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Wayne Kaniper Obituary
AGE: 81 • Mercerville
Wayne M. Kaniper 81, of Mercerville passed away Saturday October 5, 2013 surrounded by his loving family at home. Mr Kaniper was born in Easton,PA and has been a resident of the Mercerville area the past 50 years. A graduate of Rider College with a BA and MA and Trenton State College with a MA he was a member and president of Tau Kappa Epsilon. He began his career as an account executive with Merrill Lynch then started his teaching career in the Jamesburg School District, teaching at elementary and high school level and rising to position of Superintendent of the Jamesburg School District. He received outstanding teacher of the year in Jamesburg over many years, and received outstanding educator award from the NJ State legislature taught in the NJ Prison system and was an adjunct professor and Burlington County College and Monmouth University. During his early years of teaching he was also a Teamster and drove tractor trailers. He proudly served in the US Army, Tank division and received a marksmanship award all during the Korean War. An avid outdoorsman, he never stopped teaching, and never stopped learning. He had a ready smile and a ready wit and was a true people person. He never went anywhere emptyhanded and made friends with everyone. He was an Eagle Scout.
Son of the late, Edwin & Lena Kaniper. Surviving are his devoted wife, Rose M. Kaniper, his 4 loving children , Kip Kaniper, Kathleen (Tom) Hudson, Gerhart (Lynn) Kaniper and Gregory Kaniper, Loving grandchildren , Scott, Marc, Jane, Rachel, John parker, Will & Keith, Brother in law Richard (Fran) Sydoriak and nieces and nephews.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday 11:00 am at the Church of St. Ann, 1253 Lawrence Road, Lawrenceville NJ. Visitation will be Friday 9:00-11:00 am at the Church. Interment with military honors will be in BGWCD Veterans Cemetery. arrangements by Knott's Colonial Funeral Home, Hamilton Memorial donations may be made to, Wayne M. Kaniper Scholarship Fund, St. Ann's School, 34 Rossa Avenue, Lawrenceville, NJ, 08648.
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Memories and Condolences
for Wayne Kaniper
Scott F. Sedlazek
June 13, 2025
GOD Bless Mr. Wayne Kaniper. On the first day of Jamesburg High School way back in 1971, They had an intriductory thing in the audoturium (Sp.?), and Mr. Kanioer said, and I quote, "I am Mr. Kaniper the Vice Principal, and the best students are the ones that We in the Principals' Office do not know Your name. ". My only thought was what about Your worst students. Do You like apples or oranges on Your desk Sir? He only suspended Me once for fighting, and He gave Us 3 days off the last full week before Christmas vacation on a Friday . My Oponent and I just looked at each other both thinking thank You Mr. Kaniper. To this day it has been one of My favorite Christmas gifts. And to top it off He gave Me a ride home. After a short while He knew not only My name, but My Mother's first name. He was a pretty tough Guy too. I could tell He could fist fights. And I know a few times He would have liked to have pulled off His suit jacket and rolled up His sleeves to duke it out with Me behind the portable classrooms. But I know He was quite awed at My tarde record if not impressed because He said that I had the most lates that He had ever seen. On Friday the 30th. of April 1975, I managed to pull up at School at around 08:45, and when I was putting My thoughts together about what I was going to lie to Him about being tarde again, it was announced on the radio that President Gerald Ford had just ended The Vietnam War, so I rushed in and told Him the news, and He rushed to announce it on the P.A. System. Thank GOD for two Miracles combined that morning. I do not think Mr. Kaniper was surprised when He patted Me on the back for graduating last in My clsss, and He said it was also quite an achievement to graduate dead last in Your class Mr. Sedlazek which was back in The Class of 1975. Thanks for the memories Mr. Kaniper. GOD Bless You Buddy and Yours. Scott F. Sedlazek
Rich Areeda
May 10, 2025
Tremendous educator. I deeply respected him and his integrity. Jamesburg public schools were BLESSED by his presence.
Jack Clarkin
October 4, 2024
Wayne, is gone but will never be forgotten. Wayne is the number one TKE of all time. Wayne took our chapter of TKE and molded into a force to be reckoned with. I remember Wayne as friendly, results oriented and intelligent. Rest in peace Frater.
Jack Clarkin
October 3, 2023
Wayne is a legend within the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. Wayne was an outstanding leader and kind friend to everyone. Wayne was always willing to give a helping hand to anyone who asked. Rest in peace Frater.
Cindy Sprague
October 3, 2022
Still mis this man. He taught me so much as I was growing up. I wish every kid could have someone like him in lives. He enriched mine beyond measure.
Victor Di Sylvester
October 2, 2022
Wayne was a shining light in our TKE fraternity at Rider. He was greatly respected as a leader and a man of action; he got things done. Wayne provided an example as a mentor for leadership, honesty, and kindness.
Philip Garlick
October 3, 2020
Wayne was a Rider TKE legend , who gave of himself when anyone asked !
Tom Cross
October 2, 2019
Please accept my deepest sympathy. I have many fond memories of Wayne as a friend and fraternity brother at Rider College.
Roxanne Fagan
November 16, 2013
My sincerest condolences to the entire Kaniper family. I am blessed to be long time friends with Greg. During our friendship I learned how incredible his father was and how wonderful his mother is. It's very obvious that Greg was raised by generous and loving people. His verbal admiration for his parents and siblings is a beautiful thing to witness. Greg speaks highly of his family often and proudly. I am sure the entire family is experiencing great sadness during this difficult time. Losing a loved one is always hard, but the loss of a remarkable man--Husband/Father/Grandfather--- whose loved by so many, seems even harder and more unfair. Find peace in the fact that those he left behind will carry his admirable attributes all the days of their lives. You will witness him in each and every one of their faces, laughs and tears. Allow it to comfort you. God Bless you All.
May You Rest in Peace Mr Kaniper
Catherine & Michael DeMaria
November 5, 2013
To the Kaniper Family,
We are so sad to here of Wayne's passing. He was a good friend to my brother, Michael and I. We had hope he would be visiting us in New Mexico again this fall. We will never forget his trusted friendship, generosity of spirit and genuine interest in human kind. He will be dearly missed by us all.
Regina (Mesquita) Marks
October 19, 2013
Ro: I will never forget Wayne traveling
to NY to visit Jack's gravesite and
collecting donations from the TKE's for
our scholarship fund. My daughter and
I both spoke to him after that. I only
wish he had looked us up when he was here. Reading all these condolences
makes me smile, cause I knew him, too. What a great guy; Jack thought the world of him. Now, they are together again. Love, Regina
Cindy Sprague
October 16, 2013
I am so sadden to hear of Wayne's passing. Words cannot express the profound impact he had on my life. I always thought of him as the father I should have had. I grew up as best friends with Kip and was fortunate enough to know the whole family. I always felt accepted by them. I would like to express my deepest sympathies to the entire family, and a special thank you to Rosemary for thinking enough of me to stop by and let me know of Wayne's passing. I am sending a great big hug to all of you.
Ps. 34:17, 18 ~ Kim
October 14, 2013
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Carol & Ed R
October 13, 2013
It's hard to get a grip on loosing this great neighbor. we lived on this street 41 yrs. and watched him raise Kip,Kathleen,Gerhard and Gregory. his demeanor spoke volumns. always remembering his kindness to my son's Mike and Tony. their stepdad helped him take down a tree, and there he comes a few days later with gift card that we said wasn't necessary. but that was Wayne. God Bless his children
Alma Hinson
October 12, 2013
My prayers and deepest sympathy to his family. Mr. Kaniper was a great teacher. I had the honor of him teaching me at GMB, you are gone but not forgotten.
Betty Broglio
October 11, 2013
So sorry to hear of Wayne's passing. We worked together at GMB for many years until his retirement. What a guy;besides being a great teacher, he was a wonderful human being. Always had a smile, a joke and time to listen. Still missing you.
Tony Rosica
October 11, 2013
I read his obituary and never knew all his accolades, but then that's not who he was.... Down to earth and related at whatever level you were. I knew him first as my neighbor, who forty years later would still yell down the street "Hey!" like only he could. Then as a newspaper boy and the countless conversations we had outside the house. Then the years of college and the ones that followed around his kitchen table covering many topics...what a wonderful man and treasured mentor and neighbor! I'll miss the "Heys!", The conversations and the notes in the mail even when I'm in my forties just touching base, connecting and offering a word of encouragement....he's is and will forever be a Neighborhood Treasure ans sorely missed!
Ronald English
October 10, 2013
May God continue to bless your family.
Nancy (Kress) Kliewe
October 10, 2013
No doubt Mr. Kaniper will be missed by so many, including me. I will always remember his kindness and his caring attitude. His passing created a void that will never be filled.
October 9, 2013
My condolence to the family of Wayne.
May God bless your family at this time.
Ron Nicklow
Joseph christensen
October 9, 2013
Good teacher... Rip Mr kaniper
Albert Burd
October 9, 2013
What a great teacher Rip
Michael Metroke
October 9, 2013
Wayne was a great educator among the many who served so long and well in the Jamesburg school system. We were all so fortunate that our paths crossed with his. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
michelle gallaher
October 9, 2013
my condolence to the family!!! he was a great teacher. he was always so nice and sweet.i used to love saying good morning to him n hello to him! he will never be forgotten! amazing person. r.i.p
Pamela Caracappa Olkowitz
October 9, 2013
A beautiful person...excellent teacher...a special man not to be forgotten....
Louis Gallaher
October 9, 2013
RIP mr kaniper... he was one of my fav history teachers. when i ws in gmb in 7 grade i think i was when i had him. he made sure that i was involve n understood class.. i will miss him alot. my condulance go to his family and friends.
Colleen Scranton
October 9, 2013
Sorry to hear of your family's loss. I was a student back in the 60's. Mr. Kaniper was a very kind man, and a great teacher.
Kevin Keaveney
October 8, 2013
Sincere condolences to the Kaniper family. Mr. K was a terrific person and a wonderful teacher.
Cathy Speranza
October 8, 2013
Never had Mr Kaniper as a teacher..during my 4 years at JHS he was VP..the enforcer.."the Nipper"..always in the halls in his dark suits keeping us on the straight and narrow..he is a huge part of the fond memories I have of JHS..may his family find comfort in seeing how many lives he touched..God Bless
ron bergen
October 8, 2013
Mr Kaniper RIP u will be missed you were a great teacher alot of fun times in your class my condolence to MR K family he was a great guy many great memories
Christine Lemerich-Barreto
October 8, 2013
Mr. Kaniper was the 1st teacher to make me feel like he cared.In my 8th grade yearbook 1984,he wrote to me "Christine,remember when everyone would be working & we'd be looking at each other smiling" He was always smiling. I remember him always pulling out his little black comb & combing his hair back.RIP~Mr.Kaniper,you will be missed.
Richard Brunetti,Sr.
October 8, 2013
To: The Kaniper Family.
I offer my condolences to the Family of my Fraternity Brother and Friend. A man's man. A man of great integrity and a natural leader. He was respected by everyone who knew him and in turn he respected everyone as well. It is my honor to call him a FRIEND and fraternity Brother. God bless you Wayne and God bless your Family.
Doris Dzingleski
October 8, 2013
He was a great teacher to both of my children. May he rest in God's hands'
Dan Chitren
October 8, 2013
Mr. Kaniper was the best teacher I ever had. I remembered him to this day even though I have not seen him since middle school. It seems that he led a great life. My best wishes go out to him and his family. He made a difference.
katherine bashaw
October 8, 2013
One of the best...
Melinda Tone
October 8, 2013
My condolences to the Kaniper family. Really sad to hear of Mr. Kaniper's passing. He was my 7th and 8th grade history teacher. He was the one teacher I have thought about over the years. I often remember the inspiring message he wrote in my autograph book. "I'm expecting great things from you." Because of his faith in me, I went on to become a teacher. Best decision I ever made. Thank you for believing in me Mr. Kaniper. You will be greatly missed.
Pamela Szasz
October 8, 2013
You were a wonderful teacher, friend to all of us students! Your memory will live on in all our Hearts! God Bless, R.I.P Mr. Kaniper
October 8, 2013
We write this in memory of one of our most beloved patients. Wayne, we all will miss you terribly. We knew it would be a good day when we saw your name on our schedule. You brought a smile to each and everyone of us whenever we saw you. (Not to mention the goodies you brought as well) Our condolences to your wonderful family at this very sad time. Sincerely, The doctors and staff of Cranbrook Dental.
Alice Broxmeyer-Carbonaro
October 8, 2013
Rest in peace Mr. Kaniper!!! Thanks for the memories !!! My condolences to his entire family!!
Luke Johnson
October 8, 2013
One of the best, always ready with an easy smile and the proper words to make a student realize they could be better. A great person, will never forget when he presented the social studies award to me during my eighth grade graduation.
Cynthia Perez-Heron
October 8, 2013
An amazing teacher and wonderful person. He made a huge impact in my life and was one of the first teachers to show that he cared about his students. I will miss him.
Greg Webster
October 8, 2013
Many, many, good memories; and his presence in Washington, DC on our class trip showed us his truest heart. RIP.
October 8, 2013
he really was one of my favorite teachers!!
denise loudin
October 8, 2013
R.I.P. Mr.Kaniper, you will be missed!!!!
Angela Herring
October 8, 2013
My condolences to the Kaniper family Mr. Kaniper will never be forgotten he was a wonderful teacher
John Chiara
October 8, 2013
I still have my 8th grade autograph book on the shelf in my office. I opened it just now and here's what Mr. Kaniper wrote about me in June 1963...
"John, in your quiet way you shall do well. Be confident in yourself, your better than you think"
I can't tell you how many times I have read that and have been encouraged over the years!
Nick Busco
October 8, 2013
He was one of my mentors, no question. A very fair teacher and a very funny man too. Love that story about the peas in his son's nose... Thanks for letting some things go, teaching me to work hard and keep on the straight and narrow. My condolences to the Kaniper family. RIP Mr. Kaniper...
Susan (McNabb) Pellino
October 8, 2013
My condolences to the family of Mr. Kaniper. He was one of my very favorite teachers. So so very sad to hear of his passing.
Michael Thompson
October 8, 2013
I was saddened to hear of Mr. Kaniper's passing. He was one of the few teachers that I still thought about often - 30 years later. He encouraged a curiosity about the world beyond what was written in textbooks. My thoughts are with the Kaniper family today and I am sorry for their loss. But Mr. Kaniper's legacy lives on in the students he taught.
Patricia Reid
October 8, 2013
Thoughts and prayers go out to your family. You were an inspiration to many. Always made eveyone feel important. Rest in peace.
Elizabeth Hartzell
October 8, 2013
I am very saddened to hear of Mr Kanipers passing. He truly was one of the best teachers I have ever had. He will surely be missed and my heart goes out to his family. God Bless.
thomas Holzinger
October 8, 2013
My condolences to the Kaniper family. Mr. Kaniper will be greatly missed by his students along with anyone whoever met him. I will always be greatful to him for inspiring me to strive for greatness in whatever I do. Rest in peace Mr.Kaniper.
thomas Holzinger
October 8, 2013
My condolences to the Kaniper family. Mr. Kaniper will be greatly missed by his students along with anyone whoever met him. I will always be greatful to him for inspiring me to strive for greatness in whatever I do. Rest in peace Mr.Kaniper.
kathleen (soden) lillie
October 8, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. - Mr Kaniper was an excellent teacher and person he never made you feel small in any way in school pls know how much he was adored then and may he rest in peace..
John Intravartolo
October 8, 2013
My deepest sympathies are with your family at this time. I was truly saddened at this news. You were a great teacher, one I always respected. I enjoyed your classes, and especially enjoyed talking "outdoors" with you during the many hours I spent in detention... May you forever Rest in Peace.
Judi Dawson-Muscle
October 8, 2013
Rest in Peace, Mr. Kaniper! You were a great teacher at JHS and the world of teaching has lost a valuable member.
October 8, 2013
RIP Mr. Kaniper. You were one of the best teachers I had growing up. My prayers to your friends and family as I am sure you will be greatly missed. - Sharon Montgomery Clark
Janice Kaminskas
October 8, 2013
So sorry to hear of his passing. I grew up and went to school in Jamesburg. I was a student of his and remember him well in his dark suit. My thoughts and prayers are with you, his family.
Pat Mott-Burns
October 8, 2013
My prayers go out to your family Mr. Kaniper, you truly were a great teacher and leader. May you rest in peace, God Bless. Your student, Pat Mott.
Valerie Walling
October 8, 2013
My thoughts and Prayers are with the family. Thank you Mr . K for being one of many great teachers at Jamesburg High.
Gottlieb. (Fred) Goddard jr
October 8, 2013
R.I.P. You and I had and a great and interesting 4 years @ JHS. My prayers go out to you and your family. Thank you for your molding me into the person I am today. God bless the Nipper!
diana vitale
October 8, 2013
my thoughts and prayers are with your family. You were an amazing teacher and you were an inspiration.. you will be sadly missed
Les Breese
October 8, 2013
I had the experience of teaching with Wayne at Jamesburg High School for many years, and I can honestly say that he was quite a guy. My sincerest condolences to Wayne's family and friends.
Les Breese
October 8, 2013
I had the experience of teaching with Wayne for many years at Jamesburg High School, and I can honestly say that he was quite a guy. My sincerest condolences to Wayne's family and friends.
Sharon linke White
October 8, 2013
Mr. Kniiper you where a outstanding teacher and a great vice principal, Many students from JHS remember your civics classes with a smile. God bless and prayers to your family. " class of 74"
Susan Sanford-Linke
October 8, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you! You were the best teacher I had in high school and you went on to teach both my children as well. You will be missed! RIP
Denise Rasieiwcz-Busco
October 8, 2013
So sorry for your loss, Mr Kaniper was a great teacher . always told us "It's your day to shine" I hope his love shines down on everyone always. God Bless
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