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John Imgrund Obituary
Raised in West Orange, a graduate of W.O.H.S., he was a member of the 1949 Group IV state championship basketball team.
An accomplished athlete, John attended Villanova University on a basketball scholarship transferring to Stetson University in Florida where he excelled in basketball, baseball and football. In 1954 and 1955, he was selected as the outstanding collegiate basketball player for the state of Florida by the Fla. Sportswriters' Assoc.
Upon graduation, John signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers. After a shoulder injury ended his career, he turned his love of sports into his profession, coaching basketball for 4 years at Deland H.S. before returning to West Orange as head basketball coach and teacher. In 1970, he was appointed District Director of Phys Ed, Health and Athletics for West Orange.
In 1990, John retired and moved with wife, Beverly, from Livingston to Brielle and later Lakewood.
John received many honors: 1959-60 Young Teacher of the Year award, Volusia County, Florida; 1962 New York Daily News Coach of the Year; Stetson University and WOHS Athletic Halls of Fame; NJISSA distinguished service award and the professional achievement award from the N.J.Assoc. for Physical Education, Health and Recreation.
John went on to attain his Master of Arts from Seton Hall University where he later became an adjunct professor. Passionate about service, he took a leadership role in many organizations : W. O. Mayor's Youth Council; W.O.Lions Club, executive board; Livingston Recreation Advisory committee, chairperson; Livingston National Little League, board of directors ; New Jersey City and College Directors of Physical Education, Health and Recreation, president and Board of Trustees member; and was appointed to Ronald Reagan's Physical Fitness Council.
While John's accomplishments are remarkable, he will foremost be remembered as a true gentleman. His kindness, sense of humor and love of family were evident. Gardening, fishing, golf, photography, singing with his family and his ability to pull off a practical joke brought John great happiness. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Beverly, his children, Beth McKenna, John S. Imgrund III and wife Kristin, Barbara Berardo and husband, Tony and Jacquelyn Kalna and husband, Garick; his eight grand children, Cardin, Avery, Christian, Jacqueline, John IV, John Dalton, Maclain and Jack; his sisters Jean Milone and Mary Lou Hart and brother, Robert Imgrund.
Visitation is on Tuesday August 20, 4-8 pm at Orender Family Home for Funerals, 2643 Old Bridge Road, Manasquan, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 am on Wednesday August 21 at St. Peter's Church, 406 Forman Avenue Point Pleasant, NJ. Cremation will be private. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Holy Redeemer Hospice, 1228 Route 37 W, Toms River, NJ 08755.To send condolences or obtain directions please visit www.orenderfamilyhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Imgrund
Robert Ramaglia
August 12, 2023
I was student at WOHS 1958-1961. John was my football coach. We didn't win any games my senior year, but I remember Coach Imgrund always had positive word for all the players. He was also my Phys. Ed. teacher. We always had a lot of fun in his class.
Bob Ramaglia '61
August 29, 2013
Dear Beverly and family. I just learned of John's passing. My wife, Andrea, and I extend our sympathies and prayers to you. I am Jed Foley. John and I were childhood friends and playmates. He was a great pal and his obituary is beautiful. We were graduates of West Orange High School on June 20, 1950. There are many wonderful things I remember about John. Please permit a few in no particular order. His birthday was January 27, 1932. He lived at 59 Quimby Place in West Orange off Rollinson Street. I lived on Mitchell Street. We used to walk up and down the hill to our houses where we would play. No cars in those daysbut no concerns of troubles in our travels either. One summer in the late 40s my family took John with us to Nantucket Island, Mass. He was great fun. He made us laugh at the dinner table when he would eat corn, cob and all. I vividly remember his lovely and gentle mother and his two brothers and two sisters. He was a great athlete, clearly the best I knew growing up. He was the starting center on our Group lV State basketball championship team in 1949. He was the rugged rebounder and key shotmaker in our two close wins against Emerson and Thomas Jefferson to win the title. I guess there were the beginings of his great coaching career even then because he encouraged me to go out for track and I became Coach Ed Johnson's miler and went on to run at Georgetown. We had a champion intramural touch football team during our gym classes. I was able to throw a forward pass and John, whom we called "Ink", was always able to jump the highest to catch the ball. I remember when John went to Villanova, even then Georgetown's big rival, and then to Stetson. Our paths parted during our college days and I stayed in Washington to go to law school. I saw you and John at one of our high school reunions at The Breakers a few years ago. I wasn't always able to attend because of work.I learned of his illness a few years ago. With the help of God I remain a survivor of that illness. I know that John faced it with bravery as the courageous champion and man he was. I have marvelled at the tributes paid to him, especially from those whom he coached. What greater honor than the respect from those whom he coached and guided to develop into fine young men. Please rest assured that my memories of John will always remain warm and that he, you and your and devoted family will always be in my prayers. Sincerely, Gerald (Jed) and Andrea Foley
Janet Marasco
August 27, 2013
So sorry to hear of your loss.
August 27, 2013
To touch so many is the mark of a great man. It was truly a privilege to have known you as mentor and a teacher but even a bigger privilege to have played for you. The influence that you had on so many of us can never be measured.
Tony Fortino, WOHS '65
Joe & Donna Balady
August 24, 2013
Beverly...We heard of John's passing today. We are truly sorry for your loss. The short time we knew John, seemed like a life time. A fine man, he was. May you find comfort in all of the great memories you had together.
August 23, 2013
Bev, the funeral was a wonderful tribute to Coach. I was honored to be a pall bearer. Coach changed my life forever and I will always be indebted to him. What a wonderful family to love and support you. The boys of '62 will continue to gather each year and we will always want you to be a part of those get-togethers.
Love, Jimmy and Pam
August 22, 2013
John Imgrund was a coaches coach. I had a great deal of respect for Mr. Imgrund. He truly cared for all of us. I hope he passed quietly. Rest in peace John. Wayne Basile class of "65"
August 22, 2013
John Imgrund was a coaches coach. I had a great deal of respect for Mr. Imgrund who truly cared for all of us. I hope he passed quietly and may he rest in peace. Wayne Basile class of "65"
Bernadette Amiano
August 22, 2013
I was saddened by the news of a great man's passing. Coach "CJ" was the one of the finest individuals I knew. It was an honor to work for him and I will never forget him.
Bern Amiano, WOHS Class of 1967
Bernadette Amiano
August 22, 2013
Mrs. Imgrund and children: So very sorry for your loss. No finer man than Coach "CJ." I was lucky to have worked for him and will never forget him!
bobby lyon
August 22, 2013
Coach: it was an honor knowing you. I still remember your famous foot stomps at the basketball games. rip
class of 66
August 22, 2013
Very sorry for your loss. A true gentleman indeed, always took the time to say hello and always had a wonderful smile. Carol Harr Class of 1967.
Howie Olsen
August 21, 2013
Coach Sadness came to me reading the O.B. You were a special person in my life in High School.My prayers go out to the family and to my class mate Robert
leticia lumpkins
August 21, 2013
Many Blessings to the Family and friends of Mr. John S. Imgrund.
Charles Cusumano
August 21, 2013
thanks Coach-WOHS class 1961
William Ippolito
August 21, 2013
My condolences to Robert and family.
August 20, 2013
I will remember him for his kind words and direct actions when some people bulled me in school.RIP and thank you for helping me be the person I am today. class 69
Judy Nelson Kahkonen
August 20, 2013
"Coach"...role model to high school students...remembered with fondness and great respect. My sympathy to Mrs. Imgrund, their children & grand children, and to Bob, my WOHS classmate--1961. God bless and comfort each of you.
Judy Nelson Kahkonen
August 20, 2013
Sincere sympathy to the family.
Ellen Colman Hefter
Cheerleader '62
August 20, 2013
My condolences; coach helped me.
Kerry M. O'Connor-'61
Harold Force
August 20, 2013
The greatest award John received was the respect he received from his students.
A life well lived.
Harold Force WOHS '61
August 20, 2013
My condolences to the family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God bring you comfort and strength during this time of great sorrow.
Bob Mitchell
August 20, 2013
Graduated WOHS with Bob in 1961. Enjoyed tutelage of Coach Imgrund throughout. His gentle approach always seemed right.
Condolences to the family.
Robert Ramaglia
August 20, 2013
Graduated WOHS 1961. Coach Imgrund was my football coach. One of my best high school experiences. Thanks coach.
August 20, 2013
We are so sorry for your loss. John was a great man, a husband and aa family man. Also a respected coach, He made a great contribution during his time with us.He changed many young boys into men. You will always be in our prayers.
Russ Pisano class of 1961
Sandy Jordan
August 20, 2013
I was saddened when I heard the news. My condolances to the everyone.
Lewis Pifer
August 20, 2013
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
JoAnn Lemaldi
August 19, 2013
So sorry to hear John passed away. I worked for the West Orange School District and new him as a well respected educator and dedicated coach. My deepest sympathy.
JoAnn Lemaldi
John/Susan Sauer
August 19, 2013
We are so sorry for your loss.
Bill Dalton
August 19, 2013
My condolences to Beverly and the entire Imgrund family. I am so happy that some of us were able to celebrate the coach's 80th birthday with him and share fond memories. He impacted so many lives in a positive way. Thanks John! RIP
August 19, 2013
RIP John. My condolences to the Imgrund family! John Niemeyer-WOHS Class of 64
robert jury
August 19, 2013
Coach was a great inspiration to me. He was always positive.
class 1966
Martin Yam
August 18, 2013
Coach Imgrund taught me a great deal about sports and how to be a true gentleman. He will be missed.
Martin Yam '69
Carole Baker
August 18, 2013
RIP, Coach. You will be missed. I'm class of '67 WOHS. Peace.
Carole Valera
August 18, 2013
How sad to learn of this great man's passing. As a graduate of West Orange High School, I remember him as a wonderful person and a great athlete.
Carole Schwartz Valera
August 18, 2013
Jacqui, I know your daddy helped make you the Wonderful Spirit you are today.
My heart is heavy & sad for you and your family...sending much Love..Krazy Sarah
Gael Hawkins
August 18, 2013
My heart is heavy with the news of your dad's passing, Jacqui. Sending love and sympathy,
Gael
The Sisbarro Family Ricky, Toni, Jaclyn and David
August 18, 2013
Our condolences go out to the Imgrund Family.
Many great memories of John at all the wonderful get togethers with the "Livingston Crew."
He will be missed by all.
Kathleen Granger
August 18, 2013
My sincerest condolences to the entire family. Mr Imgrund was a man of upright character and integrity. This world could use more like him. My father considered him a true friend. He was a very Good man may he rest in peace.
Woody & Terri Billings
August 18, 2013
I always have know him as Dad I. Knowing the whole Imgrund Family since the late '70's from Ocracoke. he was always a pillar in my life when he was around. You and Mom I. always set the pinnacle of what a family should be and raised the most beautiful family I have ever known,inside and out. Dad I. always took the time to listen and give you a slap on your back when needed. Dad and Mom I. even took time to come to our wedding 4 years ago on Ocracoke when it was not their normal time to visit the Island. Having loosing my Father and Uncle this year and now Dad I., another role model in my life, my heart goes out to the entire loving Family, one that I admire most in this World. May God Bless and the light keeps flaming in your hearts. R.I.P. Dad I. and we will miss you more then you will ever know.
Jim Mahan
August 18, 2013
A wonderful man who raised a wonderful family
Letty Zalme-Case
August 18, 2013
R.I.P. coach Imgrund..........you had a profound impact on our lives as we moved through the West Orange school system. A wonderful coach and a genuinely nice person. You'll be missed.
MR.AND MRS. FITZPATRICK
August 18, 2013
Our Uncle always made us feel very loved;
carrying more than his share for us.
Jackie Anne Amiano-Oliver
August 18, 2013
John Imgrund was an influential person in my life. He gave me my first job, taught me to drive, and listened to me at a time in my life when no one else did. I am so thankful that I had the honor of knowing 'CJ', as we affectionately called him back in the days. Mrs. Imgrund, Beth, John, Barb, and Jackie, please accept my deepest sympathy. He touched my life in such a positive way. He will always remain a very important person to me.
August 18, 2013
A great man -- blessed to have been in his presence for so many of my formative years...
Frank Spendlove
August 18, 2013
John was truly a "Coach" in all aspects of life and relationships. We first met in the summer of 1961 and remained friends over the many years since then. He will truly be missed but the fond memories of reunions and special times are lasting and highly valued.
August 18, 2013
I graduated from WOHS in 1966 and fondly remember Mr. Imgrund as a wonderful, helpful and caring person; it was a honor to know him.
Janie Lewis
Geo/Kathy Ortman
August 18, 2013
We are so very sorry for your loss.
ERIC ALLEN
August 18, 2013
Had to have been a great dad as his children are wonderful people are parents themselves
Joe Tellone
August 18, 2013
He was a very powerful & positive influence on my life. i have thought about him so many times since my days at WOHS
charlie brannick
August 18, 2013
R.I.P. Coach Imgrund. Just a kid from the Valley but I knew who you were.
Noel Spillane
August 18, 2013
John & I crossed paths many times, as high school competitors and at Villanova - he was a great friend who brings back many fine memories! Rest in peace John, Noel Spillane
gordon swanson
August 18, 2013
Thanks coach for helping us transition from young boys to young men. Your influence during our high school years and throughout our lives was huge. I can remember like it were yesterday a deep rebound coming to mid court during practice and you putting those big hands around the ball and throwing up a hook. On those rare occasions when the ball did not go in, you would say you had not missed that shot since 8th grade. I believed you then and still do. For the past fifty years I have used that line with my kids no matter what the sport no matter how many misses. We will miss you. We will cherish our relationship with your beautiful bride and smile with full hearts whenever we talk about those wonderful years together.
Swany '62
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