Robert V. Redzinak

Robert Redzinak March 4, 1936 - May 20, 2020 Robert Redzinak, 84, of Toms River passed away peacefully.

Trebor Kanizder, his prankster alter-ego, went with him.

Bob (“that’s spelled with one O” he would often clarify) lived his life with integrity, a kind and generous heart, and a playful spirit. He believed in the principle of Karma and a policy of no clutter, adored bread, sweets, the music of AC/DC and Wilson Pickett, and romantic comedies. He was a self-described “quiet” guy who could talk your ear off with “nonsense stuff”. He had a great pair of legs, signature dance moves (Hot Footin’), and a blatantly fake laugh. He would make trumpet-like music randomly for seemingly his own amusement. He was slow to anger, rarely raised his voice, and his standard response to most questions was “no complaints”. He wasn’t perfect but it was so close that it was scary.

He will be missed BIG TIME.

Bob enjoyed a fulfilling life in all the ways that mattered to him. He thought that if you were going to do something, do it right. And he followed that philosophy all his days and in all ways. He grew up in Elizabeth and spoke of his childhood fondly, especially his grandfather. He served in the Army and said a daily prayer for God to keep this country safe. His ingenuity and logic were fully utilized in his career as a mechanical engineer, a job he truly enjoyed. After retiring from NWSE after working more than 25 years for the government, he would reminisce about his favorite projects and co-workers. He would reiterate repeatedly the importance of CG and to work smarter, not harder. Every problem has a solution and sometimes, that solution is to walk away.

Bob’s inventive and active mind propelled him to put his personal flair on everything. Whether he was focused on practical applications of adding a light to his cane, an artistic endeavor of painting a scenic landscape or making personalized jewelry to gift, or producing an elaborate prank, he was resourceful, determined, detailed, and deliberate. When he created something, the product was undoubtedly his. Give the man some simple craft supplies along with gorilla glue and duct tape, and he would create some really interesting stuff.

Bob was blessed to have his true love and pal, Marie, by his side for an enviable marriage of over 50 years. Their love was evident, unconditional, and boundless. Marie allegedly married a “screwball”, but his antics never failed to make her smile. Each day started and ended with a kiss and a promise to love each other until The Twelfth of Never. Their devotion and love created 4 children and a family unit that is close and connected.

Dad was extremely proud of all his children, loved them equally, and was very open about it. Dad would say that each one was different but “just great”. Whether it was Ant’s crab count or hard work, A’s cooking, Di’s smarts, or Val’s mothering, he was always talking about “one of his favorites”. Dad was an awesome role model who exhibited the importance of honesty, staying calm, sense of self, using common sense, confidence, self-reliance, and celebrating uniqueness. His sound advice was practical, and his love was undoubtable. Each of his son-in-laws are “good guys” and also “one of his favorites”. He would talk about Chris’s knowledge and business savvy, Paul’s kindness, and Ron’s handiness and he made it a point to always thank them for any help they provided, or time spent smoking pipes together.

His grandchildren gave him more opportunities to brag. He spoke of Emily’s academic achievements, Alex’s good looks, and Ruby’s athleticism. PopPop enjoyed spending time with them and marveled at watching them grow into amazing people. He taught them valuable lessons such as SUGARASPA is ASPARAGUS spelled backwards, sometimes snowballs suddenly appear in mid-summer, a handmade map can help you find buried treasure nearby, and that you could always keep someone in your heart. That you had to kiss each cheek to “even him out” and that silliness is essential.

Bob would often reflect on his life and say how lucky he was. He spoke of how wonderful it was that everyone in his family got along, how he and Marie had so many great memories, that they must’ve done something right, how somehow whatever he needed would come to him at the right time.

In his on-going mission to “keep things light”, Bob was ever-ready with a joke. His classics were “are you hungry?... there’s a diner down the street”, “Guess who’s back?” (as he patted your back), or the fake-out handshake where he would then comb his hair. They never got old even as he did. He was great at getting smiles (or at least an eye-roll) and he always left an impression.

Cherishing his memory are the love of his life, Marie, his #1 son, Anthony “Crab man,” Redzinak of Carteret, his daughters Adrianne Koerner and her husband Chris, Diane Redzinak and her husband Paul Stenzel Jr., Valerie Redzinak and her husband Ron Kinoian Jr. all of Toms River, his grandchildren Emily Koerner and her fiancé Ryan (rhymes with lion) Klem, Alexander and Ruby Kinoian, his brothers Louis Jr of Brick, and Stephen of Whiting and many others who he considered family, extra children, or grandchildren who will weather this loss. He left us all knowing exactly how he felt, the tools we need to continue, and lots of material to work with. To paraphrase one of his favorite jokes of what one hat said to the other,

We’ll stay here, but you go on ahead.

Saturday September 26, 2020 10am a Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Justin's RC Church, Toms River, NJ.

In lieu of flowers or donations, tell someone you love them and share a laugh.

And uh,…….That’s about it.

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