Richard F. Schiekofer

Richard (Dick) Francis Schiekofer, 89, of Suffern NY, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2026 surrounded by the love of his family after a courageous fight through a recent and sudden illness.

Born August 20, 1936, to Joseph Schiekofer and Ann Schiekofer, Rich was a life-long Resident of Suffern and was a standout athlete at Suffern High School. He attended Tusculum University before returning home to take over the family business when his father became ill. Rich was a hardworking, honest, strong, and humble man who built a life centered around family, friendship, loyalty, and perseverance. He was the proud owner and proprietor of Tri-County Transportation in Suffern, NY, where he earned the respect of colleagues, customers, and friends throughout the community, for his work ethic, fairness, and integrity. He continued to work for Airborne/ DHL for many years before settling into an enjoyable retirement. He continued to enjoy long drives for vacations and family visits well into his retirement years.

Rich was someone people naturally gravitated toward. He had a warm personality, a sharp sense of humor, and a charm that stayed with him throughout his entire life.

Rich’s strength, humor, kindness, and love for life will remain with all who knew him. He fought with tremendous courage until the very end and will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and everyone fortunate enough to have shared in his life. He loved spending time with friends, enjoyed life to its fullest, loved the horses, and never lost the ability to flirt and make people smile. Above all, he treasured the people around him and the relationships he built over the years.

Besides his parents, Richard was predeceased by his brother James Schiekofer, his sister Anne Brill, sister Karen Schiekofer, and grandson Eric Howard. He is survived by his beloved companion, Gayle Schaeffer, and his children and their spouses: Deborah and Frank Calabrese of New Jersey, Sherri and Bert Howard of Connecticut, Richard and Susan Schiekofer of New Jersey, and Jim and Norma Schiekofer of New York. He was a proud grandfather and is survived by Frank Calabrese, his wife Suzy, Kristyn Hakes and husband Dillon. Kayla Calabrese, Anthony Calabrese, James Howard and wife Mary, Nick Howard and fiancé Kayla Mendoza, Annalee Howard, Jessica Schiekofer, Emma Matherson and husband Nate, Richie Schiekofer, Olivia Schiekofer, Kyle Schiekofer, and Ethan Schiekofer. He also leaves behind Great-Grandchildren whom he cherished and beamed with smiles at their sight: Frankie, Sophie, Mia, Alana, and Niko. Rich also leaves behind his long time loving companion Gayle Schaeffer’s children Mary Ann, Keith, Bruce, Tina, and Michael, whom he loved dearly.

His family takes comfort in knowing he is at peace and free of pain.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 18, 2026 from 3-7pm at the Wanamaker & Carlough Funeral Home, 177 Rt. 59, Suffern, NY 10901. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at Sacred Heart Church in Suffern, NY. Burial will follow at Ascension Cemetery in Airmont, NY.