William W. Leap II, historian, died at the age of 83 in the home he designed and built in Runnemede, NJ on January 18, 2012.


Beloved husband of Joyce A. (nee Alexander) and the late Clare F. Leap. Devoted father of the artist J. Kenneth Leap and daughter-in-law Suzanne. Loving Pop-Pop of Ian and Kate. He is also survived by Joyce's four children and ten grandchildren.


Bill was named for his grandfather W. Walton Leap. Growing up Bill worked with his parents Jack and Ella at the family's grocery store, Leaps' Supermarket on the Black Horse Pike in Runnemede. He graduated from Audubon High School where he played football. He served briefly in the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Dix. At age 29, Bill left the family store to open his own sign shop, Bill Leap Signs, which he operated from 1957-1981. He retired in 1981 to pursue his passion of South Jersey history, becoming a full-time historian. For a period of 35 years he developed and lead "Lost Towns Tours" of the New Jersey Pinelands and became well know for his talks on the Jersey Devil.


Throughout his life Bill was active in many civic and volunteer organizations. He held the office of President of the Audubon Wildlife Society, President of the Runnemede Park Society which established Runnemede Lake Park. President of the Camden County Historical Society, President of the Heritage Assets Study of NJ, Vice President of the League of Historical Societies of New Jersey. He was a life member of the American Legion, the Camden County Historical Society, Gloucester County Historical Society, Maurice River Historical Society, New Jersey Audubon Society, Audubon Wildlife Society and the Audubon High School Alumni Association. He was also a member of Collingswood Cloud, Masonic Lodge 101FM.


In preparation for Bicentennial celebration of 1976 the mayor of Runnemede asked Bill to write up a town history. The result was perhaps his most lasting achievement; a 360 page book entitled the History of Runnemede 1626 - 1976. Covering a 400 year period Bill's book has been described as the best South Jersey town history published during the American Bicentennial and Quaker Tercentenary eras. It was edited by his friend and fellow historian David Munn. In recognition of his achievement the Mayor and Council of Runnemede proclaimed October 15, 1981 William W. Leap Day.


Bill often was often asked to lecture on the history of NJ focusing on his specialty, the Revolutionary Period. Hoping that others would build on his legacy, a few years ago Bill donated his personal library of New Jersey history to Stockton State College. Stockton has begun to use this unique resource to develop a new curriculum in historical studies.


Friends may call from 8:30 to 10:30am Saturday morning at Chews United Methodist Church, 319 Black Horse Pike, Glendora. Funeral Service will begin at 10:30am at the church.


Interment Chews UM Cemetery, Glendora.


In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Bill's memory to the Audubon Wildlife Society, PO Box 34, Audubon, NJ 08106.


Family and friends may share memories at www.GardnerFuneralHome.com.

Guest Book: www.legacy.com/link.asp?i=gb000155550677

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