Richard Michael Peteroy

Richard Michael Peteroy, affectionately known as Richie, passed away on June 7, 2022 at the age of 76. Born on August 2, 1945, in Staten Island to John and Concetta ("Connie") Peteroy, Richie was the youngest of three. A gentle soul, known for his enormous heart, with kindness and warmth endearing him to all who knew him as a loyal friend, beloved father, husband, son, brother, uncle, and grandfather.

Richie's early life was marked by resilience and determination. Born just weeks before the end of World War II, he contracted polio at the age of three, which led to over three months of recovery in an iron lung and left him with a lifelong disability. Despite this, Richie never let his condition define him. His tenacity was evident when he attempted to enlist in the army during the Vietnam War.

Known for his humor and ingenuity, Richie had a knack for turning challenges into opportunities. As a child, he and his friends once boarded up their school in a playful attempt to extend their summer vacation. Later, he and a friend would shovel snow for a local Chinese restaurant in exchange for a free meal.

After high school, Richie spent time up in Massachusetts with his friend Dave, taking on various jobs, including a stint as a waiter and working at a renowned celebrity rehab facility. He returned to Staten Island to earn his BA degree and later moved to New York City, where he began a successful career in sales at ITT and attended graduate school at NYU.

It was during a Tai Chi class in the Village that Richie met the love of his life, Lynn. In a classic tale of serendipity and his trademark clumsiness, he dropped his bus token while introducing himself, leading Lynn to pay his bus fare. He took her on a date as a thank you and they married four years later in 1981 at Barge Music under the Brooklyn Bridge.

Richie and Lynn enjoyed life in the West Village where he introduced her to his favorite global cuisines, including Spanish food at Sevilla and falafel at Mamoun's. They moved to Long Island in 1986 to raise their family following the birth of their daughter Lauren and later welcomed their son Matthew in 1990.

A devoted father, Richie cherished dancing to rock 'n' roll with his children and taking walks to keep them entertained. He coached soccer, never missed a sporting event or recital, and *tried* to teach them how to drive stick shift in his beloved Mazda Miata. He was a constant source of support and love.

Despite his Alzheimer's diagnosis, Richie maintained a positive outlook. The disease may have taken much from him, but it could not diminish his spirit. In his final days, we saw Richie's personality come back most when his granddaughter Mackenzie was with him. He always connected with kids and that was no exception, even at the end.

Richie is survived by his loving wife, Lynn; children Lauren and Matthew, along with Lauren's husband, Jimmy and Matthew's partner, Koos; and granddaughters Mackenzie and Chloe, who was born the day after Richie's passing. He is also survived by his sister Marie, sisters-in-law Marcia and Elyse, brothers-in-law Steve and Jeff, and nieces and nephews Lisa, Tina, Joseph, Andrea, Evan, Alain, Herb, Johnathan, Stephanie, Maya and Matt, and great-niece Amelia and great-nephews Paul and Joseph. He was predeceased by his parents John and Connie, and was joined in death by his big brother Frank, who passed away in November 2022.

Richie's legacy is one of love, resilience, and an indomitable spirit. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him.