The community is in mourning. The marquee and memorial buntings draped on the Fair Haven Firehouse mark the passing of one of its own … one who served a community he loved.

Memorial services are set to begin on Tuesday for former Fair Havenite, Rumsonite and avid community emergency services volunteer Joseph B. Truex Sr.,54, who passed away on June 6. He was living in Little Silver at the time of his passing.

A life celebration is set for 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday at John E. Day Funeral Home, 85 Riverside Avenue, Red Bank. It will be followed by a mass of christian burial on Wednesday at 11:15 a.m. at St. James Roman Catholic Church in Red Bank. Interment will be private.

From Joe’s obituary … 

Born in Oceanport to Raymond and Rita, Joe was well-known as a civically-minded man who constantly gave back to his community. He served in the Fair Haven Fire Department for 16 years and was a three-time captain of its First Aid Squad.

Before that, Joe had served as captain of the Rumson EMS. He was also a more than 20 year member of the Middletown Auxiliary Police Department.

Joe is predeceased by: his father, Raymond; and his brothers Michael and Thomas.

He is survived by: his beloved wife Ethel; his mother, Rita; his loving sons, Raymond, Joseph Jr., Brian, Benjamin, David Ruthenbeck Jr. and Kevin Ruthenbeck; his dear grandchildren, Tyler and Skylar; and his siblings, Philip, Jake, Kate Portee and Patricia White.

A tribute to Joe will follow after his funeral. RIP, Joe. You are remembered.