Remembering Mike McCormick

Michael “Mike” McCormick, a popular retired West Milford school district administrator, was just 65 when he passed away on July 29.

He left a legacy of success by instilling positive traits and his teachings into many young people who will carry them throughout their own lives and pass them on to future generations.

The influence of his parents

Mike had a good teacher. His father was the late West Milford School District Superintendent William “Bill” McCormick who passed away in 2013.

His mother Juliann had a big part in helping develop Mike into the person he was, too. After her four children were born she became a stay at home Mom and dedicated herself to raising them. When they became students at St. Joseph Parochial School she was there with them, volunteering and helping wherever needed. She started the school library.

The distinguishing qualities of Mike McCormick, handed down from his father before him and passed on, are well known and in practice by many of his former colleagues, students and parents.

Fair, consistent and discreet

These characteristics include being fair and consistent and discreet; having a clear vision as a leader; enthusiasm and patience; possessing a sense of humor; ability to cope with change; embracing a district vision and mission; communication with the community; honesty and integrity; interacting with staff and students and meeting their personal needs; being an effective listener and problem solver; being responsible for education of the students; setting the tone for the school; empowering others.

The existing Hall of Fame at West Milford High School to recognize former student with outstanding achievements would not have been possible without Michael McCormick. He remained fully invested in West Milford High School and its athletic history right up to the time of his passing. He was an instrumental part of the Hall of Fame committee serving as vice chair of the Executive Committee and Chairman of the Selection and Nominating Committee.

Born on March 13, 1956, Michael McCormick grew up in West Milford. A 1974 West Milford High School graduate he played varsity football and baseball.

Michael graduated from Montclair State University with a bachelor’s degree in 1978. In 1985, he earned a Master’s degree in Education Administration from William Paterson University.

His career in education as a teacher and coach began at Passaic County Technical Institute in Wayne. He was an assistant principal of West Milford High School from 1989 to 1998 and was principal of West Milford High School from 1998 to 2005. He retired as the principal of Marshall Hill Elementary School in West Milford in 2017.

Family life

Since their marriage 41 years ago Mike ad his wife Clare lived in Parsippany and raised their sons Tyler McCormick and Tyler McCormick there.

Mike was predeceased by his parents, William and Juliann McCormick and his brothers William McCormick and John McCormick.

In addition to his wife and sons he is survived by his sister, Meg McCormick Manista and her husband Richard Manista; nephews and nieces Rick Manista and Bill, Kate and Kelly McCormick and his Godmother Joan McCormick Cinnelli.

There was a Liturgy of Christian Burial for Michael on Aug. 5 at Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel Church, Cedar Knolls. Entombment was at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover.