High School Teacher, Volleyball Coach From Edison Dies At 43

EDISON, NJ — Social studies teacher and head volleyball coach at J.P. Stevens High Schools, Anthony Patrick White, died at his home on Monday. He was 43.

White coached the Boys and Girls Volleyball Teams as well as the Assistant Coach for the Boys and Girls Bowling Teams at J.P Stevens High Schools. He was also the former Model UN Advisor at the school.

Mayor Sam Joshi a former student of White’s, said he was encouraged and motivated by White as a student.

“Growing up, I struggled with public speaking. I would freeze and stutter in front of crowds. But Mr. White knew I always had political ambitions and he would remind me it required public speaking. He was the teacher who encouraged and taught me to be better and more confident in large settings. It was his persistent motivation and support that made all the difference,” Joshi said.

White stayed in touch with Joshi and they became friends. He even attended Joshi’s wedding which took place earlier this year.

“I was so humbled when he nominated me for the JPS Hall of Fame earlier this year. He joked (maybe he was serious) that the only two times he dressed up and wore a tie this year would be for my award acceptance and for my wedding. His sense of humor was unique and he had a way of connecting with his students,” Joshi said.

A lifelong Edison resident, White was currently serving the community as the Chair of the Edison Historic Preservation Commission.

White is survived by his parents Virginia (Colasurdo) and Anthony Samuel White; and his brother Thomas.

Visitation is Friday from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. at the Costello-Runyon Funeral Home 568 Middlesex Ave., Metuchen, according to his obituary.

Services will take place on Saturday at 9:15 a.m. at the Funeral Home, followed by 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Guardian Angels RC Church 37 Plainfield Ave. Edison. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery, Metuchen.

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