Obituary of Richard Alfred Edward Zrike

It is with great sadness that we must announce the passing of Richard Zrike, a resident of Denville who passed away on April 5th, 2024. 

Richard was born to Alfred and Millicent Zrike in September of 1944 and was raised in Brooklyn as an only child. Richard moved on to earn his Master’s Degree in Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology, later becoming a professionally licensed engineer.  After making the move to the Denville area, Richard met the love of his life, Linda, and the pair began their life together.

Richard and Linda brought two wonderful children into the world together and raised them with the utmost care and love two parents could have. Richard was a family man through and through and loved spending time with his children.  Later, when blessed with grandchildren, he loved spending his time with them and his grand nieces and nephews as well.  He worked as an engineer for the Pfizer pharmaceutical company, but still found time to enjoy his passions in life. Richard was a talented photographer and would take the most beautiful photos, editing printing and hanging many in his home. Richard never sold any though, as he felt these photos were a part of him. The only work of his that was ever given away were his photo albums from the family gatherings he attended. While most of them were full of gorgeous shots of the guests, some of them had a more humorous theme (including a full album of people in the middle of chewing). This unique sense of humor is one of the most memorable things about Richard’s personality. 

In addition to his creativity, Richard was good with his hands and they rarely laid idle. He was constantly woodworking and making home improvements when he found the time. As a very intelligent man, he enjoyed fixing things and solving problems, so much so that he was even inducted into Mensa; the largest society of High-IQ individuals in the world. 

And while some may remember him for his humor and some for his art, his family remarks that they will forever remember Richard as a kind and generous man with a gentle spirit and a willingness to help anyone. He was a remarkable dad, loving grandpa, and a devoted husband, and we hope that his legacy will continue in those he leaves behind. Richards survivors include his wife, Linda Zrike, his children, Alec Zrike (Adrian), Katherine Repka (Jim), his grandchildren, Levi, Magenta, Vivian, Illyana, and Connor, as well as a wealth of friends who will remember him fondly. 

No services are scheduled at this time, but please leave a condolence, share a memory, or light a candle to continue to let Richard’s light shine!