In Memoriam: Longtime Sea Bright Resident, Musician, Former Drummer in Tim McLoone’s Atlantic Coast Band, Carl Wendelken, 78

Longtime Sea Bright resident, musician and former drummer in Tim McLoone’s 1970s Atlantic Coast Band, Carl Wendelken, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 16, at Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank after a long illness. He was 78.

“Carl is also missed by his many dear friends from the worlds of music, weekly coffee clutches and tennis. He will be fondly remembered by them. His friends recall his smiling face, cheerful manner, and love of sport …

“A lifelong lover of music, he was a rock drummer in the 70’s in Tim McLoone’s Atlantic Coast Band and several bands and remained deeply connected to the Jersey Shore music scene. He attended countless local concerts and performances, and his extensive vinyl and CD collection reflected his enduring passion for jazz. Carl was an avid reader and historian, addicted to his daily NY Times, and always followed and attended tennis championships in person or on TV …

“An avid outdoorsman, Carl enjoyed kayaking on the river, biking to Sandy Hook or Rumson, and most of all playing tennis with friends at the Sea Bright Lawn Tennis and Cricket Club, where he was a long-time member. After play, Carl always lingered for a drink and conversation on the porch. He valued companionship and friendships throughout his life. Carl loved cars, was deeply enmeshed in auto technology and attended many local classic car shows. In many ways he was a renaissance man.”
Loved ones of Carl Wendelken in his obituary

Born in 1947 and raised in Cranford, Carl came to Monmouth County in the 1960s to attend then Monmouth College. Carl was a NJ parole officer and retired.

He made his home for many years in Sea Bright, where he cherished the Shrewsbury River in his back yard and the Atlantic Ocean just beyond the sea wall in front. His home was impacted by numerous hurricanes, most notably Sandy in 2012, “but with the help of his friends he rebuilt and returned to the place he loved.”

Carl is survived by: his brother, Arthur Wendelken; his wife, Annie; his nephew, Larry Scott Wendelken; and his three children.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via John E. Day Funeral Home