Richard Paul Karcher

October 17, 1935 - November 22, 2020

service

A celebration of life service will take place after the COVID pandemic is over, when it is safe for groups to gather again. Richard’s ashes will be scattered in the sea that he loved so much.

Richard loved the natural world and wanted to see it protected, in lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Sierra Club; a Memorial Fund has been set up in his name and can be accessed by clicking HERE.

Richard Paul Karcher, 85, departed this life on Sunday, November 22, 2020 at the Hunterton Medical Center.

Richard was born on October 17, 1935. He was a proud New Jerseyite who grew up in North Plainfield, NJ, he then moved to Watchung, NJ. Since he was a small child, he spent the summers of his life at the Jersey Shore in Lavallette, where he would retire.

As a young man, Richard took over his father’s business, Karcher and Son Roofing. For decades he was known throughout North Jersey as an honest and fair small businessman and employer. He treated everyone he met with courtesy and respect.

Richard met the love of his life, Beverly, in 1961, on a blind date and never looked back; they were happily married for 58 years. Richard was a devoted husband and wonderful Dad to Philip (Janet), David (Kris), and Rebecca (Jo Ann) and grandpa to Kali, Charles, Greta, Duncan, and Lena. He will always be the best Dad in the world.

He is predeceased by his parents Julius and Virginia Karcher, and his sister Joan.

Richard was committed to a lifestyle of health and fitness his entire life. He loved the Jersey Shore. When he was in his 20s, he built and sold surfboards and canoes, and operated motor boats in the ocean and on Barnegat Bay. However, once he discovered catamaran sailing it became his passion. Richard designed, built, and sailed catamarans and had the time of his life participating in, and often winning, races on Barnegat Bay and regattas up and down the east coast.

A celebration of life service will take place after the COVID pandemic is over, when it is safe for groups to gather again. Richard’s ashes will be scattered in the sea that he loved so much.

Full arrangements are under the care and direction of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ 08822.

Please visit Richard’s permanent life celebration site at www.wrightfamily.com to light a candle of hope, leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of his life.

____________________________ HERE

Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”

A celebration of life service will take place after the COVID pandemic is over, when it is safe for groups to gather again. Richard’s ashes will be scattered in the sea that he loved so much.

Richard Paul Karcher, 85, departed this life on Sunday, November 22, 2020 at the Hunterton Medical Center. Richard was born on October 17, 1935. He was a proud New Jerseyite who grew up in North Plainfield, NJ, he then moved to Watchung, NJ. Since he was a small child, he spent the summers of hisContinue Reading

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So sorry to hear about Dick’s passing…it looks like he was surrounded in the love of his family and grandbabies. Always remember him as a man of the Sea… Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Sincerely, Pegg (Dogwood Lane)

So sorry to hear about Richard's passing. My thoughts & prayers go out to the Karcher family. Richard would've remembered me as that friend of Philip's that kept bugging him for a summer job in his roofing business & him finally breaking down? & letting me work for him during summer of 83. I was greatful for gaining those roofing skills & learning from Richard. I have fond memories of Richard & the Karcher family growing up the street from them in NP & hanging out since 7 or 8?(friends with Philip, scouts, commiserating about the 73 flood, playing in their backyard & woods, hanging out as young boys). I distinctly remember Richard taking us out catamaraning/tacking, and exploring little sand dune islands for 1 of Philip's birthdays. I do remember his fitness focus and the things he would eat & drink to stay fit. (what appeared to be odd concoctions to a young man? Lol) One was like an oatmeal /Kretchmer wheat germ mix, he would have on a roofing job? I laugh, as I just finished some granola with kretchmer wheat germ?. He was like a mix between the neighborhood Jack Lalane & the old school greybeard surfer dude. God Bless & Condolences to the Karcher family.

It's difficult for my wife and I to believe that Dick has passed. He was such a good friend. I worked for him in the sixties before his father passed. Dick taught me roofing skills and had me making fiberglass surfboards, When his father learned that I was an accounting major in college he showed me how to do the taxes for the business which I've done ever since and now I'm helping Beverly wrap things up. We met several times at the house in Lavallette and went to dinner and we went for Chinese food, Dick's favorite, Dick and I discovered that our parents took us to the same Chinese restaurant in Plainfield, NJ on the second floor on Front Street. Dick is always in our thoughts - we miss him !!

Comments for Dick Karcher from Ronald Dreger When Beverly told me that Dick had passed on I saw another spark leave the light of this life. It was my privilege and pleasure to have known Dick through seven decades. I met Dick first in the 1950s. In those days he was that handsome, muscular, blond Adonis we all admired. He was handsome on the outside but more important he was handsome on the inside, for of all his life bringing warmth to each person he met. Dick we wish you Godspeed as you bring your spark to enhance the light of the next life.

In memory of Richard Paul Karcher, Beverly Karcher lit a candle

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

We were so deeply saddened to hear of Dick's passing. We have the fondest memories of times spent together, and will always remember this gentle genius who always had a smile and treated everyone with kindness and respect. We extend our condolences to Beverly, Philip, David, Rebecca and all the family. With deepest sympathy, Jill and Michael Gallina

Dear Beverly, I am sorry to hear of the loss of such dear person. My heart is with you & wishing you comfort at such a tough time for you and your family. Sincerely Phyllis Fittipaldi

Dear Beverly and family, We are saddened to hear of Dick’s passing. He was a kind and gentle man that will be missed by all that knew him. Take comfort and find strength from the wonderful memories and the support of your family and friends. With our deepest sympathy, Janet and Phil

DEAR BEVERLY SO SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR HUSBAND. THIS HAS BEEN A SAD YEAR. I KNOW THE HEARTACHE YOURGOING THROUGH IM STILL GOING THROUGH IT. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND KEEP YOU SAFE. WITH LOVE AND BLESSINGS ??????????❤️????

Dear Beverly My deepest sympathy to you and your family on the loss of a wonderful guy.

We spent many hours with Dick. Tom loved working with and for Dick. He still has the surfboard they made, he loved racing with Dick too! They were so much alike! Our condolences to you and the family for the loss of this gentle man. Much love Bobbi and Tom

I feel grateful that I had come to know Dick through Beverly and deeply respect his love and closeness to nature. May he now be at one with all that is and be remembered always for all the good he spread while in this human life.

Dear Beverly and family, Please accept my sincere feelings of sympathy. Dick was a wonderful person, husband, father, and grandfather. I can do anything you need done. Please ask. My heartfelt feelings of condolence are with you at this sad time. Hugs and love

Dear Beverly, Please know that you have my deepest sympathy at the loss of your beloved husband. I know it will do little to help but you are in my thoughts during this tragic time. May your wonderful family comfort you and give you peace.

Dearest Beverly, my heart breaks for you and your family. Dick was such an amazing man and Steve and I thoroughly enjoyed our time with him when you came to visit. Words cannot make the loss and pain go away, but time will lessen it. I wish I could give you and Becky a hug, but the times we are in will not let that happen right now. Know that you have friends and family who will help you remember the good times. We will surely celebrate Dick's life as soon as it is safe.

Beverly, Becky David Philip my sincere condolences goes out to you and your fami;y. I am fortunate enough to be able to have shared some time with you and your family . Always good memories. Love you Lisa D'Amato

My condolences to you and your family Beverly... O am so sorry to read about this. You and Dick are were a;ways so wonderful to my family. He has always been in food hands Heaven will be glad to have him , I'm sure he'll; be doing some great work up there .

Beverly,I can’t get Dick out of my mind! He was a terrific man,,with all the best qualities!, I wish you all the love your family can give you ❤️

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Beverly, I'm so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed and respected Dick. I have such great memories of him and all your family. Wish we could turn back the hands of time but we just need to leave it in the hands of God who will watch over him for you. ? Susan

Rebecca, In times of loss and sadness, let the memories of your father bring you comfort. May you always feel his Spirit nearby. My deepest Condolences to you and your family.

To Beverly and Family,My deepest and sincerest sympathy to you on the loss of Dick. Being around family and friends was a consolation to me after my Richard passed and Remembering the happy times is so important. Joyce

311 Lincoln Avenue Apt A Lyndhurst nj 07071 My condolences to Rebecca,David and Philip I really don't what to say I'm still in shock and still cry whenever I think about Rich he has been like a father to me just as he was to you 3. To work for Karcher and son for 30yrs and better I have so many memories of him and what he has taught me I am the very last one left and I will carry the torch with it burning bright so that he can see it a smile down on me I'm going to miss talking with him about eating right and exercising. Rich was very genuine if he care for you because he sure did care for me, my mentor my friend your going to be missed a great deal.

I did not meet Dick until the early 70’s but then spent hours sailing with him or cruising the bay single handing our catamarans. He could repair anything with Fiberglas, a true craftsman. One weekend we rushed off the water to avoid a thunderstorm, only to watch from the LYC deck, his boat, with the tallest mast on the beach, get hit by lightning. That current streamed down the mast, then jump ed to ground from the four corners of the aluminum tramp supports, with each bursting into flame. It was a mess. He had that boat fixed by the next weekend while I am sure taking care of his roofing customers. He taught me many of the tricks of the trade, both sailing and fiberglass – even straightened a mast for me with the help of two barrels, a “dead man” and block and tackle. A treasured friend that I know many will miss.

Bob Fierro forwarded this sad information to me. Dick was always fun to be with. I remember riding in his canoe in the surf (which split apart) and then in the new one he built that was much stronger. We would go to the surf club where he would not drink but being with him enabled me to get in and have a beer even though I was underaged. I remember water skiing behind one of his cat's as well as getting quite a shiner when was on a hiking board and we went over. Bev, I hope you remember me as well. While it has been years since I last saw you two, the great memories will never go away. I am so sorry for your loss. Tim Snedecor

My deepest condolences on the loss of a great man. Phil, my heart goes out to you at this difficult time. I'll never forget your dad and his sailing was truly remarkable.

A great and passionate man. I have many wonderful memories of Dick. He will be sorely missed. My deepest heartfelt sympathies to Beverly, Phil, David, and Becky.

Dick set the bar high as a true patriarch, father, father-in-law, grandfather, model citizen and business owner. A top sailor on Barnegat Bay who knew the ins and outs of a wind shift before it happend, he led his life with strength, wisdom, and love. May you rest in peace with fair winds and calm waters always. You are missed.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.