Obituaries

Richard Walter Seuffert, “Dick”, age 89 of Middletown, passed away on Oct 17th, 2016 at his home.  Born in Newark to Joseph and Irene, he was the youngest of three sons. Dick attended St. Benedict’s Preparatory School in Newark and after serving in the U.S Navy during World War II, as a seaman aboard the USS Endicott, he graduated from Seton Hall University. Like his father Dick became a professional Firefighter in Newark and served with Engine Co. 9 for several years.  During his summer months, he was a professional lifeguard in Belmar.

Called back into service during the Korean War, he served briefly on the USS Wisconsin and then was stationed in French Morocco with his wife Dolores.  Dick was known as one of the “Tin Can Sailors”.  After an honorable discharge from the Navy, Dick was hired as the Assistant City Manager for Newark, then as the first full-time Business Administrator for Middletown, and then City Manager for Rockaway Township.  Dick also served as Vice President of Business Operations at Snyder-Westerland Co. in Atlantic Highlands. Before retiring, he finished his career as a consultant for the Middletown Township Planning Commission.

Richard was an active member of St Catharine’s Church in Holmdel. He was an avid supporter of St. Benedict’s Preparatory school and attended their reunions on a regular basis.

Richard loved nothing more than being around his children and grandchildren and especially having bagels from the Bagel Oven on Sunday mornings.  He loved turkey dinners, apple pie and milky ways. He loved the sun and beach and you could always find him lying in his chair soaking up the sun on his deck.  Richard loved all four-legged animals.  Kids and pets just gravitated toward him.  Richard was especially known for his sparkling blue eyes, infectious smile and the fact that he never wore socks to work.

Most importantly, he was a kind and loving father, grandfather and friend and he will be truly missed.

Dick is predeceased by his beloved wife of 65 years, Dolores , and his brothers, Joseph and Donald.  He is survived by his nine children including Denise Carrington of Middletown, Patricia Casper of Red Bank, Kathleen Mehl of Carlsbad CA., Barbara Seuffert of Atlantic Highlands, Paul Seuffert of Colts Neck, Diana Seuffert of Highlands, Richard J. Seuffert of Dawsonville GA., Scott Seuffert of Highlands and William Seuffert of Atlantic Highlands. Of Dick’s nine children, there are sixteen grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Visitation will be on Friday, October 21st from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St, Red Bank.  A  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, October 22nd at 9:15 a.m. at St. Catharine’s Church, 108 Middletown Rd, Holmdel.  Interment will follow at Fair View Cemetery in Middletown.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Dick’s memory to St. Benedict Prep, 520 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Newark, NJ 07102.