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John DeGasperis Obituary
"Coach" John V., 86, joined his Lord in Heaven on February 16, 2015, after being constantly surrounded by his loving family: Anne, his beautiful bride of over 60 years and his six children; Bill, John, Judy, Donna Jean, Tom, Mike, and their families; nineteen grandchildren and three great-grandsons. His brothers, sister, and brother and sister-in laws were his best friends, and he always had a special place in his heart for his many nieces and nephews, and called all those he loved, "Darling" and "Pal." John grew up in Cliffside Park, went to St. Cecelia High School in Englewood and was captain of the football team under Hall of Fame coach Vince Lombardi and also went on to be the captain of the football team at University of Delaware. Many people remember John as an amazing football coach and teacher at Paramus High School. For over 35 years, John brought his coaching values to his team, positively influencing many young people throughout the years. His students at Paramus High School were always treated like his own children, and he held his football players close to his heart. His colleagues held him in high esteem and remained dear life-long friends.
Everyone that had the privilege of knowing John knew that God, Family & Country were his priorities, and he passed those ideals along to his children. His welcoming nature, explosive smile and unconditional love for his children, grandchildren, all family and friends were apparent in all that he did.
John's sparkle when he looked at his wife, Anne, his crazy love for children, and his amazing sense of humor never left him. He has huge shoes that none could ever fill, but what a goal for all of us to strive for!
Visitation will be held at the Church of the Ascension, 256 Azalea Drive, New Milford, NJ 07646 Thursday 1-4 and 6-9 PM. A funeral mass will be celebrated Friday 10 AM in the Church of the Ascension.
www.boulevardfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John DeGasperis
Frank Shannon
August 24, 2016
I think John was coaching at St. Cecilia's in the mid-1950s under Hugo Marcolini when my own father, Frank Shannon, Sr., was playing. Sounds like he lived well and left a proud legacy. God bless and keep him.
December 21, 2015
mr degasperis was a st Cecilia coach when I was a young boy in the 50's He was a wonderful man..and I have his pic and mine in the '59 saints yearbook
God bless him!!
walter Hart [email protected]
Chris Carazo
March 5, 2015
To the DeGasperis family,
Playing for Coach DeGasperis was one of my experiences as a student/athlete at Paramus HS. He always had a positive attitude about football, even when plays did not work. As a current driver ed teacher, my students and I will have a donut stop in his memory. He will be missed but always remembered.
Dan & Diane Hammond
February 28, 2015
Dear Dr Bill and Family - Our condolences to you and your family. Your dad apparently was a wonderful person. Our prayers go out to you & your family. (patients from 80/90s)
February 23, 2015
To the DeGasperis Family-
I only knew him as Mr. DeGasperis my driver's ed teacher in the early 80's. I had no idea he was such an accomplished athlete and coach at the time. I wasn't a super popular kid but he always made me feel like I was always his favorite! He was always just a happy and loving man and made had special warmth. He taught me more than just driver's ed. He was the first person during my teenage years who told that I had the ability to be anything I wanted to be and to never let anyone tell you differently and today I am a very successful business woman. He would always tell me to believe in yourself. I will always remember all the fun and donut stops we made during our driving lessons. His love for his family was so transparent. Mr. DeGasperis made a huge impact on my life and I will always cherish my memories of him.
Former PHS Driver's Ed student of Mr. DeGasperis
February 21, 2015
Anne and family, Dr. Dan Tripodi just sent me the sad news of your and all who knew and loved John of his going to coach on Jesus special team. When coach Nelson and I arrived at the University of Delaware from the University of Maine for the 1951 football season we found that were the most fortunate coaches in the country to have a sensational running back and a tremendous leader John DeGasperis who was already in the program. My admiration and respect for Gassy continued to grow from the first day I met him. God will have a great coaching staff with DeGasperis, Lombardi and Nelson just to be the nucleus of something great. I am so fortunate to have been one of his coaches for the Fightn' Blue Hens and even better to be a life long FRIEND!!! I am really going to miss him!! Coach Mike Lude
Richard KANE
February 19, 2015
I think that all of us who had contact with Mr D in our years at PHS are better off. He cared about all of us. Richie Kane AKA Mr Mom Class of 62.
Eileen Cantwell
February 18, 2015
Dear Jess. My deepest sympathy for your loss .... Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers xo
Eileen
February 18, 2015
Robert Danylchuk
Bill Savage
February 18, 2015
I had the pleasure of teaching with Gassy for 18 years and I knew that no matter how bad things might be John would make me laugh and brighten up the day. I always told him he should sue the TV show Cheers because they stole his personality to create Coach ...he will be missed
<3
Barbara Meyer
February 18, 2015
"Uncle Johnny"...what can anyone say other then you were one amazing human being! Will forever feel blessed growing up with you in my life. Love you to pieces and my thoughts and prayers to Aunt Anne and all the cousins! Find comfort knowing he is sleeping peacefully with our Lord Jesus, forever in our hearts!
Colette Paternoster Johnson
February 18, 2015
Mrs. D, Johnny, Judy, DJ, Billy, Tom, Mike.....So so very sorry for the passing of Mr. D. Tearfully I write this remembering all the wonderful childhood times we all had together. The memories remain forever. He will never be forgotten. A man of great heart, great stature, always with smiles and love for all of us. Here's to you Mr. D! xo Love Always, Colette.
James Schulz
February 18, 2015
He was a wonderful Man who always went out of his way for the students at Paramus High School !
He was my Drivers Ed Teacher and when you parked facing up he would say"up up and away "
What a gift Paramus High had in an educator !
God Bless !
February 18, 2015
Dear Donna Jean and and the Degasperis Family. I am so very sorry for your loss. I will always remember Mr. Degasperis's smile and kindess and the fun times we had growing up at your home with him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love Debbie Smith, Sanford, FL
RACHEL imperato
February 18, 2015
He was a great gym teacher i ever had will miss him
DONALD & MARIE WOLFF
February 18, 2015
A beautiful tribute to a great man and family. We will all cherish our memories of Uncle Johnnie. Our sympathy to Ann and family.
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