Pine Beach Fire Dept. Mourns The Loss Of Robert L. Kernasovic

Father and son devoted decades to answering fire calls in Pine Beach and other surrounding towns.

Robert Ladislas Kernasovic of Beachwood died on April 22 after being diagnosed with cancer in February. He was 58.

It was the second loss in less than a year for the Pine Beach Volunteer Fire Company. Kernasovic's father, Robert, died in 2017. Father and son devoted decades to answering fire calls in Pine Beach and other surrounding towns.

Robert Jr. was born at Fitkin Hospital in Neptune. He grew up in Pine Beach and later lived in Beachwood.

He attended Pine Beach Elementary School, Toms River Intermediate East, St. Joseph's High School, and was a graduate of Toms River High School North's class of 1978. Bob participated in St. Joseph's Pop Warner football, Toms River Biddy League basketball, Beachwood Little League baseball, St. Joseph's football, High School North's football, and Pine Beach Senior League baseball.

He was inducted into SJHD/MDHS Hall of Fame as a member of the 1976 state championship football team. Bob was actively involved in the Pine Beach Volunteer Fire Company for over 40 years. He was employed by the U.S. Government at Joint Base McGuire Dix Lakehurst for over 35 years retiring in 2016.

Bob is predeceased by his parents, Gertrude E. and Robert L. Kernasovic, father-in-law, Ronald H. Ruerup, and nephew, Kenneth J. Montanye.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Kelly D. Kernasovic (Ruerup), his buddy, Floyd, sisters, Patricia Block (David), Gloria Doss (Earl), Janet Henrichs, brother, David Kernasovic (Maria), mother-in-law, Sallyann G. Ruerup, sister-in-law Kimberly Montanye (Kevin), brother-in-law Jeff Ruerup (Alissa), nieces and nephews Amy (Jay), Melissa, Lindsay (Justin), David (Rachel), Casey, Grace, Holly, Matthew (Stephanie), Emily, Kyle (Stephanie), Megan, Krystal, Jeffrey, Kirsten (Kevin), Kirk, Caitlyn, Danielle, and Ryan; great-nieces and nephews Bradley, Tanner, Arlo, Molly, Corbin, Gavin, Paige, Blair, Beau, and Oliver. Bob is also survived by many aunts and cousins in New Jersey, California, and Ohio, and all of his friends at Navy Lakehurst and members of the Pine Beach Volunteer Company.

The viewing and services were held on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively. He was buried at St. Joseph Cemetery in Toms River on Thursday.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Pine Beach Volunteer Company, 525 Prospect Avenue, Pine Beach, NJ 08741 in his memory. Condolences may be made by visiting www.andersonandcampbell.com.

Condolences may be made by visiting www.andersonandcampbell.com.

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