Richard Brostowski

Richard Brostowski Sr., 73. of Roselle, NJ died June 22, 2013. Born in Kings County Hospital, Brooklyn, NY on September 6, 1939, Rich was the son of the late Charles, and Frances Babul Brostowski and the brother Helen, Eugenia, Josephine, Frank, John, and Charles, all of whom preceded him in death. He graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School, had some college courses as well. Rich was drafted into the Army on August 6th, 1963, and served in the artillery division. Receiving a good conduct medal and a sharpshooter commendation with the M-14 rifle, he was honorably discharged on July 31st, 1969 with the rank of Corporal. He and his now former wife Maureen McIntyre were married on December 4th, 1965. Together they had a son Richard Jr., who survives, and now resides in northern New Jersey. During his life Richard worked at many places, notably: the Industrial Home for the Blind, Book of the Month Club, Registrar and Transfer Co, and AMC Theaters in Mountainside, NJ. Rich enjoyed sports and grew up a Brooklyn Dodger fan, with Gil Hodges his "fav" player. When Gil went to the Mets, Rich became a Mets fan (back when they were formed around 1962-63) and never looked back. He loved his Mets, having season tickets with his son for a time, and attended game 7 of the 1986 World Series to see his Mets win. He was also a big New York Giants fan and a New York Knicks fan. He lived in New York, New Jersey, and Florida for a time. Rich always worked hard and was the most organized person known to his family . He kept things in good shape and never forgot a date (birthday, anniversary, etc). Richard was a collector of coins and a very understanding and helpful man. As a dad, he taught his son how to drive, how to keep score at a baseball game, how to write a check, and was always there to help when things went wrong. He always made sure people had what they needed to get through their day. He had a way of making things work out. He loved playing sports, such as handball, softball, bowling, and basketball being amongst his favorites. He and his son Rich Jr. played in a few softball and bowling leagues together. He loved eagles and had many statues and pictures around his home. He lived very neat and frequently took walks around town and talked to many people in his neighborhood. He was well liked by all that knew him, including his most recent job at AMC theaters where he was someone the younger staff members could look up to, and was considered a 'grandfather' figure to them. He also loved to go to the movies as free movies are a perk at AMC. He saw almost every movie that came out on his days off, he worked part time about 3 days a week. His favorite movie was Stripes as it reminded him of the crazy days he had in the military. He loved eating lobster and kielbasa, (just not at the same time..lol), and also loved playing the lottery scratch offs. Rich loved the music from the 50's (1955 being his favorite). Amongst his favorites were The Platters, and Sleepwalk by the Everley Brothers. His favorite car was the Pontiac Bonneville. He always wanted one and finally bought one in 2002. The car is still in perfect shape. Once he and his son Rich Jr. went to Atlantic City to celebrate their 60th and 30th birthdays.Rich Jr's number on the roulette table hit twice and Rich Sr. hit a progressive jackpot on the slot machines for $5000. Rich Jr. never saw his dad so happy. Richard was a proud and happy man who never let anything get him down, and never worried others with his own problems, bringing joy to all he met. He will be missed. Rich's Life Celebration will be 2-4 and 7-9PM Monday July 8, 2013, at Gray Funeral Directors, 318 E. Broad St., Westfield, NJ. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9 AM Tuesday July 9, 2013, at St. Joseph The Carpenter Catholic Church, Roselle. Burial will follow later in the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Wrightstown, NJ.