There are only a very few people that you meet in a lifetime who you can say really helped you to develop into the person that you are.  Joe Cervino, was one such person for me, and I know for a number of other classmates.   

He not only taught social studies to our class but also spent many extra months each year coaching football and baseball.    As a coach he, and of course Mr. Charlie Gunner and Mr. Jack Armstrong and others, taught the games of football and baseball to young boys in the 1950s, but more importantly, he showed very immature, impressionable boys, with raging hormones, how to become good citizens and upright members of society.  On the athletic venues he taught us to work hard, to be fair and to respect your opponent.  By his example he showed us that devoted hard work and cooperation with others, teamwork, often brought forth the result that you desired.  He also instilled in us that winning was not everything in season or in life and that how you played the game of life was more important.  He, and the other coaches, taught us the respect for others that we needed.  Those were sure important and wonderful days.

Oh yes Joe and the other coaches would chew us out when we did something incorrectly on the athletic field but, more importantly, they would reprimand us even more firmly if we did something wrong by society's standards.  I'll never forget Joe's warm broad smile and laugh, NOR will I ever forget his quivering lower lip that danced all over his face when he became enraged.  Unfortunately, as a quarterback, I saw that lip dance all too often!  However, after the practice or game, no matter how poorly the team or I played, there was always his warm and inviting smile greeting us again- all was forgiven.  He knew how to make you feel special!  
Joe taught and coached at Teaneck High School for 35 years.  He won 384 baseball games, 5 league, 4 County and 3 State sectional baseball titles.  He also won the first Bergen County baseball tournament in 1959 (beating Bill Parcell's team on the way).  So on behave of ALL of the members of  the Class of 58 that you touched: Thank you for your Class and inspiration- rest in peace.

I played varsity as a junior in 1976. 2 of my greatest sports memories came form coach Cervino(by the way I just learned of his passing 2weeks ago and was upset I couldn't make the funeral )first memory I was up with runners on first and second, Ridgewoods all county pitcher on the mound and he intentnenly walked the guy before me to load the basses. Coach called me over and said boy did they make a mistake, I wasn't as sure as he was, with 2 strikes I hit a grand slam. Went to Ramapo college in 1978 played running back for national champion roadrunners. The baseball coach called me and asked me why the best ball player in the college wasn't on his team, coach Cervino told him about me. What a honer it was to know him.

Rest in peace Joe Cervino, you were an outstanding baseball coach. Had many a hard fought games between Bergenfield and Teaneck in the mid to late 1960s. My heartfelt condolences to the Cervino family. doug olson (bergenfield 1967)

Rest in peace Joe Cervino, you were an outstanding baseball coach. Had many a hard fought games between Bergenfield and Teaneck in the mid to late 1960s. My heartfelt condolences to the Cervino family. DOUG Olson

Coach Cervino,  I was one of the Captains of the 1976 THS team.  We were playing Ridgefield Park, and I tagged up from 3rd base,  I was  out at home plate,  I've never saw you so mad, you punched a light post and hurt your hand.  We lost the game, but I learned so much that day, from you.  You taught me that you can't get buy on talent alone, and you still have to work hard to accomplish your goals.  I learned a lot from you Coach, and wanted to thank you for everything you did for me.  Besides being a great coach, you were a good man.  God Bless and RIP Coach.  Jim Thompson  7T6

So very sorry to hear about the passing of Joe Cervino.  It was a pleasure for my wife and I to have met and gotten to know him during our time at the New Milford Presbyterian Church.  May God comfort and sustain you during this difficult time.

On behalf of Teaneck High School's class of 1960, we honor not only how he coached us and taught us toward academic and athletic excellence, but for his outstanding heroism during the Battle of the Bulge in WW II.  Bonnie Morrow

Coach Rest In Peace! You were the man I wanted to be! Condolences to your Family!

I am sure I am one among many who are writing something by which to remember Coach Cervino.  I am a THS graduate of 1969 and although I never played baseball, I did rub shoulder with the Coach in my sports endeavors and in gym class.  He was a gentleman who was truly a "gentle man" in his actions and speech.  Many generations of students learned how to be a better person simply by being around him.  I know that God has a special place for him in heaven and I know that heaven is a better place with his arrival there!   May he rest in peace.  Jon Dreazen, THS Class of 1969

OBITUARY

Joe Cervino

April 5, 1923 – December 20, 2016

Becker Funeral Home

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