Bartholomew John

Talamini

Bartholomew (Bart) John Talamini, 84, of Waretown, New Jersey, previously of Harrington Park and Fairview, passed away on March 26, 2024.

He was born to Bart and Ida (Edie) Talamini (nee Talamini) on September 18, 1939, in Teaneck, New Jersey. Bart grew up in Fairview and spent his childhood playing in the DeSoto Place lot, Sacred Heart schoolyard, Hudson County Park Lake, Seven Door Cave and Palisades Amusement Park. He graduated from Cliffside Park High School, with a brief stint in South Broward High School in Hollywood, Florida. After high school he worked as a bricklayer before an opportunity to play college basketball brought him to Jersey City State College, where he scored 975 points in 3.5 seasons and earned his B.A. in History and an M.A. in English & History. He received his NJ Administrative Licenses by attending both Montclair State College and Seton Hall University.

Bart dedicated his life to serving his community and bettering the lives of those around him. He taught Social Studies and was Vice Principal of Cliffside Park High School. He went on to be Principal of Cliffside Park School #6, a professor at New Jersey City University and served on the Boards of the Bergen County Academy, Bergen County Vocational & Technical Schools, and Bergen County Special Services and was most recently a trustee at Ramapo College. He was a longtime Councilman in the Borough of Fairview and prominent member of the Fairview Republican Club.

What Bart may be most known for is his basketball coaching prowess and ability to strike fear into opponents (and referees) statewide. During the 20+ years he coached the Cliffside Park Red Raiders Boys' Basketball team, he amassed over 300 career wins, 15 invitations to the Bergen County Jamboree, eight BCSL American Championships, two State Sectionals and led his famed 1971 team to an NJSIAA State Championship. He was a two-time recipient of the Bergen/Hudson County Coach of the Year award and has been recognized multiple times in the Cliffside Park, New Jersey City University and NJSIAA Coaches Halls of Fame. Later he joined the coaching staff at Ramapo College and helped bring the Roadrunners to the Division III NCAA Men's Basketball Elite Eight. His dedication as a coach, educator and mentor for his students and players continued for 50+ years.

In retirement he enjoyed wintering in Florida, golfing, painting, playing cards with the guys from Greenbriar and seeing his grandchildren every chance he had.

Bart's passion for family and friends transcended time and space. He stayed in close contact with countless former students and players, the DeSoto Place Gang, the Omega Club and the Rusty Knife Gang, maintaining friendships for over 80 years and across the country.

Bart was a devoted husband, loving father and adoring grandfather. His favorite pastime was traveling the world with his wife of over 38 years. He was proud to have brought each of his four children and seven grandchildren to their first days of school and was a permanent fixture at their sports games, school functions and recitals.

He leaves behind his wife Jeanette Talamini (nee DeOrio), children Bart Jr., Robin and Arthur May, Russell and Lucia Talamini, Lauren and Christopher Spiropoulos and beloved grandchildren Sandra and Kaitlyn May, Gabriella, Justin and Joseph Talamini and Zoe and Olivia Spiropoulos.

He also leaves behind brother Robert Talamini, in-laws Tina and Armen Minassian, Lillian and Tony Catoggio and Maureen Miller, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends who were touched by his love.

He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Sandra Talamini (nee Miller) and sister-in-law Mary Talamini (nee Cimmino).

Bart's larger than life personality, big laugh and kind smile will surely be missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bart's name to the Cliffside Park Hall of Fame. Checks can be made payable to Cliffside Park Hall of Fame and mailed to 472 Hickory Street, Township of Washington, NJ 07676.

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