Somerset, NJ
Dr. Thomas F. DiGanci, known to many as Coach or Dr. D.
Thomas was born on January 3, 1950, son to the late Catherine and Thomas DiGanci in Malverne, NY. He grew up on Long Island, graduating high school in 1968.
After graduating from High School he then moved to New Jersey to begin his undergraduate studies and serve on the wrestling team at Rutgers University. While attending Rutgers he met the love of his life, Nancy Shepherd, on the dance floor; they would marry in 1973. After graduating from Rutgers in 1972 Thomas began what would become a life long journey in the field of education by taking a teaching position at Watchung Hills Regional High School. It was here Thomas would soon realize the impact teachers can make in the life of a student. After returning to school, obtaining his Masters from Rutgers, and earning his Educational Doctorate from Seton Hall in 1999, Thomas eventually became the Principal of his beloved Watchung Hills Regional High School. Even after his retirement in 2012 he found himself back at it serving in various positions at Franklin High School, Gillette School, and Bayberry School in Watchung. Although Dr. D valued education beyond measure, he spent much of his time as an avid runner, coach, he loved wrestling, never missing a match - GO WARRIORS! and was the biggest Yankees fan. Above all, he was a benevolent husband, admirable father and the world’s best pop pop.
Thomas was predeceased by parents, Catherine and Thomas DiGanci, his brother, Robert Dreverman.
He is survived by his beautiful, loving wife Nancy DiGanci, his earnest son Timothy DiGanci, devoted daughter in law Maureen Kelly and the joy of his life, his granddaughter, Morghan DiGanci.
The viewing will be held on Monday, April 11, 2022 from 2:00 – 7:00 pm at St. Vincent. de Paul RC Church 250 Bebout Ave.,Stirling, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be Celebrated at 10 am on Tuesday April 12, 2022 at St. Joseph’s Parish Church 34 Yorktown Rd., Hillsborough NJ. Entombment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Piscataway, NJ. Memorial Contributions may be made to the MSA Coalition or the Dr. Thomas F. DiGanci Scholarship Fund at Watchung Hills Regional High School. Donations can be mailed to the school: WHRHS 108 Stirling Road Warren, NJ. Arrangements are under the direction of the Valley Memorial Funeral home 1012 Valley Rd., Gillette, NJ. For more information and online condolences visit valleymemorialfuneralhome.net