Obituary for Richard C Powers
Richard passed away peacefully Sunday, August 16th at the Cranford Rehab & Nursing Center. He was born 4/16/38 in Jersey City, raised in Cranford, and lived in Roselle Park for the last 44 years. He is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Barbara, son Christopher, wife Sonya and their 2 daughters (Sofia and Julia) son Timothy, wife Renee and their 2 sons (Quinn and Colin), his sister Ellen, husband Howard Geisler and their children in Ohio.
Richard graduated from Holy Trinity HS in Westfield in 1956, did his undergrad at Seton Hall University, and completed his Masters at Kean University.
He worked for the NJ Dept. of Health as an addiction specialist for many years, retiring in 2002. At the same time he shared his love of learning as an adjunct professor at UCC, Montclair State, and Kean.
Music was an integral part of his life and as a tenor he fulfilled this passion from HS through adulthood as a member of Glee Clubs, Barbershop Quartets, Choral Arts Societies, and as Leader of Song and a member of the choir at the Church of the Assumption. This love of music is now carried on by his two granddaughters and their dedication to vocal and instrumental music.
He learned to love the game of soccer through coaching teams in Roselle Park and a long tenure as HS and club soccer referee. His two grandsons are now avid soccer players and fans.
A true Irishman with a gift of gab, a sense of humor, and a ready smile for all. A dedicated family man and gentleman in every sense. A celebration of Richard’s life will be scheduled at a later time.
All are welcome to the funeral Mass on Thursday, August 20th, 10am, at the Church of the Assumption in Roselle Park. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers a donation could be made to the Church of the Assumption Food Pantry or the NJ Alzheimer's Association.
Richard graduated from Holy Trinity HS in Westfield in 1956, did his undergrad at Seton Hall University, and completed his Masters at Kean University.
He worked for the NJ Dept. of Health as an addiction specialist for many years, retiring in 2002. At the same time he shared his love of learning as an adjunct professor at UCC, Montclair State, and Kean.
Music was an integral part of his life and as a tenor he fulfilled this passion from HS through adulthood as a member of Glee Clubs, Barbershop Quartets, Choral Arts Societies, and as Leader of Song and a member of the choir at the Church of the Assumption. This love of music is now carried on by his two granddaughters and their dedication to vocal and instrumental music.
He learned to love the game of soccer through coaching teams in Roselle Park and a long tenure as HS and club soccer referee. His two grandsons are now avid soccer players and fans.
A true Irishman with a gift of gab, a sense of humor, and a ready smile for all. A dedicated family man and gentleman in every sense. A celebration of Richard’s life will be scheduled at a later time.
All are welcome to the funeral Mass on Thursday, August 20th, 10am, at the Church of the Assumption in Roselle Park. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers a donation could be made to the Church of the Assumption Food Pantry or the NJ Alzheimer's Association.