Joseph R. Salema 80 TEACHER AND COACH AT DEL VAL

Joseph R. Salema, dearly loved husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away peacefully at home on November 21st, 2014. He was born in Devon, Pennsylvania on October 6, 1934. He was predeceased by his son Mark, sister Jerry and parents Minnie and John Salema. He will join them in eternal peace. He leaves behind his wife Alexis (Rudzinski) Salema whom he was married to for 53 years, daughter and son in law Kathy and Barron Chambliss and the light of his life, grandson Jared Chambliss.
Sports were always a large part of his life. In college he was a Pennsylvania State high hurdle champion. Over the years at Delaware Valley Regional High School, he coached football, basketball, and track and was the first golf coach. In addition, he also directed the gymnastics program and shows. In retirement, Joe played golf as often as possible and was an avid fan of all the Philadelphia sports teams. His favorite pastime, however, was attending his grandson’s basketball games where he was a fixture on the sidelines.
Joe was a teacher and administrator at Del Val High School and Frenchtown High School from 1958 to 1987. He taught History, Health, Physical Education, served as department Chairperson, Assistant Principal, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent and Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Personnel.
He received his Bachelor of Science Degree and Masters of Education Degree from West Chester University and Master Degree of Education Administration from Lehigh University. He also attended graduate courses at Springfield College and Rutgers University.
Joe served in the United States Army in 1952 and 1957 and the Army Reserves until 1960. He was an Armored Instructor and a tank commander and instructor in Chemical, Bacterial, Radiological Warfare. He was a member of the American Legion Post 113 in Frenchtown, NJ.
He was a former member and past president of the Milford Lions Club, a founding member and former Board of Director of the Hunterdon Drug Awareness Program, a founding member and former member of the Board of Trustees of the Oak Hill Golf Club and served as the club president in 1989 and 2004.
Joe served as a member of the Delaware Valley Board of Education from 1991 to 1996. He was a former member of the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association and the Hunterdon County representative to the Executive Council from 1978 to 1985.
Along with his wife, he was the co-owner of Frenchtown Liquors from 1985 to 1995 and was a member of the New Jersey Liquor Association.
Evidenced by the outpouring of love and support these past few months from past students, co-workers, friends and neighbors, Joe touched many lives over the years. His biggest joys were spending time with his family and friends. He will be terribly missed but never forgotten.
Visitation will be held on Monday evening, November 24, 2014 from 6 to 8 PM at the Johnson-Walton Funeral Home, 24 Church Road, Holland Township, NJ. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2014 at 10 AM at St. Edward the Confessor R.C. Church in Milford, NJ. Arrangements are under the care of the Johnson-Walton Funeral Home, Milford, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hunterdon Hospice, 2100 Wescott Drive, Flemington, NJ 08822 or Milford-Holland Rescue Squad, 151 Water Street, Milford, NJ 08848.