Obituary of John F. Czeterko

John F. "Jack" Czeterko, 55, died on Wednesday Jan. 21, 2009 at Morristown Memorial Hospital in Morristown, NJ. Born and raised in Jersey City John later lived in Green Twp. for many years before moving to Rockaway Twp. in 2006. MEMORIES John F. Czeterko was a teacher, mentor and friend to students and staff of the Teaneck Public Schools for 33 years. He joined the Teaneck school family on January 5, 1976. John taught such subjects as Advanced Placement Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, Chemistry in the Community, Physical Science, Physics, and seventh- and eighth-grade science until 1992, when he was named the district's Supervisor of Science. He then was appointed to a number of administrative positions in the Curriculum and Instruction Department, including Assistant Director of Instructional Programs and Executive Director-Curriculum and Instruction. In 2001, John was appointed Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. In August 2003, he was named Interim Superintendent and then Superintendent of Schools in January 2004. At the time of his appointment as Superintendent of Schools, then-Board of Education President Margaret Angeli said, "He is highly knowledgeable, extremely competent and possesses the people skills vital to dealing with all segments of the Teaneck community, including students, parents, teachers and administrative staff, and the many other stakeholders who are so important to us." "I am honored and humbled at the confidence shown in me by the Board of Education," John declared. "I will continue to devote my energies toward assuring that all students can learn to the very best of their ability. Our children have been and will continue to be my most important focus in this position." And they were. He always asked one question before any other. whether of teachers, administrators, other staff members, parents and the community at large: "Will this help every student succeed to his or her highest possible level?" Only then could the district proceed. Sports always comprised a large part of John's persona. Besides being an avid spectator - particularly of his beloved New York Mets and New Jersey Devils - he coached the junior varsity softball team and was assistant coach and then head coach of the varsity softball squad from the late 70s through 1990. He was a U. S. Swimming Official and Jersey Gators Meet Director. He also enjoyed the fun and frustration of a round of golf! John was born on July 26, 1953 in Jersey City, NJ, where he grew up and graduated from St. Peter's Prep. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry from Rutgers University (1975), a Master of Arts degree in Science (with emphasis on environmental science) from Fairleigh Dickinson University (1980) and the Master of Arts degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from William Paterson College (1990). John held the School Administrator, Principal/Supervisor and Teacher of Physical Science certifications from the New Jersey State Department of Education. John was an Adjunct Professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University as a member of the Education Department. He was especially proud of being moderator-founder of the Teaneck High School Environmental Club, and of participating as a team-teaching member of the CIBA-GEIGY High School Chemistry Institute, an innovative program jointly held at the CIBA-GEIGY research facilities in Ardsley, NY, and the Academy for the Advancement of Science in Hackensack, NJ. He also taught for two years in the area of marine Biology/Environmental science at the Magnet School that was offered through the Teaneck Public Schools and the New Jersey Marine Science Consortium at Sandy Hook, NJ. Numerous professional organizations of which John was a member included the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Superintendent's Study Council of Seton Hall University, New Jersey Education Association, New Jersey Science Teachers Association, American Chemical Society and the Alliance of Chemistry Educators. Throughout his tenure, he had always felt that the Teaneck Public School District is truly one of the best school systems in the country. It was his privilege to serve with dedicated and committed Board members; exemplary teachers, administrators and support staff; hard-working, high-achieving students; parents who are dedicated and engaged, and a community of citizens willing to repeatedly support public education. John also will be remembered for his sense of humor and passion for education. He is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years, Annette; his son, Mark (and his wife Alexis) of Jersey City; his daughter, Susan of New York City; his sister Catherine Messina (and her husband Peter Messina) of Jamaica, Vermont; his father in-law Harold Rodriguez of Hackettstown; his brother in-law Tony Rodriguez (and his wife Linda) of Lake Tranquility as well as five nieces and nephews and so many friends. A Mass of Christian Burial Service will be held on Saturday Jan. 24, 2009 at 10:00 AM at St. Catherine of Siena RC Church Pocono Rd Mt. Lakes, NJ. Friends may visit with the family on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the Norman Dean Home for Services 16 Righter Ave. Denville, NJ www.normandean.com , please light a candle on our web site in his memory. Donations are being accepted to Community Scholarship/ John Czeterko Memorial Fund c/o Marie Warnke, Treasurer, 680 Albin St. Teaneck, NJ 07666.