Gerald S "Gerry" Bandola

Coach Bandola was a special person to family, friends, students and to his wrestlers. Many of the lessons we learned on the mat carried forward into our adult lives. Discipline, hard work, perserverence and respect. Our condolences to Mrs. Bandola and family. He will be missed by so many and never forgotten by all who knew him. God Speed Coach.

Paul and Annamarea Pitcher

Our deepest condolences to the Bandola family from the Ruiz family. Coach has always been a huge part of my life as a wrestler, teacher, coach, and as a father/grandfather. He taught me tough lessons in the wrestling room that I still use in business and life. I´ve passed these lessons down to my children and grandchildren. I have benefitted greatly and have had a great experience being part of his legacy. I carry the team "State of Mind" card to this day, 50+ years later. I will miss Coach everyday.

Taught me a lot , not to give up, be a gentleman, respect, Thank You Coach
I left CR a man after having you as a coach and teacher

Needless to say, Coach Bandola had an indelible impact on many, many young students and athletes throughout his life and career. This includes myself, my brothers David and Scott, as well as my father, Ed. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.

On behalf of the Runkel family, please accept our heartfelt condolences. As our father, currently lays ill in an Old Bridge, NJ hospital and requires our constant attention, we will, unfortunately, not be able to properly pay our respects in person...

Needless to say, Coach Bandola had an indelible impact on many, many young students and athletes throughout his life and career. This includes myself, my brothers David and Scott, as well as my father, Ed. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.

On behalf of the Runkel family, please accept our heartfelt condolences. As our father currently lays ill in an Old Bridge, NJ hospital and requires our constant attention, we will, unfortunately, not be able to properly pay our respects in person...

Prayers to family and friends. Mr. Bandola was a great man and teacher!

Sending my hearlfelt best wishes to the Bandola family. Mr B leaves a powerful legacy carried forward by all of us who spent time in and out of the room with him. Wrestling occupied a very short period of our lives however the character he instilled lasts a lifetime. It´s been 40 years since I last set foot on a mat yet the "state of mind" he instilled in me carries forward to this day. May he rest in peace knowing what an incredible impact he made during his life. I know that my buddies from the class of 83 will be toasting to him every time we get together. Here´s to Mr B! Dave Lissy

In that photo was after my wrestling match with Sam Cole from Long Branch. One of my last interesting matches of all times, regional finals, during my senior year - gave a really nice match and was proud to have Mr. Bandola at my corner, regardless of the outcome! Over 35 years ago, it seemed like it was yesterday and still hearing Coach Bandola´s voice, "cross face cradle!" I miss you the time I graduated from HS, and miss you again hearing that you passed.

Love you Coach!
Paul

My Condolences to the Bandola family.
Coach Bandola was a very important person in my life.
It is difficult to put into words the impact that he had on my life to this day.
I tried to emulate his coaching philosophy in my coaching and life.
Chuck Rutan

I´m so sorry to hear of Coach Bandola´s passing. My deepest sympathies to Mrs Bandola and their family.
Mr Bandola was the first coach to ever believe in me, even before I believed in myself. Having Mr Bandola in my life was like winning the lottery of Coaches. He was the positive male role model so many of us were lacking in our lives. He encouraged all of us to be the best version of ourselves and that stays with us even today. His life lessons will go on. Prayers for Coach and his family. God Bless you Coach B,
Rest In Peace,
Love you Coach & thank you for everything.
In deepest sympathy,
Viking
Keith English

Incredible man! He definitely looked out for his wrestlers and students with guidance and patience of a loving father! Rest Easy!

Condolences to Mrs Bandola and the Bandola family. Coach was a positive influence on so many young people during class, after school practice or just his presence in school. He taught us the importance of working hard, teamwork, respect and an unmatched toughness. Coach´s life lessons have played such an important role in everyone´s
Life. I am thankful I had the opportunity to have Gerry as a teacher, coach, colleague and friend. Rest in peace Gerry, love you.

Bob Eriksen

Our sincere condolences to Mrs. Bandola & family. Coach´s impact on students & student athletes is legendary. Very fond memories of the commitment, hard work, dedication & pride he nurtured in his wrestlers. He will be missed. Prayers for peace during this difficult time.
Ed & Gail (Lund) Bly
Garry Lund

I'm sorry for the loss of a super guy who was dedicated to our High School as a teacher and coach . Class of 1975 Cedar Ridge High School in Old Bridge NJ

May his Memory be Eternal .

Gerry was a great coach, teacher, and friend. The ceremony, when he was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, is a great memory.