John Nemetz, who received the Lifetime Service to wrestling award from the New Jersey Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2008, passed away on Sept 21. He was 95.

Born and raised in the Fifth Ward of Shamokin, PA, after serving in the U.S. Army he moved to Toms River, NJ. He would teach World Civilization and coach wrestling and football for more than 30 years at Toms River South and Toms River North. He started the wrestling program at both high schools.

At North his teams posted a record of 212-62-8 with a string of 58 consecutive Shore Conference victories. They never had a losing season and went undefeated three times.

John was awarded the prestigious Harry E. Lake award for outstanding contributions to New Jersey wrestling, was named to the Shore Conference Hall of Fame and the South Jersey Wrestling Hall of Fame.

A graduate of Bloomsburg State Teachers College (PA), he was an outstanding football player, receiving All-East, Little All-American and Associated Press All-Teachers honors. He is also a member of the Bloomsburg University Hall of Fame. He earned a master’s degree in education from Montclair State University.

Throughout his life he was known for being nice and helpful toward others. Among his odd jobs were working in a slaughterhouse, in a jewelry store and as a pinsetter in a bowling alley. He sold neckties and painted railroad bridges, as well as selling encyclopedias door-to-door.

His best decisions included marrying his hometown sweetheart Anna Mae.

After retiring he owned and operated the Whale Apartments in Seaside Park for more than three decades, until he was 91. He would also tinker with his crafts, woodworking and collectable treasures in the garage.

John is predeceased by his wife of 56 years, and his sisters Florence and Joan. He is survived by his three children: Leon, Lawrence (Jennifer) and Marianne Mashek (William) as well as four grandchildren: Harrison and Charles Nemetz, Emily Mashek (Matt) and Rebecca Goltz (Daniel).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made payable by check to TR North or TR South Athletic Departments; to either Principal Ed Keller (TRN) or Principal Kevin Rayman at TRS