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James F. Vecchione
James F. Vecchione
Obituary
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James Vecchione Obituary
AGE: 72 • Middletown
James F. Vecchione, 72, of Middletown, died Friday, April 17, 2015 at home. He was born in Long Branch and lived in West Long Branch before moving to Middletown. He summered in Hiram, Maine for the past 41 years.
He was a history teacher at Middletown High School North for 31 years before retiring 15 years ago. He was a graduate of Newark State College and a member of the NJEA and the NEA.
He was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Josephine Marotta Vecchione and a brother, Salvatore Vecchione. Surviving are two aunts, Gloria and Josephine Marotta and several cousins.
Relatives and friends are invited to a graveside service at 11:30 am Tuesday at Woodbine Cemetery in Oceanport. For condolences, please visit www.fiorefuneralhomes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Stephen Smith
April 13, 2021
Mr Vec was a very talented teacher who worked hard to both educate and be liked by my fellow classmates. I enjoyed the lessons he taught and it was great to get to know him. I loved the story of the cannonballs off the dock Mark, would have truly enjoyed talking to him about that. He would have liked that we talk about him often on our class facebook group, I truly do think that. Stephen MTHSN Class of 1979
James Heffernan
April 20, 2017
Mr. Vec truly made history come alive. I loved his class, it was informative and fun. His love of history transferred to me and I hope I continued in his great tradition of helping students love history. I also became a history teacher and tried to make my classes as great as his. He was a great role model for outstanding teaching,
Mark Healey
April 28, 2015
I grew up every summer spending time at Jim's Maine cabin on the pond swimming to the raft, ringing the bell, and watching him build puzzles in this sun room. My parents, Tom and Helen, and us kids will miss you Jim. I'd pay real money for one more cannonball off the dock. Thank you for the memories.
Gloria Lehman
April 25, 2015
Remember in Rome on New Year's Eve, you came yelling "the WW 3 has started and I hear the Tanks"- It was just fireworks and rockets. RIP Jim
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Eric S
April 25, 2015
My auction buddy for several years, our family had a spot on Stanley Pond a few lots over from his, from 60's mid 1990's. Jim was always a friend and will be missed.
At his home in Maine. This is the way my family will always remember Jim. We will miss him very much.
The Healey Family
April 24, 2015
Jack Lowney
April 23, 2015
I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of James Vecchione. "Vec" inspired me to go to college and become a history teacher. He inspired everyone in some way or another. When we misbehaved he would jokingly threaten: "I'll break both your legs"! Even that was designed to elevate us to do better. Often when I am teaching I can hear myself sounding a lot like Vec. I hope one day to be half the teacher he was.
former student
April 23, 2015
My prayers are with the family. I am a former student. He was a great teacher who made history come alive. Mr Vec will be missed...
Renee Eckert
April 21, 2015
Aloha to my favorite high school teacher. Never a dull moment.MTHS 1971.
Debbie Del Vecchio Danziger
April 20, 2015
I am truly saddened to hear this news. Mr. Vecchione was the best teacher I ever had. He was captivating and made going to his class so much fun. I am so glad I reached out to him not too long ago and had the chance to talk to him and reminisce about Middletown North. I will always remember you! Rest in peace. ("Mr. Vecchioneeee ... loves his macaroni").
james longhitano
April 20, 2015
Our hearts go out to one of the most loved teacher,father,husband and best friend. You have touched everyone everybody that came into your world with your heart and love for everyone regardless of who or what they stand for. I was blessed to have been a student of yours even thought you didn't have me in your class. you took me in like I was your own. my your soul open up new light for above and our memory's live forever.
Colleen Ward
April 20, 2015
Sometimes in this life someone stays with you forever. His disposition, his smile or his good morings to teach us something he loved... He was a teacher that love to teach, he was a man Middletown High School will never forget! his class was one you wanted to go to! As I did. he was a good soul.. now he teaching in heaven! God needed a good teacher in heaven, and that he got!
Tricia Hoerz (DeFranco)
April 20, 2015
Mr. V. was one of the best teachers I had in high school. He made learning history interesting. He could also always put a smile on your face.
You will be missed.
Jane Silva Apparis
April 20, 2015
I don't know how you did it, But you made History class fun! Thank you for the years you spent giving us the education we needed at MTHS. You were a joy to have as a teacher. See you on the other side!
Tamra Tompkins
April 20, 2015
My heartfelt condolences to Mr Vecchione's family and friends. As you can see from all of entries, he was admired and respected by so many of us who were lucky enough to sit in his classroom. He treated us with respect, entertained us, challenged us, and started many of us thinking of world issues for the first time. He was a special teacher. I am so glad that I got the chance to tell him how loved he was. We will never forget him.
Kevin D
April 20, 2015
Indeed my best memories of any teacher I had. I have thought of you often in the nearly 40 years since I sat in your AP history class. You'll never be forgotten. RIP, Mr. Vec.
Joanna Jarrach
April 20, 2015
Jamaes was a dear and special friend. We shared many wonderful times and meals together At work, Maine, and in retirement. He will be greatly missed. May God have mercy on his soul. "He did it is way!"
Karen Zapata (Healey)
April 20, 2015
Dear Jim,
For my entire life you have been a constant. Every summer we would spend in Maine we would look forward to spending time with you at the pond and/or you coming over to the property to sit around with us. As kids my brothers and I would love to see who could swim out to the float the fastest or balance on your surf board and who could forget when Daniel disappeared in your row boat for hours? You were also the first one to jump in the water and play with us. There are too many fond memories to list. I am grateful for having had you in my life and having known you into my adulthood, to have conversations with you and listen to the stories of your travels. I am also glad that my son was able to meet you and tug on your beard. We will miss you more than you will ever know. Rest in peace. xox
You will be missed... Stephen
Stephen Smith
April 20, 2015
Mr Vecchione, I enjoyed every one of your classes, you truly inspired me to do well in my career, and taught me to be a better person. Fond Farewell, Is anyone going to the service, and is it tomorrow?
Kevin Johnson
April 20, 2015
Mr. Vecchione was my favorite history teacher and perhaps my favorite overall thru high school. I was in his class during '72 -'73 which was an election year in '72 and the ultimate end of the Vietnam War in '73. Our class consisted of many open debates on the current affairs which I believe gave all of us a greater understanding of communication and viewpoints. I have viewed history and the development of future events in a new way ever since. Plus he was cool! R.I.P.
Sandy Jones
April 20, 2015
Looking at the guest book it's interesting to see how many kids felt Mr V was their favorite teacher. He made you feel that you had a special relationship with him and his teaching. Truly gifted. All my best to his family.
Robin Hand
April 20, 2015
I had the pleasure of having Mr. Vecchione - nicknamed (The Chief) as my senior year history teacher as many of us did. I remember always getting to his class early to sit around his desk & talk about so many things & having many laughs before class started. I remember how much he loved Sophia Loren & his wine! He was a great teacher & all around great person! He will be sadly missed by so many of us! RIP Chief!
Dave Bove
April 20, 2015
Mr. V we had a lot of laughs in your class while we learn history along the way you were one of the great ones.
April 20, 2015
I'm Very sorry to hear of the passing of my childhood friend and neighbor Rest peacefully "Jimmy Boy "
cindy melhado-cook
April 20, 2015
Mr. Vecchione, I did not you have you as a teacher, but I know you from school. You will truly be missed. Rip
Christine Ientile
April 19, 2015
Truly a favorite to so many of us. You have left such an impression on so many lives as such a dedicated teacher and caring man. Rest in peace.
Ken Steiner
April 19, 2015
Mr.V even though it has been many years since I was your student I still feel close to you. The impression you left on me is your legacy. I was never a great student but were able bring the best out in me. Thank you for believing in me Mr Vecchione. I carry your wisdom like a badge of honor. I thought of you often through these many years. Rest in peace my friend and mentor.
Diana Borsellino Stracher
April 19, 2015
Mr. Vecchione,
You were mine and everyone's favorite teacher. You taught with passion and made every class a joy to be in. Rest in Peace.
Margie Rafferty
April 19, 2015
Seem like just yesterday we were all saying you were alive and well and spotted around town! I will never forget your love of chocolate donuts. If more teachers had your love and enthusiasm for the kids in their classes that you showed all of us, school would be a better place. Margie Rafferty, Class of '78
This will always be the way I remember him. Such a great teacher.
Margie Rafferty
April 19, 2015
Lisa Sonnenfeld
April 19, 2015
To the memory of a favorite teacher: In abundant company I share grief at this loss as an alumni of Middletown high school north. The void Mr Vecchione leaves so deeply cuts to the heart every student, who ever looked to him for guidance-wisdom and kindness. And none ever were left wanting. The grande stature and legacy of so noble a man has led us well to live a vast array and an amazing diversity of futures, as best as a teacher anywhere in the record of history. We salute you by living well and full lives. I wrote an American history book and became a school teacher partly due to you Mr Vecchione. May God grant you peace. Goodbye Mr.Vecchione
Doreen
April 19, 2015
I am so sad to hear of Mr Vecchione's passing. I have thought of him so often over the years. So many times, I wanted to track him down but I never got around to it. I feel so bad. I hope he knows how much he meant to all of us.
Richard Plungis
April 19, 2015
Mr Vecchione,
It's been almost 30 years now but your teaching intensity makes it feel like yesterday.
You were one of the great ones.
You embraced us like no other teachers each and every class day with such great intensity.
You seized each day and shook the life into kids in a dead dull school. The walls shook, the desks vibrated you woke us up. We wanted to be there in your classroom.
You went above and beyond, you became my friend.
You reached out when no one else cared.
You were one of the great ones.
I will always remember the story you always told in the class about my brother Billy. About The canoe trip and how everyone was wet and freezing and my brother scurried around like a mountain goat finding wood and then started a fire to everyone's savior.
Let me tell you Mr Vecchione you were so many kids saviors you don't even know. I wish I could have told you that before you left us. I send it now to you in prayer.
I cast upon you enchanted golden dust that guides your spirited life force through the universe with peace, harmony and brings you together with all your loved ones.
God Bless and thank you for your guidance and support when it was most needed.
Your Student and friend in tears
Richard Plungis
Diane Swaim
April 19, 2015
Jim was a colleague, a friend and an inspired and inspiring advisor. His contributions to the teaching profession, his students and the union he supported as a member and leader are beyond measure. His loss is deeply felt.
J. Braun '72
April 19, 2015
One of my two favorite teachers. I looked forward to going to his class and enjoyed his teaching of history. I am still a student of history thanks to Mr. V.
Mary Giblin
April 19, 2015
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Vecchione's passing. He was a wonderful teacher and my favorite during my years at MHSN. I still have a photo of us dancing at the Senior Prom. RIP, Mr. V.
April 19, 2015
A fantastic educator. I enjoyed every minute in his class. RIP Mr. Vec.
Jean Charte
April 19, 2015
One of my favorite teachers. His admiration for Roosevelt I will always remember. He will be missed.
Meave Mcdonald
April 19, 2015
So sorry for your loss condolences keep your head up be stong for you and your family
Lisa Bandarenko
April 19, 2015
RIP Mr. Vecchione. He as a great teacher one of my favorites. He made you want to learn. Very fortunate to have had him as a teacher.
Susan Croken
April 19, 2015
So sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Vecchione. He was one of my all time favorite teachers! I became a teacher myself because of teachers like Mr. Vecchione.
April 19, 2015
What a memorable teacher. We all loved him. Such a blessing in the teaching world. My deepest sympathies to the family.
Sincerely,
Laurie Sparrow Gentry
Heather Boyce/Russo
April 19, 2015
So sorry to hear this. What a great teacher. Mr. Vecchione you fly with the angels now. RIP till we meet again.
Marie Finelli
April 19, 2015
One of my favorite teachers. I always looked forward to his class. He captivated his students and made learning fun. Rest in Peace, Mr. Vecch.
mary henry
April 19, 2015
You were the best teacher RIP Mr V
Ellen Zigich-Taddeo
April 19, 2015
He was my favorite teacher in north always made history fun!! til this day I talk about him to my kids telling them he made me love history cause he made it so interesting!! We love you Mr. Vec and we will all miss you..I know your looking down on all your students and smiling...
Nancy Miele (Birnbaum)
April 19, 2015
A true teacher not only in the classroom, but in life lessons as well. Mr. Vecchione inspired his students to find their passion, and observing him in the classroom allowed me to become a teacher...a passionate teacher like HIM.
Michelle DeJesus-Howard
April 19, 2015
A compassionate soul and the best teacher anyone could ask for. I am blessed to have had him in my educational life. RIP Mr. Vecchione!
Sherri Schwartz
April 19, 2015
I had such trouble in history and he made it so much better! What an amazing teacher and person. Rest in peace Mr. Vech.
Ray Sheldon
April 19, 2015
One of my best HS teachers and just a wonderful, kind, compassionate man with a great sense of humor. From one carpetbagger to another, welcome home!
Jennifer Smith
April 19, 2015
Vech, You were a great teacher and a great friend. I miss seeing you at shoprite each week. May you rest in Peace. ¢¾Jen Weisser
Bob Suphan
April 19, 2015
You got me interested in politics and helping others, starting me on the road towards my professional life. Thanks Mr. Vech. You helped many and made the world a better place. You will be missed.
Robert Goodman
April 19, 2015
May the soul of James Vecchione and all the souls of the departed faithful, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. His was mind forever voyaging and am sure it will continue as it did in this life into the next. Be at peace, good soul. Godspeed.
Michael Cummings
April 19, 2015
You were everyone's favorite teacher. I truly loved learning in your class, you made every day fun. RIP, Mr Vech.
MaryBeth Ryan Brehm
April 19, 2015
Mr. Vecchione,
You challenged me, you inspired me, you made me stand up and argue for what I believed. You taught me so much more than history.
You will be missed. RIP. Prayers for you and your family.
April 19, 2015
A gifted teacher who was able to connect with all of his students.
Sharon Parulis
April 19, 2015
Rest in Peace, Mr. Vecchione. You have touched many lives and will not be forgotten.
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