William J. Mayer, a former restaurateur turned real estate broker, died Oct. 22 of pancreatic cancer at his Dundalk home. He was 69.
Mr. Mayer, who was the son of restaurateurs, was born and raised in New York City, where he was a graduate of city public schools.
After briefly attending college, Mr. Mayer went to work for Holiday Inns an East Coast sales representative and later director.
From 1981 until 1987, when he moved to Dundalk, Mr. Mayer managed his parents' establishment, Mayer's Parkway Restaurant, in the Bronx.
After earning his real estate license, Mr. Mayer worked for O'Conor Piper & Flynn and later became an award-winning vice president for Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.
In addition to his regular work, Mr. Mayer was a real estate and pre-licensing instructor. He also taught continuing education classes for brokers.
Active in his community, Mr. Mayer had been president of the Dundalk Rotary Club and had been elected president of the Dundalk Chamber of Commerce but was unable to accept the position because of failing health.
Mr. Mayer's wife of 21 years, the former Veronica Baker, said her husband enjoyed "clipping and filing articles dealing with real estate," and had accumulated a large file of material.
He also enjoyed eating in area restaurants, some of which included Della Rose's Avenue Tavern, Squire's Italian Restaurant, Strapazza, Vinnie's and An Poitin Still.
A memorial gathering for Mr. Mayer will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Nov. 6 at An Poitin Still, 2323 York Road, Timonium.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Mayer is survived by a son, Rodney Mayer of Severna Park; a daughter, Elissa Mayer of Hunt Valley; and two grandchildren.