Richard was born in Queens, NY and spent his youth between Queens and his grandfather’s farm in Milford, PA. He attended Syracuse University, Morris County Community College and William Paterson College, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Following in his grandfather’s footsteps, he joined the International Association of Bridge, Structural and Ornamental Iron Workers Union Local #455 in New York City, where he worked on the construction of many steel structures, including the 1964 World’s Fair in NYC and the Verrazano Narrows Bridge. He also served in the Army during the Korean Armistice and became a military police officer in NYC, which led to his career in law enforcement in Nutley, NJ. After his retirement from the force in 1989, he became an ACE certified fitness instructor and enjoyed sharing his passion for physical fitness with others. In addition to biking, running, swimming and weightlifting, he enjoyed traveling with his wife, and spending time with his beloved children and grandchildren.
Richard is survived by JoAnn (Bergamini), his wife of 29 years, daughters Laura (Steve) Ruby Metro and Melissa Ruby-Horan and son-in-law Karl Horan. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Zoe and Oliver Horan, sisters-in-law Doris Bergamini and Cathy (Dan) Sullivan, mother-in-law Kay Bergamini and former spouse and good friend Joan Ruby, as well as many other dear friends and family members.
There will be a reception/celebration of life at Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home on June 23 from 11am to 1pm, after which there will be interment at Sylvan Abbey Memory Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Suncoast Hospice or the Alzheimer’s Association.
A special thank you to Mease Manor Memory Care and the Hospice Pearl team for the compassionate and wonderful care that they provided to Richard.
He will be missed by many, but we have great memories to lean on.
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