It is with great sadness that the family of James P. "Jimmy" Gildea announces his passing on Friday, December 12, at the age of 78. Jimmy was at his home in Longport, New Jersey, at the time of his death.

Jimmy was born in Norristown, PA, in 1947. He was a graduate of Bishop Kenrick High School, class of 1965. After graduation he entered St. Charles Borromeo in Overbrook, PA, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree.

After leaving St. Charles, he began a long and distinguished career as a high school teacher in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia school system. Beginning at Archbishop Ryan High School, Jimmy’s professional career spanned more than 40 years. A significant portion of his journey was spent at St. Maria Goretti High School in South Philadelphia, continuing after the school’s merger with St. John Neumann High School.

Jimmy will be remembered by the countless students he taught over the years as someone who pushed them to excel because he cared about preparing them for life after graduation. This passion for excellence was especially in evidence during his years as advisor for the St. Maria Goretti yearbook.

Like many educators, Jimmy had a second “career” moonlighting as a caterer, both in Philadelphia and at the Jersey Shore. Jim’s penchant for storytelling drew a good deal of inspiration from his experiences carrying trays of food instead of stacks of tests.

Jimmy is survived by a loving family and many, many friends. His loss will be deeply felt by all of us.

Anyone who wishes to honor Jimmy’s life is encouraged to send a donation to Broadway Cares, a worthy cause near to Jimmy’s heart.

He had a hat.