Bruce Alan Ciangetti

Bruce A. “Rocker” Ciangetti, 75, of Manahawkin, NJ, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2025 at home. Rocker was known for his upbeat, boisterous personality, his love of music and sports, and his devotion to his closest friends - who were family to Rocker. Anyone who knew Rocker loved the man. His personality, like the man himself, was HUGE. Rocker would go on to receive his iconic nickname “Red Rocker” during high school. Shortened to “Rocker”, it stuck for life. He graduated from Willingboro HS in 1967, went to Gloucester County College for two years and then on to Glassboro State College where he played basketball and received his Bachelor’s Degreein History. Rocker was a high school and college athlete, and would continue playing in men’s softball and basketball leagues until the age of 50.

After college, Rocker eventually would purchase a home in Manahawkin where he would live the rest of his life. In 1974, Rocker began his 34-year career with Stafford Township Department of Public Works. He started as a trash man and went on to drive a bus for the Township’s Public Transportation, known as “Dial-A-Ride”. Rocker would go on to make lasting impressions on all generations as a Dial-A-Ride driver, almost as many as he would make at his second job.

In the late 1970s, Rocker also worked at Manahawkin Records, located on the corner of E Bay Ave/Pine St in Manahawkin. Sometime around 1980, the owner sold the business to Rocker and it became “Red Rocker Records”. The store eventually moved to 456 E Bay Ave (current home of Philly Pretzel Factory). He would run the store until 1996. Rocker’s influence on the youth of Southern Ocean County during the time he owned Red Rocker is immeasurable. Music lovers, musicians and collectors all flocked to the store, and those still living around here won’t hesitate to share their amazing memories of “The Rocker” and their experiences with him in the store.

After retiring from the township in 2009, Rocker enjoyed a low-key lifestyle that was consumed with all things music, and his favorite game – golf. He golfed several days a week, year-round, at the Ocean Acres Country Club. Music became the center of his life, as retirement allowed him to play music more frequently. He was also able to socialize more with the “kids” he and his store influenced (all now in their 40s and 50s!). He got to know how loved, revered and respected he was by so many in this community.

A memorial gathering with a time of remembrance will be held from 2-6pm on Saturday March 29th at Maxwell -Tobie Funeral Home, 573 Millcreek Road, Manahawkin. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jetty Rock Foundation in Rocker’s name.