I know I am very late however I just learned and was very saddened to hear of Rich’s passing.  Rich and I worked together nearly 40 years ago (along with Nancy).  We sat next to each other every day, no more than 3 or 4 feet separated us and we provided technical support to our customers – and as this was many many years ago the technology that is so commonplace today was very new at the time, so there were a lot of issues that kept Rich and I busy.  We would help each other out with some of the technical issues and spent the remaining time in the day ‘razzing and teasing’ each other.  The joking part I think kept both of us a bit sane during some insane times.  Rich always being versed in the technology side would often help me and his humor and fun sarcasm was an added benefit, I hope in some ways he felt the same.  We connected on LinkedIn probably 8 years ago, which was 30+ years since we last talked, short messages about maybe trying to meet somewhere and catch up, very unfortunate that never occurred.  I read that in the years since we worked together he became a husband as well as a father of 2, which is funny because in those years working with him I don’t remember him even dating anyone : )but I was happy to hear he met Rosa and they had a family together.   Really enjoyed working with Rich, as I noted we literally sat 3 feet from each other every day, there was no ‘work from home’ and over that time developed a good working relationship as well as a friendship.  I hope by chance someone may get a chance to read this and although late know that Rich is still thought of by others.   Really disappointed we never did get that catch up – I know how it would have gone, first talking and updating each other on our families, second our work history, third would be a discussion on current technology trends and finally we would have ending by joking about each other.  And then probably looking to meet again with our families.  My condolences to his entire family

Richard welcomed me when I've got to this country. I met him when he married Rosa a long time ago. God bless him.

I am deeply sorry for your loss. I will aleats remember my dear friend Richard.

Heartfelt condolences to all of the Chism family - Richard will be dearly missed.

Richard was a hoot at our small holiday gatherings. You've gotta love how he always made it a point to show up to see family and friends, even just for a moment. After saying hello, sometimes he'd notice a nice outfit I'd worked hard on for the occasion and he'd point it out loudly to the group with a little twinkle in his eye. Quickly afterwards, Richard would turn to my husband and tell him, "...You need a haircut." 
Thanks for all the laughs and kind words, Richard! May you rest peacefully in The Great Beyond.

Rich would be so proud, because I’m actually using a smart phone for this message. Great people like Rich are complex, and never fully understood, so don’t even try.  What we do know is that he had many talents. Dates, numbers and events ......he knew the day we met the total time past, and our many events. Words, spelling and grammar.....He was my go to guy for all three and with-out him, it will show. He would have made a fantastic English Teacher  or even Spanish. Computers...... His vocation and passion. On many occasions he shared this knowledge .... and shared .....and then shared some more , but it was never going to stick....just fix the pc  please Mr PCfixer 🙏......And that leads me to his greatest talent of all, Communication......He would have made a great Talk show host, commentator, or impressionist ( ‘ Rich Big ‘ ) like that other guy , Rich Little. He actually took a few ‘ voice over ‘ classes, and as his room mate a few years back, I was quite impressed and entertained. I bet he showed that comical playful side to all of us. Never intimidated to let ‘ The Little Girl Voice ‘ out when talking to His dog Penny or mine, Paisley.......Let’s all remember that Richard’s stubbornness always came from a PLACE OF  LOVE ❤️  From a place of love ,Rest In Peace  my friend  ! Michael 

I knew Rich from our CCD days.  He was the guy who kept us in line when we went to clubs back in the days.  He will be missed.
    

I met Rich through our mutual friend Lisa. I think it was at a comedy club. We were like comedy club groupies. I remember he'd heckle the comedians and then not laugh at their jokes! He was a serious man, intense, passionate about politics, but with a gentle, loving side to him that would endear you to him right away. He was a fighter so of course, I was shocked to hear that he fell ill and then, not recover?! Not Rich...I thought it wouldn't take long for him to be back to his fiery, shoot-from-the-hip self. I always thought our little group would continue to visit the comedy circuit throughout NJ. I will miss Rich's laugh, his insight, his generosity, his intellect, his kindness, his wit. God always takes the good ones back too soon. Sending prayers to all those who knew him and loved him. Rest in peace my friend. 

I just want to extend my sympathies to the entire Chism family.  I am so very sorry for your loss.    I hope that all of you find solace in the many happy memories of times spent with Richard.    

OBITUARY

Richard George Chism

August 14, 1960 – June 8, 2021

Wm. Rowen Grant Funeral Home Inc.

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