Bernard Packin

Bernard “Bernie” Packin, 86, of Laguna Niguel, Calif., died Sept. 19, 2012. He was born in Newark, grew up in Irvington, and lived in Livingston before moving to California in 1989.

Mr. Packin began his career in education at Wayne High School, where he rose to the position of vice principal by age 26. He moved on to become vice principal of Central Junior High School in Parsippany, becoming principal of Parsippany High School three years later. He served as a consultant to the design and construction of the new Parsippany Hills High School, where he served as principal for 19 years.

During his 35-year career in education, he received many awards, including the National Leadership Award and the Croft Publication Principal of the Year in 1961. One of his greatest accomplishments was the establishment of the first Parent-Teacher-Student Association in New Jersey, acknowledging the role that students should play in the formation of policy and direction in their schools.

At Irvington High School, he was senior class president, receiving honors as a First Team, All-State Football Player from the Newark Star-Ledger. He was inducted into the Irvington High School Hall of Fame in 1996. He attended Rutgers University, ultimately earning a master’s degree in education.

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Drafted into the Army in 1945, he became a staff sergeant and physical training instructor.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Claire (Timinsky), two sons, Marc of Longmeadow, Mass., and Robert of San Clemente, Calif.; his daughter, Sheri of San Diego; and six grandchildren.

Services were held Sept. 23 with arrangements by Goldstein Funeral Chapel, Edison.