Princeton High School Teacher, Father Of 3 Dies At Age 51: Fundraiser Launched For Family

PRINCETON, NJ — The Princeton High School community is mourning the loss of one of its longtime teachers.

Jay Pikul died at the age of 51 after a car accident, where he also suffered a heart attack last week. He died on Monday at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

A GoFundMe fundraising website has been set up for Pikul's family, which includes his wife of 23 years, Dana, and their three children: James, a junior at Penn State University; Alexa, a senior at Council Rock North; and Ryan, a junior at Council Rock North.

"Jay was a devoted family man whose greatest joy was his role as a husband and father. A gifted teacher and dedicated coach, he had a natural ability to inspire, encourage, and connect with others. Known for his intelligence, love of sports, and deep commitment to his community, Jay was someone people trusted and admired," according to his obituary with fluehr.com. "He was known for his legendary dad jokes and his ability to bring laughter wherever he went."

Pikul had been teaching at Princeton High School since 2005. Over the years, he also served as the baseball coach at both the middle and high school levels.

"Jay was a sports-loving, fun, and kind-hearted person who always had a smile on his face and a positive word to share. He was an incredible role model and was deeply loved by his children and by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him," according to the GoFundMe.

The GoFundMe was set up to help support Pikul's family as Dana was laid off from her job on Dec. 31, 2025, after 14 years.

"The Pikul family is now facing overwhelming emotional and financial challenges," according to the GoFundMe.

As of Thursday, just over $53,000 of the $90,000 goal was raised. The money will be used to support Pikul's family. For more information or to donate, visit gofundme.com/f/support-for-jays-family-in-their-time-of-loss.

Additionally, relatives and friends are invited to greet Pikul's family on Thursday, Jan. 22, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown Richboro Road (at Holland Road), Richboro.

Visitation will also be held on Friday, Jan. 23, at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 81 Swamp Road, Newtown, beginning at 10 a.m., followed by Words of Remembrance and a Funeral Mass at 10:50 a.m. Interment will take place at Newtown Cemetery in Newtown, Pennsylvania.

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