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Edward Bechtel Obituary
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Ed started his teaching career in Pennsylvania in the early 1970s, and met his wife Debra Vina while teaching at East Stroudsburg High School. They married in August 1978 and settled down in Atlantic Highlands, NJ.
Edward enjoyed many years as a well respected physics teacher at Middletown High School North in addition to coaching football, wrestling, tennis, and cross country. Mr. Bechtel took great pride in the success of his students, and kept an extensive hat collection of colleges his students attended. He spent his summers as a physics researcher at Evan's Area at Fort Monmouth in addition to being an adjunct professor at Brookdale Community College.
Outside the classroom, his passions included playing tennis, singing and performing, traveling, and spending time with his grandchildren.
He retired in 2011 and purchased a home in Florida, a dream he and Debbie worked towards for years. They enjoyed 12 years in Florida together making new friends and traveling the world.
When home in New Jersey, his pride and joy was spending time with his grandchildren, who adored their Pop.
Edward was predeceased by his parents and father-in-law. He is survived by his wife, Debra Bechtel, his daughters Jaclyn (Michael) Scotto and Jennifer (Gregory) Capriotti; His mother-in-law, Therese Vina, and his grandchildren Gabriella, Lucille, Samuel, Michael, and Charles.
Services will be private to respect Ed's wishes. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Edward Bechtel, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Karen Hodges
August 8, 2025
So sorry to hear of Ed's passing. He was my husband Richard's bestman for our wedding in 1973 in Easton, PA. They were great friends during the 60s & 70s - both were science/physics majors at East Stroudsburg, and we attended his & Debra's wedding. I have alot of great memories of Ed & Rich carrying on together. My husband passed sadly in 2010.
Judy and Dan Peot
June 19, 2025
Our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to Deb and the family. We remember Ed´s awesome performance in this year´s Riverside variety show. We will miss seeing him in Florida.
Frank in VT
June 18, 2025
To the family of Ed : Ed and I were school buddies and best friends for over 55yrs. His passing leaves a huge void in my life. Rest well dear pal until we meet again. Frank in VT
Lauren Hill
June 17, 2025
Mr. Bechtel was a kind and fun man who engaged students with his wit and humor. He was my teacher, my coach and later, my co-teacher. I loved Ed and am sorry to hear of his passing. Heaven is a lucky place to have him!
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Nimfa and Frank Albano
June 17, 2025
Our deepest sympathies to the bereaved family. We first met Ed and Deb in our retirement community in Ruskin, Fl playing pickleball and became friends for 8 years. Ed was one of the topnotch player in our club. He had a very kind soul and was a very good singer which he showcased in Riverside Variety Show annually. We will miss his presence on the court, on the stage and at a party. Rest in peace Ed.
Laurie Shimeta
June 17, 2025
Sending condolences, love and hugs to you Deb and all your family. Ed will be truly missed in Riverside. Loved watching his humor learning the Charleston, playing cards, trivia and playing with your grandchildren in the Landings pool. May the love of family and friends help you through this difficult time. In Sympathy, Laurie and Mike Shimeta
Mike & Laurie Shimeta
June 17, 2025
What a great guy. Always smiling and laughing. We enjoyed seeing Ed on the stage. I have been teaching a challenging card game in Florida for a couple of years and I have never seen someone like Ed catch on immediately. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Deb and the families.
With love,
Mike & Laurie Shimeta
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