Michael John Perrotta

Michael John Perrotta, age 59, passed away on Tuesday, December 19th 2017. He died of cancer in Villa Marie Claire in Saddle River, New Jersey, surrounded by family. He was born on June 23rd, 1958 in Elizabeth, New Jersey, one of two children of Frances and Armando Perrotta. He received his BA from Glassboro College, now Rowan University, and two Masters degrees, the second from Montclair State University.

Michael started teaching at Fair Lawn High School in 1993, where he taught English, Drama, and Film Study. He directed over 40 plays with the drama club, The Masques, many of which he wrote. He also served as the faculty advisor and a guitar player / vocalist for the school rock band, The Boptones. His tireless passion for theater and music drove him to give his students a truly special experience, as many of them would tell you themselves. Michael also played in a rock band, SGOverdrive, with his colleagues. The money from their gigs at local spots went towards creating scholarship opportunities for many students. Michael was named Teacher of the Year for his district, a result of the many hats he wore in his role as teacher, advisor, director, musician, and mentor.

Michael is survived by his wife Debra and their two sons, Sean and Evan, his mother Frances, as well as his Sister Elaine O’Brien, her husband Sean, her daughter Lianna Tarantin, Michael’s goddaughter, and Theresa Schmidt (Aunt Terry). He devoted his life to his family and his students. They always knew they could go to him for help, guidance, or just a laugh.

A memorial will be held on Thursday, December 28th from 4-8 PM at Higgins and Bonner Echo Lake Funeral Home, located at 582 Springfield Ave, Westfield NJ. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in Michael’s memory be made to the American Cancer Society

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