JERSEY CITY, N.J. (NJCUGothicKnights.com) | The New Jersey City University athletics department is mourning the passing of long-time former equipment manager Edward Roesch who passed away on February 5 at the age of 83.
 
Roesch, a lifelong resident of Jersey City, served as the equipment supervisor for the program for 24 years from 1979-80 until his retirement in August 2002. He served in the role during some of the most significant years of the college's athletics history—its transition from Jersey City State College to NJCU and even a mascot change in the mid 1980s from the Gothics to the Gothic Knights. He also managed the office's equipment move from Fries Hall to its current location on the lower level of the John J. Moore Athletics and Fitness Center.
 
In addition to the challenge of serving in the position while the University sponsored football, he did so during many incredible men's basketball playoff runs, including the 1986 and 1992 NCAA Division III Final Fours.
 
NJCU athletics director Alice De Fazio, who served as head women's basketball coach during much of his career, recalled her colleague. "Ed was the consummate professional, and his commitment to Jersey City State College/New Jersey City University athletics was exemplary. He loved our institution, and was extremely dedicated to the student-athletes he so capably served."
 
Barbara Parker, NJCU's athletics bookkeeper since 1989, recalled her friend, saying: "He was like a father to me. He was always giving me advice no matter where I was. He and his wife [Shirley] would always give me a ride. He was a good friend. We worked well together. He was always joking around and was always concerned about everyone."
 
Roesch is survived by his wife, Shirley, and three children, Edward, Cheryl [Halma], and Wayne, and seven grandchildren.
 
Donations in his memory can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.