Douglas John “Doug” Koloski, 82, of Red Bank, passed away Dec. 4, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.
Born Nov. 20, 1943, on Long Island, he grew up playing sports, earning the nickname “Killer Koloski” in wrestling, and performing in school plays. Doug met Janet, the love of his life, on a blind date. They moved to New Jersey, where they built a warm, welcoming home that became the center of family life.
Doug was the beloved husband of Janet Koloski; devoted father of Courtney Kemler, Meredith Koloski-Stack and Andrew Koloski; and father-in-law to Dave Kemler, Maurice Stack and Kara Koloski. Doug was a proud and doting grandfather to Wyatt, Beau and Ruby Kemler; Gavin Wehr, Devyn, Camryn and Liam Stack; and Carsyn, Liam, Kaleigh and Elenore Koloski, rarely missing a chance to cheer them on in their sports and activities.
Over the course of his career, Doug worked for Grumman Aircraft, contributing to the first space shuttle project and related aerospace work, and later continued his professional life in the textile industry with companies including Forstmann & Co. and Burlington Industries. He was a dedicated provider, often the first to arrive at the office and the last to leave.
Outside of work, Doug loved his family, the beach, tennis, golf and cheering for the New York Yankees and New York Jets, even in the toughest seasons.
Endlessly creative and inventive, he was the kind of person who could fix almost anything with a roll of duct tape, build what he needed, and still crack a joke while doing it. Those who knew Doug remember him as one of the kindest and most positive men they had ever met, someone who would give you the shirt off his back. He had a gift for making people feel seen and supported, greeting family, friends and even strangers with warmth, humor and genuine interest in their lives.
His greatest joy, besides the New York Jets, was being with his family – whether at the beach, on the golf course or at home with grandkids running through the house. The lessons he passed on about loyalty, hard work, kindness and always showing up for the people you love will live on through the generations who follow him.
A Mass in memory of Doug will be held at 11 a.m. Dec. 19, 2025, at Church of the Nativity in Fair Haven, with family greeting beginning at 10:30 a.m.
Doug’s legacy is one of love, generosity and quiet strength, and his impact on his family and community will be felt for years to come. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the blessing of knowing him.
The article originally appeared in the December 18 – 24, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
