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William Deibert Obituary
DEIBERT, WILLIAM C. - went home to be with the Lord on December 1, 2006, while surrounded with love and comfort from his family, after a brief illness. Mr. Deibert was a native son and a lifelong resident of Atlantic City, born on April 27, 1930. He graduated from Holy Spirit High School in 1948 and LaSalle University in 1952. He joined the faculty of Holy Spirit High School in 1955 where he taught for 43 years. During his tenure there he also helped coach football, baseball and basketball before finally settling in a head basketball coach for 28 years. Coach Deibert accumulated numerous awards and accolades throughout his coaching career including South Jersey Coaches Hall of Fame, Coach of the Year and founding inductee to the Holy Spirit High School Wall of Fame. Upon his retirement from Holy Spirit High School in 1998, he continued his passion for coaching and teaching by conducting local basketball clinics, coaching basketball at Our Lady Star of the Sea and teaching in the Atlantic City School System up to the day of his illness. He is survived by his wife Fran, 8 children; Anne Bastianelli, Teresa Gaeckle, Frannie and her husband Bill McManus, Bill Jr., John, Joe and his wife Carol, Matt and his wife Fran, Christine and her husband Ken Bryant, 23 grandchildren and 2 great grand-children. He is also survived by his brother Roy and his wife Kathy Deibert. The Funeral Mass for Bill Deibert will be Celebrated 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 6, 2006 at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, California and Atlantic Avenue, AC. Friends may call Tuesday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the Church and again on Wednesday morning from 9:00 a.m. until the Mass at the Church. Rite of Committal will be offered at Holy Cross Cemetery, Mays Landing. Donations may be made in Bill's memory to :Our Lady Star of the Sea School c/o Sr. Shamus, 15 North California Avenue, Atlantic City, N.J. 08401. Arrangements by the Gormley Funeral Home LLC 2706 Atlantic Avenue, AC.
Memories and Condolences
for William Deibert
Curt Somers
December 16, 2006
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Cindy Speciale ( Kaczmarski)
December 9, 2006
Billy Jr and Family
Billy I was so saddened to hear the news of your fathers death.I surely would have been at the sevices if I knew,for you and for him. Your Dad was a great man and we all have fond memories of him as a coach,a mentor and a friend.My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.Cindy
Kevin P. McCarty
December 8, 2006
To the Deibert Family:
Mr. Deibert had an incredible impact on my life as a student of Holy Spirit High School class of 1993. He was a mentor, and a great friend. I own him a big “THANK YOU” for I would not be where I am at today if it was not for him. I will always remember him and I will never forget how he impacted my life. My deepest sympathy.
Vern Sutley
December 7, 2006
To the Deibert Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the passing of your father. He was a man of great thought. He had a way of bringing new light to any subject. He was a man about "principles". To be a member of Holy Spirit Hall of Fame with Bill is a great honor for me. I for one will be nominating Bill to be elevated to the "Legendary Spartan" statis for this years class of 2007.
Sylvia Stewart
December 7, 2006
Dear Anne:
We are deeply saddened to hear of the loss of your father. Mr. Deibert was great with the children of New Jersey Avenue School and a real asset and example to educators. He was a delightful person.
Scott Gruhler
December 6, 2006
He was one of my favorite teachers in HS. Always in a good mood for class. You are all in our prayers.
ANNA MAE LIGAMERI
December 6, 2006
I JUST WANT TO SAY I NEVER SAW SUCH A BEAUTIFUL MASS AND FUNERAL, I WAS AMAZED. WHAT A WONDERFUL FAMILY, AND HOW MANY PEOPLE WERE THERE TO SAY GOODBYE TO HIM. I AM PROUD TO HAVE BEEN FRIENDS WITH FRAN FOR 74 YEARS AND TO HAVE HAD BILL AND HER FOR FRIENDS.
ANNA MAE
Edward Steiger
December 6, 2006
To Billy Deibert Jr.,
Billy, My heart goes out to you and your family. The lose of a parent is very difficult. Words cannot express the lose you must be feeling, but, I pray that God will embrace you with peace and love during these difficult times. I am so sorry for not being there for you during this time. If there is anything I can do just let me now.
You are in my prayers and thoghts.
Your friend from Showboat,
Eddie Steiger
Kathy, Mark, Denny, Billy, Peggy, Patti, Terri and Ellen
December 6, 2006
To All the Deiberts:
Our families go way back. From visiting you when you lived in the inlet, then moving around the corner from us. We have such fond shared memories: Mother's Softball,HSHS school and games, Chelsea Little League, Ac Dept of Rec, Blvd. Bullet dock parties, fishing w/ The Harbor Master, just to name a few. No matter what Bill and Fran were involved in, you could count on one thing: it was going to be fun. We'll miss them dearly.
Kimberly Johnson
December 6, 2006
My deepest sympathies to the Deiberts family. I had the pleasure of having Mr. Deibert as one of my teachers and he really helped me turn myself around. he will be greatly missed.
Teri MaGrann
December 6, 2006
To the Deibert Family,
Our families have been friends for many years. It was always a pleasure to be in Bill's company. His unique gift of making everyone feel so special will long be admired. His warmth and friendly smile has touched our lives. Heaven has just welcomed a most wonderful man.
Sincerely,
Charlie Purro, Christine Powers & Teri MaGrann
LUPE BERNICKER
December 5, 2006
TO THE DEIBERT FAMILY.
THEIR IS A LOT TO SAY ABOUT BILL--
HIS WIFE FRAN, BILL AND I TRAVELED
TOGETHER, WE WORKED TOGETHER.
WE SHARE 3 WONDERFUL GRANDCHILDREN
AND NOW A BEAUTIFUL GREAT-GRANDSON
KADEN.
BILL WAS NOT JUST MY FRIEND HE MADE ME PART OF HIS FAMILY.
I WILL MISS HIM.
MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO FRAN AND
ALL THE FAMILY.
Julia Lawler
December 5, 2006
The Deibert Family,
There is not enough space for me to express the impact your DAD had on all of us in this little city of ours.
Mr. D. had a WAY that kept us all in line. :)
Now God has him keeping everyone in line, that didn't experience him at Star or Holy Spirit.
God Bless each and everyone of your family.
Star '82- HSHS '86
tom and kathy lieser
December 5, 2006
Teresa and family, We just heard of your dad's death. We are so sorry and express our sincere sympathy to you all. Tom and Kathy Lieser and family
Dennis Cakert
December 5, 2006
To Fran and family,
We were all so lucky to have Coach Deibert be part of our lives. He was an extraordinary man, a great coach and a good friend. And always had a warm greeting and funny story to tell. We'll miss him dearly. Our condolences to you and your family.
Janet Kinsell
December 5, 2006
To Fran and family,
My condolences are extended to each of you in the passing of Bill. I will fondly remember him as my co-worker at HSHS. I am so glad, just less than a year ago, I had the pleasure of "running into" both Bill and Fran. Bill's large smile and ability to remember everyone, will be missed.
Nancy Gaber
December 5, 2006
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Michael Mullane
December 5, 2006
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Michael Mullane
Ventnor,NJ
Holy Spirit High School Class
of '84
Donna Andros (Ligameri)
December 5, 2006
Mr. Deibert was a wonderful person, with a warm and caring personality. He always impressed everyone he met. It's true that he never forgot a name or a face, and he made everyone feel special whenever he was around. He had a real knack for making you feel good about yourself. The world is a better place because he was in it, and everyone that he touched in this life is so very lucky to have known him.
ED MCMEEKIN
December 5, 2006
MEDIA DARLING!
IT WAS A HONOR TO HAVE HAD THE CHANCE BE BE IN YOUR COMPANY,AND TO BE ABLE TO CALL YOU MY FRIEND.
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
December 5, 2006
TO THE DIEBERT FAMILY
MY PRAYERS AND SYMPATHY GO OUT TO THE FAMILY. MR. D WAS A GREAT TEACHER, COACH, AND PERSON. HE TOUCHED SO MANY LIFES AT THE HOLY SPIRIT FAMILY. MAY GOD BLESS THE DIEBERT FAMILY.
KELI(MAINOR) OATMAN CLASS OF 1981
Leo & Sylvia McGinty
December 5, 2006
Roy and family- Our prayers are with you upon learning of Bill's passing. What a blessing he was to HSHS. He surely will be missed by all.
Myra Graziano
December 5, 2006
Dear Frannie and family,
I'm so sorry for the loss of your dad. He was a wonderful teacher, coach, and role model. I saw him at several HSHS basketball games last year. He will be missed. God bless you and your family.
John Pohas
December 4, 2006
Thanks BILL for being a fine coach, teacher, friend and all-around classy guy.
John Pohas, H.S.H.S. '61
Brian & Arceli Dailey
December 4, 2006
Our prayers are with you during this hard time, with deepest sympathy to the entir Deibert Family.
Andrew Patroni
December 4, 2006
I was priveledged to be a student of Bill Deibert and a member of his basketball teams at Holy Spirit. He was terrific teacher , coach and person. My sympathies to his family. Andy Patroni Holy Spirit Class of 64
Cathy Carberry
December 4, 2006
Dear Joe & Carol
We are sorry for the passing of your father, we all knew him and everyone loved him.Our thoughts & prayers are with you and your family.
Tom & Cathy Carberry
Kathy (Fadule) Wells
December 4, 2006
Mr. Deibert was a blessing to all that knew him. We all have fond memories of him & his family! My thoughts & prayers are with you.
Valerie Della Fave
December 4, 2006
To the Deibert family.
My prayers and thoughts are with you in this time of mourning. Mr. Deibert was not only a wonderful teacher, he had a wonderful heart and a listening ear. He always knew just what to say to put a smile on my face. He will be remebered always.
Maryann (Puher) McClellan
December 4, 2006
Deepest sympathies go out to the Deibert family. He was a great role model and a person you looked up to. He walked the halls of Spirit and he left a lasting impression on all of us. He will be missed but not forgotten.
Joe Elderman
December 4, 2006
My deepest sympathy for your loss. I can see Mr. Deibert walking the Halls at Holy Spirit between classes.
June Grentz
December 4, 2006
Dear Franny and Deibert Family,
We both were blessed to have had Mr.D. as a homeroom teacher and classroom teacher in HSHS.It always amazed us how he never forgot a student no matter how many years it had been.We did recently see him often in Banana`s and in Sweet Things and he still always had a great smile and a warm greeting. Mr.D touched so many lives.We send our deepest sympathies to you, your Mom and your entire family.
Tom and June (Vizthum)Grentz
Class of 74 and 75
Maureen (Mack) Davis
December 4, 2006
To the Deibert Family:
I'll never Mr. Deibert and his wonderful smile. You were blessed to have him in your lives for as long as you did. Remember as long as you live he will never die due to your memories.
Lynn Stonnell
December 4, 2006
Matt and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Your Dad touched so many lives!
Susie Woodburn (maiden name Brancato) HS Class of '96
December 4, 2006
To Mrs. Deibert and the entire Deibert Family,
I had the pleasure of being one of Mr. Deibert's students. We used to call him "Wild Bill" because he was so much fun! I will always remember his contageous smile and his amazing way of teaching. He was a wonderful person who will be dearly missed and our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. May God bless you all.
Bianca Brancato
December 4, 2006
Deepest sympathy from Brancato family. We all had Mr. Deibert in Holy Spirit and we all loved him so much. He was a Great man who lived a great and full life. The entire Deibert family is in our hearts and prayers.
Sandy Battaglia
December 4, 2006
I was blessed to have "Pop" in my life for the past 14+ years. As Grandaughter Kelly's best friend, I have thought of Wild Bill as my Pop too. I will never sit on the Ventnor beach again without being reminded of our walks together...he always made me laugh! One of the most patriotic people I have ever met in my life - little American flags always remind me of him, as they lined his chalkboard at HSHS.
He will be forever missed and remembered with a smile.
Sandy Battaglia (Mullen) HSHS '96
Jo-Ann (Kalish) Bullock
December 4, 2006
Dear Deibert Family,
I am so sad to hear of Bill's passing. I have fond memories of him. Once when I needed a mentor he gave me much needed guidance. It has been many years since I have had contact with the Deibert family but I think of you often.
I know that God will give you strength in this difficult time.
With My deepest sympathy,
Your Cousin
Sandy Boney
December 4, 2006
Dear Frannie & Family,
My deepest sympathy and prayers are with you and your family. I had the pleasure of having him as a teacher at HSHS and always remember his kind and caring ways.
Dennis Brooks
December 3, 2006
Bill was a friend,coach,mentor and a leader.His family and ours were like one.We simply grew up together.So your pain is our pain,its like losing a parent all over again.When I think back through the years, I remember the little leauge games ,summer picnics at the lake and the softball games with our parents.It was always about the kids.As we grew older, Bill drove all of us to high school,we were late every day for four years and I still graduated.He was very influential at Holy Spirit because of who he was. He gave his all every day of his life.If I were asked to name three people who touched or made a difference in my life, Bill Diebert would be number one.
Dee Price
December 3, 2006
To the Diebert Family. My sympathy goes out to you with memories of someone who was kind, loving understanding and caring. He will be missed. Stay strong because he was good person, father, teacher, coach and friend.
Betty Spangler (Delany)
December 3, 2006
My deepest sympathies to all of you.My prayers are with you and I will always remember the times we all spent together at OLSS, HSHS and in Chelsea Hgts. I am sorry I cannot be with you celebrating Mr.D's life.
Steve Bell
December 3, 2006
To the Deibert Family,
My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. You should find comfort in knowing how many lives Coach Deibert touched during his stay on this earth. He was a true inspiration and influence in my life at Holy Spirit. I will miss him tremendously and I thank you for sharing him with us all.
shirley travis-lascko
December 3, 2006
To the Deibert Family,
My deepest and heart felt sympathy on the passing of Mr. D. I have many fond memories of my years at Holy Spirit and of him. You will all be in my prayers.
Shirley Travis-Lascko
Class of 1970
Laura Nale (Ligameri)
December 3, 2006
In Holy Spirit High School Bill was my teacher but in life he was much more to me. He was a great friend to my parents and also to me. I had always thought of him as my surrogate dad and when my own dad passed away he was a great comfort to me. I loved him very much and I will miss him terribly. My thoughts are with his family.
Pete Sacco
December 3, 2006
To The Deibert Family:
My Thoughts And Prayers Go Out To You At This Sorrow.
MARYLANE KLEIN
December 3, 2006
TO THE DEIBERT FAMILY,
PLEASE ACCEPT MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY ON THE PASSING OF YOUR FATHER. HE WAS A TERRIFIC MAN AND ALWAYS PUT A SMILE ON MY FACE.I HOPE YOU WILL FIND COMFORT AND PEACE IN ALL YOUR WONDERFUL MEMORIES.
FONDLY,
MARYLANE KLEIN
ANNA LIGAMERI
December 3, 2006
I HAVE BEEN A FRIEND OF BILLS FOR MANY YEARS HIS WIFE FRAN AND I WERE RAISED TOGETHER. I SAW THEM RAISE A
WONDERFUL FAMILY. MY HUSBAND AND BILL PLAYED BASEBALL TOGETHER AND HIS WIFE FRAN AND I NEVER MISSED A GAME. HE WAS A WONDERFUL FATHER AND HUSBAND AND FRIEND. I WILL ALWAYS CHERISH THE TIME WE HAD AS FRIENDS AND HE WILL BE SADLY MISSED.
ANNA MAE LIGAMERI
Lenny Ruiz
December 3, 2006
So sorry for your loss.My prayers are with youe whole family.
Joe Pie
December 3, 2006
My condolences to all. Bill did a remarkable job with kids. That will always be his legacy. Oakcrest and Holy Spirit had some epic battles. Those memories will last forever.
joepie
Dennis Skey
December 3, 2006
My sorrow and gratitute go out to Bill's family. I know you will miss him and I want to thank you for sharing your father and husband with me. I am sure I speak for my family and friends.
Bill was always coaching, whether about sports or life. Never a negative comment and always a smile, that is what I remember. Although it has been years since we last spoke, the feeling and impact remain strong. Bill had real soul. It's hard to find that but when you do it gives hope about this world and the next.
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