Kristian David Rex

Kristian David Rex

Howell - Kristian David Rex, 66, of Howell NJ, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday December 16th, 2018, surrounded by his family. He bravely fought Glioblastoma Brain Cancer since his diagnosis in March 2018.

Kristian was born at Staten Island Hospital to his mother Lillian "Lulu" Rex Keller and father Wilson Aloysius Rex III, on Easter Sunday, April 13th. (Coincidentally, the same date and delivery doctor as his father.) At the age of 8, the family moved to Howell, where his sister Karin Rex was born.

He graduated from Howell High School in 1970, where he sang in the choir, lettered in gymnastics, and was often seen in plays and musicals. Music became Kristian's passion. He headlined several bands around the Jersey Shore, including "Kristian Rex & Bully" and "Electric Boots." He wrote the music for many national and regional commercials as well as the theme songs for the Disney Channel's Zenon Girl of the 21st Channel ("Supernova Girl"), and composed music for the hit series Smart Guy, including its theme song. He wrote, performed on and recorded a children's album with Sesame Street's Bob McGrath: Sing Me a Story (which his children sang on).

More recently, Kristian's love for food and wine led him to a job where he could share that passion by distributing fine wines to restaurants all over New York. He also starred in two award winning short films: one for Gillette alongside his father and son, and another for McCormick alongside his daughter Faye. Kristian was an artist. A Musician. Singer. Composer. Producer. Actor. Ad Creative. Spoken word poet. Writer. Student. Negotiator. Merchant. Gourmand. Oenophile. Lover. Brother. Father. Da. Duke. Dad.

Kristian's children were his world. Kristian's first daughter Faye Rex-Landsman was born in New York City. Kristian always remarked on how beautiful Faye's manicure was straight from birth, and he continued to hold her hand until his last breath. After moving back to his home town of Howell, his daughter Tess Rex was born. She had sparkling blue eyes and a cupcake head. She was his Tiny Dancer and, coincidentally, that song came on the radio the moment of his passing. And then came the apple of his eye, son Luke Rex. Luke became his best friend, his confidant, his co-conspirator, his spitting image, and will continue his father's musical legacy.

Faye, Tess, & Luke's childhood was cinematic. Kristian poured love and music and happiness onto them every day, creating obstacle courses, photo shoots, pool parties, rock concerts, family vacations to Kalmar Village in Cape Cod, music videos, and pancakes. Lots and lots of pancakes.

Three years ago, Kristian met the love of his life: Courtney Todd. She slid next to him on a couch at their best friend's party, sat too close, and they became inseparable teenagers until he finally made an honest woman out of her on September 15 of this year. When Kristian met Courtney, he said he finally found the Faye to his Adam, the Tess to his Kevin, the Karin to his John, the Lorraine to his Bill, the Lulu to his Bob. Courtney grew his family to include her daughter Hannah, and two sons Joseph and Austin. He found her, and she found him, and they never let go.

It was us that had to let go. Too soon and too quick. If we can learn anything from this loss it is to live the life that Kristian would want us to. In Kristian's own words, posted on his mother Lulu's Facebook page a year after she passed: "We don't have a looking glass and we don't know whether the ones we cherish in our lives today will be gone tomorrow or next week. So, all I can say is if you love someone, let them know. Tell them. Give them a hug. Go see them - especially if they are living alone or struggling with their health. Do it now. You will have no regrets because you will know you did the right thing. Blessings my friends."

Kristian is predeceased by his mother, Lillian "Lulu" Rex Keller, and his father's wife Lorraine Rex. He is survived by his father, Wilson A. Rex III; his wife, Courtney Todd; his sister, Karin Rex and her husband John McGready; his three children: Faye Rex-Landsman and her husband Adam Landsman, Tess Denton Rex and her husband Kevin Denton, and Lucas Rex; and Courtney's three children: Hannah Kiley, Joseph Kiley, and Austin Starin. To try and name the countless friends Kristian considered family would be an impossible feat. He loved and was loved madly by so many.

A celebration of Kristian's life was held on December 22, at McLoone's Pier House in Long Branch, NJ. The Rex family would like to thank everyone who joined us and the many musician friends who gave of their talents. We love you all, as did Kristian.