Condolence: Eulogy for my brother Richie who died on October 1, 2012
When something like this happens, it pounds home the fact that life is short. We never have enough time to do all we want to do. That wasn’t true with my brother Richie. He always made the time. Whether it was working with me in the church; helping Margaret with a myriad of stuff; spending time with his son Richard John, his two beautiful granddaughters Jennifer & Mary Beth and his grandson Noah; or just helping out wherever and whenever he could with family and friends.
When I think of Richie, at first, I can say he was a regular guy. Flannel shirts, dungarees and on special occasions a brown polyester suit. And toothpicks, plenty of toothpicks. But upon further reflection, he was definitely much more. Richie, was an extraordinary human being. He walked through life in a very humble way: sacred vows kept, the way they are supposed to be; promises fulfilled, the way they are supposed to be; and oaths upheld, the way they are supposed to be. He quietly did what he said he would because that is what you’re supposed to do. He never expected anything for his actions, except maybe a cold beer or two, in a glass.
He was a family man who was quick to smile, never judgmental, and always willing to help…..anyone.
Richie would never let you down. Michael said, when he was tearing down his garage, Richie was there, every day to help him. When he started a job, you knew he would be there every day to finish it. He kept his promises. One time he broke his ankle and told our mom he was so upset because he couldn’t get up to Highland Falls to help me rehab that old church I had. I told him to get well, there’s a lot of work to do. When he was better, he was right there helping me again. He never backed down, always willing to take the lead.
Eddie said when they were teenagers, he would get Richie to ask Mom for permission when they wanted to do something out of the norm. Because he was the oldest….by a minute. When they worked at the penny arcade in Keansburg, Richie went in early to clean the place up and Eddie worked late shuffling pennies. In the Navy, Richie flew off aircraft carriers and Eddie flew around the eastern coast in a blimp. But even though their mode of transportation and later their career paths took different turns, their characters were the same, impeccable. They are the best role models, anyone could ever hope for. Our family is very lucky to have the twins.
Preparing for our cousin Helen Reilly’s 90th birthday party last year Margaret and I looked for photos. Our father was an avid photographer. After looking at all the photos, we realized, a majority were of the twins. The twins doing this, the twins doing that. Ok, it was a life changing experience for our parents, but the guy could have taken a few more photos of Maggie and me. Even photos of us as babies had the twins in them. It’s always been the twins for all of us, and it always will be. We would not have had it any other way.
Richie always said he was next in line. He would be the one to ascend to the throne. Not sure what throne he was referring to there. Ed and Marie named the first twin, who was born first by a minute, Richie after moms Uncle Dick. Kind of ironic Richie followed in Uncle Dick’s footsteps and became a police officer, a job that he loved.
My brother Richie was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in May 2011. He entered a study on the disease he succumbed to, during the past summer. They told him it may not help him, but it may help someone in the future. In typical Richie fashion he said, “I’m in.” He died trying to help others.
Our brother Richie, Uncle Richie, Uncle Itchie, Grandpa, loved all of us. And Richie, we will never forget you. We love you back.

Condolence: Rich, Kerry, Ed, Margaret and Raymond and all your family, my heart aches for you all. Your Dad, Brother was a delightful man who reminded me of his own father. When I think of my childhood the Aalbue familes were always the ones who were fun to be around. The movies and pics you all took are great. I will miss my cousin very much. Love to all, Barbara

Condolence: Rich…..I was fortunate to have you in my life from my early childhood. Without your love and guidance I would not be the person I am today. I treasure the times visiting you at the 70 and now bring my grandchildren to my old precinct. THANK YOU for always being there for me and having the patience to deal with me.
Without you Rich I do not know what I would have become and always told everyone about you. God must have needed an experienced officer for his precinct and you now patrol heaven. I love you and will miss you more than words can ever, ever express. Hope you are there to guide me again when my time comes..LOVE MIKE