Funeral Services Set For Cranford High School Teacher

CRANFORD, NJ — Funeral services have been set for beloved Cranford High School teacher Joseph Dugandzic, who was found in the Rahway River on Saturday. His death is still under investigation.

The memorial visitation will be held at Dooley Funeral Home in Cranford on Wednesday, Jan. 11 from 4 to 8 p.m. The memorial Mass will be held at Saint Theresa's Church in Kenilworth at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 12.

Joseph Dugandzic is leaving behind his wife Doran Dugandzic , who taught alongside him at Cranford High School and his two children Kerry and Richie.

"Joe was a devoted husband and father, loyal friend, compassionate community volunteer, thoughtful educator and dedicated coach," his family wrote in his obituary.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made via www.gofundme.com/joedugandzic, which is a college fund for Joe’s children, or, to the V Foundation for Cancer Research.

"If you can dream it, you can do it. Attitude is the mother of success." – a quote from Joe as remembered by his daughter Kerry.

Joseph Dugandzic's full obituary:

On January 7, 2017, Joe passed away suddenly at 52 years of age in Cranford, New Jersey. He is survived by his wife Maureen Doran Dugandzic (formerly of Suffern, NY), who taught alongside him at Cranford High School. He is also survived by his children, Kerry and Richie, his siblings, Jim, Dorothy, Mary, Barbara, and Jane, and his 102-year-old grandmother, Helen Urban.

Joe was born in the Bronx, New York on March 14, 1964. He was the third child born to Marilyn and John Dugandzic of Pearl River, New York.

Although he lived in New Jersey, Joe was a New Yorker at heart, especially when it came to sports. He was an avid fan of the Yankees, Giants, and Rangers.

In addition to cheering on his favorite sports teams, Joe loved listening to music (and occasionally singing), reading, and traveling. He was blessed to visit many places with his family, from the Black Hills of South Dakota to the beaches of Normandy and beyond.

Above all else, Joe was a devoted husband and father, loyal friend, compassionate community volunteer, thoughtful educator and dedicated coach.

Joe was a high school English teacher for over 20 years, and was invested in his students' academic achievement as well as their personal growth and success. He nicknamed his classroom "Dugandzicland, a celestial oasis of learning," where he shared life lessons and inspirational messages such as "There are no ordinary moments" and "I Believe!"

He is remembered as a mentor to many: from those he coached in youth sports, to his students, to his friends and to his family.

"If you can dream it, you can do it. Attitude is the mother of success." – a quote from Joe as remembered by his daughter Kerry.

To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Joseph J Dugandzic, please visit our Tribute Store.

Dooley Funeral Home is located at 218 North Avenue West in Cranford.

(Photo via www.gofundme.com/joedugandzic)

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.