Oliver Gelston

Oliver (“Ollie”) Gelston
Ollie passed away peacefully with family by his side on May 21, 2026, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, at the age of 93. He was born in Pinehurst, New Jersey, on July 26, 1932. He was raised in Jersey City and lived in Upper Montclair for 60 years, then in Cedar Grove, before spending his final years with family in Colorado Springs.

Ollie had one rule: “Be at the right place, at the right time, and do the right thing.” This rule was a life lesson, not just a sports metaphor.
Ollie was a basketball coach for more than 30 years shaping the future of hundreds of young men. His career started at Stevens Academy (Hoboken) at the age of 22. He moved to the collegiate level at Jersey City State College (now New Jersey City University) and retired from Montclair State University. Ollie achieved more than 500 career victories across multiple sports and remains the only coach in the history of the New Jersey Athletic Conference to win championships in both baseball and basketball.

For many years, Ollie held the record for most wins by a New Jersey collegiate basketball coach. That record is now held by Charlie Brown, his former player. Ollie was delighted to see one of his protégés achieve that milestone.

Ollie’s proudest achievement in life was not measured by wins and losses, but by the 88% graduation rate of the young men he coached. His greatest joy was helping 18-year-olds grow into men of character. Watching his former players become business leaders, educators, lawyers, doctors, first responders, and coaches was his true passion.

Ollie enjoyed watching thoroughbred horse racing at The Meadowlands, Monmouth Park, and Saratoga. Ollie was a virtuoso in the kitchen. He would often spend the whole day slowly baking, roasting, or grilling his masterpieces. Having a meal prepared by Ollie was an experience.

Ollie was preceded in death by his first wife, Audrey (Daniels); his second wife, Mary Eileen (Jerbasi); and his eldest son, Paul. He is survived by his sons, Gary (Cathy) and Craig; his grandchildren, Maureen, Scott (Shery), and Brian (Katie); and one great-grandson, Nash.

Ollie is returning home to his final resting place in North Arlington, NJ.
Visitation will be Wednesday, June 3, 2026
4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Hugh M. Moriarty Funeral Home
76 Park St. Montclair, NJ 07042
Mass will be Thursday, June 4, 2026
11:00 AM
St. Cassian Church
187 Bellevue Avenue, Upper Montclair, NJ 07043.
A private Burial will be Friday June 5, 2026
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local youth sports teams or leagues