Rob Violante Obituary, Death – A devastating car accident on the Taconic Parkway in New York on Wednesday afternoon resulted in the deaths of four men, including a well-known high school football coach from Bergen County, New Jersey. The crash involved a van carrying four Monmouth County men and a car traveling in the opposite direction. New York State Police reported that the collision was head-on, with tragic consequences for everyone involved.
The crash occurred at approximately 4:46 p.m. on May 15. According to police, the vehicle carrying the four men was a Ram ProMaster van driven by 50-year-old Yader A. Reyes from Long Branch, New Jersey. For reasons still under investigation, Reyes’ van crossed lanes on the Taconic Parkway and collided with a Honda traveling the opposite way. The force of the crash caused the van to overturn and burst into flames, adding to the severity of the incident.
Rob Violante, the driver of the Honda, was transported to a hospital in critical condition but succumbed to his injuries later that day. Violante, from Granite Springs, New York, was a highly respected football coach at Bergenfield High School in Bergen County. He was reportedly on his way home from work when the accident occurred. School officials and members of the community quickly expressed their grief and condolences, highlighting Violante’s lasting influence on students and athletes alike.
The other three men in the van, all from Monmouth County, were identified as Odenis Balladares Martinez, 20, of Neptune; Harrison Mauricio Reyes Rivera, 34, of Long Branch; and Bryan Aguilar Castillo, 45, of Asbury Park. Tragically, all three perished in the crash. Driver Yader A. Reyes survived the collision but remains hospitalized in critical condition at Westchester Medical Center.
The news of Violante’s death has deeply saddened the Bergenfield community, where he was much more than just a football coach. Remembered as a “gentle giant,” Violante was revered by players, students, and colleagues alike. His role extended beyond the football field, serving as a mentor, father figure, and stabilizing presence for many young people.
Bergenfield Mayor Arvin Amatorio expressed the town’s condolences, stating, “On behalf of the borough of Bergenfield, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Violante family and to all who knew and loved Coach Rob. He was more than a coach; he was a mentor, father figure, and a source of strength for our students and community. His impact as head football coach and dean of students will never be forgotten.”
Superintendent of Schools Christopher Tully echoed these sentiments, sharing insights into Violante’s career and character. He noted that Violante began his work in the district as a special-education teacher, working in an elementary behavioral disabilities classroom. “Many fondly compared him to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character in Kindergarten Cop—a gentle giant,” Tully said. “He was a mentor, a father figure, and a true friend to so many. He always put students first.”
The community’s loss is not only felt in Bergenfield but extends to the larger Bergen County area, where Violante’s contributions left a meaningful mark. His leadership as a coach and educator was seen as a guiding force for many students, instilling values of discipline, teamwork, and care.
As authorities continue their investigation, the exact circumstances leading to the van crossing lanes and the collision remain under review. The New York State Police, along with other relevant agencies, are working to reconstruct the events and determine if factors such as speed, road conditions, or driver impairment contributed to the tragedy.
Meanwhile, the surviving driver, Reyes, remains in critical condition. Updates on his recovery and any legal proceedings that may follow are expected as the investigation unfolds.
This tragic accident serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the profound impact one individual can have on a community. The loss of Rob Violante has united friends, family, and residents in mourning and celebration of a life dedicated to helping others.
In honoring Violante’s memory, Bergenfield officials and community members plan to remember him through tributes and memorials, reflecting on his legacy of kindness, leadership, and dedication to youth.
The ripple effects of the accident continue to be felt across Monmouth County, Bergen County, and beyond, highlighting the devastating consequences that can arise from a moment’s misfortune on the road.
As investigations proceed, local authorities urge drivers to exercise caution and vigilance to help prevent future tragedies on highways and parkways. The memory of those lost in this crash will undoubtedly fuel ongoing efforts to improve road safety and protect lives.
In the meantime, Bergenfield and the greater community are left to grapple with the sorrow of losing a beloved coach, educator, and friend. Rob Violante’s life and work have left an indelible impression, one that will be cherished and remembered for years to come.
