Richard Papesca

CAPT Richard J. Papesca “Pappy”, age 74, passed away peacefully at his home in Ocean Isle Beach, NC on February 21 with his beloved wife Joann of over 50 years, constant companion Bonnie, and pastor by his side.

CAPT Papesca will be held forever in the hearts of his family who loved him dearly. He is survived by his wife Joann (Scott); daughter Lara, married to Robert Black, grandson Hayden and granddaughter Kendall of Johns Creek, GA; son Jamie, married to Shelley (Sherwood) and granddaughter Charlotte Rose of Kerrville, TX; His brother Michael of Wappingers Falls and Louis of Madison, Alabama, sisters Rose-Marie (LaPierre) of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Donna (Marsh) of Poughkeepsie, NY and Carol Ann “Dee” (Pellerin) of Fishkill, NY. Surviving nieces and nephews will have cherished memories of time spent with Uncle “Iggy”. He is preceded in death by his father, Richard W. and mother, Rose Papesca.

CAPT Papesca was born in Bronx, NY on March 1,1948. He moved to Beacon, NY as a teenager and is a graduate of Beacon High School. He was an active member of the community for over 45 years in organizations including Knights of Columbus and Boy Scouts of America.

CAPT Papesca enlisted in the Navy in 1966 and his active service included assignments as an Engineer on PBR’s and various other military platforms. He dutifully served his country for 40 years as a Naval reservist and accepted his commission as an Ensign through the Limited Duty Officer program in 1982. In 1991 he transferred to the Naval Coastal Warfare Community. He served as Vehicle Maintenance Officer, Maintenance & Repair Officer and Executive Officer of Mobile Inshore Undersea Warfare Unit 203 in Brooklyn, NY. He served as the Commanding Officer of MIUW 201 in Toledo, OH from September 1999 to September 2002. He was recalled to active duty in support of Operation Southern Watch and Enduring Freedom. He returned to MIUW 203 in September 2003 and served as the Commanding Officer until September 2005 when he was assigned to Maritime Expeditionary Security Group TWO in Portsmouth, VA and the N-7 STAFF OPS & Plans Officer. CAPT Papesca was the recipient of several military awards including; Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart. He retired from the USN in 2008. While he shielded his loved ones from most of his military experiences we know he kept a very close network of support near and dear to him. These are friends he has served with and mentored and he considered them as his second family. He was proud to call himself a “Basilone Boy” and always cherished the time with his past shipmates at reunions.

CAPT Papesca was employed by the U.S. Postal Service and retired from his management position at the Manhattan Vehicle Maintenance Facility after 30 years of service. After retirement he was employed by Halvey Funeral Home in Beacon, NY and performed maintenance jobs at Hamilton Fish Plaza senior housing development in Beacon, NY and Arbor Landing Retirement Home in Shallotte, NC. He was committed to service and enjoyed his interactions with the residents.

CAPT Papesca will be remembered for the many lives he touched through his involvement in various community and veteran’s organizations over the years. He was a “Honey Do” for all and had a tool for every job. He found joy riding on his Harley and spending afternoons fishing in the Intercoastal waters. He was devoted to his family and his best friend Bonnie, his Newfoundland.

The family will receive friends and family on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at Seaside Methodist Church, 1300 Seaside Rd SW, Sunset Beach, NC at 2pm. A memorial service will be held at 3pm with a reception to follow at the church. CAPT Papesca will be buried with full military honors, and will forever be laid to rest surrounded by his brothers and sisters in arms in the Arlington National Cemetery.

Memorial donations in memory of CAPT Papesca may be made to to K9s for Warriors. The website is https://k9sforwarriors.org/ways-to-support/.

You may offer online condolences at www.shallottefunerals.com

White Funeral and Cremation Service, 3660 Express Drive, Shallotte, North Carolina

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shallottefunerals.com for the Papesca family.