Obituary of Richard A. Smullen

Richard A. Smullen Jr. passed away in his sleep Sunday morning, February 4, 2018 from heart related complications. He was a loving father, true friend, and gentle soul. There is nothing in the world he cherished more than his son Santino. Always thoughtful and kind - on Saturday, he had bought Tino's favorite meal - fried chicken from Mohawk Dairy and some treats from Capiellos. He and Tino loved to whisper to each other and then say things to tease and rile up mom - two jokesters. A family of three who loved to act silly, laugh together or just sit around have in-depth conversations about life. Rich and his wife did everything together. They worked through life's challenges together and grew closer because of them. Rich always supported everything his wife did, even her obsession with Halloween, helping her set up elaborate Trick or Treat nights, helping her deliver life size faeries for window displays - he was always up for anything. His even-tempered, good-hearted, and sweet nature made their relationship the perfect yin-yang. Their family's love will be a forever unbreakable bond. Rich's other true love, outside of his family, was golf. Golfing with his friends, especially his close friend Rob was something he always looked forward to. To him, going to New Jersey to golf was no different than going around the corner to Muni. Rich will be sadly missed by his wife Cherie; son Santino; his mother Mary Baker and her husband Tom; his father Richard A. Smullen Sr, and his wife Jan; sister Bree Pierog and her husband Steve; his siblings, Emily Baker and Drew Baker; and in-laws Frank and Sherry Ripepi. A Funeral Mass will be offered on Thursday, February 8, 2018 at 11:15a.m. at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 156 East Main Street, Amsterdam with the Rev. Jeffrey L'Arche, M.S. as celebrant. Relatives and friends are invited to attend and to pray with them. Flowers will not be accepted, instead please consider donations to his sons education fund. Donations can be made at www.Ugift529.com using the code U44-H1A or by check c/o Cherie Smullen, 55 Wilkes Avenue, Amsterdam, New York 12010. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, NY 12010. Please visit the online memorial at www.brbsfuneral.com