Richard William Tkach J.D.

Born in the "Bayway" section of Elizabeth, NJ, Richard graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1962. He continued his education at Allegheny College in Meadville, Pa, where he majored in Chemistry (1962-1963). He returned to New Jersey to continue his education at Kean College, majoring in Chemistry, and graduating "Cum Laude" when he received his Bachelor of Science in 1967. Richard continued his education at Rutgers Graduate School of Business where he received his MBA in 1974. Going forward, he attended Seton Hall University School of Law where he received his JD.

He worked many years for Schering-Plough Corporation in their Compliance department and retired from Merck & Co. in 2011. He was a member of the American Chemical Society.

Rich enjoyed chaperoning and cooking breakfast for his son, Michael’s, boy scout troop on their camping trips, and attending his marching band competitions. He loved to have fun, including going on many road trips to family weddings. There were so many good memories, so many laughs. The little ones in the family remember him talking like "Donald Duck."

He loved sitting on the beach and shelling on Sanibel Island. Playing golf, fishing and reading were the hobbies he enjoyed. He loved telling a joke, as he loved to laugh. Family was very important to him and he loved attending all the many gatherings.

Richard leaves behind his loving wife Betty Ann and his beloved son Michael, many cousins and godchildren, and his church family at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church. He is predeceased by his beloved parents Stephen and Anna (Demyanovich) Tkach, and his nephew, godson Corrie.

A special thank you is extended to the staff at the BMT Unit at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital, New Brunswick.

Memorial donations may be given to: St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, St. Jude or Shriners Hospital for Children.

Visitation for Richard will be held Tuesday, September 12, 2023, from 5 pm to 9 pm at Krowicki McCracken Funeral Home, 2124 East Saint George Ave, Linden, NJ 07036.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the funeral on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, 9 am from the funeral home. Divine Liturgy will be held at 10 am at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, 668 S Broad St, Elizabeth, NJ 07202 followed by interment at Rosehill Cemetery in Linden.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the Tkach family.