The Fair Haven community is mourning the loss of former resident Christopher Rumph, who will be remembered at a service on Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Thompson Memorial Home in Red Bank.  

The following is his obituary, as prepared by his family and shared by Thompson … 

Christopher Charles Rumph was born on August 1, 1952 and passed away peacefully on September 22, 2017. Chris was a humble, hilarious, and giving man. He left the physical world in the comfort of his own home surrounded by his wife and children after a courageous fight against cancer over the last four years.

Chris grew up in Middletown amongst his four siblings, Robin, Carolyn, Benny, and Kim. He married his high school sweetheart, Andrea (Dede) Fischette. They were married for 44 blissful years. Dede has always been a saint for putting up with his wild side. He captured her attention with his charming demeanor and devilish blue eyes.

They raised five unique children who are successful in their own right: Amanda and son-in-law, Paul McGrade, Andrew, Christopher and daughter in law Caitlin, Jonathan and Abigail continue to spread his light to the world.

Chris was blessed with five grandchildren: Peter, Aubrey, and Addison McGrade, Isla and Evie Rumph, whom he taught to appreciate nature, dessert and the little things in life.

Chris started building houses as a teenager from the ground up. He was a master at his craft and built beautiful homes in Rumson, Fair Haven, Middletown and Tinton Falls. His “happy yellow homes” radiate warm wishes for every family that resides within his visions. Chris considered himself the richest person in the world. He measured his wealth by his greatest accomplishment, his family.

Chris was a contractor by trade but his true vocation was giving to others. Chris was extremely generous and always provided optimistic insight. He would gladly give you the shirt off his back but more his style would be giving you the steak off his plate. The only thing he’d ask for in return was a response of “this is the best steak I ever had.”

Chris was known for his home cooked meals and the belief that everyone deserved the best. Chris and his family volunteered in the Soup D’Shore kitchen at the Saint Luke’s Methodist Church for over 10 years. He helped provide many meals to people, but, most importantly, he made friends along the way. Chris spent many years renovating orphanages in Mexico and built homes for a community in the Dominican Republic who consider him their “American family”.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Chris’ remembrance to Soup D’Shore c/o St. Luke’s Methodist Church, 535 Broadway, Long Branch, NJ 07740.