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Wayne Cassidy posted a condolence
Friday, January 19, 2024
I recently learned of Richie’s passing after searching for him on the internet to re-connect.
Who am I?
Wayne Cassidy
What am I?
A very proud combat veteran of
the United States Marine Corps.
Where am I?
Colorado
Why am I here?
First and foremost, I want to offer my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Richard Santamaria. We go way back. I met Richie in Newark New Jersey in 1966. We were drafted into the Marine Corps. together. We were the same age. I was born in April of 1946, and he was born in May.
There were 25 of us out of 250 people drafted into the Marine Corps. We were sworn in by the drill Sgt. He then looked up and around the room and said
“SANTAMARIA”, and Richie said “YES SIR” then the drill Sgt. said “you are in charge of these men and do you want to know why? Richie said “YES SIR” and the drill Sgt. said “because no one will forget your name”.
We went to Paris Island South Carolina by bus the next day and that’s where it all began. We went through boot camp together, then to Camp Geiger North Carolina where we went through infantry training together, we went through engineer school together, mine warfare and demolition training, helicopter re-supply training, and so forth.
We then had 30 days leave, then off to Camp Pendleton California where we went through 30 days of jungle warfare training. Then it was off to Vietnam.
The whole time we were in the Marine Corps. We were at the same duty stations. Same division, same battalion, same company, same platoon.
Soon after we arrived in Vietnam, someone found out that Richie had carpenter training, so he became the “Battalion Carpenter”. We still saw each other quite a bit but he didn’t have to go out in the field.
Fourteen months later we came home. We had 30 days leave then back to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Again, we were in the same division, same battalion, same company, same platoon.
Every weekend we would come home. Leave 4:30 Friday, and back Sunday Night. It was almost a 10-hour drive. I had a 1964 GTO, and he had a 1965 GTO. We would switch off every other week.
Richie was the best friend I had for a solid 2 years and then some. We kept in touch for a while after we got out but eventually lost contact. I now wish we had stayed closer.
He was a great guy, always upbeat and good with jokes. Everyone liked him.
I will miss him!
waynecassidy@yahoo.com
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Bernadette McCafferty uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, July 12, 2023
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Your family will always love and miss you! ❤️
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Bernadette McCafferty posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 12, 2023
Dad, you have given me the best things in life: Your time, your care, and your love. I have learned to make lemonade out of lemons and to be positive even when it’s hard. I am truly grateful to have had you in my life. I will always keep you in my heart and love you forever! ❤️
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Scott Santamaria posted a condolence
Saturday, July 8, 2023
Rich (Dad) no words thanks for everything . Love you. Scott.
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Mark, Nick, and Sarah McCafferty uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, July 8, 2023
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We love you grandpa! ❤️
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Bernadette McCafferty uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, July 8, 2023
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Another happy family moment! ❤️
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Scott McCafferty uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, July 8, 2023
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Rich , Mark, and Nick at a Yankee game.
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Bernadette McCafferty uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, July 8, 2023
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Dad was very proud of his service in the USMC!
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Bernadette McCafferty uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, July 8, 2023
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Dad loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren!
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Marilyn Caccavella posted a condolence
Saturday, July 8, 2023
Rich, you were the most funny, kind man at the Y. You swam with a smile on your face and a kind way with all of us. You will be greatly missed. I always told you that you were a chick magnet and you would smile and I knew you loved that title. I will miss you very much. Safe travels.
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Sarah McCafferty uploaded photo(s)
Friday, July 7, 2023
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Popz used to bring bagels up every Saturday morning and spend time with his family! Max always enjoyed seeing his Popz and Popz always enjoyed seeing Max!!!
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Sarah McCafferty uploaded photo(s)
Friday, July 7, 2023
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The greatest grandpa I could’ve asked for!! ♥️
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Sarah McCafferty uploaded photo(s)
Friday, July 7, 2023
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Grandpa was always so silly, I remember we used to play checkers and cards together and he would always try and cheat! He always knew how to make me laugh!!
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Tiffany Thompson uploaded photo(s)
Friday, July 7, 2023
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Rich always made you smile!
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Tiffany Thompson Durr posted a condolence
Friday, July 7, 2023
Rich was a wonderful man. A kind and gentle soul. He always made you smile when he walked into a room, that’s for sure! Rich will truly be missed by all who knew him! Rest in the sweetest peace.❤️
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Dawn Santamaria posted a condolence
Friday, July 7, 2023
So many memories of my dear Uncle Rich with his gracious spirit, generosity, warm smile, and his willingness to share a joke, a meal, or a hug. Uncle Rich you will be forever in my heart.
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Anonymous purchased flowers
Friday, July 7, 2023
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deepest sympathy & condolences for your family. thoughts & prayers are with you. memories of our friendship are everlasting. Sincerely Sharmila Desai
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Jessica Bonilla posted a condolence
Friday, July 7, 2023
In reflecting upon the loss of Richard, it is impossible to ignore the immeasurable wisdom he embodied, and the gentleness that was his essence. From our first meeting in my youthful days, Richard's warmth welcomed us into his family. We will miss him.
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Scott McCafferty uploaded photo(s)
Friday, July 7, 2023
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Rich never ever missed a special moment for his grandchildren. Like when Sarah and her softball team won the championship!
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Scott McCafferty uploaded photo(s)
Friday, July 7, 2023
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Remembering when Rich got us a cheesesteak and beer at a Yankee game.
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Jack Bissell posted a condolence
Friday, July 7, 2023
Like so many of his fellow members in the morning Aquasize class at the Wayne YMCA, I will really miss Rich. We exercised right next to each other, and his warm smile and great sense of humor helped to energize both of us. Today, when I entered the pool and learned of his passing, it was suddenly a sadder and very different place because he was no longer there. Rich, what a pleasure to have known you; Rest in Peace, my friend. Jack Bissell
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Kim Santamaria uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, July 6, 2023
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55 years!
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Kim Santamaria uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, July 6, 2023
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The pup s are sure going to miss you ❤️
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Kim Santamaria uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, July 6, 2023
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55 years married ❤️❤️
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Kim Santamaria uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, July 6, 2023
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Four generations
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Kim Santamaria uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, July 6, 2023
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Las Vegas 1999 kimmy and Scott s wedding
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Kim Santamaria uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, July 6, 2023
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A funny memory was they day we went to the Yankees game and you didn’t realize you still had your house slippers on when we arrive at the stadium!
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Kim Santamaria uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, July 6, 2023
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The best dad ever! I will forever miss you. Until we meet again Richard I love you so much ❤️
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Anonymous purchased flowers
Thursday, July 6, 2023
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Scott, Bernadette, and family-We send our deepest condolences, sympathy and prayers to you all during this difficult time. We are thinking of you.
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Sue brunetti posted a condolence
Thursday, July 6, 2023
To one of the best neighbors I know. Rich was always ready for our neighborhood block party. He loved to talk with everyone. You could always see him riding his bike too! He will be greatly missed
We love you
Sue,Eugene and Shane Brunetti xoxo
A Memorial Tree was planted for Richard Santamaria
Thursday, July 6, 2023
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Festa Memorial Funeral Home Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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The family of Richard Santamaria uploaded a photo
Thursday, July 6, 2023
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111 Union Boulevard
Totowa, NJ 07512
Phone: (973) 790-8686
Robert P. Festa Jr. Manager N.J. Lic. # 4097