Richard Anderson, Jr., 78, of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Thursday, November 13th, after a courageous battle with MDS.

Born and raised in Long Branch, Richard graduated from Long Branch High School and received his bachelor’s degree from Monmouth College, where he formed lasting bonds with his fraternity brothers, including dear friend Ed Wendel. During his youth, he worked as a lifeguard at Fort Hancock on Sandy Hook while it was still an active military base—an experience that brought him close friendships, including with Joel Bornholdt, and provided a tremendous number of unforgettable stories he loved to share. From an early age, he also learned the art of building while crafting boats alongside his father—skills that would shape his life’s work.

Richard went on to establish R. Anderson Builders, a successful construction company that served the Jersey Shore for more than 50 years. His craftsmanship and attention to detail can be seen in the many homes, additions, and remodeling projects he proudly completed throughout the region.

In 1970, Richard married the love of his life, Margaret. In 1976, they moved to Shrewsbury, a community he cared for deeply. He later served on the Shrewsbury Board of Education and volunteered with Shrewsbury Boy Scout Troop 50, giving his time and talents to support local youth.

Dedicated, steady, and hardworking, Richard approached every part of his life with the same care he brought to his craft. He had a truly huge heart, cared deeply about others, and always tried to make people smile. He was deeply devoted to his wife, Margaret, extraordinarily proud of his son, Erik, and found great joy in teaching his grandchildren how to work with their hands.

Richard loved telling stories—especially those from his days chartering boats from the East Coast to the Caribbean or lifeguarding on Fort Hancock. With each retelling, the stories tended to “expand” and become a touch more “interesting,” much to the amusement of anyone lucky enough to hear them.

Outside of his work, Richard enjoyed woodworking, model boat building, reading—especially true crime—and studying history. He also loved skiing and cherished his time at Sugarloaf Mountain in Maine, a place that became especially meaningful as he introduced Erik to the sport. That passion continued to the next generation, as his grandchildren love being in the mountains as much as PopPop. But above all, nothing meant more to him than time spent with his grandchildren.

Richard was predeceased by his beloved wife, Margaret. Surviving are his son and daughter-in-law, Erik and Melissa; his cherished grandchildren, Connor, Carter, and Quinlan; his sister and brother-in-law, Beverly and Steven Itell; his nephew Wayne and wife Anastasia Marcy; his cousin David Williams; and many other loving family members and friends.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 20th, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 12:00 p.m. at Woolley-Boglioli Funeral Home, 10 Morrell Street, Long Branch. Entombment will follow at Woodbine Mausoleum, Oceanport.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Shrewsbury PBA (PO Box 7398, Shrewsbury, NJ 07702) or the Shrewsbury First Aid Squad (PO Box 262, Shrewsbury, NJ 07702). Both organizations were beyond supportive of our family in times of need.