Stephen E Gertler

Stephen was born in Brooklyn, NY, January 20, 1948. When he was 14 years old, his family moved to West Orange, NJ. He attended Mountain High School, where he soon distinguished himself as a star on the football field wearing #22. Upon graduation, he attended Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, where, in 1967, he met his beloved wife Linda. After college he went on to attend New York Law School. A few years after graduation, he opened his own law practice, The Law Offices of Stephen E. Gertler. The firm that started with only four people, eventually grew to a complement of over 60. Stephen became a well-respected trial attorney in Monmouth and Ocean County, where he practiced for over 48 years.

He was an avid skier and tennis player. He loved sailing, and he joined Atlantic Yacht Club, where he served as Fleet Captain, Vice Commodore, and finally Commodore. In later years, Stephen took up golf and joined Beacon Hill C.C.

His favorite thing to do was to sit in his backyard with his wife, Linda, a cup of coffee, and watch the sun come up over the Shrewsbury River. While he hated to travel, he loved time with his wife so much that he would acquiesce and pack his bags. He even ventured as far as Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands.

He was a devoted friend to many, but above all else, his greatest joy was his family. Stephen is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Linda, his two daughters who brought him so much pride and happiness, Rebecca Leckstein, her husband David Leckstein, and his daughter Devin Frey, and her husband Eric Frey, and his three adoring grandsons, Joshua and Benjamin Leckstein, and Tristan Frey.

He also leaves behind two brothers, Jeffrey and Richard Gertler, who he loved and was loved by. They were with him through his long illness.

Stephen was a strong, brave, and fiercely protective man, who you could always count on to save you; he was a man among men. We love and miss him greatly.

A funeral services for Stephen will be held Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at 11:30 AM at Congregation Bnai Israel, 171 Ridge Road, Rumson, NJ 07760.

A period of mourning will occur at the family residence following the Funeral Service.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.bloomfieldcooperocean.com for the Gertler family.