We are so sorry to hear of Rich's passing. We have very fond memories if time on the soccer fields together watching the kids growing up.

Roz and David Katz

Dear Karen & Family,

I was so sorry to hear about the loss of Cousin Richie.

I have fond childhood memories of him and our visits with Aunt Patsy and Uncle George.

Praying you all are surrounded by God's peace during this difficult time.

Love & Prayers,

Rachel (Florence's Daughter)

Dear Karen and Family,

We are so very sorry and heartbroken that Rich has passed. It was my honor and privilege to be a part of your wedding, to witness the beginning of a beautiful love story and wonderful family. His love and pride for all of you showed in his kind expressions. We will keep him in our hearts always. Holding all of you in my heart, praying for your strength during this very difficult time and hoping that you find comfort in your beautiful memories and through the love of your family and friends. Love you all.

Lynne and Jack Murphy

Karen and family,

I am so sorry to hear this awful news. My heart and sympathy go out to you all.

Linda

Karen, I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember all the good times spent on the soccer fields and hockey rinks. I will never forget one soccer game in particular when my son got hurt. I don't know what I would have done that day without both of you and all the help you gave me. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Richie, Caitlin, and Christopher.

Kathy Costello (Iannacone)

I am so very sorry for your loss. I loved working with Rich at aftercare. What a gentle and caring soul.

Dear Karen and Family,

Please accept my condolences on the loss of your beloved husband and father Richard. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

With deepest sympathy,

Carmine L. Rossetti

Rich was my casework supervisor for almost 15 years. Rich was someone I could count on for support during difficult times & difficult cases. I was so happy to see him only a few weeks before his passing…it’s still a shock! I’m so sad that I’m on vacation in Florida writing this, knowing I won’t make back in time to say a proper goodbye. My sincerest condolences, Rich loved his family & was truly a great man. Jennifer G

So sorry for your loss. Rich and I went to high school together. Kind of hung around off and on through high school. He was such a nice and funny guy. I’m sure he is missed very much. My prayers are for the family’s peace and comfort through this time.

Eileen “Sieber” Dye

I met Karen and Rich years ago as I was their realtor and we became friends . It is a pleasure to know such wonderful people . I am so very sorry for your loss .

I will miss bumping into Rich at Aldi!

I am still in shock over your passing. I just saw you last month at a coworker's viewing and we sat and talked catching up on each other's lives and spoke about our grandchildren. When I hugged you goodbye that day, we were talking about getting together after the summer for lunch. If I knew then it was the last time, I would have held on longer. You will be missed my friend but I am so glad I had the chance to get to know you in this lifetime. My condolences to Karen, your children and grandchildren who I know will miss you so very much. I know they all meant the world to you and they now have you to watch over them and keep them safe. Rest easy my friend......Maryellen

Rich always made us feel that we were part of his family. We shared our two precious grandsons, holidays and other family events.

We will miss him.

Monica and Joel Selden

Rich and I were randomly placed into college-approved housing together midway through college at Trenton State. We graduated together in 1981 and have been friends ever since. I remember waking up every morning to Daffy Duck cartoons (and he knew every punchline).

Rich always had such compassion for children and it was not a surprise that he found a career with the Division of Youth and Family Services. I have had the privilege to be his friend and we have shared work experiences, weddings, children and grandchildren over the years. I will miss our talks about life and work, and early texts while on my morning walks.

We have lived in different parts of the country for the last 26 years, but we were always able to “pick up” where we left off and reconnect. I will miss my friend, but I can still hear his voice and will always take a little bit of Rich with me.

Darlene and I send our hugs to the Eckelson family as this was sudden and unexpected. I am grateful that I got to celebrate his birthday last month with him and he was in true-form at that time. Know that we loved Rich and we are here if you ever need some pixie dust.

Love, David Whitaker