Richard John Gortler passed away peacefully on November 13, 2025.

Born on December 7, 1940, to Fred and Mary Gortler on Staten Island, New York, Richard grew up with a strong sense of curiosity, craftsmanship, and integrity that would define his life. He attended Curtis High School and Staten Island Community College before earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the New York Institute of Technology in 1962. In the late 1960’s, Richard proudly served with the U.S. Army Reserve. Later in his career, he continued his professional development by completing executive management courses at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Business.

Richard met the love of his life, Caroline Tulli—daughter of Ann and Hugo Tulli—on the Jersey Shore in Manasquan. The two were married on August 5, 1967, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in New Dorp, Staten Island. After a few years on Staten Island, they settled in Whippany, New Jersey, in 1971 and later moved to Bernardsville in 1981, where they built their family home—a project Richard oversaw personally with his trademark precision and pride.

A gifted craftsman, Richard could fix anything. His skills spanned carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and painting, and he approached every task with patience and expertise. He took particular pride in caring for his home and yard, maintaining both with dedication well into his final days.

Professionally, Richard began his career with Westinghouse before joining Digital Equipment Corporation, where he served as District Sales Manager until his retirement in 2000. In retirement, he managed a major home addition and enjoyed time on the water, fishing aboard his beloved boat, the Honey Fritz. His other passions included woodworking, furniture making, golfing, hiking, and listening to the music of Willie Nelson.

Richard’s greatest joy came from time spent with his family—especially his five grandsons, whom he mentored with love and patience. Whether building model train tables, exploring nature, or dispensing invaluable business and financial wisdom, “Papa” inspired curiosity and confidence in each of them. His grandsons fondly recall his dedication to fitness and his appreciation for simple pleasures, like a peaceful walk in the park or a perfectly manicured lawn.

A man of faith and community, Richard was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Bernardsville and served on the Bernardsville Board of Adjustment. Known for his warmth and leadership, he also founded “The Young Boys Club” (YBC), a bi-monthly breakfast group for retired friends to share stories, debate ideas, and enjoy good company—an enduring tradition since 2000.

Richard is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Caroline; his daughters, Claudine Groppe and Michele Carey; his sons-in-law, Tom Groppe and Don Carey; and his cherished grandsons, Benjamin, Peter, and Frederick Groppe, and Ryan and Donovan Carey. He was predeceased by his brother, Fred W. Gortler, Jr.

Visitation will be held at Gallaway and Crane Funeral Home, 101 S. Finley Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 on Friday, November 21, 2025 from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 111 Claremont Road, Bernardsville, NJ 07924 on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Richard’s memory.  https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=header-btn-donate-now