In Memoriam: William B. “Bill” Payton

William B. “Bill” Payton, a well-known elevator engineer, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on September 21 after a battle with bulbar onset amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Born in NYC, Payton grew up in Closter, New Jersey, and earned a BS in electrical engineering from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, New Jersey, and an MBA in finance from DeSales University in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. He worked for Payton Elevator Co. of Closter, New Jersey, for more than 20 years, starting as a mechanic. Recently acquired by Champion Elevator, Payton was founded by Bill Payton’s brother and sister, John and Maureen. At the family company, Payton served as supervisor, adjuster and field engineer. He also worked for ESI Controls in New York before moving with his family to Perkasie, Pennsylvania, in 1994, and going to work for Cemcolift Elevator, which was later acquired by Otis. Most recently, he served as regional manager for EECO Corp. “Although he lived in Pennsylvania, he was really a New Jersey guy, and very well-liked,” said colleague Matt Jackson. Survivors include his siblings, Butch, Tom, John and Maureen; sons, Lee, James and Ryan; and two grandchildren. The family requests donations in Payton’s name be made to the ALS Association. For further information and to read Payton’s full obituary, visit: https://www.suessfuneralhome.net/obituary/william-payton.