Richard G. Brust

Richard G. Brust, age 93 of Jackson, NJ passed away peacefully with his loving daughter by his side on July 9, 2021 at CentraState Medical Center in Freehold, NJ.  He was a devoted husband to his beloved late wife Margaret of 63 years and a devoted father to his children.  Born in Teaneck, NJ he grew up in Keyport graduating from Keyport High School in 1947 prior to moving to Belmar, NJ.  After high school he worked for a lumber company and then enrolled at Rider University.  He graduated from Rider University in 1952 with a bachelor's degree in Accounting.  He then enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Knox, KY.  He served in the United States Army as a sergeant from 1952-1954.  After his service in the Army he worked for a CPA for 3 months before being employed at Traveler's Insurance Company in Newark, NJ in 1955 as an Auditor.  He married his late wife Margaret June 15, 1957 and resided in New Brunswick, NJ.  He was a hardworking man and provided well for his family.

In 1968 he and his family moved to North Brunswick  During the 1960's and early 1970's his pride and joy was raising and showing his prized gladiolus.  He participated in many shows and won many ribbons for his gladiolus.  He also enjoyed his gardening.  He raised all his own vegetables and some fruits.  He loved freezing his home grown vegetables and canning his tomatoes.  In the early 1970's he and his wife purchased a 19ft Yellowstone travel trailer and the family began camping every year for the month of July and every weekend in the summer at Panther Lake Campground in Andover, NJ.  He enjoyed spending time with his family.  He retired from Traveler's Insurance Company in 1990 and began to enjoy retired life.  In 2003 he and his wife moved to a retirement community in Toms River, NJ to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren.  

Throughout his retirement he enjoyed many trips to Atlantic City, Lancaster, PA, Charleston, SC and other local destinations.  He also enjoyed his weekly dinner outings with his wife Margie to the Crab's Claw, the Shrimp Box, the Fortune Buffet and the Holiday City Diner.  In his 70's he took two 3 week drive trips across the United States visiting many landmarks and an Indian Reservation that he donated to.  His other trips included Florida with his wife, daughter and grandchildren, 2 cruises to Bermuda and New England and in 2012 his son took the whole family to Hawaii.  In 2018 his daughter and son gave him and their mom a big surprise 90th birthday party at Jack Baker's Lobster Shanty in Pt. Pleasant Beach, NJ and also took them on a trip to Lake George, NY.  In December 2019 he and his wife moved in with their daughter so she could care for them.  She made sure they were well taken care of and took them on day trips, mini vacations, dinner outings, shows, outings with her friends and rides to get them out of the house so they could enjoy life.  He lived his life to the fullest.  

Spending time with his grandchildren, Michael and Ryan, was what he loved best.  After they were born he enjoyed taking care of them and playing with them.  He enjoyed the many vacations with them and his daughter.  They brought so much joy into his life and he loved them so much.  Throughout the years he enjoyed all their school performances and all their hockey games.  He was lucky enough to see both grandchildren graduate from high school and college.  He was extremely proud of both of them and the young men they had become. He loved listening to all their stories about their work and adventures.  He was a loving father and grandfather and will be greatly missed.

He was predeceased by his wife, Margaret, in 2020.  He is survived by his daughter, Nancy Benning and son-in-law Billy of Jackson, NJ, his son Douglas Brust and son-in-law Louis Ford of Matlacha, FL and 2 grandchildren, Michael McGee and his wife Anastasia of McAllen,TX and Ryan McGee of Jackson, NJ.

Cremation was private.  A private celebration of life memorial service and luncheon will be held on Saturday, November 6, 2021 from 12-4pm at Jack Baker's Lobster Shanty in Pt. Pleasant Beach, NJ.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in memory of Richard to:

Ocean County Animal Shelter, 615 Freemont Avenue, Jackson Township, NJ 08527 (Check made payable to Ocean County Health Department)

or

AmVets Post 2, 1290 Toms River Road, Jackson Township, NJ 08527 (Check made payable to AmVets Post 2)

(Please enclose a note to whom it is in memory of)