'Gentle Giant': Praise Pours In For Bergen County Football Coach Killed In Crash

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Praise and condolences poured in after beloved Bergen County high school football coach Rob Violante died in a crash during his commute home Wednesday night.

Robert "Coach V" Violante was in his fifteenth year at Bergenfield High School, officials said Wednesday.

He died in a two-car crash on the Taconic Parkway Wednesday afternoon. State police said that a van carrying four Monmouth County residents crossed lanes, slamming into his Honda. RELATED: 3 NJ Residents Die In Taconic Parkway Crash

RELATED: NJ Football Community Reacts After Sudden Death Of Beloved Coach

"It is great sorrow that we share news of the tragic loss of BHS faculty member Robert Violante," said the Bergenfield School District in a message to the school community on Wednesday. "Robert died in a car accident on his commute home yesterday. Word of his passing has shaken our community to the core. He will forever be in our hearts."

Superintendent of Schools Christopher Tully said grief counselors would be available in the high school and a local mental health services agency had set up a number to call.

In a letter, Tully said, "Bergenfield High School and our town will never be the same without him."

He added, "[He] began his career in the district as a special education teacher in an elementary behavioral disabilities classroom — where many fondly compared him to Arnold Schwarzenegger's character in Kindergarten Cop, a gentle giant...he was a mentor, a father figure, and a true friend to so many. He always put students first."

Condolences Pour In

Officials and other coaches from around the state praised Violante's teaching and coaching career on Thursday.

Bergenfield Mayor Arvin Amatorio said Thursday, "On behalf of the Borough of Bergenfield, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Violante family and to all who knew and loved Coach Rob. He was more than a coach, he was a mentor, father figure, and a source of strength for our students and community. His impact as head football coach and dean of students will never be forgotten."

He added, "In coordination with Superintendent Chris Tully, we’re making sure our school community has the support needed to grieve, heal, and honor his legacy."

"The NJFCA has waken up to the tragic news of Coach Rob Violante’s sudden passing," wrote the New Jersey Football Coaches' Association on social media. "He was an outstanding coach, mentor, friend & family man. Please join us in sending our collective support to his loved ones, his staff, his players & the Bergenfield community."

Violante, the son of Glen Rock High School Athletic Director Frank Violante, grew up in Somers and played quarterback at the University of Delaware.

"Rob was a star QB and basketball player at Somers when I was in HS," wrote sports television producer Kevin Devaney Jr. "Always heard the name and knew he was the son of legendary football coach Skip Violante at Dobbs Ferry. And he, and his brothers Chris and Brian, later became friends of mine."

The New York State Police and reports said that four people died in the crash, after a Ram ProMaster van heading southbound crossed into the northbound lane and hit a Honda, killing the driver. The van overturned and burst into flames, killing three inside.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has relevant information is urged to contact the New York State Police at (845) 677-7300.

Read the superintendent's letter here.