Jack Deitch

Jack Deitch, a beloved husband, father, and educator, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2025, at the age of 94. Born in the Bronx, Jack was the son of Meyer and Dora (nee Spector) Deitch, both of whom predeceased him. Meyer and Dora emigrated from what is now the Ukraine. Meyer joined the Army (The Fighting 69th) and operated a small grocery in the Bronx, living above the store with extended family and providing for all. Jack never forgot his upbringing.
A New Yorker through and through, Jack received Bachelor of Arts degree from Brooklyn College. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1951, achieving a rank of Second Lieutenant. He was discharged honorably. After leaving the service, he returned to New York, began teaching in the Bronx and earned a Master's Degree and an advanced Certificate in Educational Administration and Supervision from The City University of New York.
Professionally, he went on to serve as Assistant Principal at Ardsley High School, Principal at Hastings High School, and later as an Associate Professor at St. Thomas Aquinas College, shaping future generations of educators.
His work, both in the classroom and beyond, embodied the values of integrity, dedication, and compassion that he held dear.
He met his wife Jean (nee Walsh) while teaching in the Bronx. They were both English teachers and travelled in the same social circles, most famously the cocktail parties hosted by their mutual good friend Patricia O'Rourke – who would later become known as "Aunt Pat" to their children. Jack and Jean were married in 1965 and have remained strongly dedicated to each other for the past sixty years. Jean survives Jack, as does his son, John (Wendi); and his daughter, Lisa (Wendy); and his grandson, John. His family was the center of his world, and he found immense joy in watching them grow and thrive. In retirement, Jack dove into his passion for golf, joining the golf club at the Mirage in Barnegat and playing regularly with his friend Bob. Jack was a student of the game, even making his own clubs to pursue that "extra ten yards" he needed as time went on.
Jack will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and students. A memorial gathering to celebrate Jack's life will be held on March 5, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Memorial Funeral Home in Fanwood with a prayer service being held at 5:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jack's name may be made to the Richard Dobyns Memorial Scholarship Fund. The Fund is managed by the local Rotary Club and awards a scholarship to a local High School student who is "most improved" junior to senior year in High School.