Manville, NJ – Former Mayor of Manville, Lillian M. (Williams) Zuza, 56, passed away suddenly on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at Somerset Medical Center surrounded by her loving family. Born in Winchester, VA to Ruby (Shelburne) and the late John Williams, she has been a resident of the borough since 1978.

For eighteen years, Lillian was employed by the Somerset County Planning Board in Somerville as an office manager. Active with the Manville community, Lillian held various executive positions throughout her life. She was a former Republican Campaign Chairman, actively involved with the Zoning Board, Public Library Board and was awarded as being the Outstanding Woman of the Year in Government. From 2008-2011, Lillian was proud to have served her community as the Mayor of Manville.

She was a member of Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Manville where she belonged to the Altar Rosary Society, sang in the church choir and taught CCD. Lillian enjoyed being a member of the Thomas J. Kavanaugh Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2290 and the American Legion Post #304 Ladies Auxiliary.


In 1975, Lillian was a pageant winner and earned the title of Miss Winchester. An avid lover of music, Lillian extended her talents and would teach voice and piano lessons. A loving wife and devoted mother, Lillian was a great person who will be deeply missed by all those who knew her.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband Joseph J. Zuza, Sr. who died on October 2, 2005.

Lillian leaves behind her devoted children; Katherine A. Zuza, Joseph J. Zuza, Jr. and Edward J. Zuza all of Manville, her loving mother Ruby Williams, her cherished siblings; John Williams, Jr., Rena Williams and Charles and his wife Cindy Williams all of Virginia and by her dear aunt Martha Williams . She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation at the Fucillo & Warren Funeral Home, 205 South Main Street, Manville, NJ 08835 on Sunday, September 16, 2012 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. and on Monday, September 17, 2012 from 8-8:30 a.m.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 17, 2012 beginning 8:30 a.m. at the funeral home followed by a 9:00 a.m. funeral liturgy at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Manville. Lillian will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Hillsborough.