Richard Thomas Whitton, born March 12, 1939, at Lefferts Maternity Hospital in Queens, New York, passed away surrounded by the love of his family.

Richard was the son of Walter and Hazel Whitton and was raised with his parents in Ozone Park, Queens. He attended Catholic school through middle school before being accepted to Brooklyn Technical High School, a prestigious institution that at the time was ranked among the top schools in the country.

At the age of 21, Richard married the love of his life, Dorothy. Together they shared more than 50 years of marriage, building a family and a life filled with love, hard work, friendship, and countless memories.

Richard began his professional career with Ma Bell/AT&T, where he worked for more than 35 years. He specialized in building microwave radio stations and became part of what was known as the "Radio Gang," working alongside his two longtime friends, Angelo and Ed. The friendships he formed throughout his career remained important to him throughout his life.

After retiring from AT&T, Richard wasn't ready to stop working. He spent another 15 years with Atlantic Satellite in Northvale, New Jersey, where he eventually brought his son Bill into the business. Working alongside his son gave Richard another opportunity to combine his love of his work with his love of family.

In 1963, Richard and his family moved to Tappan, New York, where they made their home on Autumn Drive. Richard quickly became an important part of the community. During the 1970s, he served as President of Tappan Little League and coached several teams. He believed strongly in family and community and was always willing to give his time, energy, and generosity to others.

Richard had a lifelong love of baseball. In his youth, he played minor league baseball as a pitcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers. His favorite player was Duke Snider. Baseball remained one of his passions throughout his life, and his involvement with Tappan Little League allowed him to share that love with generations of young players.

Richard was a man who found joy in the simple things. He loved taking long scenic drives, painting and expressing himself as an artist, and spending time with his train sets. Throughout his life, he also had a special love and companionship for his dogs. His beloved cat, Dave, remained by his side in his later years.

Above all else, Richard was a loving husband, father, grandfather, friend, and member of his community. He was known for his generosity, his willingness to help others, and his genuine love for people. His greatest accomplishments were not simply measured by his career, but by the family he built, the friendships he maintained, the young people he coached, and the many lives he touched through his kindness.

Richard is survived by his three sons and daughters-in-law: Ken and Marie, Denis, and Bill and Theresa; and his grandchildren Latricia, Karissa and her husband Josh, Kyle, Cameron, and Billy. He was preceded in death by his beloved grandson Jason, who passed away in 2018.

He is also survived by his beloved cat, Dave.

Richard leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a legacy of family, friendship, generosity, and love. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him and will remain forever in the hearts of the family and community he loved so dearly.