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Nancy posted a condolence
Friday, February 4, 2022
I am attaching a link to a newspaper column by a former student of Bill's. Beautifully written, it reflects, I think, what many of Bill's students feel:
Alvia Lewis Frey: Saluting teachers who impacted us beyond the classroom
* Alvia Lewis Frey Local columnist Feb 2, 2022

Alvia Frey
* Opinion
I received word two weeks ago that one of my favorite high school teachers died.
We all know those teachers, don’t we?
They are the teachers who tag along for our life journey long after graduation.
They are the teachers we see sitting at their desks long after we walked out of their classrooms for the last time.
We hear their voices in the lessons they taught, and, when necessary, put them into action months and years later.
We see their faces, most importantly, their smiles.
We think about them for the good work they did with and for us when our minds were young and impressionable.
Mr. William Starsinic was such a teacher.
A Temple University graduate and Army veteran, Mr. Starsinic taught choir at Freehold High School in Freehold, New Jersey.
He was a short man with an unkempt mustache whose blown-in-the-wind blond hair was always askew.
He wore glasses with thick frames and button-up cotton shirts over button-up sweaters, which made him look like a college professor.
When I close my eyes, I see Mr. Starsinic walking down the hallway with sheet music for choir and librettos for the spring musical under his arm.
It was in Mr. Starsinic’s classroom that I learned how to sing properly and enunciate clearly.
He introduced me and many of my classmates to live theatre on Broadway, including “Jesus Christ Superstar.”
Mr. Starsinic had a rapier wit, boundless energy, and a hearty laugh. He was a thoughtful man, generous in all the important ways, and so creative.
He was a keeper.
We all know those teachers, don’t we?
They are the teachers who really made a difference in our lives, teaching more than just academics. They spark our curiosity. They fire up our creativity. We learn from their humility, hoping that part of them rubs off on us in even a small way.
My husband and I had the opportunity to visit Mr. Starsinic and his wife, Lori, on the Saturday afternoon before my 30th year class reunion.
He was almost gleeful when I called, and yes, of course he wanted us to visit.
Mr. Starsinic wore a button-up shirt, but no sweater. His hair, not so blond as it once was, still had that blown-in-the-wind look.
We visited in the living room, a place where I spent many hours in front of the family piano while taking voice lessons.
As we shared 30 years of our lives, laughed, and reminisced, it was like no time had passed at all.
When it was time to depart, I gave my teacher a hug and thanked him for making a difference in my life. I am thankful I did so.
A few days ago, I got out my 1975 Freehold High School yearbook.
Next to my choir teacher’s name is the following quote: “To everything there is a season.”
And that season of my life in high school, oh, so long ago, was one of the best.
Rest in peace, Mr. Starsinic.
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Diane McGinnis posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 25, 2022
We are all so sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Starsinic. He was always such a wonderful teacher and mentor. We knew Mr. Starsinic when our son went to RCDS. He and his wife drove our son Douglas and also taught him when he was a student there. Mr. Starsinic was always so supportive of him. Long after he was a student, he would always ask about him. He will be missed.
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Kevin Cunningham posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 25, 2022
Bill brought so much to the arts and cultural environment of Freehold and it’s environs,that it is impossible to write and detail his many many accomplishments.As an educator he nurtured each of his students and helped them perform to the best of their abilities. Bill opened so many eyes to the wonderful world of art, music and theater. His dedication to his vocation and theatrical craft were inspirational to me personally, both as a student and later on as a performer. I and so many others are extremely fortunate to have been taught and mentored by him. He was a great man and many will remember him as such. I mourn the families loss and send my condolences and deepest sympathy
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Cheryl Meinschein Hausman posted a condolence
Sunday, January 23, 2022
Every time I do any kind of public speaking or singing, I give thanks for everything I learned from Bill Starsinic at FHS. He will be missed. Condolences to his family.
Cheryl Meinschein Hausman, FHS Class of 73
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Karen Saker Moore posted a condolence
Sunday, January 23, 2022
Bill Starsinic was my junior and senior choir director at The Freehold Reformed Church during 1958-1968 period. He taught me the joy of music. I then sang in the Freehold Regional HS choir for 4v years under his direction. Also, under his direction, participating in school plays with his friend Joe Reilly's imaginative talent designing costumes and stage sets were the highlights of my HS years. He truly was an inspiration. Freehold was lucky that he chose it to start his teaching career. He surely will be missed by many. Rest in peace, wonderful man.
Condolences to the family,
Karen Saker Moore - FHS Class of 1968
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Reva Kazman posted a condolence
Sunday, January 23, 2022
I woke up each morning because I had choir and rehearsal. Not only did Mr. Starsinic leave a legacy of memories for his students, he also left a bit of himself in the legacy I left for my students as a 35 year high school theater teacher and director. Perhaps the most important lesson he taught me was to never be satisfied with less than the best. During intermission of one of the musicals, he told us the first act was terrible, and he expected so much more from the cast. We gave it to him in Act II, though honestly, I sang my heart out, believing we were ready for Broadway. And during one concert, and one particularly difficult vocal piece, he actually stopped the choir and had us start the piece over again. My students always gave me the best because Mr. Starsinc taught me not to settle for any less.
Reva Weiner Kazman, Class of 1965
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Mary L Bernsdorff posted a condolence
Saturday, January 22, 2022
He was the best. He gave so many of us (his students) the opportunity to learn and grow beyond our wildest dreams. I owe so much to him. As I talk to fellow classmates we agree that we were so blessed to have him as a Tescher. There aren’t many as awesome as Mr Starsnic. Thank you Bill. RIP. Prayers for your family.
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Margaret Erlich posted a condolence
Saturday, January 22, 2022
He was a wonderful teacher, mentor, and role model. You shared your dad with thousands of students over the years.
He was irreplaceable. My heart goes out to you, your family, and to all of those students whose lives he touched.
J
Joyce lit a candle
Saturday, January 22, 2022
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Bill Starsinic was absolutely one of my fondest memories in high school.’67
I participated in choir all four years and some how made it to two high school plays.( thank you Mr.Starsinic for making me feel so good.(even if I couldn’t sing!) He was truly a Freehold treasure. RIP…and sincerest condolences to his family.
Joyce Steinberg Lieberman
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Pam Rooney posted a condolence
Saturday, January 22, 2022
Bill Starsinic was my choir director and music teacher, class of ‘63. He was the best!!! Many good memories! He will be missed.❤️
Pam Buffett Rooney
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Nancy ( Bengie Rodrigues) Tyrpak lit a candle
Saturday, January 22, 2022
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Sincere Sympathy To All Of You! May He Rest In Peace! FRHS Boro (1966) Will Always Remember Him!
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Nancy posted a condolence
Saturday, January 22, 2022
Bill loved music, theater, laughter. In conjunction with his talented friend and colleague Joe Reilly, he introduced hundreds, perhaps thousands, of students to the magic of the stage. He helped his students to develop skills and self-confidence, to imagine possibilities for themselves that they had not previously imagined. I remain so grateful to Bill decades after The Importance of Being Earnest, Lute Song, Salome, the musicals, and on and on. I am told that much of Bill and Joe's work is archived at the Monmouth County Historical Society Museum in Freehold. Let's keep his history safely in those archives.
Nancy Walker Greenaway, FRHS, Class of 1966
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Marc LeVinr posted a condolence
Friday, January 21, 2022
Rest In Peace. You were Desly’s favorite teacher and good friend. The Freehold Area has lost one of the really good guys. - Marc LeVinr
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The family of William F. Starsinic uploaded a photo
Friday, January 21, 2022
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