Rudolph "Rudy" Kral, Jr.

Born in East Orange, he graduated from Nutley High School and Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing. Rudy was a veteran of the US navy, having served from 1958-1960, along with two years in the reserves.

During his working career, Rudy was part of the sales and marketing department of M&M/Mars Candy Company in 1973, where he worked for the next 25 years. His passion was in retail merchandising and he was responsible for the many retail displays that were used by the company. He was recognized by the Point of Purchase Advertising Industry for his accomplishments and was inducted into the “Point of Purchase Hall of Fame.”

Upon retirement, he and his beloved wife moved to the Lake Ridge community of Toms River, where he was a member of the community’s Grounds Committee and Covenants Committee. Eventually, Rudy became a member of the Board of Directors. He was also President of the Bowling Club for a number of years and member of the Golf Club and the Fishing Club.

Rudy enjoyed traveling and cruising with family members and his many friends at Lake Ridge.

He was predeceased by his parents and a sister, Martha Meeker.

Surviving is his wife of 58 years, Joan; a son, Jim and his wife Kerry of Chespeake, VA; a daughter, Susan Sorber of Clifton; five grandchildren: Pamela, Daniel, Michael, Brittney and Eric; a great-grandson, Jacob; and a brother, John “Jack” Kral.

A visitation will be held Tuesday at the D'Elia Funeral Home, 1300 Vermont Ave., Lakewood, from 2-6PM. A funeral service will be held in conjunction with the visitation on Tuesday at 5PM. For more information, or to post a tribute online, please visit www.deliafuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Rudy's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.