John Einreinhofer, a 46-year resident of the Newfoundland section of West Milford Township, died suddenly on July 10, 2012, in Stockholm. He was 77.
He had suffered from complications of diabetes and hypertension in recent years.
He was born on April 1, 1935, in Passaic, the son of John and Minnie Einreinhofer, who both predeceased him. John grew up in Garfield, where he starred in track and football and went on to military school at Greenbrier Military Academy in Lewisburg, W.V., where he played football and boxed. He was offered a football scholarship to William and Mary College but injuries forced him to instead continue his football career at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, where he attracted the interest of professional scouts. However, injuries forced him to give up his football playing career and he completed his history degree at Fairleigh Dickinson University.
John served in the United States Army in the 50th Armored Division where he was part of an M-48 tank crew. He began his teaching career at the then Pope Pius High School in Passaic, where he met his wife, Mildred, while both were teaching. He moved on to West Milford Township High School where he coached track, cross-country and football and taught history for 30 years before his retirement. He was inducted into the Passaic County Coaches Hall of Fame and won multiple Skyline and Northern Hills Conference Coach of the Year awards and recorded more than 100 wins as head coach in both track and cross-country. In an inspired performance, his track team won the Northern Hills Conference title in his final season as head coach in 1985. He was cited as a father figure by many he taught and coached. A very honorable person and devoted family man, he will be greatly missed.
John enjoyed history, in which he was an expert, reading, hunting, gardening following football, boxing and especially the New York Yankees. He also enjoyed travel to West Virginia and the Jersey Shore.
He is survived by his beloved wife of more than 47 years, Mildred, of Newfoundland, his son, John Einreinhofer of South Charleston, W.V. formerly of Newfoundland, grandson, John of South Charleston, W.V., son Donald Einreinhofer of Stockholm, daughter-in-law Johanna, granddaughters Jane and Delana, also of Stockholm, brother Robert Einreinhofer and sister-in-law Nancy Einreinhofer of Sparta, and nephew Bobby Einreinhofer of Jefferson Twp.
The familywill receive visitors on Friday, July 13, 2012 from 2 to 4and 7 to 9p.m. at the Stickle-Soltesz Funeral Home, 187 LaRue Road, Newfoundland.
A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, July 14, 2012 at12 noon at St. John Vianney RC Church, 2823 State Route 23 South, Stockholm. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, West Milford.
To send online condolences or get directions, go to www.sticklesolteszfuneralhome.com.