Richard A. Jellison, Sr., age 79, died on September 16, 2022 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in Somerset, New Jersey with his family by his side.
Born September 13, 1943 in Newark, NJ, Richard was the son of the late Melvin and Elsie (Van Ness) Jellison. As a young adult, he joined the U.S. Navy and served his country.
Upon his Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Navy on March 8, 1961, Richard began his work career as a Maintenance Mechanic at American Flange and then at Zinsser in Somerset, NJ, working there for any years before his retirement.
Soon after meeting at work and on a blind date, Richard and Maryann found love and married in Las Vegas on July 7, 1993, happily married for 29 years. They enjoyed traveling to various places ranging from Canada to Hawaii, with Vegas remaining their favorite destination spot to visit.
Richard was an avid deer hunter and fisherman, he enjoyed boating, gardening, had a love for cars and of course, his John Deere tractors. Richard had a passion for life surpassed only by his love and dedication to his family. His most prized possessions were his beloved wife, Maryann, his children and most of all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Richard was predeceased by his brother Melvin, sister Diane and son, Michael.
Richard is survived by his loving wife, Maryann, his sister Patricia Molinhouser, his sons, Richard Jellison, Jr. (Doris) and Robert Jellison (Sharon), his daughter Joanne Burman (Darryl) and his step-son Bobby Gray (Kim), and step-daughters, Veronica Caiazzo, Shelley Van Ness, August Carlton (Andrew), 17 grandchildren – Alexander, Richie, Mackenzie, Kirstin, Gregory, Karl, Tyler, Camille, David, Sheldon, Joseph, Justin, Cody, Latasha, Katlynn, Monica, Joshua and 6 great-grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews.
Friends and family may visit the Sheenan Funeral Home on Monday, September 19, 2022 from 6 to 8 p.m. Cremation will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Richard’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at www.stjude.org
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