With heavy hearts and deep gratitude, we announce the passing of William E. “Bill” Gusmer. Bill graduated from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and served in the US Army Reserve. After working at Colgate Palmolive as an industrial engineer, Bill joined our business in 1956 as plant manager of Gusmer’s Woodbridge, New Jersey facility. Bill then assumed various corporate roles, and in 1961, was appointed president. Bill worked closely with his brother John, and together, they expanded the business and made several acquisitions. Their commitment and contributions enabled Gusmer Enterprises, Inc. to become a leading manufacturer and distributor of fermentation and filtration products for food, beverage, and biopharmaceutical applications. Bill wrote that he and John were most proud of upholding the company’s reputation as “honest, fair, and ethical,” principles established early on by their father Henry and his brother Aage, who founded the company.

Bill was a member of Rotary International for over 35 years and was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow. Bill also served as trustee of the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, New Jersey, where he received the 2001 Award of Excellence.

The Gusmer Family and our colleagues are forever grateful for the contributions that Bill made to our company, and his positive impact on the lives of everyone surrounding him. Bill will be missed greatly.