Retired West Orange Teacher, Coach, Dies From Coronavirus – Yahoo News

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Many great New Jersey educators have left storied and lasting legacies at their schools. But how many have stadiums named after them? That’s the kind of impact Joseph Suriano had on the West Orange community.

On Sunday, the West Orange Public School District announced that Suriano, 73, died on April 10 due to complications from the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

Suriano, a beloved English teacher at West Orange High School, also became well-known as the school’s track coach. He retired in January 2016 after 43 years of service to the West Orange Public School District.

Married to his wife Marlene (Melillo) Suriano for 50 years, Suriano leaves behind daughters Stephanie Suriano and Nicole Postiglione and her husband Joseph Jr., along with granddaughters Avery and Dylan. He was the loving son of Carmella Suriano and the late Joseph Suriano Sr. and is survived by many in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

here to donate to St. Jude Children’s Fund, plant a tree or leave a comment. Condolences may be sent to the Suriano family at 7 Barone Road, West Orange, NJ 07052.” data-reactid=”16″>A memorial service for Suriano will be held at a later date. Visit his obituary page here to donate to St. Jude Children’s Fund, plant a tree or leave a comment. Condolences may be sent to the Suriano family at 7 Barone Road, West Orange, NJ 07052.

According to a statement from the West Orange Public School District, Suriano grew up in West Orange and began work as an English teacher in 1969. As a 1965 state champion in the 100-yard dash and an all-American in track, he translated his passion into coaching in 1971.

West Orange school administrators wrote:

“During the course of his legendary career, Suriano coached five All-Americans and three athletes meeting Olympic Team standards and under his leadership, the WOHS track team won seven league championships. Suriano was also named All-Area Coach of the Year 16 times, League Coach of the Year eight times and Essex County Coach of the Year twice. He was named Essex County Retired Coach of the Year in 2015, was honored by the West Orange Township Council in 2016 and established the Suriano Family Scholarship along with the West Orange Scholarship Fund. In addition to his career as a coach, Suriano was named Teacher of the Year three times.”

As a tribute to the beloved educator, Suriano Stadium at West Orange High School was named in his honor.

Watch a surprise send-off for Suriano in 2016 below organized by his daughters, Stephanie and Nicole, who are both educators in West Orange.

NJ Coronavirus Updates (Here’s What You Need To Know)” data-reactid=”25″>READ MORE: NJ Coronavirus Updates (Here’s What You Need To Know)

As of Tuesday, there have been 543 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in West Orange, with 52 local deaths linked to the disease, according to Essex County officials.

posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Sign up for Patch email newsletters.” data-reactid=”34″>Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Sign up for Patch email newsletters.

This article originally appeared on the West Orange Patch
” data-reactid=”35″>This article originally appeared on the West Orange Patch