Patricia Anne (Kuhlman) Kastner, 67, of Cream Ridge, passed away peacefully at home Aug. 7, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, and raised in Shrewsbury, Patricia devoted her life to service, compassion and family. A proud alumna of Rutgers University School of Social Work, she spent countless hours advocating for children and families and supporting colleagues. She became a champion of causes that brought hope to those in need.
Patricia’s life radiated compassion and inspired community enrichment. She devoted her career to children and families; spending years on the child study team in the Perth Amboy School District, where her empathy and dedication helped students overcome challenges and find their voice and strength. She created unique initiatives that celebrated students with dignity, recognition, and joy.
Her dedication to others was matched only by the love she poured into her own home.
Patricia is survived and missed by her loving husband of 41 years, Joseph, and her children, Jimmy, Christie (Paul), Mick and Zach. She leaves behind a legacy of love for her grandchildren, Amelia, Oliver, Stella and Aurora.
Patricia is also survived by her three sisters and many nieces, nephews and extended family members. She was predeceased by her parents, Anne and Donald Kuhlman.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Aug. 14 at the John E. Day Funeral Home, 85 Riverside Ave., Red Bank.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Aug. 15 at St. Gabriel’s Historic Chapel, 549 County Rte 520, Marlboro. Entombment will follow at St. Gabriel’s Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial donations to the Rutgers Cancer Institute to amplify Patricia’s legacy. They are working to establish the Gynecologic Oncology Research Innovation Fund with the goal of advancing research and developing more effective treatment options. Donations can be made online at raise.rutgersfoundation.org/PatriciaKastner. Checks may be sent to RUF-CINJ, Rutgers Cancer Institute Philanthropy Office, P.O. Box 193, New Brunswick, NJ 08901. Please indicate that the gift is in memory of Patricia Kastner.
The article originally appeared in the August 7 – 13, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
