Obituary of Victor Rabasca

Rabasca, Victor, age 93, of Riverdale passed away on April 13, 2023, in the company of his life partner of 36 years, Renate Piercy. Victor was born on March 5, 1930, to Victor and Rosalina Rabasca in Montclair, NJ where he grew up with his brother Michael and sister Muriel. After high school, he entered the Army and was honorably discharged on July 29, 1953. Victor served in the Army as a saxophone player for the 1^st Calvary Division Band, based in Hokkaido, Japan, playing his favorite jazz music. He continued his love for music playing in various bands throughout his life, including Gene Koller’s Melody Master’s and The Velvetones; he also enjoyed playing his saxophone for family gatherings. Victor earned his bachelor’s degree in education, master’s degree in administration, and 45 credits beyond his master’s from William Paterson College.

Victor proudly served for the Oakland Board of Education for 31 years. He started his career teaching seventh and eighth grade, and his tenure included time as a Guidance Counselor, Guidance Director, Acting Principal of all three Oakland’s Elementary Schools, and Administrator. During this period, he was also involved with curriculum, budget, transportation, the Gifted and Talented Program and drug education. He retired as the Assistant Superintendent of Oakland Schools and returned to teaching school law as an adjunct professor at the collegiate level. Victor was characterized as a sensitive and competent educator, always making sure the kids were his number one priority. His passion created tremendous impact and translated into many new programs and good things bolstering the district during his tenure. These collective efforts culminated with Victor receiving an accommodation for the “Outstanding contribution to the lives of all of our school children.” He was always proud of his staff for their high professionalism, providing a good education and how they cared for the children. Victor said if he had to do it over, he would not change a thing.

Victor loved being with family, and his grandchildren who he cherished with all his heart. He was always there with love, support, and encouragement. He enjoyed fun times with treasured friends vacationing; making great memories and always finding ways to get together and having fun times. His passions included music, playing ping pong, shooting pool, going to the beach, and traveling anywhere warm. He was the true definition of a good man and enriched the lives of anyone he touched. Being inspirational and sharing life lessons came naturally to him and he spoke to you as if you were the only person in the room. He made everyone feel valued and special. His heart was big, his positivity was contagious, and he made an impact on many lives. Victor leaves behind a beautiful legacy.

Victor is survived by his loving life partner Renate Piercy, his loving daughter Lori and her husband Kenneth Greene, and his grandchildren, Christian and Samuel Greene. Also survived by his loving family - Mark and his wife Tara Piercy, Doreen and her husband Michael Hand and grandchildren, Benjamin, Kyle, and Abigail Hand. He is also survived by nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Rosalina (Stefanelli) and Victor Rabasca, his brother Michael and sister Muriel (Parenti).

Victor’s senior quote in his college yearbook was, “Music, when soft voices die, vibrates in the memory,” taken from a Percy Bysshe Shelley poem. All will continue to love and cherish Victor for the wonderful man he was…his presence a steady vibration in our memories.   

Visitation for family and friends of Victor Rabasca will be held at the Oakland Memorial Home, 330 Ramapo Valley Rd. Oakland, NJ 07436 on Monday, April 24^th, from 4-8PM. The funeral services will be held at the Oakland Memorial Home on Tuesday April 25^th at 10:30. Burial to follow at Restland Memorial Park located at 77 Deforest Ave., East Hanover, NJ 07936.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the “C Greene Fund for AMPS Research” at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). This foundation was established by Victor’s Grandson Christian Greene who was treated for Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome (AMPS) at CHOP for this condition many years ago.