Funeral services have been held for William Robert Gargiulo. “Bill,” 84, a lifelong resident of Jersey City, called his last play on Friday, Nov. 4. Bill was a Hudson County Hall of fame recipient with a career spanning more than 50 years of service as a brilliant two- sport athlete, coach and recreation supervisor. Stardom began in the early 1940s at Lincoln High School, as a standout quarterback and linebacker on the football team as well as a fine catcher on the baseball team. He led the football team to County champs in 1943. A stint in the Navy during World War II was followed by a professional football career with the Hartford Blues of the Atlantic Coast football league, as well as the Jersey Giant of the International football league.
Bill’s professional career was followed as an assistant coach at Lincoln and Bayonne High, before assisting legendary Bill Cochrane at St. Peter’s Prep for 18 years. He then became the head coach at both Hudson Catholic in the mid 1970s and St. Peter’s Prep (197780), continuing with Jersey City Recreation Department, coordinating the developmental football program for more than 25 years. Bill is survived by his lifelong friend and companion Norma Sirken; son Robert Szeigis and his wife Susan; granddaughters, Suzanne, Stephanie and Sharon Szeigis; godson Richard Ingman and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Sabato Gargiulo and Lucia Pandolfo and last survivor of 10 brothers and sisters. Services arranged by the McLaughlin Funeral Home, Jersey City.