Richard passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis on Sunday, May 3, 2026. A Service to Celebrate his Life will be held 2:00PM, Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Rose & Graham Funeral Chapel in Benson, NC.  The family will receive friends following the service. 

Born on October 23, 1965, in Summit, Richard lived a life defined by kindness, resilience, humor, and an unwavering love for the people around him. He was a graduate of Governor Livingston Regional High School, Class of 1984. From an early age, he was drawn to helping others and had a lifelong admiration for first responders and public service. As a young man, he volunteered with the New Providence Rescue Squad, served as a police dispatcher, participated in Police Explorers, and later spent time working as a private investigator.

Richard met the love of his life, Dianne, while they were in college, beginning a love story that would span nearly 39 years of marriage this July. Together they built a life centered around family, laughter, loyalty, and unconditional love. Through every chapter of life, Richard remained Dianne’s best friend, greatest supporter, and constant source of strength.

Richard faced life’s hardships with incredible courage. Nearly 30 years ago, he battled and overcame cancer, and in recent years he fought ALS with the same determination and grace. Even as the disease progressed, he rarely let it steal his spirit. He continued to smile, joke, and make others feel comfortable, often worrying more about everyone else rather than himself. His strength and attitude inspired all who knew him.

For more than 15 years, Richard worked in the automotive industry at McCafferty Ford as a salesman and sales manager. He truly enjoyed meeting people and forming connections everywhere he went. Richard never met a stranger — he could start a conversation with anyone and make them feel like an old friend within minutes. Whether driving a cab, Uber, or limousine, he loved hearing people’s stories and sharing his own.

Richard found joy in life’s simple pleasures and the things he loved most. He loved his trucks, poker nights, whiskey, Disney, bowling, and trips to the firing range. He was fascinated by anything involving police, fire, and rescue work and enjoyed watching “On Patrol: Live” and other law enforcement shows. He was also a devoted fan of the Philadelphia Phillies, proudly holding season tickets while living in Pennsylvania. He enjoyed collecting baseball cards, baseball caps, and treasured the memories attached to them.

Those who knew Richard well also knew and loved his dry sense of humor — the kind that could catch you off guard and leave you laughing long afterward.

Above all else, Richard’s greatest love was his family. He adored his daughters, Kristina and Jessica, and cherished every moment spent with his beloved grandchildren, Ellie and Christopher. He would do absolutely anything for the people he loved and was the kind of man who showed up whenever someone needed help, never asking for anything in return. He is also lovingly remembered by his brothers, Christopher and Greg. His loyal dogs — Kyra, Sophie, and Maverick — were also beloved members of his life and brought him great comfort and companionship.

Richard leaves behind a space in the hearts of his family and friends that can never truly be filled. He will be remembered for his warm smile, generous heart, quick wit, and the way he made people feel seen, welcomed, and cared for. Though his family’s hearts are broken, they find comfort in knowing his suffering has ended and that the love he gave so freely will continue to live on in everyone fortunate enough to have known him.

Arrangements by Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Benson, NC