Gordon Ettley Bostic, 72, of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully at home Sept. 18, 2026.
Born in Ronceverte, West Virginia, to Elwood and Sarah Ann Bostic, Gordon was one of four children and was raised in Virginia.
In college, Gordon developed his lifelong passion for soccer. He completed his undergraduate education at James Madison University, where he was a founding member of the Sigma Nu fraternity (Iota Delta chapter). He later became director of Parks and Recreation for Allegheny County, Virginia. During this time, he also met his future bride, Susan Desmet, whose family tree had roots in Rumson. They married in July 1978 and agreed to move to Monmouth County, where they settled in Shrewsbury and raised their daughter, Rosalie.
Gordon sent himself back to college; he ultimately earned a degree in computer science from Fairleigh Dickinson University and commenced a successful career as a computer scientist and software engineer, retiring from Picatinny Arsenal in Wharton.
Throughout this time, Gordon maintained his passion for and commitment to his beloved game of soccer. He flourished as a soccer coach for over 47 years, coaching all age groups from young children to over-40 adults, men’s and women’s teams alike, including the Shrewsbury Borough School boys soccer team. He served as president of the Holmdel Stallions Soccer Club, now known as Holmdel FC. Gordon was delighted to watch almost every single game of this year’s World Cup.
Gordon was a talented and passionate author. He began writing at a young age as a way of expressing himself, his feelings and his view of the world, and he enjoyed telling his stories in one way or another. He wrote numerous books in the poetic novel style. Gordon wrote on topics ranging from the exploration of innocence and wonder in the world through the eyes of a child to the hopes, dreams, trials and tribulations of everyday life. He was currently exploring his next work, a poetic collaboration with his grandson, Marcus.
Throughout his career as a coach and author, Gordon took great delight in Halloween. Every Halloween season, the Bostic home was decorated to the max, drawing children from near and far to explore the graveyard display and, on Halloween itself, collect one of his signature trick-or-treat Halloween candy bags. Once the Halloween decorations came down, it was sure to be Christmas season with his beautiful traditional Christmas scenes and lights that he relished placing with love and holiday spirit.
Gordon was predeceased by his brother, Jonathan Bostic, and his sister-in-law, Arlene Carsten.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Susan; his loving daughter, Rosalie Rodriguez of Rumson; his cherished grandchildren, Marcus and Riley Rodriguez; his siblings, Timothy Bostic and wife Susan of Fincastle, Virginia, and Rebecca Perkins and husband Wayne of Covington, Virginia; his sister-in-law Ann Bostic; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and one great-great-nephew; as well as his honorary daughter, Melissa Robinson.
“He merely was a mortal man who strove to find his way.”
—Gordon Bostic, “She Came to Me a Stranger” (2024)
A Memorial Service honoring Gordon’s life was held Sept. 26 at the First Presbyterian Church of Rumson.
The article originally appeared in the October 8 – 14, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
