Obituary of William Primo, Jr.

William “Bill” Primo, 48 years, of Williamstown NJ, passed away suddenly on January 28, 2022 after a short but courageous battle with cancer. Son of Mary Ann Primo and the late William Primo Sr. Beloved husband of Michelle Primo. Loving father of Brooke Primo and Madison Primo. Dear brother of Michael Primo (Stephanie) and Nicole Humphries (Matt). Also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family and his good friends Brian Pachini, Richard Hall and the VA Police Department.

Bill was a proud US Navy veteran with 22 years of service. He entered the US Navy at the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) in Philadelphia on February 15, 1994 and was shipped off to Great Lakes Illinois for Navy boot camp. After boot camp was over, Bill attended a nine-week Machinist’s Mate “A” School to become a Machinist’s Mate. He completed “A” school and was shipped off to his first command on the U.S.S. Detroit (AOE-4). This was a Sacramento-Class Fast Combat Support Ship where he was responsible for the ship's entire air conditioning system. While attached to the U.S.S. Detroit, Bill earned title with the Ancient Order of Shellbacks by crossing the equator at sea. He also earned his Navy Surface Warfare Insignia during his tour with the U.S.S. Detroit.

After his time on the U.S.S. Detroit, Bill was transferred to the U.S.S. Mount Whitney (LCC-20) which was a Blue-Ridge-Class Amphibious Command Ship where he was again responsible for the ship's whole air conditioning system.

After his time on the Mount Whitney, Bill was transferred to shore duty at Naval Air Engineering Station (NAES) in Lakehurst New Jersey as a Law Enforcement Specialist/Patrolman. During his time at NAES Lakehurst, in 2005 to 2006, Bill was deployed in support of Detainee Operations to Guantanamo Bay Cuba with the Naval Provisional Guard Battalion.

On May 10, 2007, Bill separated from Active Duty. A short time later, he joined the U.S. Navy Reserves and was attached to the Naval Security Forces Lakehurst Unit, under the Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) in Fort Dix New Jersey. In April of 2016, Bill retired from military service with Honorable Service. 

During his military career Bill had a total of 9 years, 7 months and 17 days of sea time, including an additional 13 years of service.  He defended this country in the Kosovo War, Afghanistan and the Global War on Terrorism. He was highly decorated and awarded numerous commendations and medals, including the Navy Surface Warfare Insignia, Five Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, two Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbons, the Navy Battle Efficiency Ribbon, two Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards, four Navy Good Conduct Medals, three Reserve Good Conduct Medals, two National Defense Service Medals, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, three Navy Sea Service Ribbons, the Nato Medal, Navy Expert Rifle Medal and the Navy Expert Pistol Medal. 

In 2008 Bill was hired with the Department of Veterans Affairs Police, graduating from the Law Enforcement Training Center in October 2008, and assigned to the Philadelphia VA Medical Center as a patrol officer. He was promoted to Corporal in a very short time, and served in the role until October 2017, when he was promoted to Lieutenant and assigned as a shift commander. Bill also served as a firearms instructor, completing Instructor Development in June 2017, and Firearms Instructor training in December 2017. He served with vigilance, distinction, loyalty and was respected by his peers and the VA Community.

Bill also enjoyed golfing, watching the History channel and sports on TV. He loved his family fiercely and was known to be sentimental to those who were close to him. He was a real people person and enjoyed being around his family and friends, especially at barbeques, picnics and parties. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Wednesday February 2, 2022 from 9:00AM to 11:00AM at the COSTANTINO-PRIMO FUNERAL HOME, 231 W. WHITE HORSE PIKE, BERLIN NJ 08009. Funeral service 11:00AM at the funeral home. Interment with military honors will take place in the Gloucester County Veteran’s Cemetery, Williamstown NJ. To leave lasting condolences or photos, please use the links on this page.