WATCH: Beloved West Orange Teacher Gets Retirement Send Off

West Orange, NJ - Lifetime West Orange resident, legendary track coach and English teacher Joe Suriano retired after nearly 50 years of service to the West Orange School District on Jan. 29.

The beloved local educator received a fond sendoff organized by his daughters Stephanie and Nicole - both educators in West Orange - which can be seen below.

“Joe, you are a rich man in every way it matters,” WOHS English teacher Craig Champagne said during the celebration. “Family remains constant as other things come and go…make no mistake, we are a family at West Orange High School, and we will remain a family. Our greatest gift to you is to promise that we will not lose our humanity and that your light will shine on.”

“I’m the luckiest man on the face of the earth,” Suriano commented, with his wife, Marlene, at his side. “I’ve taught and coached my whole life… I love you all and best to you and all your families forever.”

Photo courtesy of the West Orange School District

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