Obituary of Richard E. Passarelli

Cohoes - Richard Eugene Passarelli, Sr. passed away on Wednesday, July 26, 2017 at St. Peter’s Hospital. He was the son of Robert and Mary (Graf) Passarelli. Born in Brooklyn, NY on August 14, 1928, he grew up on his family farm in Altamont, NY and graduated from Voorheesville High School in 1946. 

He enlisted in the military in 1946, where he was deployed to Germany in the Occupation Force. In 1948 he came home to pursue an accounting degree at Siena College. He married his first wife Nancy (Tompkins) in 1950, with whom he had five children. He was commissioned in 1953 and served nineteen years as a Finance Officer, and he retired with the rank of Major. He and his family were stationed in Germany, Italy, and Alaska, and Richard served two tours in Vietnam. Richard enjoyed telling stories of his family’s time in Europe and the many adventures they had there.  Richard had a decorated military career, including a Bronze Star Medal for his time in Vietnam. 

After returning home to Voorheesville, Richard completed his accounting degree at Siena College and was bursar at RPI until his retirement in 1987. He married his second wife, Mary (Dadoukis), in 1988; and they spent many beautiful summers boating on Lake George. Richard was an avid boater, fisherman, and bowler; and made many of his lifelong friends through these pastimes. 

  Richard’s spirit is best reflected by his abundance of friends, as well as the love and respect that he garnered from his family. His humor, wisdom, and the many beautiful memories he helped create will live on in the remembrance of those who were lucky enough to have met him.  He was a lover of animals, and opened his home to two cats, Kitty and Big Guy, who became his closest companions. 

Richard is predeceased by his father Robert, his mother Mary, his sister Dorothy, his brother Theodore, and his son Steven. He is survived by his wife Mary, his four children; Richard (Michal), Robert, Thomas (Jeanne), and Lynne (Nick), as well as his first wife Nancy. He was the proud grandfather of thirteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. 

The Passarelli family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the medical and nursing staff at St. Peter’s Hospital Cardiac Unit for their excellent care, and their overwhelming kindness and compassion. 

Calling hours will be at Reilly’s Funeral Home in Voorheesville on Sunday July 30, 2017 from 4:00PM to 7:00PM with the Trisagion Memorial Service being conducted at 6:45 p.m. Funeral will be at St. Basil’s Greek Orthodox Church in Troy, on Monday July 31, 2017 at 10:00AM. Interment will follow at Saratoga National Cemetery at 12:30PM.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Richard may make a contribution to either St. Basil’s Greek Orthodox Church, 909 River Street, Troy, 12180; or to the Animal Protective Foundation, 53 Maple Avenue, Scotia, 12302.