Well, the time has come for yet another RFH class to have its 40th reunion. That would be the RFH Class of ’82.
The RFH Class of ’78 is headed toward its 45th. The 40th is a biggie. But there’s always that first, too. The 10th reunion.
For the Class of ’78, that was in 1988. So, to the Class of ’82 from the Class of ’78, I think I speak for all of us reunion professionals when I say “Cheers to reuniting!”
We’ll let you know on Monday what antics transpired at the ’82 reunion. In the meantime, take another look back at the RFH Class of ’78’s first at the Molly Pitcher Inn in August of ’88.
This table was up and away with a little purple balloon, it appears. These reuniting folks are still friends!
The Fair Haven Croft kids take a fall tumble into the leaves on Parker Avenue Photo/Jack Croft
Leave it to the 60s playtime experts — literally. Don’t try this at home. It’s pretty likely that parents this era are looking at this retro fall Fair Haven scene in horror.
Yes, class is back in session; and, it doesn’t take an RFH grad to know that two halves equal a whole. In this case, this second half a class makes a whole RFH Class of ’82 taking a stand at Borden Stadium.
Sometimes you just have to take a walk on the dock side — or top. And so you do …
Call it a locals’ summer stride. Any time of the year, a stroll on, below or beside the Fair Haven Dock is the most soothing way to go. Ahhhhh …
All steps lead to serendipity at the dock. Somehow, it’s there that the sun always seems to shine, casting tall dream-fetcher shadows that lead the way to goodness in every niche — from crusty little washed-up crustaceans to river rocks, oyster shells and the end of the fishing line.
It’s always in with a high tide of happiness nestled in the smallest of things at the dock — even some seaweed and a dead crab.
Then there are the footprints left behind. Kids’ feet, gulls’ claws, parents’ prints. All signs that all came together, each in his own walk and way, in search of the same sunshine and chase of what’s at the end of the good shadows — the stark peace, a piece of home.
Remember your dock walk and exhale with a smile. Get a glimpse of ours in the photo gallery above (Click on one photo to enlarge and scroll. Enjoy!).
When you’re done with your dock walk, take a look at what’s in store with this week’s locals’ summer weather, according to the National Weather Service. There’s still some sun left to soak up …
— Photos/Elaine Van Develde for R-FH Retro exclusively
And kindergarten is the first and best of what was formerly called Open House for kids and parents. First of all, the parents don’t need to tear up and down stairs and speed through hallways to make it to the next class when that bell rings. A little 5K training should be a prerequisite for middle- and high school Open House nights.
“They say some people have 9 lives … Well, my brother had at least 29 … until today. He marched to his own drummer ( Neil Peart). He will be missed, but I’m sure he’s at that boat ramp in the sky having a beer with Terry, his dogs and many others we lost too soon. Rest in Peace, my brother. As he would say … PEACE LOVE OUT …” ~ Lori Kastner Slocum, Rudy’s sister
Longtime Fair Havenite Rudolph “Rudy” Ernest Kastner III passed away on Sept. 5. He was 58.
First day of kindergarten in Fair Haven 1965 Photo/Sally Van Develde
A back-to-school reprise dedicated to everyone’s first friend on that first day of school as a kindergartener. My first friend and neighbor in Fair Haven was Pam Young (second from right), who passed away in July of 2020 … Everyone can relate. Go back with us. Remember your first day of school and that first friend …
Knock-kneed, nervous and all dressed up with somewhere to go, this gaggle Fair Haven neighborhood girls of 1965 lined up so their moms could get that classic first-day-of-kindergarten shot. And there wasn’t a smile among them.
On the cusp of the start of the school year, Fair Haven lost one of its most popular former longtime teachers.
Fair Havenite and retired 25-year Knollwood and Viola L. Sickles schools teacher Patricia “Pat” Egan passed away peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 4. She was 82.
Pat Egan Photo/family via John E. Day Funeral Home
“Patricia devoted her life and love to family and to children of all ages. She had a boundless faith in God and was a parishioner of the Church of the Nativity in Fair Haven. Patricia’s enthusiasm, love, humor, and smile touched the lives of many, leaving a legacy of innovative education, dedication to family, and a loving devotion to all who were blessed to be by her side.”
Born in Teaneck on Christmas Eve 1939 to Elwyn and Marguerite Norton, Pat was one of eight children. She graduated from William Paterson University with a bachelor of arts degree in Education and taught first at the Longfellow School in Teaneck and then for 25 years in Fair Haven at both the Viola L. Sickles and Knollwood schools.
Pat was pre-deceased by: her beloved husband, James S. Egan in 1986; her parents, Elwyn and Marguerite Norton; and two brothers, Robert and Roy Norton.
She is survived by: her four cherished, loving children and their spouses, Kevin Egan and wife Anne, of Westborough, MA, Richard Egan and wife Carolyn, of West Long Branch, Christen McMahon-Vota and husband Tim, of Little Silver, and Michel Chojnacki and husband Jerzy, of Shrewsbury; her 12 cherished grandchildren, Kevin (Meghan), John and Adelene Egan, Jaimie, Jessica and Emily Egan, Jack and Cole McMahon, Violet and Rowan Vota, Christian and Reed Chojnacki; five siblings, Richard (Camille) Norton, Ronald (Virginia) Norton, Kevin (Barbara) Norton, Kathleen (Joseph) Mobilio, and Dennis (Patricia) Norton; and many nieces and nephews.
— Photos/Family, Eileen Kubaitis and Jeni Weber
Family and friends may visit on Friday, Sept. 9, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank. A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday at Church of the Nativity, Fair Haven, followed by burial at Fair View Cemetery, 456 State Route 35, Middletown.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Patricia’s memory to Grace Healthcare Services, 105 Fieldcrest Ave, Suite 402. Edison, NJ 08837. Email: [email protected]
Rest In Peace, Pat Egan. Thank you for all you have taught so many Fair Haven kids that will endure their lifetimes. You are remembered.
— Edited obituary prepared by family via John E. Day Funeral Home
Well, that’s a wrap for the Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair 2022.
The tradition holds strong. The fair was, as always, a midway full of fun, food, festivities, reunions and camaraderie, holding true to the sentiment that all’s fair and always has been, for more than a century in Fair Haven at fair time.
Take a look at the photo gallery below for a glimpse into those moments — the reunions, faces and places — that make the Fair Haven Fireman’s Fair a microcosm of the fairest of all in Fair Haven those eight days signaling the end of summer. (Be sure to CLICK on one photo in the photo mosaic below to enlarge and scroll. Enjoy!)
Longtime Fair Havenite, Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) graduate, coach and volunteer, James “Jim” Andrew Bogardus, known to many as Bogie, passed away on Aug. 28. He was 55.
All was fair for sure as the Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair opened this past weekend.
This summer marked the first time since pandemic times that there was a full return to fair normalcy with the reopening of the famous dining room and full-on fair sit-down feasting service.
Most of all, there was feasting on full-on fun, tradition and reuniting. That’s because all’s always fair at the end of the summer in Fair Haven.
Take a look at the photo slideshow and photo gallery below to get a glimpse into those fair opening moments … (Click on one photo in the gallery to enlarge and scroll. Enjoy!)
— Photos/courtesy of Fair Haven Fire Department Media
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