Edward J. Ciempola

Branchburg, NJ

Edward Joseph Ciempola, 88, of Branchburg, NJ, passed away on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at RWJ in Somerville surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania to Stanley and Lillian Ciempola where he attended Nanticoke High School and graduated in the class of 1953. He served our country in the U.S. Army as a sergeant from 1956 to 1959.

Ed earned his bachelor's degree in education and his master's degree in music education from Trenton State College.

He had a love for music, learning to play the accordion at eight years old. In the late 1960s, he was the owner and operator of The Bullivant Conservatory of Music in Manville. Ed continued his love of music playing the accordion and writing music for the band in which he performed "In the Good Life" with his wife, Barbara. Beginning in the early 1970s, Ed taught at Branchburg Central School for twenty-six years in various grade levels and subject areas.

Ed loved taking trips to Atlantic City, collecting guns, watching sports, and spending hours playing the piano. Most importantly, Ed enjoyed spending quality time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lillian and Stanley Ciempola, a brother, Joseph Ciempola, and two sisters, Florence Rupinksi and Melanie Gavrish.

Surviving are his loving wife of 61 years, Barbara Bullivant Ciempola, three sons, Edward and his wife Christine Ciempola of Branchburg, NJ; Paul and his husband John Dalrymple of Jersey City, NJ; Nicholas of Branchburg, NJ; one loving daughter, Barbara and her husband Ralph Russo of Ringoes, NJ; six cherished grandchildren, Caroline, Katherine, Christopher, Joseph, Timothy, Ralph Thomas, and loving nieces and nephews.

A funeral mass will take place on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at 11 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Three Bridges, NJ.

Memorial contributions may be made in Edward's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 501 St. Jude PL Memphis, TN 38105.