Spawning Years

In the summer of 1955, Richie's family moved to South Ozone Park (no, not South Park) , in Queens New York. He eventually met, and fell in love with the girl next door, his best catch, Louise Napolitano (The Woman Behind The Man). In January of 1957, they married and moved into their first love-nest in Woodhaven, Queens. They boarded a Geyhound bus and honeymooned in Florida for a week of sunshine, and well, you know. Prior to and soon after their marriage, Richie worked the winter driving an oil truck for National Fuel. Richie then purchased his first vessel for $1200, a charter boat the "Mina II," which he sailed from the "Survivor" dock in Island Park. After a brief bout of intestinal illness requiring surgery, Richie's new venture with the "Mina II" didn't pan out and his decision to be an owner/operator was a bit premature. The boat was sold to the Captain Jack fleet in Freeport.

By winter of that year, their first child, Richard John Jr. was born. Soon to follow were Stephen Mark, Donna Louise, Peter Ernest, and finally Lorraine Ann. Prior to the birth of their second child, Richie and Louise moved into their first house in Baldwin in 1959, where they remain till this day. They also consecutively raised three golden retrievers Rusty, Gooza, and Mickey.

Idle ahead to: Young Adulthood