Richard S. Bakker

Richard S. Bakker, 80, of Silver Beach, NJ, returned to God on August 10th, surrounded by family at his home.

Rich was born July 3,1945 in Clifton, NJ to Marinus and Ethel Bakker who preceded him to heaven. He attended Montclair State where he played baseball and received his doctorate from NYU in education.

Rich was a loving father, grandfather and legendary professor at Kean University, where he taught for 50 years and coached baseball for a time. He loved spending time with his family and friends, reading on the beach and telling witty “dad” jokes. He loved all things sports, including coaching his kids and was an avid Mets and Giants fan.

Rich is survived by his son Brian and wife Laurie, daughter Kerri and husband John, and grandchildren Morgan, Brendan, Hayden and Tyler.

Rich was an inspiration to all and the strongest man we know. He made the world a better place.

The viewing will be held at Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals 706 Grand Central Ave. “Rt 35 North” Lavallette location on Friday Aug 15 from 4-7pm. The funeral mass will be Saturday, Aug. 16, at 10:00am at Our Lady of Perpetual Help 100 Grant Ave. , Seaside Heights, NJ. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Memorial Sloan Kettering or the V Foundation for Cancer Research, and smile and be kind to someone today. Committal will be Private. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.ryanfuneralhome.com

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