Louis J. Celmer Jr., 67 of Oakhurst, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on September 25, at home after a courageous battle with cancer. Louis was born on September 12, 1954 in Bayonne, New Jersey. He moved to Deal as a young child and graduated from Asbury Park High School in 1973 where he excelled in athletics and held many records. Louis was a Merchant Marine for over 46 years. He started his career working for Texaco on tugboats and barges, then went on to be a Captain of Oil Spill Response Vessels for the past 28 years. According to many he worked with, he was the best Captain in the New York Harbor. Louis spent most of his life volunteering for Deal Fire Company No. 2 and First Aid Squad where he held positions as Fire Chief, President of the First Aid, head of the Relief Association and the Exempt Firemens Association. He was also a member of Shark River Hills Fire Company and First Aid for many years. Louis also served as the secretary of the Monmouth County Fire Association. He enjoyed teaching others and did that through teaching CPR for the American Red Cross and Lifeguard training courses with Surf Lifesaving. Louis was a family man and truly enjoyed spending time with his adoring wife, children and 3 grandchildren. He also enjoyed golfing, fishing and relaxing with a good cigar. He took great pride in everything he did and would do anything for anyone. Louis is predeceased by his parents, Louis Celmer Sr. and Theresa Celmer. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Barbara Celmer and his three children, Allison and Adrian Cerco of Wayside; Katie Celmer of Bayville; Patricia and Bradley Parker of Hamilton. His beloved 3 grandchildren- Taylor and Ryleigh Cerco and Mason Parker, his Aunt and Godmother Mary Giglio and His siblings Michael and Tracey Celmer, Kathleen and Richard Scianna of Toms River; Gerard and Laura Celmer of Ocean; William Celmer of Deal and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 29th, from 3-7 pm at Buckley Funeral Home in Asbury Park, NJ. Funeral mass will be held at St. Michael’s Church in Long Branch on Thursday, September 30th at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Monmouth County Fireman’s Association in memory of Louis Celmer for Christmas Fund c/o Nick Giglio Jr. 205 Sears Ave Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716.
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