Robert T. Wallenstein

Robert Thomas Wallenstein, 62, of Toms River, passed away Wednesday, April 9, 2014, at Ocean Medical Center in Brick, New Jersey, after a long illness. Born in Huntington, Long Island, N.Y., Bob was a graduate of Bayshore High School, Bayshore, N.Y., and attended New York State Maritime College. A man of the sea, Bob began his career on the water by operating a clamming business in Great South Bay, N.Y., while still in high school. He worked for many years in the Marine Transportation Department, Mobil Oil Company. He began as a deckhand in the tugboat fleet and worked his way up to a Mate and, eventually, a very well respected Captain. In recent years he was employed as a tugboat captain for Moran Towing Company, working all along the east coast and in the Caribbean. Bob was very well known as a deep sea charter boat captain during his times between shifts on the tugboat. His boat, "Ridge Runner", was highlighted in many newspaper and magazine articles about fishing on the Jersey shore and in Massachusetts. He is the author of two fishing books, "Fishing Saltwater Structure" and "Best Kept Secrets of the Giant Tuna Highliners". He was known to his family and friends as a wonderful husband and father, gourmet cook, blackjack player, pool shark and all-around great guy. He loved music and played the trumpet in the drum and bugle corp as a child. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Wallenstein, of Toms River, daughter Kristin Polhemus and her husband, Adam Polhemus, of Hamilton, daughter Kelly Wallenstein and sons Michael and Brian Wallenstein, all of Toms River. Also surviving are his mother, Barbara Wallenstein, of Toms River and brothers William Wallenstein, of Middletown, Barry Wallenstein and wife Candy, of Harbeson, Delaware, and Jim Wallenstein and wife Marty of Tinton Falls, along with several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Raymond Wallenstein, and brothers Thomas and Eric Wallenstein. A reception, with a memorial service, will be held at the Sandy Hook Chapel, in Gateway National Recreation Area, on Monday, April 21, 2014 from 4-7 PM.