Richard Emanuel DeMaria

Richard was a lifelong New Yorker and would let everyone know of this proud distinction. He often would wear shorts throughout the winter to prove how tough he was compared to the mild Georgia winters. He was a passionate fan of the New York Giants and the Boston Red Sox, inquiring about the success of his teams through his final days. He lived an independent life as a life-long bachelor, until he retired originally to Naples, Florida to spend retirement with his identical twin brother and best friend Donald (who he called Donnie). From 1999 until Donnie’s death in 2017, Richard and Donnie were inseparable and local celebrities as it is not every day that older identical twins are seen together.

Richard will forever be known for his charisma and charm- skills he honed as a member of the Playboy Club in New York. To his family, he will be remembered as a proud DeMaria who was quietly generous and supportive. Richard could be difficult but there was no doubt that he loved you. He was honest, sometimes to a fault, and always relished being the life of the party.

Richard spent the last years of his life at The Landing of Bogart and the family wishes to acknowledge the great impact of the love and care that they demonstrated to Richard. He was so happy there, even when he would quip that he was “the only one who works here.” Specifically, the family wishes to recognize Amande, Ashley R., Ashley M., Brittany, Eva, Juanita, Paulette, Shanteé, Toni, Michelle and all others not mentioned for their patience, care and devotion to him and all the residents at The Landing.

In his last year, Richard also received care from Agape Hospice and the family wishes to extend its gratitude to Brittany and Lauren, Richard’s regular nurses. They always advocated for him and ensured that he had the highest quality of life, even as his health declined.

Throughout his years in Athens and Bogart, Richard was visited by the staff and lay callers from First Presbyterian Church of Athens, and the family is grateful for the spiritual connection and demonstration of God’s love shown to Richard. In particular, the family thanks the Rev. Margaret Davis and Jerry Rogers for their love and friendship.

As the family celebrates his life, they will carry his spirit of generosity and attempt to imitate his wicked sense of humor for the rest of their lives. While he will be greatly missed, the family requests that you celebrate his remarkable life- enjoy a slice of delicious New York pizza, get messy as you eat a pot of Sunday Sauce, blast some Count Basie, and perhaps most importantly, raise a glass of Chivas Regal and toast this incredible man.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents Dominick and Tessie DeMaria; his brothers Donald DeMaria and Robert DeMaria; and his sister JoAnn DeMaria. He is survived by his nieces Rita Fisher, Nancy DeMaria, Kris DeMaria, Tessa DeMaria and Ariana DeMaria; his nephews Donald DeMaria, Gregg DeMaria and Paul DeMaria; five great-nieces; and seven great-nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to United Cerebral Palsy at https://ucp.org/ or the St. Labre Indian School at https://www.stlabre.org/.

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.