In Memoriam: Longtime Fair Havenite, RFHer, Carpenter, Rudy Kastner III, 58

“They say some people have 9 lives … Well, my brother had at least 29 … until today. He marched to his own drummer ( Neil Peart). He will be missed, but I’m sure he’s at that boat ramp in the sky having a beer with Terry, his dogs and many others we lost too soon. Rest in Peace, my brother. As he would say … PEACE LOVE OUT …” ~ Lori Kastner Slocum, Rudy’s sister

Longtime Fair Havenite Rudolph “Rudy” Ernest Kastner III passed away on Sept. 5. He was 58.

Rudy grew up in Fair Haven and attended Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) for some time, eventually earning his G.E.D. In his time at school, Rudy was enrolled in a vocational program where he learned carpentry, a skill he would take with him throughout his life.

“Rudy has been called a number of things — a son, a brother, an uncle, a carpenter, a delinquent, a bike fixer, an artist, a giver, but to most all who knew him, a friend.
When he wasn’t working or riding his bike to Donovan’s Reef, Rudy could be found watching old western shows and listening to some of his favorite classic rock bands. He also loved hunting and fishing with his father, and took his dog with him almost
everywhere he went.
Like everybody, Rudy was imperfect and made mistakes. He suffered from alcoholism and substance abuse, incurable and detrimental diseases. Unlike everybody however, Rudy was prepared to give the shirt off of his back to anyone who needed it. For what he lacked in material belongings, he made up for with a heart and soul of gold. Despite his imperfections, he is loved
and gave love.
His family and his many friends will miss his humor, loyalty, selflessness and most of all the unconditional love he had for them.
Loved ones of Rudy Kastner III in his obituary

Rudy worked a number of odd-jobs, most of which involved carpentry. While he was paid with a 30-pack more often than a real paycheck, he loved working with his hands and had immense talent. Whether he was installing a porch deck, whittling a wooden bird for his mother, or cracking open a Budweiser, his hands were rarely idle.

Rudy is survived by: his parents, Rett and Rudy Kastner; his sister, Lori Slocum and her husband Christian; and his niece and nephew, Abigaile and Jack Slocum.

He is predeceased by his son with Dawn Vena, Nicholas Samuel.

In lieu of flowers, his family asks that you make a donation in his name to the Jersey Shore Rescue Mission. Donations can be made at jerseyshorerescue.org or be mailed to 701 Memorial Dr Suite 1, Asbury Park, NJ 07712. A memorial gathering will be held on Sunday, Sept.11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St, Red Bank. There will be words of remembrance at 1:30 p.m.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via Thompson Memorial Home