Richard Joseph Musa

July 28, 1944 - March 17, 2008

Monticello, NY

Richard Joseph Musa, known to the trucking community as "Bladerunner", went home to heaven after a long illness on Monday, March 17, 2008. His wife, Oneida (Holyroller), was at his side. He was 63.

Richard, a native of Brooklyn, was the son of Joseph and Julia Hajjar Musa and was born in July 28, 1944. He was a long-time resident of Sullivan County. His early years were spent in the Boy Scouts, where he learned the work ethic and strength of character for which he was known all his life. He enlisted in the Army at age 17 and was one of the youngest men in Special Forces (Green Beret), jumping out of planes and working with demolitions. He was always proud to be an American.

After driving trucks for over 20 years, Richard opened the Bladerunner Knife Company in Montgomery, NY. He worked alongside his first wife, Sonia, who predeceased him several years ago. His business was an outstanding success and his garrulous voice was heard on CB radios throughout the country. "Bladerunner" was considered a friend to thousands of drivers all over the USA, who benefited from his humor, wisdom, and kindness. He was filled with common sense, and helped all who needed it. Many drivers have said that they knew they were "near home" once they heard his familiar voice on the CB radio.

Richard loved life, crossword puzzles, and especially the music of his hero, Bob Dylan. He could recite many of Dylan's songs by memory and would sing them for friends and family. Richard met and married his bride of only two years, Oneida, and they lived in peace in their cottage on Sackett Lake with their little dog, Domino. Before he re-married, Richard came into full communion as a member of the Roman Catholic Church. He died in the arms of Jesus.

Richard leaves behind many friends and family members. He is survived by his wife, Oneida Musa, at home in Monticello. In addition, he is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Edward and Veronica Musa of Neversink and his five grandchildren, Danielle, Brendan, Skylar, Jaclyn Rose and Rebecca. He will always be remembered by his two stepdaughters, Oriana Barish and Mikaela Barish, both of Nyack, who loved him dearly.

A Memorial Mass will take place at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Forestburgh, NY, on Tuesday, March 25, at 11 a.m. and will be followed by a gathering of friends and family at Renee's Hot Stuff Deli at the truck stop at Montgomery, NY.

Memorial contributions in Richard's Memory may be made to St. Thomas Aquinas Church 36 Forestburgh Rd, Forestburgh, NY 12777, or live Easter plants may be sent to the family home for transplantation at a later date in a memorial garden.

Funeral arrangements are by Ramsay's Funeral homes Inc. Monticello, NY 845-794- 2700.