William R. Brand, 66, of Brick, N.J., passed away on Monday, June 14, 2010 at Ocean Medical Center from lung cancer. He was known as Big Bad Bill.

Born in Long Branch, N.J., he was a natural athlete. He competed in swimming, baseball, football, and boxing. He was a star varsity football player for Freehold Regional High School.&bsp; Mr. Brand served in the United States Army Reserve during the Vietnam War. He earned expert marksmanship medals in rifle, pistol, and tank weapons.

Mr. Brand operated Hercules Construction Company, building new homes. He later became a restoration carpenter working on Revolutionary War period buildings and homes. He and his father, Walter, operated RIC Mechanics doing HVAC in the 80s. He was most recently a HVAC technician and engineer for AEMS Service Company, Englishtown, N.J.

He was a charter lifetime member and three term past president of the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society, Asbury Park Chapter. He earned the credentials of certificate member as well as specialist designation in refrigeration, air conditioning, and controls. He ran an educational program, allowing his chapter to attain the highest percentage of certificate members nationwide. He was also a motorcycle enthusiast and avid bowler.

A beloved husband and devoted father, surviving are his wife, Nina Kessler Brand; his son, Scott Brand, D.C., and his wife Christine of Landrum; his daughter, Diana Brand of Brick, N.J.; his parents, Walter W. Brand Sr. and Doris Dean Brand of Toms River, N.J.; two brothers, Walther W. Brand Jr. and his wife Mary Carole and James H. Brand and his significant other Michele Moore; his sister, Patricia Tarpy and her husband William; sister-in-law, Madeline McCabe; several nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

A private cremation was arranged by the Pable Evertz Funeral Home of Point Pleasant, N.J. As an expression of sympathy, donations can be made in his memory to the Popcorn Park Zoo, P.O. Box 43, Forked River, N.J. 08731. For online condolences to the family please visit www.pableevertzfuneralhome.com.