05/20/2024
It is with our deepest condolences to learn of the passing of former EPHS Assistant Football Coach John Zisa. Coach Zisa was also our Guest Speaker at the Elmwood Park Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner a couple of years ago. He was a standout lineman as a sophomore and junior for Fair Lawn High School in 1978 and 1979 and considered a Division 1 prospect before a tragic swimming pool accident after practice just before his senior year in 1980 rendered him a quadriplegic. Coach Zisa went on to become a highly regarded offensive and defensive line coach with stops at Paterson Catholic, Paramus Catholic, Elmwood Park, Rutherford, Westwood and Wayne Valley which includes several State Sectional and a couple State Championships during his tenure on staff with these programs. His enthusiasm for football never waned as he coached for many years. T-shirts distributed at several benefit dinners for him over the years featured boxing gloves. They symbolized that every day was a fight.
Wayne Valley Head Football Coach Roger Kotlarz, a former EPHS Assistant, on Coach Zisa: "John was and is a great inspiration to all those that he knew, including myself. His passion, wisdom, toughness, courage, perseverance, and leadership was second to none. He is the most amazing person I have ever had the privilege to know. I was so fortunate to have had the opportunity to work alongside him and call him my friend. He will be sorely missed and never forgotten. His legacy will live on throughout North Jersey through all the players and coaches whose lives he touched and made a lasting positive impact. I want to thank him for all that he did for me and our program here at Wayne Valley."
Hasbrouck Heights Head Football Coach Eddie Suri, EPHS Class of 1999, who played for and coached with Coach Zisa: "Words can't express what he means to me and how much I love him. I wouldn't be the person I am today without his guidance and friendship. The life lessons he taught me will stay with me forever and I will do my best to pass them on to my son. He was the ultimate fighter and it was privilege knowing him."
Please feel free to post pictures and comments to remember a man who helped mold and inspire hundreds if not thousands of high school football players in North Jersey and never complained once! You will be greatly missed Coach John Zisa!
