Obituary of Richie Longfield III

Charles Richard Longfield III, AKA Richie, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on Friday, June 17, 2022 at St. Clare’s Hospital in Dover. He had shared 81 years of unconditional love, infectious laughter, and unforgettable memories with family and friends.

Born in Morristown to the late Charles, Jr. and Margaret Longfield, Richie was one of two children raised in Denville to bless the Longfield household. At the age of 16, he found his calling in life. AUTOMOBILES! Richie’s specialty was transmissions; after 60 years of dedicated service, he officially retired at the age of 77. During his career he had worked for Fisher Auto Transmission in Fairfield, Aamco in West Caldwell, and Cedar Grove Transmissions in Cedar Grove. While most of us would get in a brand-new car and immediately test the fancy new sound system, Richie would keep it off so he could listen to the even hum of the exhaust. He had an unrivaled passion for cars.

Richie married the love of his life, Maureen Joy, in November of 1960. They shared 56 beautiful years together before her passing in 2016. They had 4 wonderful children that they raised in Denville. Richie was talented in general, not just when it came to cars. He could help rebuild or add onto a home, too. He was a gifted woodworker. He was a hard and dedicated workhorse, always making sure to support his family. The sun rose and set on his wife, children, and grandchildren.

He did have some guilty pleasures. He was the gadget guru! Every new tech toy that came out, Richie had one of the first ones. He loved his remote-controlled boats the best. He indulged when it came to chocolate ice cream, dunkin’ donuts, and PB & J sandwiches. He was our Patriarch, our mechanic, our best friend, and so much more. Although we are deeply saddened by his passing, we take comfort in knowing that he is now reunited with his beloved wife, Maureen, his parents, and his sister, Dottie Wiedman.

He leaves a lifetime of joyful memories and priceless wisdom to his adored children, Wayne Longfield and his wife Kerry of Sussex, Robert Longfield and his wife Suzanne of Boonton Twp., Maureen Kapral and her fiancé David Fritts of Shohola, PA, and Mark Longfield and his wife Shana of Denville; his cherished grandchildren, Lauren, Christopher, Lindsey, and Katie Longfield, Megan Rheeder and her husband Migael, Trevor Kapral, and Breauna and Crystal Longfield; and many dear extended family and friends.

Public Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 21st from 10 am – 12 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville. Funeral Service will take place at 12 pm. Burial will follow at Denville Cemetery. Memorial Donations are being accepted in Richie's memory to the Denville Animal Shelter, Attn: ACO Petrillo, 1 St. Mary's Place, Denville, NJ 07834. Please light a candle, leave a condolence, and share your favorite memory of Richie here to continue to celebrate the incredible life he bestowed upon us.