebrate Bill’s life and legacy, family and friends will be received Saturday, April 11, 2026 starting at 10:00am with a service at 11:00am at Godfrey Funeral Home, located at 644 S. Shore Rd., Marmora, NJ 08223. A luncheon will be held in Bill’s honor at Greate Bay Country Club following the service. The country club is located at 901 Somers Point-Mays Landing Rd, Somers Point, NJ 08244.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to Mercy Ships https://store.mercyships.org/.