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Vineland, New Jersey Native and Legendary Vineland High School Track and Field Coach and Hall of Famer Michael “Mike” DiBiase, 75, Dies After Courageous Battle With Brain Cancer

By Ava Richardson

Vineland, New Jersey Native and Legendary Vineland High School Track and Field Coach and Hall of Famer Michael “Mike” DiBiase, 75, Dies After Courageous Battle With Brain Cancer

December 30, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on December 29, 2026

The Vineland, New Jersey, community is mourning the death of a beloved native and longtime educator and coach, Michael ‘Mike’ DiBiase Jr.

According to his , Michael DiBiase Jr. passed away at his home in Vineland on Wednesday, December 24, 2026, at the age of 75 after an eight-month-long courageous battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Michael was born in Philadelphia, PA, on May 15, 1950, to late parents Michael Sr. and Concetta DiBiase; however, he lived in Vineland, New Jersey, his whole life.

Mike DiBiase was a cherished member of the Vineland sports community and touched the lives of many young athletes and students with his remarkable decades-long coaching and teaching career.

After receiving his bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Trenton State, Mike went on to teach and coach at his alma mater, Vineland High School.

For over 35 years, Mike devoted his life to serving as a teacher and head track & field and cross country coach at Vineland High School.

Throughout his tenure, Michael ‘Mike’ DiBiase led his track and field teams to several championships and won several honorable titles.

Late Michael ‘Mike’ DiBiase Was Also Former Vineland High School Multi-Sports Athlete

Prior to beginning his career as a track & field coach, Mike DiBiase won the hearts of many with his remarkable athletic journey at Vineland High School.

Mike was an accomplished student-athlete at VHS, excelling in football, track, and basketball.

Throughout his high school journey, Michael ‘Mike’ DiBiase led his team in several victories and won numerous honorable titles.

He was also inducted into the Vineland High School Hall of Fame in 2003 for his exceptional career as a coach and his remarkable journey as a student-athlete.

Furthermore, the passing of Michael DiBiase has left a profound void in the lives of his family, friends, and loved ones.

Many of his loved ones are sharing Mike’s memories on social media and extending their heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.

One wrote:

“I lost a lifetime friend this past week with the passing of Mike DiBiase. Mike and I first met at Memorial Jr. High School on the basketball team. We went thru high school as best friends and teammates on the track team. We were both in the Special Education program at Trenton State College and together again as rookie teachers at VHS. We taught and coached Track together for almost 20yrs. Mike gave his students and athletes his knowledge and his time and more often than not as a father figure to those students and athletes. It has been a lifetime of memories with Mike that I will cherish forever. You led a life that your family, your students, your athletes and myself are proud of and most grateful for what you have done for all of us. Rest in peace my brother, you will be missed but I’m sure I will think of you often.”

Robin R. Daplyn

Mike DiBiase is survived by his wife of 54 years, Kathleen ‘Kathy’ DiBiase, his three children, Michael (Laura), Matthew, and Lauren (Philip), along with his three grandchildren, Bennett, Benjamin, and Avila.

He also leaves behind his brother, Ronald (Louise), his cousin Vince (Kathy), brother-in-law, Steve (Jeanne) Samchuck, his numerous nieces and nephews, and the entire family.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine.

Mike DiBiase’s contribution to the Vineland sports community and his kind nature will always be remembered.

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Suruchi is a business management student with a strong passion for writing, particularly when it comes to sports. She loves creating articles and blogs that explore various aspects of the sports world. With a curious mind and a love for both academics and creativity, she constantly seeks to expand her knowledge and share her insights through her writing.

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