Obituary: Ex-Fort Monmouth Fire Chief Richard O'Shaughnessy, 89, of Middletown

Richard Neill O’Shaughnessy, 89, of Middletown, NJ, died on September 11, 2014, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Philadelphia, lived in Trenton, and then lived in Middletown for 59 years. Richard worked as a Federal Fire Chief for Fort Monmouth, retiring in 1979. He was a member of the Middletown Fire Department and Fairview First Aid Squad for over 59 years and has the honor of being the only Fire Chief in Middletown to have served six years. He received the New Jersey State Firefighter of the year award in 1981, and New Jersey State First Aider of the year award in 2008. Richard was a communicant of St. James R. C. Church in Red Bank. Richard was a Veteran of the US Navy, serving during WWII, and was active duty and reservist for 32 years before retiring as Master Chief.

Richard is preceded in death by beloved first wife, Rosemarie Farkas, brother John O’Shaughnessy, step-daughter Sandra Jo Pulford, and step-grandson Michael LaSalla.

Surviving are his wife of 29 years, Virginia O’Shaughnessy; son, Richard J O’Shaughnessy of Middletown; daughters, Patricia Vanderwerker and son-in-law Richard of Antioch, IL; Katie Furiato and son-in-law Ron of Middletown; Peg O’Shaughnessy and son-in-law Tom Wentworth of S. Orange; and Patricia LaSalla of Holliday, FL; 10 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandson.

Visitations will be held at John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, 115 Tindall Road, Middletown on Sunday, September 14, 2014 from 6 to 9 p.m., with services provided by Middletown Fire Department and Fairview First Aid; and on Monday, September 15, 2014 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral services are scheduled for Tuesday, September 16 at 9:00 am at the funeral home. A funeral liturgy will be offered at 10:00 am at St. James R. C. Church, Broad St., Red Bank. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery Middletown.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to either River Plaza Hose Co. No. 1 or Fairview First Aid Squad.