Richard Antonucci

July 25, 1939 - April 13, 2023

It is with great sadness to announce the sudden passing of our dear dad, Richard Antonucci, age 83.

He passed away suddenly on Wednesday, April 13, 2023, while visiting family and friends within the Plantation, FL area.

Mr. Antonucci (Rich), was born and raised in Elizabeth, NJ, was drafted into the Military proudly serving his Country and eventually met and married his dream of a sweetheart, Gertrude. The two of them ventured off on their journey creating their cherished family, Robert of Winfield, NJ; Richard (Richie) Jr of Linden, NJ and Desiree of Plantation, FL.

He was a local businessman for 48 years owning and operating R & S Antonucci Produce and Flowers, a family-owned, roadside-type Flower & Vegetable stand, in Roselle, NJ. He remained dedicated to his business until his retirement. Following his retirement he and his ‘best friend/sidekick son’, Richie Jr, enjoyed relaxing as the two of them became Snow Birds. Recently he had been spending time between New Jersey and Florida, throughout the year, visiting family and friends.

Known to many as Rich, Mr. Antonucci was well respected by the community he served and sought out by so many seeking quality work; always producing gorgeous Grave Blankets, Wreaths, Roping and those fresh-cut Trees throughout the Christmas Season. The numerous satisfied customers returning annually to place their Christmas decoration orders (many of whom, even after his retirement, would continue to return with their annual order requests) was a testament of his ability to maintain satisfied customers. He enjoyed knowing that he was providing quality, hand-crafted Wreaths and Blankets for so many people and their loved ones. The Grave Blankets alone were always noticeably different - their quality and lasting characteristics standing out when compared to those mass-produced Blankets. His family-owned, vintage roadside business was generally referred to as “The Stand”. The Stand became that go-to place to not only purchase quality products but also a place to hang-out by so many family and friends as they shared stories about their life experiences (many times sharing the same story over and over again). During the cooler months, passersby would enjoy the wood burning aroma in the air emanating from the pot-belly wood burning stove at The Stand.

Following the untimely death of his beloved wife, Gertrude in 1996, he continued to provide for his children; continued to provide his quality products for the community and continued to successfully run his business along with his son Richie Jr, despite the difficulties he faced as the smaller ‘mom & pop’ businesses, similar to his, were being shuttered due to the ever increasing presence of the larger nationwide lawn & garden centers.

Mr Antonucci will be missed by so many - especially those who knew him and loved him dearly. He is survived by his children, Robert (husband Eugene), Richard Jr and Desiree (wife Angelina). He was predeceased by Gertrude, his wife, his father, mother and brother as well as his loving in-laws.

A viewing will be held on Tuesday, April 25, at Krowicki McCraken Funeral Home, 2124 East St. George Avenue, Linden, NJ, from 5-9 pm. A funeral mass will follow at 10:00 am on Wednesday, April 26, at St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, 131 E Edgar Road, Linden, NJ. Final resting place will be alongside his wife in St. Gertrude Cemetery, Colonia, NJ.

Our Family would like to thank all of those who have offered their love and support during this difficult and challenging time.

Your fond memories and expressions of sympathy can be shared with the Antonucci family by visiting www.krowickifuneralhome.com

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.krowickifuneralhome.com for the Antonucci family.