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Although an autopsy was to determine the official cause, the death of Patrick Moccia, 47, of Doylestown, PA, was “believed to be the result of an apparent suicide,” Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Pompton Lakes Police Chief Derek Clark said in a joint announcement.
Police found the body of Moccia, who taught at the school, shortly after 9 p.m. Friday following a search on a welfare check, they said.
Moccia began in the school district as a wood shop teacher last fall and was a drama production advisor. He previously worked for the Allentown, PA school district at Delaware Valley Regional High School in Hunterdon County.
He is survived by his wife, two children and two stepchildren, Schools Supt. Paul Amoroso wrote in an email to the district.
"We ask that you keep Mr. Moccia and his family in your thoughts and prayers," he added.
“This investigation is active and ongoing,” Valdes and Clark said. “More information will be released when it becomes available.”
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The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Or text CONNECT to 741-741.You are not alone.
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