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Victor Liske Obituary
VICTOR B. LISKE
AGE: 98 PLAINFIELD
Victor B. Liske, 98, died Thursday (Sept. 25, 2008) at his home in Plainfield. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, he lived in Plainfield since 1934.
Mr. Liske began his career in swimming at George Washington High School in New York City where he held the Public School Athletic League swim record. He was a graduate of Lafayette College where he was captain of the swim team. He coached varsity swimming at Plainfield High School from 1934 to 1966 with 32 consecutive winning seasons; five undefeated seasons; many Union County championships; and many individual and relay state championships. Twelve of his swimmers made the All-American High School Team and one medley team took first in the National Championships.
As a leader in New Jersey swimming, he ran the first Union County swim championships and directed the event for many years, and was co-director and referee for the NJ State High School Boys Swim Championships. As adviser and coach of the Plainfield Swim Club, the club won many Junior and Senior State Championships. One member, Milt Campbell, climaxed by winning a Gold Medal in the Decathlon the 1956 Olympics.
He was honored by the Plainfield Board of Education when they named the swimming facility at the high school as the Victor B. Liske Natatorium. He was also honored by the City of Plainfield in 1975. He was inducted in to four Halls of Fame - the National High School Hall of Fame; the New Jersey Interscholastic Hall of Fame; the Plainfield High School Alumni Sports Hall of Fame; and the International Swimming Hall of Fame.
He was predeceased by three wives, Doris, Catherine and Jean.
He is survived by his daughter , Nancy Soulen; his son, Peter and his wife, Debbie; and daughter, Barbara Tantillo and her husband, Ben; nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at Memorial Funeral Home, 155 South Ave., Fanwood, at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 815, Elizabeth, NJ 07207 (www.cancer.org) or Susan G. Komen for the Cure, 5005 LBJ Freeway, Suite 250, Dallas, TX 75244 (www.komen.org). For additional information or to express condolences, please visit www.fanwoodmemorial.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Victor Liske
Vincent Occhino
October 9, 2008
Dear Barbara,
Ben informed about your Dad's passing. Although we didn't know him, we know what a wonderful, generous and caring person you are! We apologize for not attending the service however, our thoughts were with you.
Vinnie and Carol Occhino
vicki malizia
October 5, 2008
Dear Barb and Nancy,
Our deepest sympathy.
Vicki and Fred Malizia
Jan Baker
October 3, 2008
I remember your Dad and admired him, Nancy
Janice Plum Baker
Betsy Squires Schaffer
October 2, 2008
Nancy - I remember your father - he was a good dad and teacher. Flora Jean sent me the notice of his passing
Sonia Walters
October 2, 2008
I admired Mr. Liske for his integrity, and his love for his family. Nancy and I were classmates at PHS and her Dad made sure that we toed the line with grace and humor. God bless the family. Sonia Root Walters
Ron Sloter
October 1, 2008
It is with sincere sadness at this time that I offer my condolensce on the passing of Victor Liske. He was a great friend and teacher. He came to our rescue anytime we had a problem, whether it be with schoolwork or personal problems. I never actually had him for any classes but I enjoyed being greeted by him as we walked the halls of Plainfield High during my years there of 1950-1954. My sincere condolenses go out to Nancy and her family.
Charles Hugel
September 30, 2008
We were saddened to learn of Vic's passing. I am eternally grateful to Vic for his guidance during my early years and for showing me the path to Lafayette College. He changed my life immensely and I will never forget him. I know the Lafayette College community joins me in extending our deepest condolences.
Carol Propsner
September 30, 2008
My brother Bruce Dunekack was a diver on the team at PHS in the late 40s. He loved Mr. Liske and considered him as a second father. Bruce kept close touch with him even after he (Bruce) contracted Parkinsons disease and he organized a birthday party for his 80th (I think)birthday gathering up as many former swimmers as he could find. Iknow if Bruce were here he would thank him for all his inspiration and his love. He will be missed but his legacy will live on. My sincerest condolences are extended to his family. Sincerely, Carol (Dunekack)Propsner
Tammi Nishimura
September 29, 2008
My dad was Bruce Dunekack and he was on the swim team at Plainfield High in the 1940's. I remember when my dad was diagnosed with Parkinsons, he swam with Mr. Liske for therapy. My dad always spoke of Mr. Liske in the highest regard.
Coach & Kent Lunch Aug 2006
Kent Smith
September 28, 2008
A wonderful coach, great motivator, and good friend. Your were an inspiration to us all in our developing years as we do now to others. I had the pleasure of catching up with coach in 2006 at my 50th Plainfield reunion.
Theo Wilson
September 28, 2008
What I liked about him was his ability to mix math and a sense of humor.He
was always pleasant to be around and could always make you think about life and its lessons!Hope to see you in the new system of things
Aaron Kurtzman
September 28, 2008
You were the best. You made a great impression on many lives inclucing the Kurtzman brothers.
vera walker
September 28, 2008
God bless you Mr.Lisk you were one of my teachers in the year of 1948. vera walker
Charles & Linda Mobus
September 28, 2008
We are saddened by the loss of one so dedicated to family, students, and athletes. In our faith we know as God reached for Vic he rose and took God's hand. As they stroll through the beautiful lush valley Vic will speak of those he mentored with strength and love. How long will they stroll to the eternal home? As long as a memory. We pray with those who grieve. May their grief be short. God bless family and many caring friends.
Richard McCarthy
September 28, 2008
Great teacher & coach!
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