Richard Caunitz

Richard Caunitz, a resident of Nanuet, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2024 surrounded by his family. Rich was born February 21, 1940 to Joseph and Mary Caunitz. He grew up in Brooklyn and proudly attended St. Francis Prep in Williamsburg. He graduated Brooklyn College of the City of New York with a BS in Accounting.
Upon his graduation, Rich enlisted in the National Guard. He served in a combination of active service and reserve duty with the US Army.
His first accounting job was in the headquarters of Texaco, Inc in NYC. After 5 years, he joined IBM where he completed 27 years of financial and sales management. In 1995, he became the assistant to the President and CEO at the Jacob Javits Center in NYC. Later, in 1999, Rich became the Director of Management Information Systems for the County of Rockland until his retirement in 2018.
Rich is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Maureen (Kelly) along with his daughter Colleen, son Brian, and daughter in law Denise (Strehle). Rich is survived by his beloved grandchildren; Ryan, Paige, and Dylan who thought the world of him.He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Rosemary along with many cherished nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Joseph and Mary, his brother Albert Caunitz and sister-in-law Dolores, and brother-in-law John Kelly.
Rich strongly believed in giving back to his community. He was a devout Catholic and an active member of St. Anthony's Parish where he served on the Parish Council for many years. Rich was a CCD teacher, member of the PTA, Honoree of the Year for Good Council Home, Man of the Year of the Rockland Federation of Catholic Schools, Advisory Board member of both the New Yorkers for Choice in Education and the NY State American Family Association.
Rich was a proud member of the Rockland County Republican Committee. He was elected as Clarkstown County Legislator from 1992 through 1995.
Rich joined the AOH in 1989. He served in many different capacities throughout the years including Division Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Scholarship Committee Chairperson, Catholic Action Chairman of the County AOH Committee. Rich was also honored to be a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Additionally, Rich was a member of the American Legion Post 1682. He enjoyed serving as the webmaster to all of these organizations.
Rich lived life to the fullest and loved spending time with his family and friends. He instilled the importance of making the most of every moment to all that knew him. He loved his gym classes, the senior club, over 70 plus ski club and the beach. He especially enjoyed traveling and his Road Scholar trips.
He was a man of strong faith and honor. Rich is an inspiration to us all and will be cherished forever.
The family would like to thank the many friends, family and special people who have been supportive during this difficult time, especially United Hospice of Rockland.
Visitation will be Monday 2 - 6 pm
Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday at 10am in St. Anthony's Parish Church, Nanuet, NY.
Interment will be in St. Anthony's Cemetery
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to:
Bonnie Walsh Education Fund
c/o United Hospice of Rockland
11 Stokum Lane, New City, NY 10956
Or
Good Counsel Home
22 Linden Avenue
Spring Valley, NY 10977