Nicholas M. Sauter

Nicholas Michael Sauter, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on March 12, 2024, in Denville, NJ, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on May 19, 1955, in Paterson, NJ, to Leroy and Margaret Sauter.
Nick grew up in Totowa, NJ and attended Passaic Valley High School. He continued his education at Rutgers University playing college football on a four-year scholarship and was named 1976 ECAC First Team All East Selection as offensive tackle. One of his most cherished honors was playing on the undefeated 1976 Rutgers Football team. He received his master's degree from William Paterson College.
On August 13, 1977, Nick married the love of his life in Little Falls, NJ. His marriage to Deborah was a testament to his devotion and love for his family. Together, they created a home filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. They remained close to their roots, starting their family in West Paterson and raising Nicole and Kenneth in Little Falls.
Nick spent his career in education, specifically physical education, health, special education, and eventually had the honor of serving as Assistant Principal of Athletics and Student Activities. Some of his greatest joys were found on the football field coaching at Passaic County Tech and Passaic Valley High School. He took a great deal of pride in helping to form strength and resilience in his teams. His impact on his students, fellow coaches, and colleagues is immeasurable. By his colleagues, he was voted Teacher of the Year as well as Athletic Director of the Year.
Nick was a man of integrity, known for his generous spirit, kindness, and unwavering work ethic. He spent countless hours volunteering at his spiritual home at St. Agnes' serving on the vestry and spearheading their food pantry.
However, family was always first and he was humbled to be blessed with three grandchildren whom he loved with his whole heart. Jocelynn, Devynn, and Declan made his days brighter and his smile even bigger. Family gatherings were his favorite way to spend his time, often insisting on hosting at his house (because he had the pool) or just making sure friends and family were well fed when they came to visit. And while food was a favorite comfort to serve, his humor was where he truly shined. He lived to make people laugh with a pure humor that nobody will forget. His laugh was infectious often laughing at himself and could fill a whole room with happiness.
In his leisure time, Nick enjoyed relaxing at his condo on LBI with Debbie, woodworking in his garage, spending quality time with his grandchildren, weekend travels to the Poconos and Finger Lakes, and trying out new (and old favorite) restaurants with his family and friends. He found so much joy in his cat, Ollie, who sadly crossed the rainbow bridge last year.
Nick was preceded in death by his parents, Leroy and Margaret Sauter, as well as his sister RuthAnn Morrison and brothers-in-law Richard Tissot, George Lang, and Steve Morrison.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Deborah Sauter (Tissot), his children Nicole Dilkes and husband David, Kenneth Sauter and wife Jennifer, mother-in-law Janet Ceriani, brother Bert Sauter and wife Stasia, sisters Margaret (Sissy) Lang, Nancy Meara and husband Robert Meara, sisters-in-law Donna Tissot, Dawn Bunk and husband Fred, cherished family friend, Michele Cappetta and countless nieces, nephews, and friends. His legacy lives on through his grandchildren, Jocelynn, Devynn, and Declan who brought him immense joy and happiness.
Visitation will be on Friday, March 15, 2024 from 3-7 pm at Bizub-Parker Funeral Home, 47 Main St., Little Falls. A funeral service to honor and celebrate Nick's life will be held at St. Agnes' Episcopal Church, 65 Union Avenue in Little Falls, NJ, on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to St. Agnes Church in memory of Nicholas.
Nick will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, his commitment to hard work, and his kind and generous nature. His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him. May he rest in peace.
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