Richard C. DeZao, Sr., "Dick", 86, formerly of Whippany and West Orange, passed away peacefully at his home on November 4, 2021.

Rich met his wife Arlene (Egidio) while attending West Orange High School and became her beloved husband of 63 years.    After high school, he attended NYU and Seton Hall University before serving 2 years in the U.S. Military.

Devoted father of Richard DeZao, Jr., his wife Laura, Diane Bogdan and her husband Brian, cherished grandfather of Anthony, Andrew, Angeline and Nicholas, Matthew and Stephanie.  Proud great-grandfather of Madison, Melany and Brooks.  Dear brother of Joseph DeZao, Marilyn Petrucelli, Evelyn Spero and her husband Ralph.  Brother-in-law of Richard Egidio and his wife Joan.  Also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

After his family, his love of life was playing his drums. He played drums professionally throughout the tri-state area.  He became the Director of the Tony Neglia Italian Feast Band and the Passaic County Marching Band.

Rich and Arlene spent much of their off-time traveling.  They loved to get in their car and travel extensively throughout the United States where many memories were made.  Later in life, they decided to leave the car home and traveled in Europe.

Visitation at the Leonardis Memorial Home, Inc., 210 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park on Sunday from 1-4pm.  Funeral on Monday assembling at the funeral home at 10:15am followed by the funeral mass at St. Rose of Lima Church in East Hanover at 11:15am.  Interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Richard's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or American Cancer Society, see donation box below for details....

American Cancer Society
P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City OK 73123-1718
Tel: 1-800-227-2345
Web: http://www.cancer.org/

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105
Tel: 1-800-805-5856
Web: http://www.stjude.org/