South Jersey mourns the loss of Felton D. Lingo Sr., a beloved educator and coach who passed away at 86 in Bridgeton, N.J., on February 14, 2025.
Known for his continuous dedication to students, athletes, and the community, Lingo leaves a phenomenal legacy that spans decades of service.
Felton was born on November 5, 1938, in Macon, Georgia; Felton Denson Lingo Sr. was the eldest of six children.
At age 10, he moved to Bridgeton, New Jersey, where he grew up and made a lasting impact.
Felton graduated from Bridgeton High School in 1957.
He was a standout student and athlete, serving as junior class president, editor of the yearbook, and quarterback on the football team.
He even worked as a student coach at what is now Delaware State University.
1962, Lingo earned his bachelor’s degree in health and physical education.
He began his career as a substitute teacher in South Jersey before pursuing graduate studies at various colleges.
His teaching and coaching career spanned over four decades, during which he became a celebrated figure in Bridgeton and beyond.
Over the next 43 years, across twelve organizations, he became a celebrated coach in multiple sports, including football, baseball, basketball, softball, cross country, swimming, and wrestling.
Notably, he led Bridgeton High School’s boys’ basketball and baseball teams to South Jersey Group titles in 1974 and organized all-star teams for recreational leagues.
His mentorship benefited thousands of students, players, campers, and fellow coaches.
He collaborated with coaching legends like Vivian Stringer, John Chaney, and Sonny Hill.
His achievements earned him praise as South Jersey High School Boys’ Basketball Coach of the Year in 1974 and induction into the Bridgeton High School Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame in 2008.
In 2021, Bridgeton High School renamed its Coach Felton Lingo Sr. Gymnasium gymnasium in honor of his contributions to education and athletics.
The dedication highlighted his “unselfish dedication to education, students, community, family, diversity, equity, and inclusion.”
Besides His Professional Accomplishments, Lingo Was Deeply Involved In Civil Rights And Community Service
He served as chair and longtime member of the New Jersey Commission on Civil Rights and held leadership roles in organizations such as the NAACP and YMCA.
In the 1960s, he joined the Bridgeton Recreation Commission and later directed summer restoration projects for historic sites like Ambury Hill Colored Burying Ground.
Inspired by his parents—especially his mother—Lingo believed in giving back to the community.
He supported historically Black colleges and universities and was an active leader at St. Augustine A.M.E. Zion Church and Life in Christ Ministries.
In 1988, he was inducted into the Cumberland County Black Hall of Fame for his contributions.
In his personal life, Felton experienced both joy and hardship.
He was married three times: first to Marita Matthews, with whom he had four children—Felton Jr., Derrick, Dwayne, and Deidre.
After divorcing Marita, he married Patricia Gibson, who sadly passed away.
He later married Jeanette Wright. Felton faced the loss of his wife Patricia, his daughter Dedrea, and sons Felton Jr. and Dwayne.
Despite these challenges, Felton remained strong for his family. He is survived by nine grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, two sisters, and many other relatives.
Felton D. Lingo Sr.’s life was one of service, leadership, and love—a legacy that will continue to inspire generations in South Jersey and beyond.
