Richard Zitelli

August 30, 1954 – August 18, 2025

Richard A. Zitelli, 70, of New Milford, NJ, formerly of Paramus, NJ, died at his home on August 18, 2025.

As a boy, Richard attended Annunciation Catholic Elementary School before transferring to Stony Lane Elementary School and the Paramus Public School system. Growing up in Paramus, Richard became an altar boy at R.C. Church Of The Annunciation, having learned Mass in Latin. Early on, he exhibited a passionate enthusiasm for learning and participating in sports, eventually earning varsity letters in cross country and track while competing for Paramus High School.

After graduating high school, Richard attended college, entered the workforce and became roommates with many of his high school friends over the next ten years. A passionate animal lover, he adopted two beautiful dogs, Jethro and Ghost, who became his soul mates. After their passing, Richard buried them in Vermont, where they were born, and made trips to visit them every year until he was no longer able to drive.

Richard’s love of sports and his competitive drive never diminished as he continued to compete in basketball, ice hockey, softball, and most recently in-line skating marathons.

Richard enjoyed a successful career in the trucking industry where he played key roles in operations and driver safety and compliance for several major trucking and delivery companies.

Richard was married briefly before meeting his lifelong friend and sweetheart Hollie. Enjoying similar interests, Richard and Hollie enjoyed traveling together and competing in skating marathons throughout the United States.

Another of Richard’s great joys was motorcycle riding with his close friends from Paramus, and he took great pride in the two Harley Davidson bikes he acquired.

Having previously experienced the unconditional joy and love from his dogs when he was younger, Richard decided to adopt an adorable little rescue cat, Opal, to be his companion in his retirement. Being homebound due to his final illness, Richard and Opal were inseparable for every day and night together.

Richard was devoted to his family and to his parents, calling his Mom and Dad regularly, bringing breakfast to them on Sundays, and reading them a daily bible passage to bring them comfort. He also quietly helped friends and neighbors, selflessly served his community as a volunteer in the Paramus Rescue Squad, and was honored with a Special Deputy Sheriff’s badge for his contributions to the Bergen County Sheriff Department.

Richard’s final thoughts were “I’m sad to be leaving this beautiful earth, but I am glad to be going home to heaven.”

Visitation on Friday, August 22, 2025, from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road
Westwood, NJ.  A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025 from 11:00 am - 11:45 am at
Our Lady of Mercy Roman Catholic Church, 2 Fremont Ave., Park Ridge, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to either the ALS Society (als.org/donate) or START II Animal Rescue, 135 Cedar Ln., Englewood, NJ 07631.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/westwood-nj/richard-zitelli-12491241