Obituary of Robert J. Kuzmic

Robert J. "Bob" Kuzmic, of Point Pleasant Beach, passed away on October 15, 2010. Born in Pittsburg, PA, in 1931, he graduated from Central Catholic High School and joined the Coast Guard upon graduation. He was lucky enough to get stationed at the Manasquan Inlet Coast Guard Station and so began his love of the Jersey Shore. In the Coast Guard he made many friends and maintained a close relationship with Jim Irving and Joe Strucich throughout his life. After completing his tour of duty, he went back to Pittsburg but quickly returned to PPB where he joined the local police force. In the 1950's, the local police opened and closed the bank and this was where Bob met his future wife, Pat, a teller at the bank. They were married in 1959 and raised their two sons, Scott and Jeff, in Point Pleasant Beach. In 1967, Bob went to work for the State of New Jersey and joined the newly formed Public Defenders office as an investigator. He rose to the title of Assistant Chief Investigator and retired from work in 1993. Bob was a proud member of the BPOE Elks, Pt. Pleasant First Aid and several Barbershop singing groups, most notably the Oceannaires. He also volunteered as a member of the Ocean County Juvenile Conference, several Little League teams and was a parishioner of St. Peter's Church, PPB, where he served as an usher for over 40 years. Bob loved rooting for all the Pittsburg teams, but his favorites were the Steelers and the Pirates. Bill Mazeroski's walk off home run in 1960 still made him smile days before he passed away. Bob was predeceased by his parents Mary and John Kuzmic, his brother Edward Kuzmic, brother in law Ed Lyons and niece Kim Lyons Gardner. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Patricia (Lyons) Kuzmic, son Scott and wife Beth of Pt. Pleasant Beach, son Jeff of Kansas City, KS, sister in law Pat Lyons and her children Glenn, Tara, Jeanmarie and Trysha. He is also survived by his six grandchildren - Ryan, Rebecca and Christina Kuzmic all of Tulsa OK, and Katie, Anna and Molly Kuzmic of Pt. Pleasant Beach. He is also survived by his twin sister, Margaret, of Pittsburg. Friends may visit from 5 - 8 p.m., Wednesday, October 20 at the Pable - Evertz Funeral Home of Point Pleasant, 901 Beaver Dam Road. At 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 21, a Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Peter Church, Point Pleasant Beach. Cremation will be held privately. As an expression of sympathy, donations made in his memory to Saint Gregory's Pantry, 601 Bay Ave., Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742 or the Point Pleasant Beach First Aid Squad, 611 Laurel Ave., Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742, would be appreciated. For directions and online condolences visit www.pableevertzfuneralhome.com