Richard J. Denes Sr.

Richard J. Denes, Sr.

Hopelawn - Richard J. Denes, Sr. 80 passed away peacefully in JFK Hospice on March 6, 2018. Born in Fords until the age of 2, when he moved to Perth Amboy until marriage in 1960, then to Hopelawn.

Growing up, Rich was never without a job: Newspaper delivery, stock clerk at Lobels Children's Store, soda jerk at Arky's Drug Store, Raders Floral Shop delivering flowers and working many hours during high school and college and part time after marriage at Ben Leone's Shell Gas Station pumping gas.

He graduated Perth Amboy High School Class of 1956, then went on to Monmouth College and graduated in June 1960. Was married July 23, 1960 and started teaching 5th grade in Edgar School for the Board of Education in Metuchen in 1960. In 1989 when the schools changed he was in Campbell School until his retirement of 39 years in June 1999. He was a member of the N.E.A., N.J.E.A., M.C.E.A., and M.E.A. He was the treasurer of the M.E.A. Richard also did maintenance work at the schools in the summer off time, and then taught Metuchen Summer School for many years from the start of it to until it ended. In the beginning of his career he was the Visual Aids Coordinator for many years until it became outdated. He loved Science and started a Science Club after school. He also was in charge of the 5th grade Crossing Guard Group and at the end of the season had a picnic for them and also his classroom which was every year out back of the wooded area at Edgar School. He also was one of the founders in the Metuchen Schools Outdoor Education Program 1971. He continued and volunteered in that program for many years after retirement building the largest campfires into a tee-pee with visual effects and did a fireworks display for the children also. Early years at camp he did visual aids in the day time working up to a ghost story at night. He also took the children and taught them how to catch a fish and release. Rich loved nature and walking in the woods making discoveries. He was very well loved by his colleges and the retired teachers would get together at least once a year for a dinner. Out of his career he started a very special friendship with his principal Jim Paterno in 1973. They enjoyed the same hobby of trains. Jim and his wife have been one of our closest friends and support systems.

Rich and his wife June were lifelong members of the First Baptist Church of Perth Amboy when they started going together he 17 and her 13. In those days everything revolved around the church with our loving pastor Rev. Peter Kowalchuk (who also married us) and his wife Vera. They were Rev. K and Mrs. K. to all of the children. In serving with the First Baptist Church over the years, he was an usher, Sunday School Teacher, a car driver for those children who did not have a ride to activities, Superintendent of the Sunday School, Trustee, Vacation Bible School Aide, bus driver, and Baptist Youth Fellowship President of the youth group. In 1979 we attended the Raritan Valley Baptist Church during Rev. David Platt's tenure. Richard's favorite Bible passage was: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever." Amen Also a quote from his favorite singer, Frank Sinatra. "The best is yet to come." Which incidentally is on Sinatra's simple grave marker in Forest Lawn, California.

Over the years Richard had many hobbies. He loved music and built a Hi-fi and collected all of Frank Sinatra's records. He had a 48 Plymouth that he put a motor in and other automobile mechanics. In early years of marriage it was having many tanks of fish. He loved his vegetable garden for many years and froze many vegetables and canning of pickles with his wife. He loved Mets baseball, Jets football and watching both grandsons play ball from kindergarten through college. His biggest love was his collection of Lionel Trains and parts. He joined the Train Collectors Association in 1964 until just a few years ago. He had one of the largest collection of over 10,000 different kinds of parts. He shipped all over the U.S. and was in the top 10 of collectors with parts. He was a member of Metca Train Collectors, a local group that had train meets. He also was the Editor of the Metca newsletter. He enjoyed family camping and G.S. camping with his wife and family. One of his favorite endeavors was serving on the Perth Amboy High School Class of 1956 Reunion Committee for at least 40 years. The vacation every year since he was 2 years old was at Camp-of-the-Woods, a Christian vacation on purpose in Speculator, New York in the Adirondack Mountains. Rich's favorite place to go after retirement was his beloved Superior Diner, on Smith Street, Perth Amboy, N.J. talking to the owners Paul and Steve. Over the years Rich also played many jokes or tricks on his children, Richie and Sherri and wife June.

He was predeceased by his parents Joseph G. Denes and Ida R. Cline Denes. He is survived by his loving wife June Ann Dickson Denes of 57 years plus 5, his daughter Sherri Guarino (husband George) Jackson, N.J. son Richard Joseph Denes Jr. (wife June Ann Garrone Denes) Perth Amboy, N.J., grandchildren Christine Lombardi (husband Tom) , Ryan Guarino & fiancé, Brittany, Matthew Guarino & Tiffani and step granddaughter, Kristy Seifred (Denes). Also two Great grandchildren Hailey and Logan. Also two step grandchildren Gianna and Morgan. A sister Cynthia J. Livingston, of Howell, N.J., A brother Robert C. Denes, of West Allenhurst, N.J.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday March 15 at Flynn and Son Funeral Home, 23 Ford Avenue, Fords. Burial will be at the Alpine Cemetery on Amboy Avenue, Perth Amboy, N.J. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on March 14. Please No mass cards and in lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the family for them to donate to their favorite charities. For directions or to send condolence messages. Visit www.flynnfuneral.com