Timothy James Eigo

Timothy James Eigo of Montclair, NJ, formerly of Teaneck, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2022, following a brief illness. He was 70 years old.

Tim was born on November 28, 1951 to Gloria (née Schwab) and D.P. “Nic” Eigo. The middle child of three sons, he grew up in Bogota, NJ and spent his summers in Hudson, NY with his brothers on their family farm. He moved to Montclair recently after 28 years in Teaneck, where he and his wife raised their family.

After graduating from Bogota High School in 1969, he spent the next eight years involved in political and social activism and attended four colleges before ultimately graduating in 1977 from Arizona State University.

Tim then began his career as a radio journalist at NBC Sports, which included time as part of an Emmy award-winning, baseball pre-game show. However, Tim chose to change career paths, and after completing a graduate education program at St. Peter’s University in Jersey City, NJ, he joined nearby Hudson Catholic High School as a social studies teacher in 1984.

His sense of humor and penchant for storytelling gave him the unique ability to connect with and inspire his students. Although Tim would often joke that “teaching is not a calling, but an affliction,” his 32-year tenure at Hudson Catholic is testament to both his devotion to his students and the art of teaching.

Tim was an exceptional teacher, who challenged his students’ perspectives and showed them what was possible through learning, critical thinking, and a healthy sense of skepticism towards authority. For decades it was impossible to walk down a street in Hudson County without hearing a former student yell, “Hey, Mr. Eigo!” Famous around the building for his “Eigo-isms,” he was beloved by students and faculty alike. He was inducted as a member of the school’s Hall of Fame in 2016.

Tim was endlessly devoted to Anna, his wife of 38 years, and their daughter Gillian, something he told to anyone and everyone he met. He left them notes each morning on his way to work, coached every soccer and softball season of Gillian’s childhood, and strove each day to be a better partner and father than the day before.

He enjoyed live music and the written word. A child of the ’60s, he loved the Grateful Dead and identified with many of the themes their music evoked. A true Eigo, he adored the many dogs he was so happy to share his life with. Tim had an exceptional and rich intelligence; he could provide trenchant analysis, mordant witticism, or skilled and entertaining repartée—sometimes simultaneously, as the moment required. It is his sense of humor, however, for which he is best remembered. It was unique and contagious, and few things brought him more joy than hearing the laughter of those he loved. He will be deeply missed by all those lucky enough to have known him.

Tim is survived by his wife Anna, daughter Gillian, son-in-law Charlie (and their dog Nena); his brother Mike and his wife Mary Anne of Edmonds, WA; adopted brother Pete and his wife Diane of Blairstown, NJ; cousins Liz of Kittanning, PA and Kate of Indianapolis, IN, and countless friends and former students. He was predeceased by his parents, Nic and Lorry of Bogota, NJ, and brother Jeff of Maywood, NJ.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be a private cremation. In keeping with the Eigo family tradition, a celebration of his life will be held later this year. We ask that any friends who wish to honor Tim’s memory make a contribution to the Joel Ramos Memorial Scholarship Fund (checks can be sent c/o Brian Slattery, Hudson Catholic Regional High School, 790 Bergen Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306) or The Parkinson’s Foundation (Parkinson.org).