William A.  Naratil
Died: Sep 25, 2019
Naratil
“Mr. Naratil yells a lot, but is always fair,” is how one ex-student described Bill Naratil. Others called him “Conan the Librarian.” We called him our devoted and beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, cousin, uncle, teacher, coach, friend..." William Albert Naratil was born and raised in Palmerton, PA on October 10, 1936 to William Anthony and Geraldine (Ruch) Naratil. He passed away at home, peacefully, on September 25, 2019. In between, he attended Stephen S. Palmer High School, played high school and college football, served as a diesel engineman in the US Navy, and earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Kutztown University. He was the librarian at Hackettstown High School for over 30 years. He served on the Hackettstown Public Library Board. He coached high school baseball, football, and was the athletic director. He found his niche coaching cross country and track, and helmed many championship teams. He was the 1997-1998 Skylands Conference Coach of the Year, the 1990 NJ Herald Boys Cross Country Coach of the Year, and was in the 1989 NJICA Hall of Fame class. Even with all these achievements, he was proudest of his 53 year marriage to the love of his life, Mary (Bilinski) Naratil, and his family. He is survived by his daughter Joanna and her partner Marian Thomas, his daughter Elizabeth and husband Chris, his son William and wife Marybeth, four adored grandchildren-Kathryn, Micah, William Philip and Martina-and siblings, Dorothy Muthard, Carol Quinn, and Joseph “Teddy” Naratil. His younger brother, Roger Naratil, predeceased him. He is also survived by all the young people he helped and mentored, as a long time educator and coach. To honor his memory, raise a glass, read a book, tell some “Dad jokes,” invest in your children, and serve your community. Viewing hours will be on Monday, September 30, 2019 from 4:00 to 8:00pm at the Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ. A 10:30am Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, October 1, 2019 at St. Mary's Church of the Assumption, 305 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ. Interment will follow at the Union Cemetery, Hackettstown, NJ. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Church of the Assumption or the Hackettstown Library in Bill's memory. Online condolences me be sent to www.cochranfuneral.com.

Condolences:

Alejandro Porcel and Family
#70
October 12th, 2019 1:22 pm
My condolences to the Naratil Family. May he rest in peace.
Tom Schiano
#69
October 10th, 2019 9:40 pm
I can still hear Mr. Naratil yell my last name, and say "be quiet!" in the Hackettstown Library.I did deserve to be quieted down. I was able to have many discussions with him during my time in High School, and the years that followed. He was a man who provided me with a good deal of inspiration to pursue my current career, and I always respected and appreciated his words. I send my best wishes and love to his memory and his family, and may he rest in peace. Thomas Schiano / Mamas Cafe Baci
Karen arnold
#68
October 8th, 2019 7:36 pm
Dear Mary, Liz and family, deepest condolences to all of you . I have known Bill for many years as a colleague and as a friend. As you know he was quite an amazing man touching many lives. His quick wit and perpetual upbeat nature was an inspiration to all. I have watched the ravages of his illness every Sunday at church and I know he is resting in peace.
John Hummer
#67
October 1st, 2019 11:03 am
He was my Track & Cross Country Coach for many Seasons while I was in HS in the late 70's. After HS I still saw him pretty often whether in Shop Rite, CVS Pharmacy, etc. and I always enjoyed the conversations we had. He definitely made a positive impression in my life and prepared me for the future and I could never thank him enough for that. RIP Coach, you will always be in my memories!!!
Laureen/Phil Timbrell
#66
October 1st, 2019 7:18 am
Anyone who attended HHS could not help running into Bill in some capacity. He was always there to help everyone. May he Rest In Peace and May his family take solace in the fact that he affected us all positively
Chris CJ Fraleigh
#65
September 30th, 2019 9:29 pm
Mr Naratil impacted my life tremendously in a very positive way. I think about him often. He coached me from 1982-86, yelled at me for making noise in his library during those same years. More impactfully, he demonstrated and pushed hundreds of us to work hard and be our best. He made us laugh (“knock it off you meatballs” “You think practice is a joke, you think life it a joke”—-we would laugh and he would turn the conversation to good food and tell us to go run some more. He made us smarter, tougher, kinder, happier, better. Mr N made a difference which is the ultimate success we can all hope for. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.
Cathy Clarke
#64
September 30th, 2019 9:27 pm
Liz - My sincere sympathy goes out to you and your family during this very sad time. Many fond memories of my track years at HHS Class of 76.
#63
September 30th, 2019 2:28 pm
Prayers for the family. Bill was a wonderful person many fond memories of my time at HHS. RIP
Tj Allen
#62
September 30th, 2019 11:04 am
Condolences to Joanna and her loved ones.
Michelle Chang
#61
September 30th, 2019 10:34 am
Sorry for the loss. May your dad rest in peace.
Ryan Berry
#60
September 30th, 2019 10:19 am
I am very sorry for your loss.
JP Romano and Family
#59
September 30th, 2019 9:35 am
Deepest condolences to you and your loved ones - you will all be in our thoughts and our prayers.
Alejandro Porcel and Family
#58
September 29th, 2019 10:45 pm
My condolences to the Naratil Family. May he rest in peace.
Michele Uhl Thomas
#57
September 29th, 2019 6:41 pm
My most sincere condolences to the Naratil family! Yes, he was a force to be reckoned with… most often deserved… but he was also a huge teddy bear! Loved him! God bless you Mr Naratil!
Christina Hadgkiss Gleason
#56
September 29th, 2019 6:28 pm
Mary and family thoughts and prayers to all. Many fond memories having him as my track coach. RIP Mr. Naratil. God Bless.
Justin Jewell
#55
September 28th, 2019 6:16 pm
I first met Mr. Naratil during my childhood as he was my uncles neighbor, and was very good friends with his son William. Later on in High School, I would see him again every day and share jokes. He was a fixture around HHS and it was great to know his family over the years. He will be missed, may he rest in peace.
David D. Bryk & Family
#54
September 28th, 2019 4:38 pm
I want to extend my sympathy to the Naratil family. He truly cared about all the students at Hackettstown High school. He was a solid mentor to so many and I believe made a significant impact on so many lives. We the graduates of HHS are part in parcel a living part of what Mr. Naratil allowed us to become. Know that you are loved by many. May your family find some comfort in knowing a little bit of your father is in so many of us today. David D. Bryk Class of 1974.
james hadgkiss
#53
September 28th, 2019 2:25 pm
Thank you Mr. Naratil for all you helped me with in track and field. And thank you for your support in my business. I will miss the chats and jokes. R.i.p god bless...
Mary Quigley Harden
#52
September 28th, 2019 1:45 pm
Mr Naritil was such a great and caring person. I helped him out in the library a lot and even started a Library Club. We even had some picnics at Stephens State Park.There is a tree there with all our names carved in. He truly made a difference in my life with his caring and patience. The world was a better place with him in it.
Donald MacClellan
#51
September 28th, 2019 1:26 pm
I have many fond memories of my track and cross country coach
Karen (Ficarra) Mills
#50
September 28th, 2019 8:58 am
Our most sincere condolences and prayers to the family.
Karen Dughi
#49
September 28th, 2019 8:06 am
Mr. Naratil was not just a teacher & librarian. He was a presence throughout the high school. My sincere condolences to his family.
Henry Jewell
#48
September 27th, 2019 9:55 pm
I first met Mr.Naratil as the Hackettstown High School Librarian.Later on I got to know him and his family.We have enjoyed his friendship for many years. Bill was such a nice friend to have and his jokes made life a lot more fun.
Gary D Hart.
#47
September 27th, 2019 7:06 pm
My condolenses go out to the family. A good friend & co worker. Always made me laugh. Many memories. RIP
Chick and Linda Dimiceli
#46
September 27th, 2019 1:43 pm
Our condolences to the Naratil family.Bill was one of a kind. He was a big part of my sons high school days. and after school we stayed in touch He was a good friend .His humor was always their.He will be missed. God Bless
Sandi Clark
#45
September 27th, 2019 11:08 am
Mr Naratil was one of my favorite people during my time at HHS. I worked in the library with him and he taught me so much to include the Dewey Decimal System. When I graduated from HHS in 1975, Mr Naratil was one of the people I knew I'd miss. My sincere condolence to the Naratil family. He was such a good man and mentor!!
Karen Johnson Rudd
#44
September 27th, 2019 10:46 am
My thoughts and prayers are with his entire family during this very difficult time.
Betty and Daniel Richards
#43
September 27th, 2019 9:56 am
Dear Mary and Family, we send our deepest sympathy having heard of Bill's passing. He was so helpful and kind as our high school librarian, a great wit, and a wonderful member of our Church. May God welcome him into Heavenly Bliss. We will never forget him.
Michael Kietrys
#42
September 27th, 2019 8:30 am
So sorry to here of your loss. So many great memories
Elizabeth McDonald
#41
September 27th, 2019 8:09 am
My friends and I spent most of our time with Me. Naratil in the library. He would put us in the conference room so we wouldn't disturb the other students with our"research". He was a great mentor and friend. We loved with him. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Lenny Codella
#40
September 27th, 2019 8:08 am
My condolences to Mrs Naratil and family. Mr Naratil was a Great man , he was my track coach and mentor. He worked with me and helped me to be the best I could be. I loved to make him laugh.... I will pray that he rest in peace, and thank God that he was part of my life. If one person can touch a life to inspire , as he touched so many , that is the real definition of a man .
Nancy Cooke
#39
September 27th, 2019 7:30 am
I remember Mr . Naratil , the librarian ! Such a nice man! Condolences to his family. Rip
Joseph DiMaio
#38
September 27th, 2019 7:27 am
Mr Naratil I’ll never forget how you helped me when I was in HHS. Then our conversations when I visited my cousin Robert Jewell your neighbor. Thank you! Fair Winds and Calm Seas God Bless you.
#37
September 27th, 2019 7:23 am
I’m sorry for your family’s loss, and that we can’t make the service. Mr. N made my transition into H’town HS much easier. He was funny and I loved him as my track coach, and my one time stay at detention. He came to my grandfathers funeral when I didn’t even know he was connected - That meant a lot to me. So I’m sad I can’t b there for his service.
Nancy Cummins
#36
September 27th, 2019 7:20 am
So sorry to hear of your loss. He was an incredible mentor and friend. The times spent in the library were always one of my favorite parts of the day. May God Bless.
#35
September 27th, 2019 6:53 am
Sending our deepest condolences. I remember him well I'm talking to him many times in the library and in the hallway of HHS always a nice man. May your fond memories in this difficult time bring you comfort.
Laura Williamson
#34
September 27th, 2019 4:54 am
Good man. Rip Mr Naratil.
Caren Riedinger
#33
September 27th, 2019 3:28 am
Fondest memories of Mr. Naratil from HHS Class of 75. You touched my life and made me feel accepted. Rest in heavenly peace.❤️
Mary Hoffman RN
#32
September 27th, 2019 2:24 am
I had the honor of meeting Mr Naratil this past year. What an interesting man...and a great singing voice !!
Peter Jewell
#31
September 27th, 2019 1:45 am
Mr .Naratil was my brother's neighbor ,I remember him from high school. May he rest in peace and Blessing on his family
Cheryl Donaldson
#30
September 26th, 2019 11:43 pm
Very saddened to hear of the loss of your father. Hoping all of your memories help heal your family during this very difficult time.
Art and Fran Sundheim
#29
September 26th, 2019 11:03 pm
Bill was a great teacher and even better human being. We will keep him in our prayers.
Tara Pearson-Barro
#28
September 26th, 2019 10:26 pm
Sending my deepest condolences to the Naratil family. Such a wonderful educator who was a positive influence on so many.
Tom Singerline
#27
September 26th, 2019 9:55 pm
Condolences to the Naratil Family. Mr Naratil was our track and cross country coach. Always a good guy. Truly sorry for your loss.
Denise DIRienzo Virden
#26
September 26th, 2019 8:39 pm
Always admired for his unwavering character and sense of humor. What a gift to the students at HHS.
Steve Wojcicki
#25
September 26th, 2019 8:23 pm
"Steven you need to get that trailing leg around.." I heard it in my sleep during 3 seasons. Mr Naratil you where a big part of my family's life. You will be missed but not forgotten. RIP.
Linda Bertorelli Jennings
#24
September 26th, 2019 8:20 pm
Dear Liz & Family— My sincerest condolences on the loss of your dad. Many fond memories of him at HHS and church...he always called me Banjo Player and made me laugh.
John Francks
#23
September 26th, 2019 7:59 pm
My sincere condolences to the Naratil family. Thank you for all you did for me. RIP.
Bonnie, George, & Erin Lyons
#22
September 26th, 2019 7:48 pm
To the entire Naratil family, please accept our deepest sympathy and condolences on your loss. We remember Bill as a kind and caring educator and coach, who always had the students best interests at heart.
Michele Baran
#21
September 26th, 2019 7:32 pm
Prayers go out to his family!
Judy Eckroth and family.
#20
September 26th, 2019 7:31 pm
Rest In Peace Bill. You meant a lot to our family. God bless!
dan hatchard
#19
September 26th, 2019 7:31 pm
my condolences to the Naratil family. Bill was loved by all his students. ( Class of 80)
Mindy Starr-Pfahler
#18
September 26th, 2019 6:57 pm
The man...the legend... I adored that man more than words can say. Thank you for sharing him with so many of us. He changed the world, one kid at a time. My deepest sympathies to the entire family Love you, “Uncle Bill”
Nicole (Dorcas) Lee
#17
September 26th, 2019 6:30 pm
I was privileged to have Mr. Naratil as a cross country coach. Sweetest man, he will be missed. My sincere condolences to his family.
GERALD GROVER
#16
September 26th, 2019 5:56 pm
Deepest condolences to the Family One of the nicest guys I ever met and had the pleasure of bowling a few games with RIP Bill
Brian Madden
#15
September 26th, 2019 5:40 pm
Condolences to the Naratil family. Mr Naratil was one of my favorite people at HHS. I spent a lot of study halls in the library. That meant being told to stop fooling around, stop being loud etc from Mr Naratil. My favorite memory was, I had a nude picture hanging in my locker. Mr Naratil walked and saw it looked at it and said. Brian you have good taste and kept walking.
Dr. Jamie Naughright
#14
September 26th, 2019 5:31 pm
He was extremely kind to me. I hope that people do donate.
Gloria Sparkmam
#13
September 26th, 2019 5:25 pm
My sincerest conolescences to the Naratil family in the passing of BilI.
Kane Family
#12
September 26th, 2019 4:00 pm
Our condolences to the family and friends. Fond memories of him at HHS
Greg Bailey
#11
September 26th, 2019 3:52 pm
Condolences to the Naratil family. RIP Mr. Naratil
#10
September 26th, 2019 3:45 pm
May your soul rest in eternal peace amongst the angels. You were awesome track coach. I miss all your advice. Such a wonderful soul who impacted so many lives. You were such a blessing to those who knew you. We lost a great one. HHS 4 EVER
Leslie Brader Mars
#9
September 26th, 2019 3:00 pm
I remember Mr. Naratil well. Condolences to his family and friends. May his journey on the other side of the veil be filled with peace and happiness.
Donna Beers
#8
September 26th, 2019 2:53 pm
Prayers to the family...RIP.....
Kim Richards
#7
September 26th, 2019 2:35 pm
My condolences to the Naratil family
Joe Lake
#6
September 26th, 2019 2:30 pm
My freshman football coach. A good man. RIP
Tom & Trix Lynar
#5
September 26th, 2019 1:42 pm
Sending our deepest condolences
james f henderson jr
#4
September 26th, 2019 1:21 pm
Rip Mr Naratil
Marty and Judy O'Hora
#3
September 26th, 2019 12:07 pm
Our sincerest condolences to the Naratil family.Bill was a good man with a great sense of humor.May he rest in peace.
Barbara Yankiv
#2
September 26th, 2019 7:19 am
To Mary and family, extending sincere sympathy on your loss. Bill will be missed by many. May he rest in peace. God Bless!
Frank Harchar
#1
September 25th, 2019 5:44 pm
I remember Mr. Naratil 50+ years ago in HHS library. he was a great guy a lot of fun remember when he bowled his 300 game. good memories.
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