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MICHAEL M. SUBOTICH

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Ocean City High School Perth Amboy High School Rowan University Rutgers University

MICHAEL SUBOTICH Obituary

SUBOTICH, MICHAEL M. 82 - of Marmora, formerly of Margate, passed away peacefully Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at Shore Memorial Hospital after enduring several health challenges over the past year. Michael was born in Perth Amboy, NJ where he rose to local stardom for his outstanding athleticism. Upon graduating from Perth Amboy High School, he served two years in the United States Army; 14 months of which were overseas in Europe during WWII. He attended Glassboro State College and graduated in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Shortly after graduating, he joined his wife Patricia and started teaching in Ocean City. Michael was well known throughout the state for the outstanding work he did for the Ocean City Public Schools. He was a prominent and enormously popular fixture in the school system for 35 years. He began his teaching career as a secondary math teacher and football coach. Not too long after, his aspirations turned toward becoming an administrator. He received a Masters Degree in Education from Rutgers University in 1958. He rose through the administrative ranks of Vice Principal (1957-1964) and Principal (1964-1969) of Ocean City High School. He cemented his legacy as one of the grea administrators in the entire state by being Superintendent of Schools. During his tenure as Superintendent, Ocean City became the gold standard in education. On June 30, 1988, after helping 80,000 children make the transition into adulthood, he retired. He was so grateful when during last fall's Alumni weekend he was honored in having the OCHS Library named after him. It was a fitting tribute to his legacy. After taking some much deserved time off, Michael found himself searching for new professional challenges. Even though he had been a Director for Ocean City Home Bank for years, in 1993 he found the challenge he was looking for and became the Chairman of the Board. With his vision and leadership, Ocean City Home Bank became one of the most successful banking institutions in Southern New Jersey. The driving force in Michael's life was his belief that you only get to live once so make the most out of it. Indeed he did. He was extremely active in professional and social organizations. There are almost too many to name but here are few he talked about often: Ocean City Exchange Club; Lifetime member of the NJEA; Member of the NJ Assoc. of School Administrators, President 1982-1983; and Ocean City "Man of the Year" 1959. He traveled the world what seemed to be a couple times over. After he completely retired, he spent time in both the Margate and Ocean City area. He could be found dancing at the Golden Inn, frequenting favorite restaurants, taking long walks on the boardwalk, and shopping around town. It's no coincidence that he always ran into someone he knew. With all his professional success, his grea accomplishment was being a devoted family man. First a loving husband to Patricia and then to Donna, he found a great amount of joy sharing his life with someone. Most importantly, his daughter Gina Christine was his #1. He was so proud of her and had such tremendous love for her and her family. A love that will remain with them forever. Michael was predeceased by his parents, Michael and Mary, sister Mildred, brother Lawrence, and his wife of almost 49 years, Patricia. He is survived by his wife Donna Dye (nee Martino), her sons Matthew Dye and Jeffrey Dye; his daughter Gina Christine and son-in-law Mark Perkins, Sr.; grandsons Cameron, Brennan and Mark Jr.; nephews Jack Pezelj and Gary Pezelj; nieces Kim Hone and Lori Hone; and beloved cousins Marlene Hone, Sister Claude Damico, Christine Faith Damico, Stephany Morris and Thelma Loughney. Viewings will take place on Monday, May 23rd from 6:00-9:00pm at the George H. Wimberg Funeral Home, 1707 New Road, Linwood and again on Tuesday, May 24th from 9:00-10:00am at Holy Trinity Parish-Blessed Sacrament Church, Jerome Ave., Margate followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Mays Landing. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Michael M. Subotich Memorial Scholarship Fund in care of Ocean City Home Bank.

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Published by The Press of Atlantic City from May 20 to May 21, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for MICHAEL SUBOTICH

46 Entries

Alan Mendillo

May 14, 2023

I'm sure you're in Heaven with your relatives & friends. We miss you here on earth though.

Joyce Bakley-Trofa

May 14, 2020

He was a fantastic teacher and a very fair principal.He said jokenly I was one of girls that gave him gray hair great man.

Alan & Angel Mendillo

May 14, 2020

We still keep in touch with "Donna" & miss our times with them. Mike was taken from us too soon but I'm sure he's with our "Lord". The "Golden Inn" has been sold & is no longer a hotel or "Big Band Haven". I'm certain "Donna & Mike" will be sharing the dance floor with us in that big dance hall in the sky.

Ted Gallagher, M.A., J.D.

May 31, 2011

I first met Michael and his first wife Patsy in 1965 when I was seven years old. Patsy’s Aunt Viola was a waitress at Captain Starns and lived on Newport Avenue in Ventnor. I was one of eight children living in nearby “Coffin Alley” (Newport Court). I always visited Viola, and she would bake me pies and cakes in exchange for running errands such as marketing. She became my second mom. Viola always got calls from Michael and Patsy asking if they could take her to dinner, and Viola always took me along. I became part of a dream world, with Michael and Patsy treating us only to the best restaurants in Atlantic City. We always had a ball together. Michael taught me how to be a gentleman.
I remember so well how Michael and Patsy loved to travel and would bring Viola a souvenir ring or bracelet…of rubies, emeralds, sapphires…from Singapore, Burma, Hong Kong. Michael was the most sophisticated – and generous – man I had ever met.
Michael and Patsy’s world completely changed when they announced they were having a baby. I remember like it was yesterday going over to their pink house in Margate and seeing Gina for the first time. No bigger than a loaf of bread and with flaming hair, Michael and Patsy ever beamed at their dearest treasure.
Michael and Patsy loved me. But I wasn’t anything special. They loved everyone.
I am heartbroken for Michael’s family. You are not alone.

Nothing Gold Can Stay
by Robert Frost
Nature's first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf's a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.

Pat McLane Vachris

May 25, 2011

We are so sorry to hear of Michael's passing. He will be missed by all who crossed his path. We did not know him for very long but always enjoyed the time spent with he and Donna. He had a very caring way about him. We are glad he and Donna found happiness.

May the grace of God, love of family and special memories guide you through this sad time.

Pat and Jim Vachris

Peter and Karen Blake

May 24, 2011

Donna, We were very upset to hear of your loss and want you to know our thoughts are with you.

GREG DONAHUE

May 23, 2011

MIKE WAS A SINCERE AND CARING LEADER WHO ALWAYS PUT STUDENTS FIRST. HE WAS A MENTOR TO MANY OF US WHO HAD THE HONOR AND PLEASURE TO SERVE THE STUDENTS OF OCEAN CITY.HIS LEADERSHIP IN EDUCATION EXTENDED THROUGHOUT SOUTH JERSEY AND THE STATE. IT WAS AN HONOR TO KNOW HIM AND WORK AS A MEMBER OF HIS ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF.

Jim Burke

May 23, 2011

Mike Subotich was confident,self-assured,and a true leader. He trusted his teachers and administrators to use their skills to do the right thing for their students. This trust was rewarded with a loyalty and effort by our staff rarely seen in education today. Mike hired me as a young administrator at OCIS at a time when we had big student numbers and many issues to deal with. His leadership within the district helped us all to create a learning experience for our students that was second to none! God Bless You Mike and thank you for all you did for me and my family!

Father's Day 2010 at Janice & Jeff's home

Tom Santucci

May 22, 2011

Labor Day 2010

Marlene & Tom Santucci

May 22, 2011

We feel very fortunare to have gotten to know Mike through Donna's son, Jeff. We had many pleasant times with Mike, Donna and her sons. Mike was a remarkable man with too numerous accomplishments to list. We are very pleased that OCHS recognized his educational contributions to their school system, Atlantic County and state by naming OCHS library after him. We know it meant a great deal to Donna and him.

Our sincere condolences to Donna.

Marlene & Tom Santucci

Michael Lancaster

May 22, 2011

RIP Mr Subotich

Ida Margolis

May 21, 2011

When Mr. Subotich was superintendent, teachers were so proud to say they taught in Ocean City. He helped make the Ocean City School District so outstanding, that educators throughout the state had all heard of the fine reputation of the Ocean City Schools and the leadership of its superintendent Mike Subotich. He really set the gold standard and will be missed.
Sincere sympathy to his family.

Robin Loyle-Varallo

May 21, 2011

So sorry for your loss. A wonderful man I am so happy to have met him! God bless.

May 21, 2011,Dear Donna...may the love of family and friends carry you through the times of grief.. Mike YOU will be missed!

Marilu Kelling

May 21, 2011

Ulysses (Xavier) Hughes

May 21, 2011

Under Mr. Subotich's watch as Principal of Ocean City High School, if you ever experienced the misfortune of a teacher sending you to his office for displaying aberrant behavior of sorts, dealing with his ire was a battle best left to mythical titans. When you left his office, you did so with contriteness and the attitude "I better not ever do this again." Mike had a very strong character, and could fill you with jitters or anxiety far worse than your parents might when you left school at day's end to go home and face them.

Aside from his demeanor as a strict but well-meaning disciplinarian, Mike could teach you lot in general and all you had to do was listen. Don't talk; just listen. The more you kept your ears open and your mouth shut, the better his words were preparing you for life beyond adolescence. We need more educators like Mike. He was a good role model to admire and emulate for the way he administered the school's business of teaching and nurturing a climate for excellent learning.

With nobody on the school’s staff being in the position to predict what I might make out of my life, Mr. Subotich would have been proud to know that I earned degrees from two of America’s most prestigious universities. I got the Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology. These degrees put me on a successful career track starting as a computer engineer, satellite communications engineer, Space Shuttle data management coordinator; and, today, a principal systems engineer leader with key responsibilities for development and deployment of our nation's most ambitious missile defense program. Mike, and other people who share his traits, actually put me on the track that I have followed since high school.

Thank you, Mr. Subotich, for being the person you were. As I read the many entries in your online Guest Book, I discover many others who knew you, as I did, articulate their appreciation of your towering presence and the good influence you had in their lives.

Travel well, Sir, and God bless your eternal soul!

Al & Angel at the "Golden Inn" with Donna & Mike

Angel & Alan Mendillo

May 21, 2011

We were good friends of "Mike & Donna" & were always with them at the "Golden Inn". It will feel very strange to not see him & Donna on the dance floor at the "Inn". He was a great gentleman & a fine individual & I'm sure he has a special place waiting for him in that dance hall in the sky. We're going to miss you Mike!

alison ricciotti

May 21, 2011

Gina, Mark and Family~
I am so sorry for the loss of your amazing father. I loved when he would come and visit at school. He always had a huge smile and made everyone feel they were the best.

Michael Naples

May 21, 2011

I owe much to Mike Subotich, fondly known as Subbie. He hired me in 1970, and when I was offered a job with the FBI, Mike facilitated my dream. When I left OC, he told me that if things didn't work out, I would always have a job in OC waiting for me. When my career with the FBI was over, Subbie was a man of his word. As president of the OCEA, we locked horns many time, but after the meetings, we would shakes hands and go out for a drink together. Now I live in Georgia, where education does not receive the same priorities as in OC. I often quote and use Mike's philosophy of education as an example of the level that needs to be reached. God bless you, Mike, for everything you did for me and my students. As you enter the gates of heaven, I know you'll have a flower in your lapel. May his soul and the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.

Brenda Flaherty

May 21, 2011

YOU WILL BE MISSED!

joyce bakley-trofa

May 21, 2011

He was a great person and a wonderful teacher and mentor, i will always have fond memories.mike was my seventh grade teacher and then vice principle then princple were i always had a place across from his desk. He always told me i was the one who gave him the gray hair.You will always be in my memories love you.Joyce Provenson Bakley-Trofa

May 21, 2011

I'm deeply saddened by the passing of Michael Subotich. He was a wonderful mentor to so many of us. His dedication was heartfelt and all of us who were blessed to be his students will carry his memory forever. His ability to remember each and every one of us by name was truly amazing. The library that carries his name is a fitting tribute to our beloved Mr Subotich. My thoughts and prayers to all of his family and friends. We will all miss him.
Deborah Wittkamp Vandegrift, Strathmere, NJ Class of 1969

Dee Williams-Allen

May 20, 2011

I will always remember Mr. Subotich with such fondness. He was a wonderful man and a credit to his profession! My heart goes out to his family, I know he will be so missed. Class of 1973

Mike & Jack

Jack Pezelj

May 20, 2011

Jack Pezelj

May 20, 2011

My name is Jack Pezelj. My mother was Mike's older sister which makes me his nephew. On behalf of the family, I thank all of you for your wishes. I know my Uncle Mike would be pleased to be so well remembered by all of you.
As my Uncle lived and worked in the Ocean City area since the 1950's, I know he had many long time friends, neighbors, and work associates and many of you knew him for years. He loved this area, his career, his friends and the Jersey Shore, not to be confused with the current TV series, but the real Jersey Shore and all of the warm and caring educators that he worked with.
A couple of things you might not have known about Mike and his family is how absolutely dirt poor we grew up. Mike was raised in a cold water flat above a dry cleaners in Perth Amboy. The rent was $45 per month. For those of you who don't know what a cold water flat is, I will explain. On the sink in the kitchen you have the cold water faucet on the right side and a shiny piece of metal on the left hand side where the hot water valve would be located if you had hot water. We didn't have a hot water heater or any hot water piping since there wasn't any. Heat in the winter was provided by a coal stove in the kitchen and the coal carried up two flights of stairs from the basement. Imagine no running hot water and having to light a coal stove every time you wanted to cook or heat pots of water up to take a bath. Across the street was a railroad switching yard where locomotives would run all night slamming cars together to build a train. So we had no hot water, no heat unless the stove was lit, and sleep constantly interrupted by window shaking, railroad box cars slamming together all night long. Despite these hardships, or maybe because of them, Mike pursued an education and made a success out of himself. His career success was always a source of pride for our family and he was a major role model for me personally.
Mike traveled extensively, he loved his job, his coworkers, his students, his family, and his friends. I know he enjoyed his life and all of you. I thank you for your condolences and hope that you will keep him in your hearts and have as many fond memories as I have. Thank you. Jack Pezelj, Nephew, Fort Pierce, FL.

Carol Holmes Keene

May 20, 2011

Mike was a unique individual - one of a kind - he was my 7th grade teacher & then later the Principal of OCHS when I was a student there. He was always positive & uplifting, encouraging you and expecting your best. He made learning fun.
After you were no longer attending school, you were still always one of his students; he never forgot you and always had a warm hello & hug ready.
I know that even after all these years I've never forgotten him. We were all looking forward to seeing Mr. Subotich as we gathered for our 50th reunion instead, we will reflect on his many contributions to our lives.
To Mike's family - I know you will treasure your memories of Mike and all he meant to each of you. He'll always be a part of you. Blessings to you all...

Jeff Dye

May 20, 2011

Mike was a welcome addition to my family. My mother and him shared many happy times. He often had more energy than I, as he danced the night away I laid upon the couch. We shared many laughs and life talks. Mike was a father figure to me since my dad had passed away. I will cherish our memories.

Susan Rumer Peifer

May 20, 2011

So sorry for your loss. Mike was a great man, did so much for OCHS. So glad Alumni honored him last year so he knew how much he meant to everyone.

Janice Santucci

May 20, 2011

Mike was a wonderful man who has been a mentor to me for the past three and a half years. I am blessed to have known him,learned from him and been part of his Dye family. I will miss him dearly.

NICK SMITH

May 20, 2011

GOD BLESS YOU, MR.SUBOTICH

Tom

May 20, 2011

Mike was a gifted man who shared his gifts generously with those he came in contact with. He made an impression on me and I will always remember him for the lessons he quietly shared with a twinkle in his eye.

Nick Smith

May 20, 2011

Blessings to all in the wonderful Subotich family. My mother Ruby Cooney and all the others who worked with Mike will graciously be greeting him in heaven. Mr.Subotich helped me tthroughout my years in OCHS giving me the discipline that was needed for me when I was a student from 64-68. He helped me to respect the authority of my teachers and adminstrators when I would get off track and do the wrong things as a juvenile dilenquent.

Jean Bell

May 20, 2011

Michael was kind, but he insisted on excellence from all of those with whom he came in contact. This included his teachers, of whom I was one. The discipline was seasoned with encouragement, applause, and hugs to show approval. His dedication to whatever level he achieved in the hierarchy of education was phenomenal.....whether State contacts or a personal encounter. He was a friend, a mentor, a role model. It's hard to know that the casual meetings, long after our mutual retirements, have ended. But the memories linger on....and on ....and on!

Dr. Claire Martino Maze

May 20, 2011

Mike not only was my brother-in-law he was my Vice Principal at Ocean City High School in 1963. He always said that he remembered me as a junior high school student and I can still see him walking the high school halls with his black hair. He never forgot a student!

I am just thankful that he and my sister were able to visit my mother and I for 2 weeks in March. We had a wonderful family party in Florida!!!

Mike, Clara Martino (mother-in-law), & Donna

Claire Martino Maze

May 20, 2011

Dr. Claire Martino Maze & Mike Subotich, Halloween

Claire Martino Maze

May 20, 2011

I send this with a heavy heart for the family, Mr. Subotich was great man who help me get through OCHS head in the correct direction. Thanks for all your help and may God Bless you and your familty at this time.

Sincerely,

Alfonza Gayle Jr. ( Class of 65)

mary jane gifford-obrien

May 20, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. I graduated in 1964 he was a wonderful principal.

Shawna Mulford

May 20, 2011

William Penn once said, “I expect to pass through life but once. If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again.”

That was Mike Subotich. Any time he could acknowledge a person, show a kindness, leave something better than when he found it, he did.

Unfortunately, I only knew Mike in his later years, through the ties with the OC Alumni Assoc, but the footprints he left will always remain. My deepest respect and admiration to this man.

May God comfort his family at this time (and always). For all of us who Mike knew and inspired, may he live on in the good deeds we will do in life, today and tomorrow. I have a feeling he'll be watching.

BILL ALLISON

May 20, 2011

You have been blessed with a new life
Mike! "God" has called you back home!
His son "Jesus" will take your hand and
guide you to a school in heaven. May all
your prayers be answered!

Ruth Conner

May 20, 2011

I graduated from OCHS in 1959 and remember Mr. Subotich as a kind and caring teacher and vice-principal who supported and encouraged "off-shore" and Ocean City students equally. He really did provide a safe, friendly educational environment. I'm happy to read that the library is named after him. My sympathy to his family.

Dennis Jones

May 20, 2011

To the Subotich Family: A legend has passed and my heart is sad. Mike was one of the first faces I met when I was hired as a teacher at OCHS in 1968. As principal then, he welcomed me warmly as a member of his staff. I could not have worked under a more professional and dedicated principal and superintendent than Mike Subotich. Whenever our paths would cross after his retirement he would always greet me with a big hug. I extend to you, his loving family, my deepest heartfelt sympathy. Mike's passing has left a big void in the world and in our hearts, and we will long mourn his passing. May God Bless you all and keep you close during this most difficult time.

Tracy Allen

May 20, 2011

I graduated from OCHS in 1971 so Mr. Subotich was in his prime then, you were afraid to be sent to his office, but he was always pleasant and a gentleman, and his best quality that when I would see him 30-40 years later, he would remember me AND MY NAME! My condolences go out to his family!

Roger Howell

May 20, 2011

Condolences to the family, Mr Subotich set the bar high for so many of us as we passed through the journey of our youth.

Kathy O'Neill

May 20, 2011

Mr.Subotich was my Principal when I was in high school, but I just recently got to know him and his family. He was a very nice man with a great sense of humor and has a loving and caring family. I am so sorry for your loss. With all my sympathy, Kathy O'Neill

May 20, 2011

My family shares many happy memories of Mike Subotich through OC Public Schools, OC Home Bank, and in the community. I was always amazed at his ability to remember names & faces and to associate family members with one another. Mike was a vibrant member of my education and a friendly face (with his huge smile) in the community. I was pleased to be present when the OCHS Library was renamed in his honor last Fall.

My thoughts go out to his family and many friends and to the community he so proudly served.

Thank you, Mr. Subotich, for being such an inspiration to my family and to many generations of OC students and their families.

Rest in Peace.

ANTHONY DEPASQUALE

May 20, 2011

MICHAEL WILL BE MISSED DEARLY. HE WAS A HIS FAMILY CAME FIRST. HE WAS A HUSBAND FOR A VERY SHORT TIME TO MY AUNT DONNA. HE WAS ALWAYS KIND TO EVERYONE HE HAD MET IN HIS LIFETIME.

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