Rumsonite. First Aid Squad member and Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) graduate, Ronald “RJ” Anthony Croce passed away suddenly at home on March 14.  He was 24.

Born in Red Bank on Aug, 1, 1997.  RJ grew up in Union Beach and settled in Rumson in 2006. He graduated from RFH in the Class of 2015.

“To all that met him, RJ was known as the nicest, funniest, most caring guy anyone could ever wish to meet.  RJ’s smile lit up every room he entered — his ability to bring joy everywhere he went was unlike any other. 
RJ was an unwaveringly loyal friend who cherished every single one of his buddies.  He loved to play golf and got out on the green as much as he possibly could.  He loved to go fishing and recently even got his boating license. He loved to try new foods, even learning how to cook some crazy meals himself!  He loved to travel, and one of his favorite places he explored was Colorado. He loved to watch soccer but loved going to play soccer with his friends even more. RJ loved playing in the backyard with his dog, Gunther, who would bark at him until he finally stepped away from his work so they could play. He touched the lives of every single person he met and he will be forever remembered as the
sweet, courteous, extraordinary guy that he was and always will be.
He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.”

Loved ones of RJ Croce in his obituary

RJ attended Rutgers University where he graduated with Cum Laude Honors from the Business School.  He was a member of the Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity at Rutgers as well.

He served his community as a volunteer for the Rumson First Aid Squad. RJ was employed by UBS Financial in Jersey City, New Jersey, where he was a Business Risk Analyst.

He is survived by: his beloved mother, Sandra Sturn Croce, of Rumson; his devoted father, Ronald A. Croce and step-mom Shari Restivo, both of Farmingdale; his loving sister, Erin Croce, of Rumson; his dedicated grandparents Ronald and Trudy Croce, of Union Beach; his loving aunt, Lisa Anderson and her partner John Dzurina, of Union Beach; his dear Aunt Sheila and John Proko, of Lake Hiawatha; many cousins and a strong circle of many friends.  He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Services were held on Thursday and Friday.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of RJ can be made to the Rumson First Aid Squad at https://www.rumsonems.org/ 1A Wilson Circle, Rumson, New Jersey 07760.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via Shore Point Funeral Home

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