Retired St. John Vianney High School Teacher, Coach Dies

MIDDLETOWN, NJ - William F. Newman, a retired history and sociology teacher and coach at Saint John Vianney High School in Holmdel, has died, school officials announced Wednesday.

Newman was 66.

“Please keep Bill's family and friends in your prayers during this difficult time,” the school wrote in a Facebook post, accompanied by photos of the educator. “May Bill rest in peace with God.”

Newman, of Brick, also taught baseball and football at the Catholic high school for 38 years, according to his obituary, and was a member of the Howell Elks Lodge. He enjoyed nights staying in with his wife Patricia and daughter Margaret talking about American history and Sunday shows after mass.

The educator, who previously resided in Keyport and Matawan, had a diverse list of musical favorites: Motown, classic rock, country music, Sean Kingston, and the sugar hill gang to name a few. His list of sports teams to root for was almost as eclectic: Newman cheered for the Mets, Jets, Rangers, Knicks and Red Sox “all the way baby,” his obituary reads.

“He was loved and will be truly missed, but maybe finally he can say hello to Richard Nixon, and have a catch with Tom Seaver, and maybe he’ll invite his little brother,” the obituary adds.

A funeral mass will take place at 11 a.m. at St. Benedict Roman Catholic Church in Holmdel. His cremation will be private.