Obituary of Richard Munkelt

Richard “Rick” Munkelt “Poppy” Richard Munkelt, a Supervisor of the Grounds Dept. of the Monroe-Woodbury School District and a 35 yr resident of the area, formerly of Pearl River passed away Saturday February 16, 2008 at home with his family by his side, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 67. The son of the late Kenneth Munkelt and Gladys Mc Breen Munkelt, he was born on July 13, 1940 in Pearl River, NY. A U.S Army Veteran, Rick served his country during the Korean Conflict from 1959-1961. Rick was a Chauffeur for the Pearl River Hook and Ladder Co., a Charter Member of the Bullville FD, a Member of the American Legion Post 0111 of Ellenville, and avid golfer and the past president of the Hudson Valley Golf Course Superintendents Association. A family statement reads: Rick was a loving husband, father, grandfather and a good friend to all who knew and loved him. He loved life and was a great person to be around with his wonderful sense of humor. His family came first loving them very much especially his grandchildren who called him Poppy. He loved to fish and was a great fan of the New York Mets, and the New York Giants whom he got to see win the Superbowl. He also enjoyed playing slots in Atlantic City. Bally’s will miss him. Rick showed great strength and courage to his family during his battle with Pancreatic Cancer. We will all miss him very much and his beautiful smile that lit up a room. Life is short but eternity is forever. We thank Hospice for their loving support and comfort in our time of need. Survivors include his loving wife of 46 years Rita Milano Munkelt at home, 3 loving children: Greg Munkelt and his wife Doreen of Circleville, Tara Baccello and her husband John of Bloomingburg, and Kenny Munkelt of Middletown. 4 loving grandchildren: Tyler, Tori, Blake and Brennen Baccello. 1 loving step granddaughter Janine Johnson. 1 loving brother Gary Munkelt and his wife Polly of PA. 1 loving sister in law Diane McCartha, and her husband Tom of Bloomingburg. 3 loving nieces, Pam Cox, Peggy Munkelt, and Jamie Kahn. Loving father in law Dominick Milano and numerous cousins and friends. Visitation will be held on Monday Feb 18, 2008 from 1-3 and 6-9pm at the William M. Gagan Funeral Home, 1525 Burlingham RD Pine Bush, NY. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday February 19, 2008 at 10:00 am at St. Paul’s RC Church, Rte. 17k Bullville, NY with Fr. Patrick McGuigan O. Carm and Deacon John Frobhose officiating. Cremation will take place at Cedar Hill Crematory. Memorial donations can be made to Hospice of Orange Sullivan Counties, 800 Stony Brook Court Newburgh, NY 12550 and to the Pancreatic Cancer Network (Pan-Can), 2141 Rose Crans Ave. Suite 7000, El Segundo, Ca 90245. Arrangements entrusted to the William M. Gagan Funeral Home Inc. Pine Bush, NY. For info and directions, please visit www.wmgaganfuneralhome.com.