Seaside Park, NJ – Behind the counter at Grumpys Tackle, where salty jokes mixed with fishing tips and every customer got a dose of tough love, Tom “Grumpy” Hansen built more than just a bait shop — he built a legacy. That legacy was shaken this week as word spread of Hansen’s passing, leaving Seaside Park locals and the fishing community stunned by the loss of a man known simply, and affectionately, as “Grumpy.”
Grumpy was definitely a character. About ten years ago, I went into the shop. He was a good friend of my father, and I introduced myself as “Don’s son”.
We never met before, and his reply was simple and short, “Sorry to hear about that.”
He lived up to his reputation and the first impression was great.
Hansen, co-founder and patriarch of Grumpys Tackle, died earlier this week, his passing confirmed in a heartfelt statement by the shop. His signature presence, known for its gruff charm and dry wit, made him a larger-than-life figure both on and off the sand. Regulars came for bait but stayed for the banter — a style only Grumpy could deliver.
Hansen was known as much for his grizzled personality as for his relentless generosity. He gave freely of his time, shared his deep knowledge of surfcasting, and treated every visitor like family — even if it came with a sarcastic jab. His devotion to the annual St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital fundraiser was one of his proudest commitments, one that brought the community together every December and reflected the true heart behind the hard exterior.
In the announcement posted by the shop, staff wrote that Grumpy is now reunited with his late best friend and former partner, “Ponytail Mike,” a duo that once helped shape the shop’s foundation into the beloved institution it is today.
“Two legends, side by side again,” the message read, capturing the sentiment felt by the Grumpys family and beyond.
As of Thursday, no funeral arrangements have been announced, but the shop has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Jude’s in Hansen’s name to honor the cause he championed so deeply.
The shop remains open, and those who knew Hansen say his presence will live on in every fish tale told over the counter, every joke tossed across the scales, and every child helped through the fundraiser he loved.