In Memoriam: Longtime Little Silver Resident, Former Dorn’s Photo Shop Owner, Bill Matlack III, 82

Longtime Little Silver resident, Red Bank High School graduate and former Dorn’s Photo Shop owner, Albert E. Matlack III, “lovingly known as Bill,” passed away peacefully on Aug. 9 in South Carolina, surrounded by his loving wife and children. He was 82.

“Following his service in the U.S. Army from 1965 to 1970, he pursued his lifelong passion for photography. He managed and later owned Dorn’s Photo Shop in Red Bank, where he helped generations of customers preserve their most treasured memories through photographs. He later continued his career at Calumet Photographic in New York City.

“His hobbies included reading, horse racing, classical music, photography and sports. He was a Philadelphia Eagles season ticket holder for over 20 years and loved nothing more than spending Sundays at the stadium with his kids. When he wasn’t at football games, you could find him pouring over the Daily Racing Form at Monmouth Park Racetrack picking winners and talking horses with his friends. When he put down his racing paper for the night, he was often picking up his most recent novel.

“He enjoyed many genres but had a particular affection for American History. Bill was also known for his beautiful letter writing. He made sure to keep in touch with family and friends and would always send letters to mark holidays, celebrations and major life events. When running into family and friends, his children were always being told about ‘the thoughtful note’ that had been received from their father …

“Above all else, Bill’s life centered on his family. He was a devoted husband and father who worked tirelessly to provide his children with every opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. He believed deeply in the importance of honesty, compassion, and hard work, and he instilled those values in his children. His greatest joy came from watching his family flourish and spending time with his three grandsons, William, Beau, and Henry.”
Loved ones of Bill Matlack III in his obituary

More about Bill from his obituary …

Bill was born on Nov. 13,1943 in Jersey City. His family eventually settled down in Little Silver, which he proudly called home until he and his wife retired to Aiken, SC in 2018.

Bill attended Red Bank Middle School and (then) Red Bank High School, where he served as class president, before spending his final two years at The Peddie School in Hightstown, graduating in 1963. He then continued his education at Lafayette College.

Bill was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Red Bank for decades.

Bill was predeceased by: his parents, Gertrude and Albert Matlack; his sister, Susan Matlack; and his nephew, Henry Pearson.

He is survived by: his loving wife, Regine Matlack; his children Bennett Matlack (Kim), Tim Matlack (Zee), and Tina Gleason (Michael); his cherished grandsons, William Gleason, Beau Matlack, and Henry Gleason; his siblings, Jack Matlack (Carol), Areta Pearson (Nigel), Walker Matlack, and Peter Matlack; his dear lifelong friend, Gerald Goodman; and many extended family members and friends.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, Aug. 27, from 5 to 8 p.m. at John E. Day Funeral Home in Red Bank. A memorial service will follow on Friday, Aug. 28, at 11 a.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church in Red Bank.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s honor to the local ALS Foundation, Joan Dancy & PALS Foundation, via joandancyandpals.org.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via John E. Day Funeral Home