Remembering John Key

In the four days since the, it’s been clear how many different people he affected in all areas of his life.

He is remembered as a former football star at Ocean Township, a beloved assistant coach at Ocean, Monmouth Regional and Asbury Park, a loving father of two, a well-liked middle school teacher and a quality individual in all walks of his life. Key, 37, was struck by a car at 2:08 a.m. on Sunday as he attempted to cross over four lanes of the Garden State Parkway in Wall after checking on the occupants of another car that he was involved in a minor accident with.

A memorial service for Key will be held on Monday from noon to 2 p.m. at the Paramount Theater in Asbury Park.

Key played under legendary coach George Conti at Ocean, where his teams reached the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group III final for three straight years from 1989-91. A 1,200-yard rusher as a junior at Ocean, he went on to play at the University of Delaware and then returned to coach at his alma mater. He was an assistant coach under Scott Larkin on the Ocean team that won the Central Jersey Group III championship in 2000, and an assistant under Sal Spampanato on the Spartans’ squad that won the CJ III crown in 2005.

He then coached under Spampanato at Monmouth from 2006-2010, where the Falcons reached the state playoffs for just the second time in school history last season. Key was also a track and field coach at Monmouth.

This was his first year at Asbury Park, and his death came less than 24 hours after the undefeated Blue Bishops wrapped up the outright Shore Conference Class B Central title with a 40-7 win over Keyport.

Here are some remembrances of Key from those in various parts of his life and coaching career:

“This is just awful news, and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. We were all saying that he officially became a Bishop (on Saturday). He gave a really emotional pre-game speech and was fired up for that game. I remember one of our first meetings, he told us he had to leave early. I questioned him on it, and he said that he had been at 54 straight youth football games for his son and didn't want to miss one, and I respected that. That's the kind of person he was.'' – Asbury Park head coach Matt Ardizzone.

"Johnny and I were together for the eight years when I was a head coach (at Ocean and Monmouth) and a couple of years together as assistants, so you're looking at 11 years. They don't come better than Johnny. Everybody knows what a great athlete he was, but he was a better person as a friend and a father. He was always positive, and he was as loyal as they come. When I made the leap of faith to leave Ocean and come to Monmouth (in 2006), Johnny came without hesitation. This just doesn't make sense to me. I'm at a loss. I was hoping it was a mistake, but it would be just like Johnny to go over to the other car just to make sure the other people are OK.'' – Neptune assistant Sal Spampanato.

"I am in total shock to say the least. John was always a very talented, unselfish person and a very talented coach. He will be greatly missed.'' – Former Ocean teammate and coach Scott Baldwin.

“This guy made me aware in elementary school of my own limitations :). A real star. A good friend, and someone to look up to.” – Vincent Gruosso.

“I have known John for most of my life and he has always been like a brother to me. We have spent time working on many projects over the past five years. He was one of the coaches that worked at my speed camps in Holmdel every summer. Every kid in the camp loved him from Day One. It was like they knew him all their life. We worked with a lot of young kids in track and football, and he was always someone I could count on.

“He always had great ideas about making our programs better. We would always talk about track, football, and our kids. We both just finished working on our master’s degrees in administration last year, and I remember how excited he was when he passed the principal's exam. I wouldn't have finished my last class without him.  I knew he was destined for bigger things even though he had already done so much. These are the things that I will remember most about him. Not the horrible news of the day and the realization of a good person now gone. The Lord needed more than an angel today, and he surely will be missed here.” – Maurice Bell.

“I am so deeply saddened with the horrific news about John Key. John and I were friends and teammates since the fourth grade. We played club soccer together, and he talked me into playing football.  We played Pop Warner, freshman football (undefeated) and varsity football.  John, Brendan Richter and I captained "Big Red" our senior year.  Week in and week out, we would get suited up and go into battle against other teams.  I also felt confident knowing he was on my side.  He even got me to do a fashion show at his uncle's store in Asbury Park, '"Mr. Fashion."  This is a tragic event, and the world has lost a really good man.  John was a great football player, a real friend and above all an amazing human being.  My sincerest condolences go out to his family. - Dr. Manolis Manolakakis.

“I played at Ocean Township when John Key was our defensive backs coach.  As a lineman, I didn't really have a lot of one-on-one coaching from John but when I did, it was always important to listen.  He had a grasp of the game that not many people hold.  He knew that it wasn't just about winning football games, but also about teaching student-athletes the right way to live their lives.  I will always try to use the things John taught us in my coaching.  He was an outstanding coach and an even better man off the field.  Rest easy John.’’ – Rumson-Fair Haven assistant Jeremy Schulte.

“Coach Key was also a member of the 2000 Ocean Twp. coaching staff that won the Central Jersey Group III championship.  I was a junior RB/DB on that team and was lucky enough to be taught by Coach Key at both positions for two seasons.  Being raised in Ocean Township, I've always bought into and believed in the Big Red pride and traditions.  I loved every second of seeing Coach Key working alongside Coach Baldwin, Coach Larkin, Coach ‘Spamp’ and Coach Lambusta, all coaches who played key roles in building Big Red football. Watching them coach together for a program which they came from was inspiring. Hearing them talk about former players, games, and stories of Big Red football in the late 80's and early 90's are memories that will stay with me forever.

I am currently in my fourth season as an Ocean Township assistant coach, and second season on the varsity staff. One of my fondest memories came my first year as an assistant freshmen coach while I was at a Matawan football game scouting. Among a bunch of other coaches scouting, I ran into Coach Key, who had brought his son with him to the game. I spoke with him briefly and we each went on our way. I ran into him multiple times in the following years, but I always remembered that first time because that moment was so memorable for me. That was when it first hit me that I was finally doing what I loved and had always wanted to do. I was coaching high school football for a program that I loved and coaching against guys who taught me and who I looked up to like Coach Key.

John Key played a pivotal role in the development of my coaching and personal life, and I am so lucky and grateful for being able to have had the opportunity to be able to have known him. Coach Key was a great person who I truly will never forget.’’ – Jon Molinelli.

“When a team goes through so much together in practice and in games, you start to think of the coaches and teammates as your family.  My heartfelt condolences to the Asbury Park football team and Coach Key’s family.  I hope you find strength in each other. You’re in our prayers.’’ – Point Beach senior running back/defensive lineman Cody Coleman.

“Even if you didn't know coach Key, all you needed to know was him looking to help someone in need.’’ – Richie Collins, Hazlet resident and father of Raritan sophomore quarterback Jared Collins.

“My dear high school friend. Gone way too soon.’’ – Shiba Russell, NBC New York news anchor.

“Thoughts and prayers with the Key family and the Blue Bishops family. RIP.’’ – Pinelands assistant John Tierney.

“May the family of Key, the Asbury Park Bishops and the community stay strong during this terribly rough time. Condolences.’’ – Signed, the Jackson Memorial “Jaguar Nation’’ fanbase.