Richard F. Paparo

Richard F. Paparo

On July 7, 2023, of Washington Twp. Age 82.  Beloved husband of Barbara (nee Marcellino). Devoted father of Doria DeMarco, Tami McAteer (Thomas), Jennifer Lorincz (Kevin), Michael Simmons (Victoria), Tim Simmons (Karen), and Melissa Taylor (Anthony). Loving grandfather of Sean, Olivia, Adam, Emma, Noah, Dante, Drew, Sophia, and Anthony. Dear brother of Annamarie DiDonato, Joseph Paparo, and the late Leon Paparo, Jr., Rita Montone, and Harry Paparo. Loved by nieces and nephews. Survived by his furry companion Maggie.

In Memoriam:

Richard “Richie” Francis Paparo, 82, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, July 7, 2023. The beloved grandfather, husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend was an army veteran and honored United Parcel Service driver who will be missed for many reasons, but especially for his dutiful support of family.

Since 1981, Richie has lived in Turnersville, N.J., with wife Barbara and daughters Doria, Tami and Jennifer at a home where family and friends often gathered. He was a fixture at his backyard grill and in the community, serving as an usher at Saints Peter and Paul Church, where he was charged with running parish casino trips for many years. Richie was also a longtime volunteer with The Our Lady of Mount Carmel Society Festival – the nation’s longest running Italian festival – where he prepared sausage & pepper and meatball sandwiches.

In retirement, much of his time was devoted to grandchildren Sean, Olivia, Adam, Emma, Noah, Dante, Drew and Sophia. He was especially adept at identifying their favorite things and delivering those with additional money for both fun and savings. “Pop-Pop” babysat all and drove each to preschool in his beloved Cadillac.

Richie’s measured demeanor belied a feisty spirit – sometimes revealed in Philadelphia Eagles traffic – and a playful humor that was often appreciated by his grandkids.

The annual family highlight was its vacation to Ocean City, NJ, where he treated others often to breakfast at Uncle Bills Pancake House and monitored parking opportunities around the home. Not especially fond of the beach, his focus was creating lifetime memories and mindfully escaping to Atlantic City, where he enjoyed gaming, shows, and dinners. Family members were often bestowed the gifts earned via his frequent patronage.

Born on September 3, 1940, to Leon and Elizabeth, Richie was raised with brothers Leon Jr., Harry and Joseph, and sisters Rita and Annamarie on Ritner Street in South Philadelphia. He also resided in Hammonton with stepchildren Michael, Tim, and Melissa.

He and Barbara spent 45 years together, seeing the movie The Goodbye Girl on their first date in 1978. On their first time out for a “family” dinner, her girls ordered lobster, a surprising choice that horrified Barbara, but left Richie undeterred. Before their move to South Jersey, he would bring the girls Frank’s Soda and donuts every Friday to win their favor.

In recent years, he persevered through many health setbacks without complaint and with a Phillies game or western movie on the television. The caregivers who provided hospice the past year served to extend his family.

Richie is survived by the many who experienced his loving consideration, effort, and loyalty.

Richard’s life will be honored and remembered privately by his family.