WOODCLIFF LAKE -- A former Woodcliff Lake principal died Sunday in hospice care after a battle with brain cancer.

John Fierro, 53, an educator whose career took him all over Bergen County, died after fighting the disease for 18 months, according to NorthJersey.com.

Fierro was reportedly a teacher for more than 25 years and taught at Orchard Elementary School in Ridgewood, Lincoln Elementary School in Wyckoff and was a principal at Edith A. Bogert Elementary School in Upper Saddle River.

Fierro retired from his job as principal of Woodcliff Lake's Dorchester Elementary School in June to fight the disease, according to the report.

Fierro is survived by his wife, Gina, and three children, Ashley, 16, Lily, 14 and Ben, 12. An online fund for their college expenses has been created.

The fund has so far raised more than $86,000 toward its $100,000 goal.

Messages about his friendliness and positive attitude were posted online.

"Mr. Fierro welcomed my family into the Woodcliff Lake community two years ago with open arms. His family, friends, and colleagues are in our thoughts and prayers," commented Kelly Paterno online, who donated to the family fund.

"Thank you Principal Fierro for teaching my elementary school aged children to live a life of integrity and honor. We will always have you in our hearts. May God rest your soul," another person said on the fund.

Rest In Peace my friend. You will be missed. Beloved Woodcliff Lake principal John Fierro, 53, dies https://t.co/GnTq54H6K0 via @northjersey

Visitation will be held Thursday and Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 9 p.m. at Feeney Funeral Home in Ridgewood. A funeral Mass is scheduled to be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Elizabeth Church in Wyckoff.

Sara Jerde may be reached at sjerde@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SaraJerde.

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