Edward F. Graichen Jr.

Edward F. Graichen Jr., a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and legendary coach who was a friend to many and truly loved by all, passed away on February 10, 2026. Born on October 12, 1946, to the late Ruth and Edward Graichen Sr., Ed lived a life defined by his passion for sports, his dedication to his students, and his unwavering love for his family.

A proud graduate of Toms River High School, Ed was a standout three-sport athlete in baseball, soccer, and basketball. He continued his education and athletic career at Seton Hall University, where he played baseball and was a brother of the Phi Kappa Theta fraternity. Ed turned his love for sports and mentorship into a distinguished career as a teacher and guidance counselor, touching countless lives at Central Regional, Lacey Township, Toms River South, and Monsignor Donovan High Schools. As a coach, his impact was profound; he led his teams to multiple state championships and was deservedly inducted into the NJ Soccer Coaches Hall of Fame and the Toms River South HS Hall of Fame.

Beyond the field, Ed was a man of deep faith and community, serving as a longtime parishioner of St. Barnabas Catholic Church. A diehard fan of the New York Yankees and Seton Hall Basketball, he never missed an opportunity to cheer for his teams. Whether he was devising lineups for fantasy sports or enjoying the camaraderie of a draft with his son and his good friends, Ed cherished every moment spent with those he loved. He was a man who never met a stranger, always quick to turn a new acquaintance into a lifelong friend.

Ed is reunited in peace with his beloved wife, Kathy, and his sons Matthew and Scott. His legacy of love and mentorship continues through his surviving family, including his siblings, Dianne Rojek and Debbie Stazo, and his sons Chad and Todd. He was a deeply proud grandfather to Brianne, Benjamin, Cassidy, and Kathleen, who were his greatest pride and joy. Ed made a lasting impact as a coach, counselor, colleague, and mentor, leaving behind a wealth of memories that will be cherished and remembered for a lifetime.

A visitation will be held at Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home, located at 703 Main Street, Toms River, NJ, on Monday, February 16, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Barnabas Catholic Church, 33 Woodland Rd, Bayville, NJ, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 11:00 am.

The committal service will follow at St Joseph's Cemetery, Toms river, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Ed's name to St. Barnabas Catholic Church, 33 Woodland Rd., Bayville, NJ 08721.