Obituary of Peter J. Diskin
Middlesex, NJ – Peter J. Diskin, 83, died suddenly at his home on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. Born in Elizabeth, NJ to the late Peter J. and Kathleen (Meara) Diskin, Peter grew up in Linden and moved to Middlesex fifty-five years ago. Peter graduated from Linden High School and continued his education at Seton Hall, graduating with an undergraduate and two Master Degrees in both History and Education.
Peter started his career at Middlesex High School as a teacher and cross country and track coach. After two years, he became vice-principal and within five years of assisting the students of Middlesex, he was appointed Principal of Middlesex High School, a position he held until his retirement in 1995.
Semi-retired, Peter worked odd jobs to keep busy. He worked part-time with the ARC of Somerset and Boro Hall Pharmacy. His passion of helping and teaching others persisted and he went on to re-enter public education, first as a substitute teacher and then acting principal for Mauger Middle School. In 2009, Peter had the honor of the Middlesex High School Auditorium being named after him, presently known as the Peter Joseph Diskin Auditorium in recognition of his dedication and service to the Middlesex Borough students and community.
An active and highly respected member of the community, Peter instilled strength and guidance in many of his students over the years. He was a member of the Juvenile Conference Committee, the Knights of Columbus and the Hibernians. His recognitions include the Middlesex Elks Citizen of the Year in 2010, Hibernian of the Year in 2008, and the Linden High School Favorite Son Award in 1998. A devout catholic, he belonged to Our Lady of Mount Virgin Parish and in his earlier years, Peter was a CCD Teacher and Lector.
Peter loved his family, his Irish heritage and spending vacation time in Florida. A huge sports fan, Peter was an avid Philly’s fan and also rooted for Seton Hall, University of Florida, Auburn University and of course, the Middlesex Bluejays. Taking great pride in raising his family in Middlesex, he was a member of the Middlesex Heritage Committee and was a contributing author to the Arcadia Publishing Images of America books highlighting the borough’s traditions in family values, patriotism, and neighborliness.
Peter will be missed by all those he has mentored and taught over the years. He never forgot your name, never forgot when you graduated and never forgot where you sat in class! A true gentleman and educator, Middlesex will not be the same without Mr. Peter J. Diskin.
Predeceased by his sister Kathleen Christine, Peter leaves behind his loving wife Mary A. (Cain) Diskin, whom joined hands in marriage in June of 1964 and their children; Joseph Diskin and his wife Kathryn of Mountainside, Patricia Flesher and her husband M. Carl of Nazareth, PA, Brian Diskin of St. Petersburg, FL and Peter Diskin and his wife Sheri-Lynn of Melbourne, FL. He will also be missed dearly by his six grandchildren; Sadie, Jacob, Ryan, Matthew, Jameson and Andrew as well as his siblings; Daniel Diskin and his wife Cynthia, Eileen Ebbe and her husband Peter and brother-in-law Robert Christine; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at Middlesex Funeral Home, 528 Bound Brook Road, Middlesex, NJ 08846 on Monday, May 8, 2023 from 4pm until 8pm. On Tuesday, May 9, 2023, family and friends are invited to gather directly to Our Lady of Mount Virgin Parish for a 10:00am funeral mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Peter’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.com), Our Lady of Mount Virgin Catholic Church (olmv.net), or to a charity of your choice.