A funeral mass took place Oct. 16 at Our Lady of Libera Church for Richard R. Tedesco “R. T.”, 84 of West New York, a former deputy mayor and Board of Education member. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Oct. 12. He was a lifelong resident of West New York who was predeceased by his parents, Rudolph and Helen and sister Rita. He is survived by his daughters, Debra (Jeff), Barbara (Paul), Cheryl (Russ) and Kim (Joe). He is also survived by his ten amazing ten grandchildren David, Matthew, Tracey, Michael, Lauren, Jared, Jennifer, Jessica, Steven and Meghan and his twelve great grandchildren. He leaves behind his better half Pat Affuso and children Lori (Gary) and Ralph (Gina) and their children Patrick, Thomas and Christopher.
He lived a life of service including membership in The American Legion, Kwainis and Moose lodges. Many years employed as the assistant director of the Housing Authority. He served on the Board of Education for 15 years as both president and board member. He served as the deputy mayor and was selected as the Italian of the Year for the town. He served in the United States Coast Guard protecting the “islands” of Staten Island, Long Island and Ellis Island. Services arranged by the Vainieri Funeral Home, North Bergen.