Edward Walter Bechtel, 75, passed away June 16, 2025. Ed was born June 2, 1950, in Lykens, Pennsylvania, to Henry and Lucille (Wagner) Bechtel.
Ed started his teaching career in Pennsylvania in the early 1970s and met his wife Debra Vina while teaching at East Stroudsburg High School. They married in August 1978 and settled in Atlantic Highlands.
Edward enjoyed many years as a well-respected physics teacher at Middletown High School North, in addition to coaching football, wrestling, tennis and cross country. He took great pride in the success of his students, and kept an extensive hat collection of the colleges his students attended. He spent his summers as a physics researcher at Evan’s Area at Fort Monmouth in addition to being an adjunct professor at Brookdale Community College.
Outside the classroom, his passions included playing tennis, singing and performing, traveling and spending time with his grandchildren. He retired in 2011 and purchased a home in Florida, a dream he and Debbie worked toward for years. They enjoyed 12 years in Florida together making new friends and traveling the world.
When home in New Jersey, his pride and joy was spending time with his grandchildren, who adored their Pop.
Edward was predeceased by his parents and father-in-law. He is survived by his wife, Debra Bechtel; his daughters, Jaclyn (Michael) Scotto and Jennifer (Gregory) Capriotti; his mother-in-law, Therese Vina; and his grandchildren, Gabriella, Lucille, Samuel, Michael and Charles.
Services were private to respect Ed’s wishes. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice.
The article originally appeared in the June 19 – 25, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
