Richard Vincent Stefanski, Jr.
Lifelong Staten Island resident Richard Vincent Stefanski Jr. passed away on September 9, 2021 after a year long battle with end stage kidney disease.
Rich was a 1986 graduate of St. Joseph by the Sea High School and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Apprenticeship Training Program. A journeyman electrician, he held certificates in other phases of his trade as well. He was an active member of the Staten Island Electrical Club, and was proud to be honored as “man of the Year” in 2016.
Rich is survived by his mother, Barbara Stefanski, and is also the son of the late Richard Stefanski Sr. he is the beloved brother of Christine Stefanski and Sandra Stefanski O’Keefe, fond brother-in-law of John O’Keefe, and proud and loving uncle of Jack and Christina O’Keefe.
Richie had a very warm and generous heart, often referred to as “a gentle giant”. He loved the family dog, Logan, a rescued black Lab, along with the many other pets that he’s had over the years. As a child, he played baseball at West Shore Little League. He also enjoyed fishing off the Great Kills jetty with his sisters and friends, as well as crabbing with his dad in New Jersey. Classic cars, especially Cadillacs, were his lifelong passion.
Rich was an excellent cook. He especially enjoyed making huge pots of sauce with meatballs, which were always the hit of any family gathering. Pasta fagioli was another of his specialties, as well as his Thanksgiving stuffing, which was handed down from his cherished great grandmother.
Family will welcome visitors at Cherubini-McInerney Funeral Home on Sunday, September 12, from 2:00pm~4:00pm & 7:00pm~9:00pm. A mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Clements R.C. Church on Monday, September 13th at 10:15am, internment to follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery.
Service
Viewing
Cherubini McInerney Funeral Home
1289 Forest Avenue, Staten Island, New York 10302
Sunday, September 12, 2021
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Sunday, September 12, 20217:00pm - 9:00pm
Mass of Christian Burial
St. Clement's R.C. Church
126 Van Pelt Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10303
Monday, September 13, 202110:15am
Burial
St. Peter's Cemetery
52 Tyler Avenue, Staten Island, New York 10310
Monday, September 13, 2021
Monica, Rich Passante and Rosalie says
To the Stefanski Family – We are all so saddened to hear about Richie’s passing. May Heaven’s gates welcome him into our kingdom and may God continue to watch over you all during this sad time.
With love and condolences,
Monica & Rich Passante
Rosalie Ursillo and Family
Ronnie Mormino says
Very sorry to hear about Ritchie ,I haven’t seen him in a long time and feel really bad about this ,we had some fun times Rich Rest In Peace Brother
Janet Lane says
Dear Barbara, Chris, Vinny, Sandy, John, Jack, and Christina we are so sorry to hear about the passing of Rich.Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. He is at peace now.
With all our love and condolences
DICK and Janet Lane and family
Donna and Jeff Slackman says
Dear Barbara, Christine, Sandy and family
We are so saddened by the news of Richies passing. We hope you will find some peace and comfort when you look back on all of the wonderful memories shared with him.
Our love and heartfelt condolences to you all.
Donna and Jeff
Doris Mondello (Sis) says
Dear Barbara and Family – We are so sorry and stunned to hear about Richie’s passing. May he rest in peace.
Love,
Sis, Tommy and Michael Mondello
Louie Saladino says
Richie Kid, I can’t believe it buddy. 🙁 I texted you on September 3rd to see how you were doing, and I figured you were sleeping or getting tests done in the hospital. Something made me call you today and it said the number was disconnected. I just googled your name and I saw the Horrible and SADDENING news of you passing away. 🙂 Rickie kid, I loved you, my brother. We were partners together on Electrical jobs and we always kept in touch. You were the Gentle Giant and had a Heart of Gold. I am gonna miss you so much buddy. Tears are falling as I write this. GOD bless you brother and my sincere condolences to the Stefanski Family. Richie we had a real connection buddy, we were on the same page with everything. That’s why we got along so well. It’s not fair!!! It’s just not fair! I know we will meet up again up in Heaven buddy. I can’t wait!!!! Love ya kid!!!!!!
Barbara Stefanski says
We wish to thank everyone for their kind, comforting words at this sad time.
A void in our hearts but we trust in our dear Lord that one day we will be together again.
Sincerest thank you, Barbara and Family