Richard P Stauts

RICHARD (Rich) P. STAUTS of Medford, NJ - longtime business owner, avid fisherman and skilled craftsman - passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 21st, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his family. He was 82 years of age. Born in Woodlyn, NJ, he was the son of the late William and Elizabeth (nee Bickerdyke) Stauts and has resided in Medford, NJ since 1972.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Marie Finnerty Stauts, his loving son Adam Stauts (Sharon), brother Edward and many brothers-in-law/sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews from Medford, NJ and Cleveland, OH. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Bill and Jim, and his nephew Larry.  Rich was stepfather to Eileen, Thomas (Kimberly) and Kevin (Bernadette) and a beloved grandfather, lovingly known as “Granda Rich” to Kyle, Jack, Bridget, Owen, and Patrick.

For more than 50 years, Rich ran and operated a thriving business as an HVAC/Refrigeration contractor, serving many long-time commercial and residential customers throughout South Jersey. Rich was a devout Catholic. He grew up in Camden and graduated from Camden Catholic High School. Rich’s son, Adam, an electrical engineer of whom he was immensely proud, shared Rich’s love of the outdoors, as well as his technical knowledge and skills.  Married in 1988, Rich and Marie lived a wonderful life, filled with family get-togethers, celebrations, and holidays. Early on, Marie convinced Rich to try country-western dancing. He resisted at first but picked it up quickly. For the next few decades, they spent just about every Saturday night country-western dancing around the area. Marie and Rich also shared a love of travel and were blessed to visit many countries throughout Europe (especially Ireland) - as well as Poland and Africa.

Rich also enjoyed the peaceful solitude of fishing in the Barnegat and Delaware bays – often putting his boat in the water well before dawn. A lifelong fisherman, Rich had carefully chosen the best spots, like under a bridge in the Barnegat Bay where the light from the bridge above made the flounder an easy catch; or certain spots in the Delaware Bay where he knew the currents would bring plenty of flounder and stripers. Whether fishing alone, or with Adam – or a neighbor or friend, he loved being on the water with a fishing rod and a few quiet hours.  Rich approached everything he did with patience, organization, and attention to detail. He could build anything and fix anything. If he didn’t know how – he would figure it out. When he wasn’t working, traveling, dancing, building, fixing, or fishing – he loved watching Philly sports on TV – especially the Eagles, 76ers and Phillies.  Rich was generous with his time, often spending hours with his grandchildren - taking long walks, teaching them to fish in local ponds, playing chess or watching a game. Rich was a kind, humble and thoughtful man. Whether in his own home renovations, building projects, equipment repairs or helping a grateful family member – his meticulous nature is all around us and a lasting testament to him.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family on Wednesday, September 25th, from 10:00 – 11:00 AM at the St. Mary of the Lakes Church, 40 Jackson Road, Medford, NJ where a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery in Lumberton, NJ. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the BRADLEY & STOW FUNERAL HOME, Medford, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Rich’s name to St. Vincent de Paul Society, 1 Jones Road, Medford, NJ 08055 or to Samaritan Hospice, PO Box 71425, Phila., PA 19176-1425.  (www.BradleyStow.com)

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