Obituary of Richard J. Cavalier

Richard J. (“Dick”) Cavalier, 94, passed away, Sunday, April 19th, at the NJ Veterans Home in Paramus, NJ. He is survived by his spouse of 69 years, Suzanne L. O’Farrell Cavalier. He was predeceased by his oldest daughter, Deborah Ann Sasso, in 2000. He also has a son, Peter (and wife, Marjorie), and two surviving daughters, Theresa (and Rob) Gebhard; and Suzanne (and Edward) Couglin. He has ten grandchildren (and spouses): Lauren (and Jim) Wiedl; Allyson (and Jim) Vermeulen; Matthew (and Amanda Bryant); Joseph (and Sarah Gorodz); Michael (and Kelly Barber); Christopher (and Ashton) Gebhard; Katie Gebhard; Casey Coughlin; Connor Coughlin; Ryan Coughlin. He also had eight great-grandchildren. Richard graduated from Long Branch High School in 1943 and shortly afterward entered the U.S. Army Air Corps as a radar technician. He served in the European Theatre, where he saw combat. After an honorable discharge in 1946, he attended Monmouth Junior College in West Long Branch. He then spent his entire career in the banking industry. In his early years, he enjoyed playing golf, making and flying radio-control model airplanes, and raising bonsai trees as a member of a horticultural society and the Bergen Bonsai Society. His greatest joy in retirement was spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, especially over the holidays. Because of the coronavirus, there will be no visitation nor formal funeral services. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization. Due to the current social restrictions, a private service will be held for the immediate family only. If you would like to share a memory of Richard or send condolences to the family, please visit our Tribute Wall on the Vander Plaat Funeral Home web site, www.vpfh.com. Thank you for your understanding and patience during this time.