Obituary of William G. Davidson

William George Davidson, 85, passed away peacefully at home in Harding Township on March 3, 2013. Born in East Orange, William lived in Madison for many years. Immediately upon graduating high school in 1945 William enlisted in the U S Navy, serving on the USS Oregon City. Discharged in 1946 he began a dedicated 55-year career with the railroad. When he retired from NJ Transit in 2002 he was one of the longest serving engineers on the job and the last active steam engineer. He was predeceased by his first wife Madeline Jean, children Thomas, Madeline and Mary Regina, and two grandchildren. William is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Mary Ann (Hurd Collins), two children, William M. and Barbara Babington, four stepchildren and their spouses, Jamie Kinsel (Tracy), Cary Collins (Peter Heller), Lucy Collins (Morgan Crafts), Reid Collins Jr. (Annmarie), six grandchildren, eight step grandchildren, three great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Chatham on Saturday, March 9 at 11 AM. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to your favorite charity.