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Lloyd Maxcy & Sons Beauchamp Chapel, Inc. - New Rochelle

16 Shea Place

New Rochelle, New York

RICHARD PRUSS Obituary

PRUSS--Richard.

75, of Larchmont, NY, died on July 14, 2018. He was born in Brooklyn and raised on Long Island. A pioneer in the substance use disorder treatment field, he was President and CEO of Samaritan Village from 1974-2008. During his tenure, Samaritan grew from a single outpatient clinic in Richmond Hill to one of the largest non-profit treatment providers in New York State. Pruss guided the agency to be one of the first providers to offer primary health care services alongside treatment to address Hepatitis C, diabetes and other chronic diseases facing clients. Pruss was a founding member and past President of the Therapeutic Communities Association of New York and the national Therapeutic Communities of America (now Treatment Communities of America) organizations. He also helped found the New York State Association of Substance Abuse Providers (now Association of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Providers) and served as President from 1988-1992. Pruss was Chairman of the Board of Damian Family Care Centers, Inc., a primary medical health center and dental care services provider in New York State. A recipient of the Governor's Lifetime Achievement Award, Pruss served as Board President of Samaritan from 2015-2017 where he oversaw the historic merger of Samaritan Village with the iconic Daytop Village in 2015. Pruss is survived by his wife of 18 years, Kathleen A. Riddle, cofounder of the Queens based treatment agency Outreach, daughters Deena Mauro and Jenny Pruss, a brother Sheldon Pruss and his wife Christine, son-in law Thomas Mauro, granddaughters Montana Mauro, Paige Mauro, and Sydney Hain, a grandson Dalton Hain, eight nephews and six nieces. Contributions may be made to the Samaritan Daytop Foundation or the Alzheimer's Foundation of America.

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Published by New York Times on Jul. 22, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for RICHARD PRUSS

25 Entries

Jessica Badillo

July 18, 2021

Thank you to you and your family for changing the lives of many including mine indirectly. Growing up and visiting you and your family was all fun.Today I look back into my youth and I appreciate all that you stood for and your genorsity..Thank you Pruss Family...Lucie's lil Sister.

July 11, 2021

Think about you all the time, the lessons I learned. I wonder if you're watching over, if you're proud of what you see. Always in my heart, my second father.

Doug chiappetta

October 8, 2019

Richard was truly one of a kind. He was a gentile and loving soul. His commitment to helping others was unwavering. He was a friend and indeed ...will be missed. It was my honor to know him. RIP.

Gary Dukofsky

January 7, 2019

Dear Pruss family,
Please accept our heart felt condolences to all of you on the passing of our brilliant cousin Richard.
Most Sincerely,
Gary and Elli Dukofsky

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Lisa Torres

November 1, 2018

I worked with Richard years ago. I was his secretary, along with Joyce Berg. I have so many fond memories of Richard. He treated me like a daughter. I remember visiting his home in Dix Hills with my kids. I'm deeply saddened by the news. My deepest condolences to the family.

Sheila Glenn

August 7, 2018

I loved Richard dearly. He gave me the benefit of his wisdom and encouraged me on my path. I am grateful to have known him.

Suzanne Hall-Westcott

July 30, 2018

Richard was someone to admire, both personally and professionally. He was smart and real and compassionate. He had a strength of character that is rare and that inspired others to strive to be their best selves. I miss him and my heart breaks for Kathy and the family... as well as all of his many friends who, like me, are still processing this profound loss. I wish your life were longer, dear Richard, but it was indeed well lived.

Susan Ohanesian

July 25, 2018

We have lost a giant in our field. Godspeed Richard. My sympathies to Kathy and all your family

Loretta Bivens

July 25, 2018

I will miss you, Richard. You were always so kind to me. I appreciated every conversation and every laugh we shared. You were definitely one of the good guys.

To the family of this wonderful man, my sincere condolences. I pray that the Spirit of God give you comfort and peace during your time of sorrow. God bless you.

Dona Pagan

July 25, 2018

Bless your new journey. Thank you to the family for allowing the time and dedication it took to build Samaritan Village that brought a recovery path to so many lives.
My deepest condolences.

July 24, 2018

May the God of comfort and peace continue to be with family and friends to see you through this difficult time. Hosea 13:14

Mitchell Stern

July 24, 2018

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Margaret Stephens LPN

July 23, 2018

I met Richard a couple of years ago at the ASAP conference. I did not know who he was but he spoke to me as I was admiring some wining art work of some Samaritan Village residents. He said It gets to you doesn't it. We talked and I was in awe me a Samaritan nurse at my first ever conference. He was so encouraging then later someone said I did not know you knew Mr Pruss I said oh I don't know him but he sure was nice. Then they told me of all his accomplishments in the substance use field. I was honored that he took time with me. The person speaking to me said he is just that kind of guy earlier you looked so lost he probably saw your name tag and wanted you to be comfortable. So I salute you and can say from experience Richard is the and will always be the Man.

Renee Giorgi

July 23, 2018

You were a good man. A father and grandfather who was loved dearly. You will be missed. Rest in peace. Love Renee and Jimmy.

Noni Moran

July 23, 2018

Kathy sending many hugs. So sorry for your great loss. Hang in there.
So many wonderful things he accomplished. I know you are proud. Noni

Sylvia Santiago

July 23, 2018

Please accept my sincere condolences for the family.

Mary Silberstein

July 22, 2018

An honor to have known Richard and to know of his passion, compassion, caring and leadership in a field that moves at times at a snails pace.

Robert Lebman

July 22, 2018

A tremendous loss not just to the family but for the entire state. It was an honor to know Richard and be his colleague over the years. He wll be truly missed. His memory will live on and his legacy will be an inspiration for those to come.

July 22, 2018

Richard, the light in my heart dimmed with your passing. Thank you for being such an important person in my life

-Patricia Taylor

hearts dimmed with your passing.

July 22, 2018

Our condolences to the Pruss Family, such an awesome man but your legacy will live on! May God bless and keep you.

Carrie Booker-Searcy
New York

E. Alain Scott

July 21, 2018

Your legacy of serving humanity can never be outdone or outlived. May your soul find rest and peace and your continue your onward journey. Samaritan Daytop Village is what is is and can do what it because because of who you have been. RIP

Roy Kearse

July 20, 2018

RICHARD THE MAN!

This poem is dedicated to Richard who I must refer to as the man You see from the moment I met Richard I became a huge fan

I mean what is there for anyone not to love His life story is the stuff that legends are made of

In the turbulent sixties he started as a volunteer And Richard the man life sky rocketed from there

Who knew that simply by answering the call He would have an opportunity to do it all

Director, Samaritan president, world traveler, and finally president of the board I remember the day he received the governors lifetime achievement award

But despite all the accolades there was another reason Richard was the man You see quite simply the brother was always willing to take a stand

From advocating for addicts, to building programs to meet their needs Much of the innovation in this field was planted by Richards seeds

He may not have set out to hit a grand slam But you be the judge when you look at his programs

A pioneer in medication assisted treatment, homeless and veteran service He took on the challenges that made other people nervous

And if all those things weren't nearly enough Richard the man role modeled the personal stuff

Caring father, devoted husband, mentor, and thoughtful friend The list goes on and on, I'm sure that you could probably chime in

Richard was someone you could count on in a pinch He was what you would call a true mensch

I guess you can see why it hurts so much that he is no longer in this land But he will never be forgotten, because he will always be Richard the man !

Roy kearse July

Tonya Chestnut

July 20, 2018

My condolences are with the family. I didn't know you personally but I am grateful for your life. Because of you you gave people back their lives. May you Rest in Peace.

Joel Mason

July 20, 2018

My thoughts go out to The Pruss Family. I was an early board and new Richard as a dedicated person wanting to help people in need. Sorry to see him leave us so early in his life. I spoke with him last winter.

Like a Father

Theresa Pergola

July 19, 2018

Richard, I am grateful for the presence you had in my life. You taught me so much about life and love. I will miss you terribly and never forget the memories we shared. Always in my heart.

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