Obituary of William Albert Probst, Jr.

William Albert Probst, Jr., born November 15, 1967, left this world on August 21, 2024 after a short but fierce battle with cancer. Bill was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, cousin, uncle, and friend.

Bill, as he was known as an adult, or Billy to his siblings and cousins, grew up in Forked River, NJ, the son of Helen and William Albert Probst, Sr. He was the youngest sibling and youngest Probst cousin and the only male to carry on the Probst name.

Bill attended Lacey Township schools and learned the restaurant and hospitality business and gained his love of cooking at a young age at the Captain’s Inn in Forked River. He went on to receive his degree in Hotel Restaurant Management from Johnson and Wales University. Most recently, he worked for Big Y and found his creative niche as a culinary trainer, sharing his passion for producing great food with up-and-coming Big Y managers. It was at University where he met the love of his life, Donna Tomatore Probst, whom he married in 1991.

For many years, Donna and Bill made their home in Donna’s hometown of Bridgeport CT and filled that home with family and friends and lots and lots of love, great food and memories. They later moved to Fairfield CT, to a home and neighborhood that made them very happy. Bill and Donna never failed to open their home to their loved ones and were happiest when surrounded by the loving chaos their family and friends brought with them.

Bill and Donna went on to have three children, Jennifer (Peter Greenwood), Kaylee, and William Joseph (aka Billy), of whom they are very proud. Billy, like his father, is the sole male to carry on the Probst name.

Bill is predeceased by his parents, parents-in-law, Maria (nee Marini) and James Tomatore, and sister-in-law, June Tomatore. In addition to his wife and children, he leaves behind to cherish his memory, his sister, Mary Simpson (Jim) and his sister Debbie, whom Bill and Donna so lovingly cared for after the passing of his parents. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, James Tomatore (Mandy) and sister-in-law, Arlene Fazio (Tony). Bill will also be sorely missed by his cousins and a host of nieces, nephews and dear friends.

The family will greet visitors from 4-7 pm on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull, CT 06611.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at St. Margaret’s Shrine, 2523 Park Ave., Bridgeport CT 06604.

Entombment will immediately follow Mass at St. Michael’s Cemetery, 2205 Stratford Ave., Stratford, CT 06615.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity of your choice. For online condolences, please visit www.abriola.com