Obituary: Edward H. Powers, 75, long-time faculty member, St. Joseph High School

Edward H. Powers, 75, of Metuchen, passed peacefully at home Sunday, September 24, 2023.

Born on June 5, 1948, Mr. Powers was raised in the Ironbound section of Newark and resided in Metuchen for 34 years. He graduated from St. Peter’s High School, Jersey City, and received his bachelor’s degree from St Peter’s College (now University) in Jersey City. He attended graduate school at University of Virginia for their Political Philosophy program, and received his Masters of Arts in Teaching at Colgate University.

At St. Peter’s College, he played free safety and served as co-captain for the 1970 Peacocks football team. He was also selected as an All-American National Club Football Association player in 1970 for his performance on the field in leading the nation in pass interceptions. The celebrated 1969-1970 football teams in which he played were also inducted into the St. Peter’s University Hall of Fame in 2018.

Mr. Powers began teaching at St. Joseph’s High School, Metuchen, in 1982 and retired in 2021. During his 39 years at St. Joe’s he wore many hats – History Department chair, Lay Teachers Association where he negotiated contracts on behalf of his colleagues, as well as founder and moderator of the College Bowl and History Bowl teams which won numerous national and international championships.

His greatest legacy at St. Joe’s was his passion for teaching history where he challenged every student to think critically and helped them understand their responsibilities as good citizens. Mr. Powers was also a great friend and confidant to many in the faculty.

Mr. Powers was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Frances Powers, and his sister, Margaret Brady. He leaves behind his wife of 38 years, Rose M. Powers, and his two sons, Patrick F. and Joseph M. Powers, and his sister, Frances Green of Mount Laurel.

Contributions may be made in Mr. Power’s memory to St. Joseph’s High School Scholarship Fund at https://www.stjoes.org/support, the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association.