Richard Joseph Meyer

Richard Joseph Meyer, beloved husband, father, and friend, faithfully departed on December 3rd, 2025. Richard is remembered for a life reflective of patience, love, laughter, family, and the simple joys of each day— especially if it involved sitting around a table with a good plate of pasta, and conversation with the people he loved. Born January 8th, 1947, in New York, NY to the late Myrna (Imbasciani) Meyer and Joseph Henry (Bud) Meyer. Soon thereafter, the family moved to the suburbs and settled in Riverdale, NJ where Richard spent a majority of his young life. He was a graduate of Butler High School in Butler, NJ, and later Rutgers University where he studied Economics. Richard started his professional career as a bank examiner in New York City but often reminisced about the long, picturesque drives and charming villages he visited in Upstate NY, as the best part of the job. He also served in the Army Reserves during this time. In midlife, he worked for the Postal Service as a mail carrier in his hometown of Riverdale, NJ. He later returned to school and studied computer programming, which led him to work for AT&T, and ultimately a move to Florida where he retired from Bank of America in 2016. One of the most meaningful periods in Richard’s life was his time at Glen Wild Lake in Bloomingdale, NJ. It’s where he raised his daughter, Erika, with his wife Susan (Medici), developed long-lasting friendships and endless memories. Many summer afternoons involved floating on a raft, beer in hand after his mail routes. BBQs, Pig Roasts, a round of Horseshoes, moonlit boat rides, swimming, and fishing were also part of every summer. In addition to summer, Richard appreciated the colder months. He loved to make fires every weekend fall through spring. He grilled even when there was snow on the ground and never complained about shoveling. He loved every part of Christmas, from decorating, to chopping down the Christmas tree, to Christmas songs on repeat, to obscure Christmas specials on TV, all the cookies and most especially his wife’s fruitcake. In spring, he played the Easter bunny. Throughout the house, Richard hid gifts. Each gift had a note with a rhyme he wrote that led to the next until it led to the Easter basket. These—and the Easter corsages-- were cherished traditions his daughter looked forward to every year. After taking a Shakespeare course at Rutgers, Richard developed a deep appreciation for the arts that continued to influence him throughout his life. He found great pleasure in reading the classics and exploring the stories and ideas that spoke to his intellectual, curious mind. Even in the last month of his life, he was reading the collected works of Charles Dickens. Richard also enjoyed the performing arts. There were many weekends he and his wife spent an afternoon or evening at the theater. Music too was woven into the fabric of Richard’s life. As a younger man he collected a range of rock albums. Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, and the Allman Brothers were some of his favorites. However, Richard also enjoyed discovering lesser-known artists. He was a proud supporter of WFUV (a radio show aired from the campus of Fordham University known for its eclectic musical selections). In his later years, Richard was moved by classical music and performances. His day started with WQXR—the classical station of New York City. He also developed an appreciation for jazz. There were many nights he sipped a glass of scotch on the back lanai, listened to the Jazz Groove and pondered life’s big questions. Perhaps most memorable is Richard’s wonderfully unique sense of humor. He found humor in life’s ordinary moments and was always laughing and smiling. His laugh was the type of laugh that filled a room. It was contagious. It made everyone laugh with him—sometimes without knowing why--and through this laughter we all felt connected and loved. Above all, Richard adored his family. He was devoted to his wife, of 57 years, with unwavering love. He treasured his daughter, beyond measure, and welcomed his son-in law, Andrew (Goodrich), as his own. He cherished his sister, JoAnn Sturm. He also held a special place in his heart for extended relatives and considered friends as part of his family. Richard leaves behind a legacy of laughter, curiosity, endless patience, and deep, enduring love. Those who knew him will forever remember his smile, his humor, his welcoming spirit, and the way his laughter brought out the best in everyone around him. His presence was steady, warm, and full of love — the kind that anchors and leaves a lasting imprint on everyone it touches.

Richard Joseph Meyer

January 8, 1947 - December 3, 2025