Obituary of Richard Clark Caufield

     Richard C. Caufield passed away after a brief illness at Morristown Medical Center on April 14, 2024, at the age of 82.

     Richard was born in June of 1941 to Richard and Mildred Caufield in Jersey City, New Jersey, raised in Union City, before his family moved to Paramus. After graduating High School, he made the choice to enter the United States Navy. Richard had a deep love and commitment to his country and his dedication to serving will never be forgotten. After returning home, Richard continued his education at Monmouth College. He was also a part of the Swim Team, which in later years, was able to share his skills with his daughters and grandchildren. In 1975, Richard began his 25-year career as a Police Officer alongside his K-9 Partner, Sam, with the Rockaway Township Police Department. Richard also proudly volunteered his time as a member of the Rockaway Township Fire Department; Hibernia Company #1. In addition to serving as head of Emergency Management, Richard spent time as Fire Department Chief. Richard was an extremely hard worker and prided himself in always being prepared for whatever came his way. Many will remember Richard for his dedication to the phrase;

“Duty and Honor”

     In retirement, Richard followed his love of being on the water and settled near the Chester River, in Chestertown, MD. As an avid boater, exploring different waterways with his family and friends was his favorite activity. When you took a boat trip with Richard, it was always an adventure. He continued his commitment to serving his community and found his way on to safety boats for those choosing to take challenging swims across the Chesapeake Bay. When his grandchildren came to visit, their “Papa” shared with them his favorite places by the water. Richard also spent many hours reading and had a love of history. Richard was known in town as the one to call when your business needed additional security measures or if you needed someone to look after your home. Protecting his family, community, and country will always be a part of his legacy.

     Though his passing brings us sorrow, we take comfort in knowing that he is at peace, reunited with those who have passed before him, especially his K-9 partner, Sam, who will be all wagging-tails and tapping paws to see his best friend again. It is now that we look to those he leaves behind to carry on his memory of courage and dedication. Richard’s survivors include his daughters and best friends, Shannon Rizzo (Dominic), Erinn Barnes (Jeff), his grandchildren, Devyn, Kaitlynn, Trevor, Tyler, and Jackson, his nephew, Roger Wehner (Amy), and his sister, Joyce Heath, as well as a wealth of friends, colleagues, and neighbors who will remember him fondly.

     Visitation will be held on Saturday May 4, 2024 from 10:00am-12:00pm at Norman Dean Home for Services located at 16 Righter Avenue Denville, NJ 07834, www.normandean.com. Following the Visitation there will be a procession to Hibernia Fire Company #1 for a Celebration of Life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Rockaway Township Fire Department, Hibernia Co. 1, 372 Green Pond Rd, Rockaway, NJ 07866.