Richard “Rich” Pirraglia, 73, of Long Branch, died on Sunday, February 9.

Rich was born and raised in Brooklyn to the late Marie and Dominic Pirraglia. He was a graduate of James Madison High School, and went on to receive his Master’s degree from Wagner College. Rich began his career as a teacher’s assistant, and eventually retired as special education teacher for PS 37R, Staten Island. He and his wife began their family in Brooklyn, and raised their kids in Staten Island before moving to Middletown 12 years ago, finally settling in Long Branch.

Rich understood how to get the most out of life, he had several hobbies ranging from photography, painting, technology, cooking, and many, many more. On a quiet day, he liked to relax by putting on some rock and roll or ME TV for an Old Western movie. Most of all, Rich loved spending time with his family.

He is predeceased by his parents.

Surviving is his wife Marie Elena Pirraglia, his daughters Jesse Ann and her husband Chris Tucci of Keyport, and Dominique and her husband Thomas Femia of Keyport, his siblings Peter, Maria, and Don Pirraglia, 3 grandchildren Holly, Penelope, and Jackson Richard, and many loving nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 13 from 4pm – 8pm at Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 S. Holmdel Road, Holmdel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, February 14th at 9:15am at the Church of St. Catharine’s, 108 Middletown Road, Holmdel. Burial will follow at Moravian Cemetery, Staten Island.

In lieu of traditional remembrances, Rich’s family asks with gratitude that donations in his memory be made to St. Jude’s (www.stjude.org)

For messages of condolences, or to share a favorite memory of Rich, please visit his page of tribute at www.HolmdelFuneralHome.com