OBITUARY
Richard William Bannon
June 30, 1956 – February 4, 2021
Richard William Bannon, 64, passed away unexpectedly at St. Barnabas Hospital in Livingston, NJ, on February 4, 2021, after suffering a heart attack. He was the third of four children born in Livingston, NJ, to William and Helen Bannon.
Richard is survived by his devoted wife and best friend of forty-three years, Patrice, as well as his loving children, Max Bannon, Katie Feld, and Samantha Stoddard. He is remembered fondly by his sons-in-law Alex Feld and Alexander Stoddard. He was also the proud and loving grandfather, also known fondly as “Popper”, to Lily Feld, and was looking forward to welcoming Lily’s little brother this spring.
Richard graduated from Livingston High School in 1974. He enthusiastically played the drums for his band, The Jitterz, alongside his other friends and bandmates. After graduating from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, NJ, Richard later opened a chain of video stores called Video Mania in both Boonton and Lake Hiawatha. He later went into Information Technology where he worked for the rest of his career.
Rich remained active in all aspects of his children’s lives. He loved all of his children’s friends and welcomed them into his home taking them under his wing and treating them like family. Rich’s family was his rock, one that he nurtured and cherished. He was lucky enough to see the type of people his children would become and he could not be more proud - as he was definitely prone to tell anyone. Their strengths and successes are a testament to his role as a father and a man who encouraged them to be themselves. No wonder one of his favorite sayings was to “Live outside the lines” - an adage he too lived by. His presence illuminated any room and it was fitting that his parting words were always “Peace!” as he threw up a peace sign. Rich had a larger than life personality, bringing joy and laughter to everyone around him.
Throughout his life, he enjoyed spending time with his dogs, Barney, Charlie, Finn, and Harry, while sitting on the deck listening to music (mostly The Beatles). He enjoyed every moment and you couldn’t help enjoying yourself too in his presence.
Richard is survived by his two brothers, Ron and Robert Bannon, as well as the many other members of his extended family. He is remembered fondly by his mother-in-law, Carol LeFrancis along with many brothers and sisters in-law. Rich was the proud uncle to many nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly. He was predeceased by his parents, William and Helen Bannon, brother Bill Bannon, father-in-law William LeFrancis, and sisters-in-law Michelle LeFrancis Fox and Jeannine LeFrancis.
There will be no visitation or funeral services at this time due to the ongoing pandemic as Rich would never want to put anyone at risk. A celebration of life will be scheduled in the future so that family and friends can pay their respects and share fond memories of Rich.
Services
No public services are scheduled at this time. Receive a notification when services are updated.
Memories
Richard William Bannon
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ADD A MEMORYMohammed Aleem (MAK) Khan
February 24, 2021
I AM SORRY TO HERE THIS ABOUT MY BROTHER MR. RICHARD WILLIAM BANNON .PLEASE GOD(ALLAH) REST HIM IN GREAT HEAVEN . i WORKED WITH IN 80'S AT VIDEO MANIA HE WAS A GREAT PERSON TO TALK TOO AND IWILL MISS HIM VERY VERY MUCH HE WAS VERY BUSY IN LIFE AND FAMILY .PLEASE FEEL TO EMAIL nakaudi@yahoo.com lots of love to his family's
Charlie Mancini
February 15, 2021
Condolences to Richie's family. He was a good man full of love, laughter, and joy. Keep him always in your heart, and know that he rests in peace.
Charlie Mancini
Kathleen Zabinski
February 14, 2021
So so sorry about Rich Our hearts go out to you all at this very sad time We will always remember his jolly personality!!! We had some great conversations on the deck many times that I will never forget
He will always be in our hearts. Thinking of you Patty and all your family and if Ican do anything please call me
Sheila Wikiel
February 9, 2021
Dear Patty and Family,
I was so very sorry to hear of Richie's passing. I had the pleasure of first meeting and getting to know Richie ( as drummer extraordinaire) when I was performing with the Jitterz during the 90's. Throughout the years, Richie always had a warm smile, a funny story, a kind thought and word, a twinkle in his eye and contagious laughter for everyone. He was truly a good and compassionate soul!
May your hearts always know how much he was loved and admired by all who met him! Sending heartfelt thoughts and peace!
Jane Bannon
February 9, 2021
To Patty and family and cousins Ron and Bob,
So sad to hear the news about Richie. My deepest sympathy to all his family and friends.
Michael Bonner
February 8, 2021
I remember going to Video Mania every Friday and Saturday night! Our daughter Jen also worked there and loved it our son who was about 5 at the time couldn't wait to get there! Once when we were on the way there Rich was walking to the store and our son got excited and said " Look there's Patty's son"!He didn't understand the relationship. Our prayers and condolences go out to your family. So sorry.
Francesca LeGrand
February 8, 2021
Patrice, I remember you from homeroom at LHS.
My sincerest condolences to you and yours at this difficult time.
Francesca LeGrand
Cathy Dunn
February 8, 2021
Dear Patty and Family,
My family and I are so sorry to hear about the passing of Rich. We all have happy memories of Friday nights going to get a pizza at Roma and a video at Videomamia. Rich was always so fun to be around and was so kind to all us. John and the kids looked forward to seeing both of you every week.
Rest In Peace, Rich. 💕
Love,
Cathy, Ryan, Kerry & Meghan Dunn
Howard Wiener
February 8, 2021
RIP RB Bannon
So many memories flooded through my mind of my times with Rich
From the early days at the Courts playing B-Ball with his Big Brother Bob who use to brutalize us kids but made us Livingston Tough . Driving me and Cheryl up to Route 80 to kick off our cross country hitchhiking summer of 74' So many more .
My deepest condolences to Patty and whole family from the Wiener's
Live you Richie !!!
William Westhoven
February 8, 2021
So sad to hear. Good times at Video Mania and with the Jitterz, including one memorable late night at the Bottom Line! I still have the Jitterz CD and have played it on my Boonton internet radio show, and will again.
Kames Dougal
February 7, 2021
Oh Patty, and Ron, and kids I am so shocked and sorry and sad. I’ve been speaking and texting with people all day, and after the shock, all remember Richie as kind and compassionate and loving. Everyone loved him from the get go! While the sadness is unbearable, please know that everyone who knew him only felt his glow... In these COVID times, I want to wrap my arms around you. My heart goes out to you all...
Larry Weiss
February 7, 2021
Way too sad. A good friend during our younger years. I know he will be missed and my sincerest condolences to his family and close friends
Mary Kass (nee Mulvihill)
February 7, 2021
My heart breaks for the Bannon and LeFrancis families and all those whose lives were touched by Richie. Wishing you the strength of the moon, sun and stars. May your sorrow be tampered with loving memories. Forever with us -
Anne Rogers
February 7, 2021
Dear Bannon Family and Friends:
I am so sad to hear of Ritchie's passing this morning. He was such a kind, warm, joyful person. I had the pleasure of playing music with him in the late 80s/90s. He always had a smile on his face and time to say something nice to everyone.
I am sorry for your loss.
Colleen Howard
February 7, 2021
My sincerest condolences to the family of Richie Bannon. He was my neighbor and first love in second grade. He would tease me and always make me laugh on the walk home from Hillside School.
Although I haven't seen him in decades I have thought of him often. May God rest his soul and bless his family.
Rest in peace Richie,
"The black-eyed pirate"
Jay Esposito
February 7, 2021
In Memory of Richie
It’s hard to express what this loss means to everyone who knew Rich except to say an immeasurable joy has left our world.
A true appreciation for life was a vibrant hallmark of Rich’s character along with humor, wisdom, musical talent and compassion for others.
No matter how much time passed between our exchanges the conversation always started with a story of our everlasting friendship and ended with I love you.
A gift I will carry in my heart forever.
Patty, Ron and Family, please know the sadness we share and the joy we celebrate for having this beautiful friend in our life.
With Love Jay & Ce Esposito
Heather & Chris Frieman
February 7, 2021
The Frieman’s are Sending peace, love & strength to the Bannon & LeFrancis Family!!! Thinking of you all !!!💔
Bruce Beck
February 7, 2021
What a beautiful soul. He always had a smile on his face and a warm, endearing hand to extend. He will be sorely missed. Another part of our childhood is gone, but his memory will last forever. Sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Beth Berman
February 7, 2021
It's been many years since I knew Richie. He was insightful, smart and fun-loving. He was also dedicated friend.
Condolences to the Patty and the wonderful Bannon family for a life taken way too soon.
Donna Bersch
February 7, 2021
My deepest condolences to Richie’s family. I remember Richie with such fondness, always quick to smile and be helpful to those around him. He was a stand up and caring guy.
He will be missed.
With deepest sympathies,
Donna
Lee Howard
February 7, 2021
I grew up right around the corner from Rich, and although I was a little bit younger, as kids, he was a good guy that was always cool with me hanging out LOL. Always enjoyed seeing him in the early 80s band circuit whenever our musical paths would cross. So sorry to hear of his passing, and my most heartfelt condolences go out to the entire family.
David Ehehalt
February 7, 2021
What a Shock ! , So Sad , What a Great Guy ! , He was very close to My Roommate Bill Wilson , At one point Richie & Patti Lived in the Same Hi-Rise in East Orange with Bill & I , Patti , My deepest condolences to you and your family !
william zuppa
February 7, 2021
Dear Patty and Ron and family, It is with a heavy, diseased heart I'm sending sympathy and condolences to you after just learning of Richie's passing. God rest my old bandmate and friend's soul, and comfort yours. I am so very sorry.. Peace and Love, Bill
Lisa Domenic-Matthews
February 7, 2021
Such devastating news.
Rich was a great guy, and a very dear friend of many years.
Our deepest condolences go out to his family and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
He will be sorely missed.
May he Rest In Peace.
Ramona Jan
February 7, 2021
I met Richie in the sixth grade and must confess that I had an enormous crush on him. He was so handsome. Later in life, we would both play in different bands. I would eventually also work at the Peppermint Lounge in NYC where we would reconnect. Richie was a go-getter and a great drummer. He was a positive person with a great outlook on life. My condolences to his wife and children.
John Howard
February 6, 2021
Richie was always upbeat and a good friend. I have many fond memories filled with joy and laughter. RIP my brother
Dan McKenna
February 6, 2021
My sincere condolences to the family. Richie was one of the best .
Mercelia Constant
February 5, 2021
He was such a nice human being for the short time I met him at the hospital my condolences to his entire family