Obituary of Gennaro "Jerry" Tardive

Gennaro “Jerry” Tardive of Stanhope, NJ passed away peacefully on Monday, November 24, 2025 at Morristown Medical Center surrounded by his loving family.   He was 74 years old.  Jerry was born on July 16, 1951 in Dover, NJ to the late Vincent and the late Paula (Romano) Tardive.

Jerry was a long-time resident of Stanhope, NJ and was a beloved Teacher, Athletic Director and Coach at Dover High School where he worked for more than 28 years before retiring. In his 13 years as head football coach he won three football conference championships, two football state championships and was inducted into the New Jersey Scholastic Coaches Hall of Fame.  Never had a losing season.

Jerry was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and also enjoyed coaching, golfing, listening to music, going down the shore and making wine. Most importantly, he truly treasured his time with his loving family and lifelong friends.

Jerry is survived by his devoted daughter, Traci Tardive VanScoyoc and husband, Ira and his devoted son, Vincent Tardive and wife, Alexis and his cherished grandchildren; Teagan & Valentino Tardive and Ellis VanScyoc.  Additional survivors include, his loving sisters; Jill Fry, Linda Best and her husband, Bob, Roseann Lehmann and her husband Scott, Jeanette Taylor and a very large loving extended family including nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

In addition to his parents, Jerry was predeceased by his beloved wife, Valerie in 2012,  his sisters, Paula “Gail” Tardive in 2023 and Veronica Marks in 2017 and his brothers-in-law, Wayne Fry and Toby Taylor.

Jerry’s Life Celebration Services will include a Visitation on Sunday, November 30^th from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Leber-Lakeside Funeral Home, 150 Landing Road, Landing, NJ.   There will be a Funeral Mass offered on Monday, December 1^st  at 10:00 am at St. Michael’s RC Church, 4 Church Street, Netcong, NJ 07857.  Jerry will be laid to rest with his beloved wife at Stanhope Union Cemetery in Mt. Olive Twp., NJ. 

For memorial donations, please consider The Special Olympics, Attn: Memorial Donations, 2600 Virginia Avenue  NW,  11 Floor, Washington, DC, 20037 or at www.specialolympics.org and St. Michael's Food Pantry, 4 Church Street, Netcong, NJ 07857.