In Memoriam: Monmouth Beach-Raised, Eric Pegosh Jr., 44

Monmouth Beach-raised Eric Donald Pegosh Jr., of Atlantic Highlands, passed away on April 22. He was 44.

Born July 29, 1981 in Long Branch NJ to Eric Donald Pegosh, Sr and Nadine Ann Pegosh. Eric grew up in Monmouth Beach and graduated from Monmouth Beach Elementary School and Shore Regional High School.

“His mother affectionally called him a ‘river rat’ as you would always find him in the water. Whether it be the ocean, river, lake or pool, he was swimming, fishing, crabbing, bodysurfing. If there was water, he was in it. It was hard to keep track of him as a child.

“In order to keep him safe or from wandering off he had a saning net over his crib at night and by day he could be found playing outside attached to a dog run. As an adult he continued to enjoy the outdoors whether it be mowing his lawn, hiking, camping, fishing or sitting around a camp fire telling funny stories.

“Although outwardly gregarious and full of unmatched wit, his quiet commitment to all ran as deep as his genius. You would be hard pressed to find someone who worked harder than he. He went from 5 a.m. every day until the sun went down. Still, he always had the energy to spend time with his girls. His taste in music was vast and so was his musical ability, known to pick any instrument and start playin’ a song.
Loved ones of Eric Pegosh Jr. in his obituary

Eric worked for Tinton Falls Department of Public Works for more than 25 years. Most recently a crew leader for the Parks Department, he earned his NJ state certification from Rutgers University for Public Works Management.

“He took pride in his work and was a dedicated professional loved and cherished by the community.”

Eric is predeceased by: his mother, Nadine Ann Pegosh (1999); his father-in-law, Larry Belcastro (2021); his brother-in-law, Anthony J. Ribustello (2019); and his Aunt Lisa A. Pegosh (2011).

He is survived by: his wife, Janine Belcastro; his daughter, Lia Nadine Pegosh; his father, Eric Donald Pegosh Sr.; his two sisters, Rena E Pegosh, and Amanda L. Campione; two brothers-in law, Joseph Campione, and Larry Belcastro; three sisters-in-law, Andrea, Lynda and Vanessa Belcastro; his three nieces, London Ann Campione, Sabrina Belcastro, Ruby Belcastro; and four nephews, Julian Eric Janish, Maverick Nadin Campione, and Lucas and Michael Belcastro; his grandmother, Ann Pegosh; his mother-in-law, Rose Belcastro; several aunts, uncles and cousins; and his niece, to whom he was godfather, Ruby Belcastro.

A visitation is set for today, Tuesday, from 4 to 8 p.m. at John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday from 11 a.m. to noon at Day’s.

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