Richard John Hesterhagen

Richard John Hesterhagen, 83, US Army Veteran, Retired NYC Transit Police Officer, passed away on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at his home with his loving family by his side.

Richard was born in Jersey City on October 20, 1940. At the age of 5, Richard’s family settled in the Midland Beach section of Staten Island and it was there, at the age of 20, that Richard met the love of his life, Alice Knobel. They married in 1968, started a family and made the move to Tottenville to raise their three children, and they remained there for 35 years.

As a young man, Richard worked as an elevator mechanic alongside his father, Harry & brother, Robert before he was called to serve in the U.S. Army. He served in Germany and upon his return, joined the NYC Transit Police and served the city of New York for 20 years. After his retirement, he joined the security team at Dow Jones & Co. in The World Financial Center where he was honored to be the recipient of the Kilgore Employee Excellence Award for his bravery on 9/11.

Richard & Alice chose to live their golden years in a beautiful adult community in Jackson, NJ. They enjoyed spending time with their family, especially the time spent with their eight grandchildren who lovingly called him PopPop. He & Alice also spent time traveling in the United States, and they enjoyed their many trips to Maine.Throughout Richard’s life he always loved the outdoors…swimming, bike riding, kayaking and camping. He treasured spending time with his son on fishing trips.

In addition to his wife of 55 years, Richard is survived by his children, Kristen Staszeski, Richard & Megan Hesterhagen, Lori & John Ficarra, his grandchildren, Julianna, Jonathan, Abigail, Allison, Joseph, Richard, Victoria & Emily, his large fun loving family including all of his nieces & nephews that he was always so proud of, and many new & old friends. Richard was predeceased in death by his parents, Marie & Harry, his brothers Robert & Ronald, his nephew John, and his nieces Susan & Diane.

A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, May 18th at 2:00 PM.

Saint Monica Roman Catholic Church

679 W Veterans Highway Jackson, NJ 08527