William S. Brokaw (“Bill”) passed away at home last Thursday, May 19, 2022 surrounded by his family and the oak seedlings he grew from acorns in Upper Black Eddy, Pa. He was 65 years old.
Bill had a full and vibrant life – he was a skilled photographer, environmentalist, naturalist, scientist, Tai Chi student, mentor and friend. He is survived by his wife, Patricia, and his two daughters, Julia and Alyson Brokaw. As a professional photographer with his own business, Brokaw Photography, Bill captured everything from important milestones and celebrations to the seemingly mundane, making every moment special and beautiful. Rarely was he more enthusiastic than when he was taking photos. In leading The Photographer’s Group, he helped build a thriving community of photographers and provided a welcoming and generous atmosphere for both amateur and seasoned photographers to share their work.
Bill was always a creator throughout this life and worked odd jobs after he graduated with a B.S. degree from Florida Institute of Technology with a degree in environmental science in 1979. These jobs included being a technician in a nuclear power plant, a carpenter, an environmental surveyor, and a GIS analyst, all the while honing his photography skills as a photojournalist and wedding photographer. Bill also served on the Bridgeton Township Planning Commission, the Groundwater Committee, and was a member of the Gallows Run Watershed Association for many years.
Bill was a devoted, unconditionally supportive, loving and proud father. He was always ready to offer his “dad-vice” on how to persevere through challenges, to manifest a positive future, to take every opportunity to be goofy and make jokes, to always be learning, and his favorite – to always “pay attention.”
Bill’s favorite trees were oaks, and he grew dozens of them from acorns every year with Pat and had a dream to reforest the field in the backyard. He was also a skilled naturalist and scientist and for over four decades he took hundreds of photos of wildflowers. He shared his expertise in environmental science with his daughters and other students at Palisades, teaching them mapping skills and stream conservation.
Bill lived his values and followed his passions, took every opportunity to laugh, shared his keen sense of humor, and he cared deeply for his family and community. He will be missed by many.
A celebration to honor his life will take place in Frenchtown, N.J., later this year.
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