The Reverend Doctor William Barr Doster, Jr., 91, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home on Saturday, June 27, 2026.
William (“Bill”) was born in Montgomery, Alabama, on February 27, 1935. A man of profound faith and intellect, he dedicated his life to spiritual leadership, pastoral care, and lifelong learning. He served as a Presbyterian and Reformed church minister, holding a Master of Theology, a Master of Divinity, and a Doctor of Ministry. He brought a spirit of activism to his ministry, quick to speak out against injustice. In addition to his ministry, he used his wisdom and compassion to guide others as a dedicated marriage counselor.
Beyond his professional and spiritual callings, William possessed an adventurous spirit and a relentless curiosity. He was a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, an avid chess player, and a voracious reader who was always seeking to master new subjects. He held a deep love for travel, family vacations, and the great outdoors, famously hiking the Grand Canyon among his many explorations of National Parks.
Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth Doster (née Ives); his two children, Robert and Sue Doster; and his two cherished grandchildren, Alexander and Andrew.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, New Jersey.
A service will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 10:00 AM at The Tappan Reformed Church, 35 Kings Highway, Tappan, New York, followed by interment and a repast.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Bill’s honor to Holmes Camp (holmescamp.org) or the National Parks Conservation Association (npca.org).
Hello Sue and Robert & Family,
I share your sadness in the passing of your dear father. My name is Barb and my late husband, Art Carpenter, was best friends with Bill and Betty since college. They kept in touch during their entire lives and were steadfast and heartfelt anam caras. I was glad that I had a chance to meet Bill and Betty in person several times – such fine people. I remember meeting them at a Dinosaur Museum in Rocky Hill CT. After Art died in 2020, Bill called me every other month to see how I was doing. I live in Seattle. I think he and Art made a pact. What a kind, sweet person! I also admired his resilience, pluckiness, stubbornness, and strong viewpoints. And his brilliance, devotion, creativity, and pride in being a heretic. I feel like Bill has left a hole in the fabric of my life. Blessings of healing to all. Care and comfort, Barb