William H. "Bill" Karch, age 83, of Princeton died at the University Medical Center at Princeton on Sunday, May 15, 2011.

Born in Princeton, he lived here most of his life.

Before his employment and subsequent retirement from the Princeton Regional School District, Mr. Karch's early career was with the Princeton Township Police Department. He served in the US Navy from 1950-1954.

Bill was a member of the Nassau Presbyterian Church in Princeton. He was also a member of Princeton Fire Department, Mercer Engine Co. No. 3, serving 57 years, which included him being Chief of the Fire Department in 1976. He held many more positions over the years.

He is predeceased by his wife, Frances Joanne (Brown) Karch. Surviving are three sons Fritz of Rocky Hill, NJ, Eric and his wife Linda of Hamilton Township, NJ and David of Orlando, FL, two grandchildren Christopher and Annie Karch, sister Ruth Lavin of Silver Lake, NY and two cousins Evelyn Lyon-Vaiden of Sykesville, MD and Norman Bergstrom of Dutch Neck, NJ.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 20, 2011 at Noon at the Nassau Presbyterian Church, 61 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ followed by a private burial in the family plot in Princeton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his memory can be made to the Nassau Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund.