Dr. Michael J. La Place

Dr. Michael J. La Place, 89, a New Jersey native and recently a resident of Timonium, Maryland, passed away on March 19, 2021.  Michael was born in 1931 in Jamesburg, New Jersey, the son of Peter La Place and Philomena Dipierro La Place.  

An excellent student and athlete at Jamesburg High School, he went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography from the College of New Jersey where he also lettered in soccer and track.  Continuing his education, he did his graduate work at Rutgers where he earned a Masters degree in Geography, a Master of Arts in Education Administration and a Doctorate in Education.

Michael joined the New Jersey National Guard during college and enlisted in the United States Army.  After being stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, he served with the 4th Infantry Division in Germany, 1956 -1957.  Returning to the United States, he completed his military service with the National Guard.  Michael worked in the Edison Township School system for almost 40 years, first as a teacher and later as an administrator.  He was especially proud to have been a member of the administrative team that opened John P. Stevens High School in 1964.

Michael married the former Clare Coyle of New Brunswick, NJ in 1959.  They lived briefly in Edison before moving to Piscataway where they raised their family.  In retirement, he and Clare moved to their dream home “Down the Shore” on Chadwick Island, Toms River Township.  Michael loved history, newspapers, books, magazines, food, travel and golf but most of all the company of his family and friends.  And he was an extraordinary friend to all, generous, loyal, funny and caring. 

A devout Catholic, he served as an altar boy growing up and was active in the Newman Club at college.  As an adult, he served his home parishes in many capacities, from fundraiser and volunteer to Eucharistic Minister.  He participated in religious retreats for most of his adult life.

Michael was a devoted son, brother, husband, uncle, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by his sister, Carmel Loprano of Livingston, NJ, his daughters Anne Zernicke of Natick MA and  Clare Polomski of Cockeysville, MD, his sons Michael La Place, Jr. of Westfield NJ and John La Place of Fort Lee, NJ, sons-in-law Paul Zernicke and Paul Polomski, five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and ten nieces and nephews.   He was predeceased by his loving wife Clare who passed away on March 16, 2021, his sister Mary Anne La Place and his brother, Frank La Place.

The arrangements are under the direction of the Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals. Due to the current COVID19 pandemic and health emergency, there will be no public viewing or services.  The family is planning a celebration of Michael and Clare for later in the year at the Jersey Shore.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in his honor to the Shriners Hospitals for Children https://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/shc/donate or to your favorite healthcare charity.  Condolences may be sent to www.ryanfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dr. Michael J. La Place, please visit our floral store.