Obituary of Kenneth Gaster

Kenneth "B.G." Gaster

Gaster, Kenneth "B.G." Jacksonville, FL, 56 passed away Tuesday, July 14, 2009, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his father Kenneth and raised by his loving parents Gino and Mary Rocca. B.G was born in Pittsburg, P.A. and moved to Jacksonville as a very young boy. He grew up on Jacksonville Beach and loved surfing. He was a land surveyor by trade for over 35 years. He was most well known for his dedication to youth and his family. B.G. has coached softball for over 25 years and is a founder of River City Softball Association. From 1997 through 2006 he coached the girls' softball team for the Episcopal High School Eagles and from 2007 through 2009 was the coach for the girls' softball team for the St. Augustine High School Yellow Jackets. During those years he also coached multiple travel softball teams and facilitated many of his players' College Scholarship opportunities. B.G was a member of the Knights of Columbus council #4727. Gator Football, boating and his dog Trigger were three of B.G's other passions. He was known to be tender hearted and quick with a joke to make you laugh. His mission in life was to help others achieve their goals. B.G. said "The whole idea of coaching, you don't do for money or anything; you do it for the love of the game and the kids. I know it sounds extreme, but responsibility of what it means to be committed, I always believe it starts at the top." Before passing B.G. said, "Kind of my last at bat here, but I'm not going to give up until the last pitch. I'm going to go down swinging." He was survived by his lovely wife Linda Gaster of 34 years; his children Robert, Sabrina and Celeta; eight grandchildren; five brothers and sisters; numerous nieces and nephews. Family will receive friends at Arlington Park Funeral Home, 6920 Lone Star Road, for a visitation Sunday, July 19, 2009 from 6 to 8pm. The funeral service will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church, 742 Arlington Road Jax., FL 32211 (904)724-0080, on July 20, 2009 at 11am. Interment will follow at Arlington Park Cemetery.