Wayne Springstead

Wayne Springstead, 54 of Manahawkin, NJ, passed away suddenly on Friday, June 7th, 2019 from complications of a blood cancer known as Multiple Myeloma. Wayne fought this terrible, painful disease for over six years with strength, dignity, and even humor, without complaint. His determination to live his life to the fullest, taking care of his family, and always being there for them was his inspiration. Wayne pushed himself to the limit when others would have given up. His courage will never be forgotten by his heartbroken family and friends. He is a hero.

Wayne is predeceased by his late father George Raymond Springstead. Wayne is survived by his beloved wife and best friend of 23 years, Patty, and children Lauren Mary and David Wayne at home, his mother Barbara Hoeger, Barnegat NJ, his sister Adele Tobie and husband Ed, Southampton NJ, nephews John Burger and wife Melanie, Victoria VA, Wyatt Anderson, Tampa FL, and niece Kristen Connors McEvoy, and husband Marc, Sewell NJ. Wayne is also survived by numerous loving cousins, near and far, aunts, uncles, brother and sister in laws, and a bounty of friends and former coworkers, and our Beach Haven Moose #1575 Family, who will all miss him dearly.

Wayne was born in South Amboy NJ and lived in Old Bridge NJ, before moving to Howell NJ as a young boy. Wayne bought a home in his 20’s in “Mud City”, Manahawkin NJ, where he lived the rest of his life until his unexpected death with his brave son David by his side. His love for his home here in Mud City was well known and respected. He worked very hard to give us all we ever needed and wanted, especially after Superstorm Sandy.

Wayne worked for 30 proud years as a commercial union carpenter representing the former Local 2250, out of Red Bank NJ. He was very talented and well respected and recognized as a hard, dependable worker with a well known lack of tolerance for “B.S.”, “slackers” and those who talked too much. He was generous with his time and talent with anyone who needed it at any time. Wayne worked very hard on many projects and numerous “side jobs” to provide for his family.

Wayne and his family took many vacations together throughout the years to Disney World, Busch Gardens, Washington D.C., and also five Caribbean and Bermuda cruises. Wayne loved the Florida Keys and Key West fishing and enjoying a “few” beers with cousin Mark and friends. Wayne also loved fishing and crabbing in the Barnegat Bay with Lauren and David and his cousins Drew, Richard, and Joey. He also enjoyed yard “sailing” on weekends with Lauren and David and bringing many “interesting” things home. Wayne also enjoyed watching all his different shows including the daily reality shows with Lauren and different survival shows, fun movies, and others that the family would watch together.

Wayne was a kind soul who especially loved children and animals. The kitties Penelope and Jade and our frequent visitor through the cat door, Fluff, will all miss his quiet, gentle company. He was extremely proud of Lauren graduating from Caldwell University in May of 2019, and was very proud of David’s upcoming graduation from high school and his confirmed attendance to Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken this fall. Both Lauren and David were honor students. Wayne attended Lauren’s Senior Art Exhibition in April and was moved by her

beautiful work depicting the Barnegat Bay area. David is a Scholar athlete in Southern Regional and Wayne recently attended David’s academic and scholarship nights honoring David’s hard work. His love for them knew no bounds, evident through his smiles, hugs, and proud tears. Lauren was his sunshine and David his buddy working on many school projects. They both are amazing individuals who will continue to be, thanks to Wayne’s influence and examples of love and faith.

Patty met Wayne on a blind date and were married 15 months later, knowing true love was found. Those 23 years of marriage will never be forgotten. It was her privilege and honor to be at his side for all the adventures they shared and always caring for him when he needed it and giving him space to be “Wayne”. Saying goodbye is the hardest thing ever.

This world will be poorer for him not being in it, but our lives are all richer for having him in it, where he has always belonged, with us. Wayne, you are gone, but never forgotten and will always be in everyone’s heart and our hearts. You’re free now with no more pain. See you later, my love.

A memorial gathering will be held on Monday, June 10, 2019, 4pm to 8pm and Tuesday, June 11, 10am to 11:30am at Maxwell-Tobie Funeral Home, 573 Mill Creek Road, Manahawkin, NJ 08050. A memorial service will take place on Tuesday, June 11, 11:30am at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made in his honor to David's Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation at www.davidsdreamandbelieve.org or the Popcorn Park Zoo at www.ahscares.org