Obituary of Richard W. Kimble

Richard Kimble, 92, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2026, surrounded by his family. He passed having enjoyed the comfort of a life well lived and deeply rooted in family, faith, and community.

Born on January 20, 1934, to Leonard and Elizabeth Kimble, Richard was raised in the Marcella section of Rockaway, New Jersey. He graduated from Rockaway High School with the Class of 1951 and briefly attended art school, where his creativity and eye for detail began to take shape. His path soon shifted, however, when he was drafted into the United States Army. During his service in France, Richard worked as an ambulance driver and orderly at a dispensary—a role he embraced with compassion, diligence, and a natural ability to care for others.

Upon returning home, Richard began building both a career and a life that would be defined by dedication and love. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Laura Dina Huizenga, at the former Telemark Diner. The two were married on June 9, 1962, and together built their home in Lake Telemark, where they raised their family and shared 63 years of marriage rooted in devotion, partnership, and unwavering support for one another.

In 1959, Richard started his own business from the ground up with the purchase of a single backhoe. Through hard work, determination, and a strong sense of purpose, he grew that venture into a successful operation with a fleet of heavy equipment. He later worked alongside his son, who proudly carried on the business.

Simultaneously, Richard joined the Township of Rockaway as a laborer and steadily rose through the ranks, becoming a Heavy Equipment Operator and ultimately serving as Road Superintendent. During his tenure, he was instrumental in designing and constructing the Department of Public Works building on Green Pond Road in 1971. He also played a key role in helping Rockaway become a Civil Service jurisdiction—an important milestone that empowered employees and improved working conditions for many. His work ethic was unmatched, and his commitment to doing things the right way defined every role he held.

A lifelong resident of Rockaway and deeply proud of his roots, Richard cherished his family’s legacy in Green Pond, where they were among the founding families dating back to the 1850s. Later in life, he was a member of the Green Pond Historical Society and took great pride in preserving its history. In his youth, he and his friends from Green Pond even organized a water ski team, performing on Green Pond and neighboring lakes—an early reflection of his energy, leadership, and love of community.

Outside of his professional life, and primarily during his bachelor days, Richard found great joy in automobiles—a passion that echoed his skill with machinery. He had a particular love for Corvettes, beginning with his first new car, a white 1959 Chevy Corvette convertible. Later in life, he developed a passion for NASCAR, spending over two decades attending races in the Poconos. These trips became especially meaningful as he shared them with his youngest daughter, while enthusiastically rooting for his favorite driver, Tony Stewart.

A devoted member of St. Simon the Apostle Church since the age of 13, before the parish was even formally established, Richard faithfully served his church community in many roles, including altar server, usher, lector and trustee. He also gave his time to practical needs, assisting with snow removal and serving on the finance committee. His deep faith guided his life and inspired his ongoing commitment to giving back.

Above all else, his family was his pride and joy. Richard was a devoted husband, a very proud father, and a loving family man. Though he worked tirelessly six days a week, Sundays were always reserved for church and family—whether helping his mother or spending time at home with his wife and children. The family shares cherished memories of a motor home trip to Walt Disney World, summers at the Jersey Shore, trips to Lake George, and motor home trips to Penn State football games, where his two oldest children attended college. He was the “first Hero” to all his children.

Dedicated to providing for his family, Richard shared his life experience generously, always ready to teach, guide, and support. He considered the home and family he built to be among his greatest accomplishments, along with his professional achievements, of course. As the years passed, he remained a steady and reliable presence for his family—a constant source of love, strength, and wisdom.

Richard will be remembered for his strong integrity, and quiet generosity. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, service, and devotion that will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Richard is survived by his children, Lorraine Pennino and her husband Gerald of Oak Ridge, Richard G. Kimble and his wife Karolyn of Oak Ridge, and Leanne Kimble of Boonton Township; his treasured grandchildren, Tyler and Lauren Pennino and Matthew, Kaitlyn, and Ryan Kimble; his sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Nazzaro; his godson, Nicholas Nazzaro; as well as a wealth of extended family, friends, and colleagues who will remember him fondly. He is now reunited with his beloved wife Laura Kimble; his grandson, Stephen Richard Kimble; and his parents, Leonard and Elizabeth Kimble.

If you would like to contribute to Richard’s legacy in your own way, please consider making a charitable contribution to St. Simon the Apostle Church, 1010 Green Pond Rd, Newfoundland, NJ 07435. Donations can be made via this link.

Hours of public visitation for Richard will be held on Friday, May 1, from 5 to 9 PM at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville, NJ 07834. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, May 2, at 12:30 PM at St. Simon the Apostle Church, 1010 Green Pond Rd, Newfoundland, NJ, followed by a graveside service at Marcella Union Cemetery. All are welcome to join us to celebrate the life of this incredible man!

Please leave a condolence, light a candle, and share your favorite memory of Richard here to continue to let his light shine.