Late Berkeley School Board Member Remembered

BERKELEY, NJ — The Berkeley Township Board of Education honored their recently passed member, Stephen Pellecchia, at a recent meeting.

Pellecchia, 88, passed away on July 13, 2022. He was a member of the BTBOE since 2007 and served various roles in that time, including president and vice president. He also chaired several committees. According to his obituary, Pellecchia had lived in Berkeley for the past 23 years.

Members of the Board of Education took time out to say a few words about Pellecchia.

"He loved this position and always looked to keep the balance of doing what was best for the students and keeping taxes low for Berkeley Township," Board President Jennifer Bacchione said.

"He always came to the meetings with a smile and a laugh," Bacchione said.

"He always had a smile, no matter what you were dealing with," Douglas Bowens said.

Michele Shedlock shared similar memories. "I always remember Steve being happy," she said.

"You could see the patriotism and care," James Coffey said. "Just a positive person all around."

John MacMoyle said that he first met Pellecchia 12 years ago, when MacMoyle was thinking about getting involved on the Board. Pellecchia helped him and encouraged him, he said.

Anne Marie Trethaway shared how Pellecchia always used to come to her kindergarten class and read to the students in a Donald Duck voice. "It was just so special," she said.

"He was the grandfather of the room," said David Ytreboe, sharing how Pellecchia would interject arguments with comedy or words of wisdom.

Ytreboe quoted Dr. Seuss, saying "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."

"We smile because Steve happened," Ytreboe said. "He was with us for so many years."

"We all appreciate his many years of service," said Superintendent Dr. James Roselli. "He will truly be missed."