Obituary of Douglas W. Caine

Douglas W. Caine passed away peacefully on September 9th, 2017, surrounded by his devoted wife Lynne and daughters Dayna Caine Thalassinos and Brettlyn Ann Caine. Douglas was born in Orange, NJ in 1948 to Eloise Elizabeth Gustafson and William Edward Caine. He is predeceased by his adoring sister, Ruth Patricia Caine, who passed away in 2012. He is survived by his cousin, Donald Weisner, formerly of Beechwood, NJ.
Douglas grew up and attended school in West Orange, graduating in 1965. He was actively involved in sports throughout his life and excelled in football, wrestling and baseball. Douglas graduated from Seton Hall University in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education. While teaching full time he also went on to receive a Masters in School Administration from Seton Hall University in 1977. During his years at Seton Hall, he was a star catcher on the baseball team and an active member of club teams.
Douglas began his teaching career in Education at Paterson Catholic Regional High School in 1971. He taught Physical Education, Health and Driver Education. Throughout his career at Paterson Catholic, he was the varsity baseball, track, cross-country coach and assistant football and basketball coach. He later became Athletic Director at Paterson Catholic. In 1983, Douglas became Manger, Division of Student Affairs at Seton Hall University and also served as an Adjunct Instructor of Physical Education. Douglas remained involved with Seton Hall Athletics providing tutoring and support to college athletes. In 1995, Douglas accepted a position as Director of Athletics at Pequannock Township High School. In 1997, Douglas became Vice-Principal at East Newark Public School and also served as the Basketball Coach. He also taught Physical Education and Health. He loved the students, staff and community of East Newark. Douglas retired from his position in 2009.
As a resident of Midland Park, NJ for the past 33 years, Douglas was tirelessly devoted to teaching, coaching and mentoring all children. His greatest joy came from decades spent involved in the town’s recreation department where he created a youth basketball league for girls and coached and umpired girls softball, basketball, and soccer for both in-town and traveling leagues. Throughout the years he also served in various roles as the treasurer, vice president and president of the Board of Recreation. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 14th from 4-8pm at Vander Plaat Funeral Home (vpfh.com) at 257 Godwin Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ. A liturgy of Christian Burial will celebrated on Friday, September 15th at 11am at The Church of the Nativity, 315 Prospect Street, Midland Park, NJ. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions in Douglas’ memory be made to the Midland Park Ambulance Corps (471 Godwin Avenue, Midland Park, NJ), The Alzheimer’s Association of New Jersey (www.alznj.org), or Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge (rbari.org).