Rudolph (Rudy) Ernest Kastner III, of Fair Haven, passed away on September 5, 2022 at the age of 58. His family and his many friends will miss his humor, loyalty, selflessness and most of all the unconditional love he had for them.
Rudy grew up in Fair Haven and attended Rumson-Fair Haven Highschool for some time, eventually earning his G.E.D. In his time at school, Rudy was enrolled in a vocational program where he learned carpentry, a skill he would take with him throughout his life.
Rudy would go on to work a number of odd-jobs, most of which involved carpentry. While he was paid with a 30-pack more often than a real paycheck, he loved working with his hands and had immense talent. Whether he was installing a porch deck, whittling a wooden bird for his mother, or cracking open a Budweiser, his hands were rarely idle.
Rudy has been called a number of things; a son, a brother, an uncle, a carpenter, a delinquent, a bike fixer, an artist, a giver, but to most all who knew him, a friend.
When he wasn’t working or riding his bike to Donovan’s Reef, Rudy could be found watching old western shows and listening to some of his favorite classic rock bands. He also loved hunting and fishing with his father, and took his dog with him almost everywhere he went.
Like everybody, Rudy was imperfect and made mistakes. He suffered from alcoholism and substance abuse, incurable and detrimental diseases. Unlike everybody however, Rudy was prepared to give the shirt off of his back to anyone who needed it. For what he lacked in material belongings, he made up for with a heart and soul of gold. Despite his imperfections, he is loved and gave love.
Rudy is survived by his parents Rett and Rudy Kastner, his sister Lori Slocum and her husband Christian, and his niece and nephew Abigaile and Jack Slocum. He is predeceased by his son with Dawn Vena, Nicholas Samuel.
In lieu of flowers, his family asks that you make a donation in his name to the Jersey Shore Rescue Mission. Donations can be made at jerseyshorerescue.org or be mailed to 701 Memorial Dr Suite 1, Asbury Park, NJ 07712. A memorial gathering will be held on Sunday, September 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St, Red Bank. There will be words of remembrance at 1:30 p.m.
