NJ Football Community Reacts After Sudden Death Of Beloved Coach

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Officials and coaches around New Jersey praised a high school football coach and teacher who died in a fiery car crash Wednesday afternoon.

Bergen County High School Football Coach Robert Violante was one of four people who died in a two-vehicle crash Wednesday on the Taconic State Parkway, officials said.

Violante died when a van carrying four Monmouth County residents crossed lanes around 4:46 p.m., slamming into his Honda, police said.

RELATED: 3 NJ Residents Die In Taconic Parkway Crash

"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 on Thursday. "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, officials and friends said.

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."

"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, "[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."

"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."

Crash Details

The New York State Police said 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, the police said. The van's driver was hospitalized. The driver of the Honda was killed.

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