Obituary of Jo Ann Magistro-Stankiewicz

Dr. Jo Ann Magistro-Stankiewicz, 78, of Morganville, NJ, passed away on August 18, 2023 after her three month battle with cancer.

 

Jo Ann was born on May 15, 1945 to Joseph and Concetta Magistro. She was an only child with a large extended Sicilian family, many of which she loved like brothers and sisters. She was a smart, hardworking, and successful student in both high school and college, attending Glassboro State College and Rutgers University.

 

Jo Ann was always a trailblazer. In her twenties, she raced her Porsche at Pocono Speedway. Her true passion, though, was in education, ever since she started out as a second grade teacher. She was a dedicated educator and a champion for all children who strived to do what was best for students first, and her staff second, always keeping the community as a whole in mind. She brought full day kindergarten to the district, as well as worked tirelessly to implement the state’s premier school security plan, working closely with the East Brunswick Police Department. She came to the East Brunswick Public School district in 1971 as a guidance counselor and was a pillar in the East Brunswick community. She spent 42 years in the district, wearing many different hats. She was a guidance counselor, the guidance department chairwoman, elementary school principal, and “shattered the Glass Ceiling” as the first female vice principal at East Brunswick High School and later, the district’s first female superintendent, just to name a few.

 

Jo Ann had a promising career in education where her vision made changes that have impacted an extraordinary amount of people. Under her leadership, East Brunswick Public Schools became the only district in the State of New Jersey having eleven schools designated Blue Ribbon Schools, recognized as National Schools of Excellence by the United States Department of Education. Her 42 year career in the East Brunswick Public School District was interwoven with her love of and dedication to the students and staff and will be most remembered as a woman who truly cared for her people - the entire East Brunswick community.

 

Jo Ann’s favorite hat that she wore, however, was the “Mom Hat.” Survived by her loving husband of 38 years, Hank Stankiewicz, her two children, Henry (36) and Elizabeth (33), her daughter-in-law, Jenna (33), and her granddaughter, Sierra (2). Jo Ann and Hank met working in East Brunswick Public Schools and were the epitome of a happy, loving, marriage. Both of her children have followed in her footsteps, which could not have made her more proud. Henry, a professor at Kean University, and Elizabeth, a school counselor at Churchill Junior High School, will continue Jo Ann’s legacy as her biggest accomplishments.

 

Services will be private. At a later date, Jo Ann will be remembered in a Celebration of Life, where all who knew Jo Ann will be invited. In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund has been set up in Jo Ann’s name. Please consider contributing to a cause that will further her Legacy:

 

Ebef.org > “Ways to Support the EBEF” > General Donation (big green button) > “In memory of Dr. Jo Ann Magistro” in the “payment description” field. https://www.ebnet.org/Page/7284.  To leave a message of condolence, please visit our website at www.freemanfuneralhomes.com.