Richard A. Coster

Richard Alfred Coster, 84 years old, passed away on March 10th at Overlook Hospital, Summit, after a long battle with cancer. His bravery and courage throughout two and a half years will be part of many peoples' conversations.

Richard was born and raised in Great Falls, Montana. Richard served in the United States Marine Corps for 15 years and served in the Cuban Crisis as well as being a Viet Nam veteran where he served 13 months in battle for our country. He received countless citations and metals while in the Marine Corps including an Outstanding Leadership Award, Mathematics Awards, several achievement awards in Marine Rifle Squad, Intruder Inertia, Avionics Fundamentals as well as graduating from the Marine Electronic Technical School.

He retired as a Staff Sargent in the Marine Corps in 1968. Richard served as an electronic engineer while stationed in the United States. After retiring from the Marine Corps he was employed as an electronic engineer for the Data General Corporation in New York City, as well as Control Data Corporation in Rockville, Maryland. Richard also was employed as an electronic engineer for the United States Postal Service in Jersey City.

He has been employed by Union Police Dept. for the past 15 years as a School Crossing Guard. Richard especially enjoyed spending several months every year in his second home in Bozeman, Montana. He loved being behind the wheel of his RV where he and his wife Marie visited all lower 48 states.

Richard is predeceased by his loving parents Marie and Alfred Coster from Great Falls, Montana, his loving brothers Jerry Coster and Thomas Coster from Montana. Richard is also predeceased by his furry friend Sabi who he enjoyed taking long walks with. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years Marie Malta Coster, his extremely beloved daughter Kelli Cusano and amazing son-in-law Steve and three grandchildren Lucy Rose, Jeremy, and Ruby. He is also survived by his brother, William from Arizona. He will be missed by many friends who he enjoyed a cup of coffee at Dunkin Donuts or Bagels and Beans after his morning shift as a crossing guard.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit the McCracken Funeral Home, Morris Avenue, Union, NJ on Wednesday March 16, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 8:00PM. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday March 17, 2022 at 10:30am at the Holy Spirit Church, Morris Avenue, Union followed by interment in Evergreen Cemetery, Hillside, NJ.

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