Richard Charles Eldon

Richard Charles Eldon passed away on Monday, December 21, 2020 at the age of 70. After a brave battle with cancer, Rick died peacefully with his loving wife Lauryn and his three children by his side. Rick was passionate about life, his family and business. He loved to travel, explore, and constantly learn about subjects as varied as world history, culinary arts and current events. He enjoyed many activities but none more than hosting family and friends with a traditional holiday dinner or a backyard barbeque.

Born December 9, 1950 in Forest Hills, New York, he was the son of the late Richard Palmer Eldon and Anna Cacioppo Eldon. Rick graduated from Great Neck South High School in 1969, and later earned a bachelor’s degree at New York University and an MBA degree at Adelphi University.

Rick’s first job at a young age was working for his grandfather, Charles Cacioppo, owner of the Grandview Dairy in Ridgewood, New York. Working alongside his grandfather, Rick learned everything about the dairy industry and running a business which eventually inspired him to pursue owning his own company one day. After several years working in sales and management for others, in 1986, Rick purchased Oliver M. Dean, Inc., a process engineering and equipment distributor based in Worcester, Massachusetts. With his entrepreneurial spirit, Rick grew the company for over 35 years to become a leader serving the hygienic process industry throughout the Northeast. In recent years, he mentored his son Daniel to assume the role of President and ensure the continued success of the company.

Despite his recent illness, Rick remained active and continued to live each day to its fullest, traveling and spending time with his children and grandchildren. Rick is survived by his loving wife Lauryn and his three children, Laura Martel and her husband Scott; Jill Wit and her husband Chris; and Daniel Eldon and his fiancé Kristen Cassone. Rick will also be fondly remembered by his four grandchildren, Mia Martel, Alexa Martel, Ryan Wit and Sydney Wit; and by his sisters, Patty Solow, Kathy Kaufman, Jeannine Lurie and his niece and nephews.

A service of remembrance will be held at a later date.

Those who wish to remember Rick in a special way may make a donation in his memory to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.

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