So sad to hear of the passing of my beloved Ridgewood High School Wrestling Coach. Since 1976 his Coaching Record at Ridgewood High School still stands! Three Regional Champs 1976!; 122 Bob Wagner (me), 135 George Preston, and 147 Michael Roach. Coach was amazing! Due his coaching, I was awarded the Most Improved Wrestler! 

Firstly, I offer my deepest condolences to your family Coach. I will always remember you as a larger than life leader. Playing football for you, throwing javelin for you, and let's face it, watching you try to keep me out of trouble are some of my fondest memories. From the minute I met you when I got to seventh grade, I knew that in you I had a friend who would look out for me. You always did. Your unwavering support and guidance were more powerful than you could know.  As a coach, you built cultures that engendered lifetime bonds between the players who shared the honor of playing for you. There is nothing more important a coach can do. You treated all of us like family, and we would all run through a brick wall for you. You'll be greatly missed.

Dear Pam, Stacy, Jodi and Joey.
I just watched Wayne's funeral on Live-stream.
For many years my office was directly across the hall from Wayne's.  His door was always open and whenever I passed by he'd look up and smile.  That is something I will always remember.  As Rabbi Tobin described him, Wayne was truly a Mensche.  May you take only the sweetest of memories of Wayne with you.  And may his memory be a Blessing to each of you and your families.
Sam Goldfischer

My sincerest condolences to the entire family. 

I was introduced to Coach Schiele's guidance, empathy and caring at a time that I desperately needed it. He was a mentor, a coach and a true friend who taught me how to be a part of a team. He called me out when I needed to be called out and believed in me when I didn't believe in myself.

Coach Schiele's influence made me a better person, strengthened the relationship I have with my brother Steve and others from our high school football days, and if it wasn't for reconnecting with folks at Coach's retirement party, I never would have met my wife. 

The thing about Coach that struck me the most over the last few days of sharing stories with people is the number of people who didn't play any sports he coached, or any sports at all, that had such nice and long-lasting memories of him as a truly caring person and educator. That says it all. 

In addition to being an outstanding athletic teacher and coach, Wayne was a terrific math teacher. One year at Panther Academy, he taught an early morning HSPA math class for students who had failed the exam. Students who never arrived on time for their normal scheduled classes, were so motivated by his teaching and personality, that they attended regularly & yes, passed! He had a way of reaching every type of student which was truly unique. He was also capable of doing long math computations in his head. 

Wayne also did a magnificent job getting equipment & students for the school golf club. He worked tirelessly with me in the Guidance office with SAT registration and college admission applications. He had many college contacts & he always offered to assist any student he possibly could.
 We all loved him!

I met Wayne back in the early 70’s when we taught together at William Mason school in Montville . We continued the friendship throughout   the years in Rockaway, getting together with families watching our children grow up. Wayne was a wonderful guy and a great educator. He was so devoted to family and friends  as well as his school athletes. He always gave 100%. A great role model. My heart is sad for his passing. Prayers to his family during this difficult time. With sympathy, Denise Winer

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time

William Schiele 
Flaca Schiele 
Middletown,Nj


I was a classmate of his at Irvington High School and remember him as a great guy who was a contributor to everything good that was around him. He will be missed.

Les  Kaunitz 

Our sincerest condolences to Pam, Joey, and family.  We are so very, very sorry for your loss.  Wayne was extremely proud of his family and his community.  We are happy our paths crossed through Bucknell wrestling.  Praying for you all, The Gozdieski's

OBITUARY

Wayne B. Schiele

January 29, 1949 – January 6, 2022

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