William J. Labance, age 87, of Vernon, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, October 4, 2026.
Born in Franklin to the late George and Leona (Wielochowski) Labance, Bill grew up in Franklin before settling in Vernon in 1969, where he would make his home and raise his family.
Bill was a lifelong educator, coach, outdoorsman, and curious student of the world around him. He spent 40 years teaching physics and chemistry at High Point Regional High School, where he inspired generations of students with his knowledge, patience, and genuine love of learning. Even after retiring in 1997, his passion for science never left him, and he continued to read and learn about science, nature, and Native Americans throughout his life.
Sports were another important part of Bill’s life. He was inducted into the Sussex County Sports Hall of Fame in recognition of his years as a successful head baseball coach at High Point Regional High School. Long before his coaching career, Bill was a member of the Franklin Miners football team, where he met the love of his life, Joanne (Shuppon) Labance. They went on to share 56 years of marriage, building a life and family together.
Bill had a deep and abiding love for the outdoors, particularly the woods. He loved hiking and birdwatching and found some of his greatest joy simply being outside and surrounded by nature. As a Naturalist at High Point State Park, he spent many days leading group hikes and sharing his knowledge and appreciation of the natural world with others. The woods were among his favorite places, and he never seemed to tire of exploring them or helping others discover their beauty.
Bill will be remembered for his intelligence, curiosity, dedication to teaching, love of sports and nature, and the quiet way he shared his knowledge with those around him. Above all, he will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, teacher, coach, and friend.
Bill was predeceased by his beloved wife, Joanne (Shuppon) Labance; his parents, George and Leona Labance; and his brother, George Labance. He is survived by his children, Bill Labance and his wife Heather, and Sarah Labance; his grandchildren, Madeline, Annika, and Mathilde; his brother, Bob Labance; and his sister, Maryann Labance.
A graveside service for Bill will be held on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, at 10 a.m. at North Hardyston Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the National Audubon Society.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of F. John Ramsey Funeral Home, One Main Street, Franklin, NJ 07416. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.fergusonfuneralhomesnj.com.