Richard J. Staron

Richard Joseph "Dick" Staron died peacefully in Tampa, FL on October 6, 2016 at the age of 73. Dick is survived by his wife, Helene Staron (ne Peyton), three children, and their spouses: Candace Houser (ne Staron) and James Houser of Chicago, IL; Cristina Staron Raker and John Raker of Canton, IL; and Richard and Alyssa Staron (ne Lehman) of Langhorne, PA. He is also survived by his five loving grandchildren: Nina O'Neill (Chicago); Kiera and Max Raker (Canton); and Amlie and Liam Staron (Langhorne). On August 17, 1943, in Hudson, NY, Dick was born to Joseph Staron and Helen Staron (ne Jablonski). As a young man, he would spend his summers in Newburgh, NY with his beloved aunt and uncle, Richard and Frances Hodgson, where he would assist as a farm hand. After graduating East Chatham High School, he was accepted into the Army ROTC program at the College of William and Mary. While there, Dick ran for the cross country and track team. He graduated in 1965 with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science. Following university, he was deployed to Vietnam where he served as a 1st Lieutenant in the military police. In 1969, Dick married Helene, his beloved wife of 47 years, and settled in Ridgewood, NJ, where he forged a career in the publishing industry. His career path took him to Massachusetts, Illinois, New York and California. He eventually earned the position of editor-in-chief. Among his many contributions in the publishing field, his proudest publications include Service America (1986) and Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands: How to Do Business in Sixty Countries (1994). The couple were blessed with three children, and over the years welcomed each of their five grandchildren with joy and love. His wife, children, and grandchildren remember him as a strong, creative, and hard-working provider, who encouraged them to pursue their goals, and to work hard to succeed in life. During his time, Dick was an accomplished musician, loved to spend time with his children and grandchildren, and was always filled with jokes and laughter. His unique sense of humor was enjoyed by all. Dick was especially proud of his Polish heritage and his service in Vietnam as a United States Army Veteran. He was a generous individual who loved to read in his spare time, and was proud of his alma mater, having been a member of the fraternity, Pi Lambda Phi, at William and Mary. In the last decade of his life, he became reunited with his fraternity brothers and met with them annually during William and Mary homecoming events. Dick was a sports enthusiast, especially football. Notably, he was a fan of the William and Mary football program and the New York Yankees. As a devout Roman Catholic, Dick deeply believed in the teachings of Jesus, and endeavored to apply them to his treatment of people and his political beliefs. A funeral mass is scheduled for 11:00 am on Saturday, October 15, 2016 at Old St. Mary's Catholic Church in Philadelphia, PA. The mass will be preceded by a viewing, which will begin at 10:00 am. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Dick's life. Flowers may be sent directly to Old St. Mary's Church, 252 S 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Charitable donations in his honor should please be sent to St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Condolences and fond memories can be accessed at www.slabinskifuneralhome.com The family would like to thank all of those that cared for him in his final hours. Rest in peace our beloved, husband, father, and grandfather "Beepa".