Adam Matthew Sangillo, a member and past president of the Haddonfield Board of Education, died Nov. 15 at age 46, after battling cancer.
“Adam was a dedicated public servant and an active and effective member of the Haddonfield Board of Education for five years,” Chuck Klaus, superintendent of Haddonfield School District, said in a prepared statement. “He always placed the needs and best interests of the 2,800 students in the Haddonfield School District first and foremost. He brought his passion, his confidence, his humor and his thoughtfulness to every event, meeting and decision. Although a man of strong convictions, Adam was the epitome of a team player.”
Klaus added, “Adam was a man of character and integrity. In his leadership role, he had to make difficult decisions, but in each case, he made those decisions through the lens of the greater good for all students. He was able to discuss, debate, and collaborate in order to ensure HSD not only remained great, but continued to progress. Adam was a good man and a true friend. I speak for all when I say he will be dearly missed.”
According to his obituary, Sangillo was the dedicated father to four children and active in numerous community organizations, formerly serving as treasurer of the Haddonfield Civic Association and as director of membership at the Rotary Club of Haddonfield.
He grew up in Media, Pennsylvania, attended Penncrest High School, and earned a bachelor’s degree in economics/finance from Bucknell University, where he was part of Delta Upsilon fraternity and the diving team. He enjoyed success in business and became first vice president of wealth management at Janney Montgomery Scott.
His obituary noted, “As his wife Jennifer recalled, Sangillo once expressed a desire to know every family in Haddonfield. He became a beloved member of the community, which was evident during his recent battle with cancer. Neighbors and friends showed their support last winter by giving him a community salute with a loud ovation of car honks.”
According to his obituary, even with failing health, he remained a committed father – attending games and helping with extracurricular activities. He coached soccer and baseball, supporting his children as players and teammates. He loved Christmas and was known to dress up as Santa Claus while performing charitable deeds around Haddonfield.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 20 years, Jennifer; his children, Caroline, Holly, Hadley, and Bennett; his father, Thomas Sangillo; his mother, Patricia Sand Sangillo; his brother, Gregg; and other family members and friends.
Sangillo’s family will greet friends Friday, Dec. 10, from 8 to 10:30 a.m. at Haddonfield United Methodist Church, 29 Warwick Road, Haddonfield, New Jersey. A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Adam may be made to Life Raft for GIST.
Arrangements are by Kain-Murphy Funeral Services in Haddonfield.