Edward P. Gocek

Edward P. Gocek, 82, of Bayville, NJ passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Born in Newark, NJ to Ludwig and Genevieve Gocek, Ed was the middle of five children and beloved brother of Carol Peters, Ludwig Gocek, Ronald Gocek and Richard Gocek. He was predeceased by his wife Leslie (Cerco) Gocek, with whom he shared 3 daughters: Diane Barcia (Joseph), Nancy Magee (Michael), and Karen Noel (Gary). Ed was a proud and loving grandfather to Giovanna and Vanessa Barcia, and Katelyn and Michael Magee, and he cherished his many cousins, nieces and nephews. His longtime partner, Barbara Kulish, brought four additional daughters and nine grandchildren into his life, all of whom he loved dearly.

Ed was a hard worker from an early age, holding countless jobs to put himself through college and graduate school at Montclair State. His relentless work ethic and determination became the foundation of the values he instilled in his children. Ed’s dedication to his family and friends was remarkable. He was kind, generous, and a true gentleman. Ed was always willing to step in and coach his daughters’ sports teams, and he often spoke fondly of the year he was the Girl Scout “Cookie Mom.”

Ed and his late wife, Leslie, worked together in the Toms River School System for many years, where he was a math, science and computer teacher at Toms River Intermediate West. He and Leslie enjoyed playing bridge, traveling during the summers and school breaks, first as a couple and later with their children, and spending time with their German Shepherds, first King and later Max. They loved spending summers on their boat, where Ed especially enjoyed crabbing and fishing, and for many years they volunteered with the Bayville First Aid Squad, earning the honor of lifetime membership.

Ed enjoyed horse racing and spent many memorable days at the track with his father. He also loved to bowl and belonged to a weekly bowling league until the alley closed; determined to keep playing, he found another league until that alley closed as well. Ed also enjoyed skiing, loved the stock market, was an avid gardener, and in recent years enjoyed playing bridge again. He could always be found outdoors tending to his plants.  

After his retirement, Ed spent the next thirty years traveling the world and developing a passion for antique and classic cars. Through that passion, Ed met Barbara by way of a mutual friend from his car club, beginning a cherished new chapter in his life. Ed and Barbara spent many happy days touring in their 1909 Cadillac, which was recently featured at the New York Auto Show. Together, they shared a full and active life filled with family, friends, car events, and memorable times with grandchildren.

Ed was a longtime member of the North Shore Antique Automobile Club, where he was currently serving as president, as well as the Horseless Carriage Club of America, the Antique Motoring Club of Monmouth County, the Antique Automobile Club of America, the Stanley Steamer Museum, and the Marshall Steam Museum. His collection of antique and classic cars was a source of great pride, and he enjoyed driving them and sharing their history with others. One memorable experience was driving his antique car in England on the historic London to Brighton run.

Family and friends may visit at the Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals, O’Connell Chapel, 706 Atlantic City Blvd. (Route 9), Bayville, NJ, on Monday, July 6, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Barnabas Church, 33 Woodland Road, Bayville, NJ, at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. Interment will follow at Whiting Memorial Park, Whiting, NJ.

To honor Ed’s memory, the family invites you to plant something in his honor, reflecting his love of gardening.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.ryanfuneralhome.com.