Robert Czeslaw, 71, of Long Branch, suddenly passed away on Friday December 27,2024, at Monmouth Medical Center, surrounded by his family and friends.

Born in Jersey City, during April of 1953, to Audrey and Sylvester, Robert lived most of his life in Long Branch. After attending Long Branch High School, Robert gained knowledge of carpentry, by learning to frame houses in Western Monmouth County. Over time, Robert became an expert within his trade, having never received formal vocational training. Some major accomplishments include overseeing projects such as the Coast Guard Housing and second Sea Gulls’ Nest at Sandy Hook, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, The Lakewood BlueClaws Ball Park, and the refurbishment of Hangars 5 and 6 at Joint Base McGuire. Robert also provided craftsmanship for extended family members and friends. In 2011, Robert proudly retired from the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America Union Local 254. Not one who enjoyed the idleness of sitting around for too long, Robert picked up a hammer to use his skillsets once more. He spent the next seven years as the Lead Carpenter restoring a manor on the bluffs of the Navesink River for a private couple.

Robert had a passion for the outdoors. Growing up several blocks from the Atlantic, he developed an appreciation for the beach and ocean. Like his father before him, the thrill of fishing had set its hook. As the self-proclaimed best angler in the family, no weather could deter Robert. He would often tell others, “The fish don’t know it’s raining.” Robert was a capable angler who caught his share of fluke, salmon, and tuna. But chasing after striped bass during the fall run brought him the most excitement. He enjoyed the challenge of the hunt! Spending many crisp nights on the tip of a jetty casting a set group of bombers. With the largest striper he ever landed, being 39LBS on Cottage Place.

To describe Robert as an avid sports fan is an understatement. He followed the New York Rangers and Yankees but lived for the Pittsburgh Steelers. When he was a teenager, the Steeler’s black and gold uniform had caught his eye. After the Championship Dynasty of the Steel Curtain, Robert’s faith in the Steelers never faltered. A superstitious fan, he wore the same weathered jersey with a terrible towel resting over his left shoulder, and a statue of Jack Lambert placed to the left of the television. The highlight of his fandom was a trip to Pittsburgh for a home game against the Dallas Cowboys during the 2008/2009 season. The Steelers not only came from behind to win that day but became Superbowl Champions as well.

More than anything else, Robert will be remembered as an everyday guy, who was a devoted family man and friend. Regardless if one had last spoken to Robert a week, or year prior, he never hesitated to lend a helping hand. Robert was predeceased by his parents Sylvester and Audrey, younger brothers Ian and Anthony, and older sisters, Michele, Yvonne, and Jackie. Surviving are his wife of nearly fifty years, Kim Marie, their sons, Jason and Ryan, his brothers William and David, his partner Bob Grisanti, and sisters Sylvia, her husband Ron Rella and Elaine, and her husband John Callery. Also surviving are Robert’s brothers-in-laws and sisters-in-laws; Brian and Gayle Dougherty, Barbara Dziedzic, Gregory and Teresa Cattanach, Eugene and Patricia Rinaldi and his many nieces, nephews, and friends. If Robert went out of his way to help you, to honor that friendship, perform an act of kindness unto another, or consider donating to the Monmouth County SPCA.

In accordance with Robert’s wishes, there will be no funeral. In place, a celebration of his life shall transpire at a later time.