The storm of 1962 took with it Dad’s grandfather, Herman C. Rumpp’s former home on 34th Street. Miraculously, Dad found his beloved Comet some blocks away, atop the storm’s rubble. This photo surely speaks volumes about his life, his zest and a certain good fortune that would envelope his life.

With the support of his mother Avis and his father Carl Sr, our father cultivated his love for sailing and enjoyed racing his beloved 16’ Comet. Explaining to us numerous times during our final father-son bedside chats, the shortcomings of his original boat, poorly comparing with the faster Lippincott Comet, he convinced his father to purchase one for him. Proudly did he display his racing trophies, banners and his Commodore hat in his bedroom at home. He loved sailing and he loved the YCSIC and the quality friendships he made there.

One of his last trips outside his Philadelphia home, was our recent visit to Sea Isle City on the occasion of his 92nd birthday in October of 2023.This trip required tremendous planning and multiple dry runs, but we understood this visit was a vital chapter for Carl’s life to be complete. "We had an angel on our shoulder to make this happen for sure!” Patty would proclaim then, and to this day. Oh, what a memory that trip was for him! He could not stop talking about this trip to his friends, neighbors, caregivers, anyone who would listen. General Manager Jim Collins, with whom I had been communicating over the course of two years to make possible a visit of this kind, made us feel like royalty during our time at the YCSIC. The building, having come so incredibly far from its ‘Bandshell’ origins, complete with walls of past Commodore photos, amazing ballroom, bar, rooftop deck, and the YCSIC branded items, which Patty generously insisted each of us pick out something special to drive home with, absolutely completed my Dad’s happy memories of the treasured place that is the YCSIC.

Upon finishing our dinner and drinks, preparing to depart, the Thursday trivia night caller, announced Dad’s presence to the room. Wheeling him through the bar from the rooftop deck, he was met with a standing round of applause! The generosity of spirit he felt that night brought tears to his (and our) eyes and helped him understand that the work begun by his father more than eighty years before had been worth every penny of risk and every donated hour, by so many, to build this wonderful community.

Dad openly and freely offered his good nature and over his years was rewarded in returns. In the very last weeks and months of his life, the Yacht Club of Sea Isle City gave back to him. It gave to him and his family the gift of honoring what he gave.

His wife Patty, my brothers Carl F. Rumpp, III, Gary Hunter Rumpp and I extend our complete gratitude to the Yacht Club of Sea Isle City, to the members, management, and staff for capturing what became an impromptu front door arrival, for turning it into a memory that will indeed last lifetimes.

Carl F. Rumpp, Jr. Obituary