MANCHESTER – Dr. William “Bill” DeFeo, a longtime educator and former superintendent of Manchester Township Schools, died peacefully at his Wall Township home on September 6. He was 82.
DeFeo devoted his career to public education, serving as a teacher, principal and administrator before leading Manchester’s schools from 1997 until his retirement in 2008. During his time in the district, he advocated for students and educators and helped establish the Manchester Township Educational Foundation.
“Dr. DeFeo’s impact on Manchester Township Schools cannot be measured only by the years he served as superintendent. I had the privilege of working with him throughout my entire career in Manchester, and I witnessed firsthand his deep commitment to our students, our staff, and our community,” says current Superintendent Diane Pedroza. “He was a visionary leader who understood that strong schools require both a commitment to educational excellence and a community willing to invest in its children.
“What I will remember most is his genuine belief in the power of education and the opportunities it creates for students. His leadership helped shape the schools we have today,” she said.
“Dr. DeFeo left an extraordinary mark on Manchester, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have learned from and worked alongside him,” she said. “His legacy will continue through the students, educators, schools, and community he cared so deeply about. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.”
He was a founding contributor of the Manchester Township Educational Foundation, which raises money to provide educational opportunities for local students. They released a statement mourning him. “He understood how crucial financial aid is for graduating seniors taking their next step into higher education. The MTEF Dr. William DeFeo Scholarship proudly honors his vision by assisting deserving students each year.”
The Manchester Township Education Association union praised his years of service. “For so many in Manchester, Dr. DeFeo was much more than a former superintendent. He was a familiar face, a colleague, a mentor, and someone who spent many years working alongside the people who make our schools and community special. His connection to Manchester continued long after his time as superintendent, and the relationships he built and the impact he made will not be forgotten.”
Born in Newark on December 1, 1943, DeFeo was the son of Lawrence and Frances DeFeo. After graduating from West Side High School, he earned an undergraduate degree from Bloomfield College and a doctorate in education from Rutgers University.
DeFeo began his career teaching history at Essex Catholic High School. He later served as principal of Holy Spirit School in Union and worked for the New Jersey Department of Education. His career also included administrative positions in Long Branch, Edison and Hamilton Township.
Beyond his professional achievements, DeFeo was remembered as a dedicated family man, history enthusiast and devout Catholic. He enjoyed visiting Manasquan, traveling to New York City, vacationing in Hilton Head Island and attending his granddaughters’ sporting events.
He also enjoyed golf, nonfiction history books and sharing jokes and stories with his family. DeFeo was a devoted fan of the New York Yankees and New York Jets.
DeFeo and his wife, Joyce, married on August 8, 1971, at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark. They recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary with their family.
He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Richard DeFeo; and his brother-in-law, Michael Pellegrino.
DeFeo is survived by his wife; his brother, Lawrence DeFeo; his daughter, Jennifer DeFeo Simoni, and her husband, Robert; his son, Michael DeFeo, and his wife, Beth; and four granddaughters, Isabella DeFeo, Olivia Simoni, Lilianna DeFeo and Francesca DeFeo. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Donna Pellegrino Hoder, and her husband, David, as well as his niece, Deborah DeFeo Kline, and her husband, George.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. September 10 at Orender Family Home for Funerals, 2643 Old Bridge Road, Manasquan.
A Mass of Christian burial is scheduled for 10 a.m. September 11 at St. Denis Catholic Church, 90 Union Ave., Manasquan. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover.
In place of flowers, the family suggested memorial contributions to the John Robert Greco Memorial Fund, Luke’s Helping Hand or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
