A Hackettstown High School legend has passed away.
Arthur (Art) J. Dimiceli, age 88, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 15 at Forest Manor Health Care Ctr. in Hope.
Born and raised in Hackettstown, Dimiceli eventually became the most successful baseball coach not only in Hackettstown, but in Northwest Jersey.
Dimiceli was born July 10, 1930 and was the son of the late Arthur Anthony and Josephine (Piasecki) Dimiceli. He was married to his beloved wife, Agnes Chandler Dimiceli
He served in the National Guard Reserve for nine years and put himself through college by cutting hair of students and faculty in the basement of his dorm.
Dimiceli played varsity football for the Trenton Lions and holds the record til this day for the most interceptions in one game, 5, and was also a standout baseball player there. He graduated from Trenton State College with a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s degree in Education from Rutgers University.
Dimiceli returned to Hackettstown where he was a Health and Physical education teacher at Hackettstown High School for over 39 years before retiring in 1992. While at Hackettstown High School, he was a longstanding baseball coach for over 34 years. In 1987 the high school baseball field was dedicated in his honor.
Most recently he was inducted into the inaugural Hall of Fame at the Hackettstown High School.
Dimiceli also was a loyal NY Mets fan and avid blue bird watcher and loved to go out dancing. He was a member of St. Mary’s Church of the Assumption, Hackettstown.
In addition to his parents, Dimiceli was predeceased by his sister, Irene Sarno.
He is survived by his “beautiful bride” and devoted wife of 60 years; Agnes, two children; Michele Dimiceli Graziadei and her husband James of Easton, PA and Joseph Dimiceli and his wife JoEllen of Manassas, VA. Two brothers, Edward “Bucky” Dimiceli and George “Peany” Dimiceli both of Hackettstown, four grandchildren; Michael and Kali Graziadei and Joey and Jenna Dimiceli.
The funeral will be held 11 a.m. on Monday, August 20 at Cochran Funeral Home, Inc., 905 High Street, Hackettstown, N.J. with Father Antony Arockiadoss officiating. Burial will be in Pequest Union Cemetery, Great Meadows.
Calling hours will be Sunday, August 19 from 4-8 p.m. at Cochran Funeral Home, Inc., 905 High Street, Hackettstown. For those wishing to leave online condolences, please visit www.cochranfuneral.com.
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