Freehold Township elementary school principal dies

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP — Dr. Jeffrey Huguenin, principal of the Catena Elementary School, died over the weekend.

The 46-year-old resident of Howell passed away on Sunday, according to his obituary, which did not disclose a cause of death. He was married with two daughters and had served as principal since 2013. He was also an adjunct professor for masters and bachelor level classes at Georgian Court University in Lakewood.

Grief counselors will be at the school today as students return to the class for the first time since the long Columbus Day holiday weekend, according to a message sent by superintendent Neal Dickstein to district parents.

"As a husband and parent my heart breaks for the Huguenin family. Dr. Huguenin's loss will have a significant impact on the school community. It is important that we, as a district family, come together to support each other at this difficult time," Dickstein's letter read.

A viewing for Huguenin is scheduled for the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home on Route 524 in Freehold Township on Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. His funeral takes place on Friday at the funeral home at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Huguenin’s name to the Joseph J. Catena Elementary School PTO in support of the STEAM Center, 275 Burlington Road, Freehold Township, NJ 07728.