Richard T Chmiel

Richard Chmiel passed away Tuesday March 6, 2018 at the age of 69. Born on September 2, 1948, the son of the late Benjamin and Mary Chmiel; he was predeceased by his brother Kenneth Chmiel and will be missed by daughters Catherine and Rebecca, as well as brother Thomas Chmiel and sister Margaret Guidetti.

Richard served his country in the U.S. Army as a tank commander in Germany during the Vietnam War before completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from San Francisco State University and a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology from Montclair State University.

He was an avid reader, who loved spending Sundays drinking coffee and doing the NY Times crossword puzzle. In addition to his brilliant mind, Richard was a great athlete who excelled in baseball and especially basketball. He liked watching his favorite team, the Yankees, with his brother Tom at home and at the stadium. He also loved music and enjoyed attending concerts, listening to records and discussing the history of blues, jazz and rock and roll. Richard was a devoted coach and teacher, whether at his job as a professor at Kean University or coaching basketball for various leagues and camps.

Growing up in Bayonne, he attended high school in Woodbridge, N.J., where he established close friendships that lasted throughout his life; he was always thrilled to see these friends at their regular monthly get together. As a father, he had a playful sense of humor, spirited imagination and uncanny ability to turn anything into a game. This humor, his intellect and animated and engaging nature will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org or the Benjamin Chmiel Scholarship Fund of Colonia High School.

Visitation Sunday March 11, 2018 from 2:00PM to 4:00PM and 7:00PM to 9:00PM at the Funeral Home. Funeral Services Monday March 12,2018 at 8:30AM followed by a 9:30 AM Mass at St. John Vianney Church, Colonia. Interment St Gertrude Cemetery, Colonia.

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