Statements Released After New Jersey Teacher Found Dead In River

The body of a beloved New Jersey teacher was found Saturday in a river, according to authorities.

Union County authorities identified the man Joseph Dugandzic, 52, of Cranford, a beloved teach in the local school district and at the high school.

An investigation into the matter is continuing, and we'll have more information as it comes in.

Dugandzic was a teacher in the district since September 2000, and taught digital writing and other classes, according to his Linkedin profile. He previously served as a cross-country coach at Drew University and St. Thomas Aquinas College.

Dugandzic's family released a statement:

"With heartfelt sadness, we announce the untimely passing of our beloved family member, husband, father, teacher, coach, and friend Joseph Dugandzic.

"Whether you were touched by Joe as a student at Cranford High School, on one of his many youth sports teams, at a charitable event, or as a friend, our community celebrates Joe's legacy.

"Everyone has graciously asked our family what they can do during this time. As Joe frequently said, 'the best thing we can do for our kids is give them the gift of our time.'"

"While there has been an overwhelming outpouring of support and love from the community, our family respectfully requests privacy at this time."

The school district also released a statement:

"Mr. Dugandzic living in Cranford, and having taught and coached for many years, his involvement in our schools and community was far and wide and he will be missed and remembered fondly. Our staff, students and community are terribly saddened by the news and his passing is a loss to all of us.

"As a staff, we are doing everything we can to assist our school community in dealing with this loss. We will have crisis support at the high school on Sunday, from 11 am - 1 pm where students may come to discuss their feelings with a counselor or ask questions. We are asking you to monitor your child’s behavior and reactions to this loss.

"If you feel that your child needs additional support, please contact your child’s school counselor at 709-6302/6303, the Director of Guidance, Mrs. Lisa Burfeindt or the Student Assistance Counselor, Ms.Felicia Spinola, The contact information is listed below. We can also provide referrals to outside grief counseling if needed, or these can be found on the CHS Guidance website atwww.cranfordhighschoolguidance.com. We are here to support you and your child as we work through this difficult time in Cranford."

Mr. Mark Cantagallo
Principal
Cantagallo@cranfordschools.org
908-709-6282

Mrs. Lisa Burfeindt Ms. Felicia Spinola
Director of Guidance Student Assistance Coun
Burfeindt@cranfordschools.org Spinola@cranfordschools.org
908-709-6296 908-709-6290

Photo from family of Joseph Dugandzic