Philip Peter Stagaard, Jr.

Philip Peter Stagaard, Jr., age 88, of Lakewood, NJ, passed away on Thursday, June 16, 2016 at the Ocean Medical Center in Brick, NJ after a long illness at home. Philip was born on September 13, 1927 in Fanwood, NJ, and he was the son of the late Jeanette and Philip Peter Stagaard, Sr. Perfect Pete ( as he was called by friends), was a veteran of the Merchant Marine serving on Liberty Ships in support of the Allies during WWII. An avid golfer, gold prospector, square dancer and general lover of life, he will be missed. Pete started Mastercraft Iron Co in Neptune, NJ in 1971 which became and still is a major structural steel fabricator in the NJ area. The company built many major public projects. He is survived by his beloved wife, Lorraine Stagaard with whom he was married to for 66 years; his son, Peter Stagaard and his wife Connie; two grandchildren, Allison and James Hackett of Brielle and Ryan and Megan Stagaard of Point Pleasant and 4 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter Kristi Stagaard, twin brother William, sister Gloria Watson and brother Edward who was killed in WWII. His funeral mass will be celebrated 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 20, 2016, in the Holy Family Church, 1139 E. County Line Rd., Lakewood, NJ 08701. Entombment will follow in St. Catharine Cemetery Mausoleum in Sea Girt, NJ.