On December 2, 2020, America lost a national treasure. World War II Navy Combat Veteran Richard Landolfi embarked on his perpetual voyage to the heavens.
Living to 94 years old, he accomplished a lifelong journey of dedication to his family, service to his country, community and church.
Born on March 27, 1926 in Orange, New Jersey he and his friends were known on occasion to be "shooed away" by security guards protecting the exclusive community of Llewellyn Park. He even had a few opportunities to say hello to one of its most notable residents, Thomas Edison as he traveled from his home to the laboratory!
With the country at war, Richard enlisted in the Navy shortly after his 17th birthday. Between the years 1943-1946 he served on four different ships with none of them part of the US Navy! You see, he was assigned to Merchant Marine Cargo Ships as part of a naval detachment to fire the defensive weapons. He was on the coast of Normandy supporting the D-Day Invasion as well as made the treacherous Murmansk Run supplying Russia with much needed war supplies.
Back home after the war he completed high school (by merely showing up as he described; the teachers addressed him; a high school student, as "Mr. Landolfi"!), worked several jobs until beginning his career as a police officer in Florham Park, New Jersey. If working law enforcement was not enough, Richard also gave his son, Dominick inspiration while serving on the local volunteer fire department. Dominick related he always looked forward to his Dad's day to check the heavy rescue as his Dad made him feel so important running from the front to the back of the truck checking the turn signals, running and brake lights and such.
Moving to Florida in 1980 Richard garnered his second career with Florida Power and Light. Working logistics, he ensured all line trucks had the proper tools and equipment to keep the lights and air conditioning running to take the edge off our Florida heat. Wanting to give back even more to the community he served twenty years as an emergency room auxilian with the local hospital. He also served his spiritual community as a Catholic Church usher for over thirty years.
I will always have cherished memories of camping trips to the Pocono Mountains as well as a whirlwind cross-country tour in the mid 70's stated his son, Dominick.
Shortly before his death (literally within days of his passing) Richard was presented the Medal of Ushakov bestowed upon him by the Federation of Russia. This extremely prestigious medal for valor, bravery and courage was extended to him for his participation in the Murmansk Run as described in the above dialog. Deemed "The worst journey in the world" by Winston Churchill a sailor had about a one in three chance of surviving the mission. Richard was absolutely thrilled when I presented the package!  He went on and on relating how thoughtful of Russia to recognize him.  He made the statement "Oh boy; they remembered!" His face lit up and he actually stood tall and proud as a rightful warrior.  Positioning him to take a picture at the request of the Russian Embassy, he directed his son to take his cane (that he typically used for stability) because he wanted to stand tall and unassisted.
Richard has now joined his loving wife Lucille as well as his sisters Loise, Ruth, and Angie. They will always be in the hearts of his son Dominick and his wife Noreen, daughter Debbie, and grandchildren Summer, Nicholas and Anthony