Richard Lee Andrews

Richard Lee Andrews, 81, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on March 13, 2025 at Jersey City Medical Center. Born at the Margaret Hague Maternity Hospital, Richard lived under the care of Catholic Charities in Englewood Cliffs and with several foster families before making a home at Sherman Place in the Heights for nearly 50 years.

Richard proudly served in the U.S. Army as a medic and was stationed in Germany. After returning from service, he became a haberdasher, working at Ripley’s in Times Square, Barrett’s in Journal Square, and Posner’s in Bayonne. Later he served for 26 years as payroll clerk for the Hudson County welfare department, where he retired.

Richard, known affectionately as Richie, cherished good times with the many people he loved. He enjoyed socializing at bars with lifelong friends and marched in St. Patrick’s Day parades with Jack Miller’s Pub and the Blarney Pub, where he was elected President for multiple terms. A generous, festive host, he artfully decorated his home for all major holidays, and was known for the beautiful blessings he gave before meals. Richie enjoyed watching PBS television, especially British sitcoms. He will be remembered for the cheer he brought to every gathering, and missed by all who knew him.

Richard is survived by his longtime partner, Allen William Lake, and a community of dear friends and loved ones that formed an extended family, including Allen’s nephews Joseph, Lorenzo, and Allen and his wife Margaret, and grandnieces Alice and Jane. He was predeceased by his mother, Jeanette Andrews, and by Allen’s parents Allen Henry Lake and Alice (nee Tootell), and Allen’s sister Alice Sista and her husband Lorenzo.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Riotto Funeral Home & Cremation Company, 3205 John F. Kennedy Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (For GPS Navigation, please use our parking lot address: 14 Stagg St., Jersey City).

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral service on Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. A burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. at the Bay View Cemetery, 321 Garfield Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07305.