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In Memoriam: Shrewsbury Resident, Soccer Coach, Author, Gordon Bostic, 72

“He merely was a mortal man who strove to find his way …” ~ Gordon Bostic, She Came to Me a Stranger (2024)

Shrewsbury resident, Gordon Ettley Bostic, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, Sept. 18. He was 72.

Passionate and committed to committed to his “beloved game of soccer, Gordon was also a talented and passionate author. He began writing at a young age as a way of expressing himself, his feelings and his view of the world and he enjoyed telling his stories in one way or another. He authored numerous books that were written in the poetic novel style. Gordon wrote on topics ranging from the exploration of the innocence and wonderment of the world as seen through the eyes of a child, to expressing the hopes, dreams, trials and tribulations of everyday life. He was currently exploring his next work, a poetic collaboration with his grandson, Marcus.

“Amid his career, coaching and authoring, Gordon took great delight in Halloween. Every Halloween season, The Bostic home was sure to be decorated to the max, drawing children from near and far to explore the graveyard display and, on Halloween itself, collect one of his signature trick-or-treat Halloween candy bags. And once the Halloween decorations come down, it was sure to be Christmas season with his beautiful traditional Christmas scenes and lights that he relished placing with love and holiday spirit.”

Loved ones of Gordon Bostic in his obituary

More about Gordon Bostic …

Born in Ronceverte, WV to Elwood and Sarah Ann Bostic, Gordon was one of four children, He was raised in Virginia. During his college years, Gordon his life-long passion for soccer. developed. He graduated from James Madison University, where he was a founding member of the Sigma Nu- Iota Delta Chapter, and went on to become director of Parks and Recreation for Allegheny County, VA.

“It was also during this time that he met his future bride, Susan Desmet, whose family tree had roots in Rumson. They would later marry in July of 1978 and agreed to move to Monmouth County, where they would settle in Shrewsbury and raise their daughter, Rosalie.”

Gordon went back to college and earned a degree in Computer Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He went on to have a career as a computer scientist and software engineer, retiring from Picatinny Arsenal in Wharton.

He was a soccer coach for more than 47 years, coaching all age groups, from young children to adults. He was a coach for i the Shrewsbury School Boys Soccer Team and served as president of the Holmdel Stallions Soccer Club, now known as the Holmdel FC.

“Gordon was also delighted to watch almost every single game of this year’s World Cup.”

Gordon is predeceased by: his brother, Jonathan Bostic; and his sister-in-law, Arlene Carsten.

Gordon is survived by: his beloved wife of 48 years, Susan; his loving daughter, Rosalie Rodriguez, of Rumson; his cherished grandchildren, Marcus and Riley Rodriguez; his siblings, Timothy Bostic and wife, Susan, of Fincastle, VA, and Rebecca Perkins and husband, Wayne, of Covington, VA; his sister-in-law, Ann Bostic; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, one great-great nephew; and his honorary daughter, Melissa Robinson.

A memorial service honoring Gordon’s life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 26, at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Rumson, 4 East River Rd., Rumson.

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