Obituaries/Services

“Family always comes first” were words Veronica “Ronnie” Richards lived by. A woman of tremendous faith and love of God, Ronnie passed away on October 12, 2023 surrounded in love. Born in Williamsburg, Ronnie remained a lifelong resident of Brooklyn, NY moving first to Coney Island as a child, Gravesend as a young adult, and finally settling in Bensonhurst.

From a very young age Ronnie was the family member and friend others always turned to in times of crisis. An open door, a seat at her kitchen table, a hot cup of tea, and support were served 24/7. A determined woman and role model, Ronnie would become the first woman in her family to obtain a college degree at the age of 50 and go on to land her dream job as an elementary school secretary. Her quiet, determined spirit would never be more evident than in the last 10 years of her life as she quietly battled 9/11 related Stage 4 metastatic kidney cancer. After retiring, Ronnie put her time and energy into spearheading the food pantry at St. Finbar RC Church, attending monthly social meetings, traveling, and spending as much time as possible with her beloved family.

Ronnie leaves behind a grateful and heartbroken family - daughter Maureen Spataro; son Christopher Richards and his wife, Maryann Richards; son Robert Richards and his wife Jeanmarie Richards; sister Kathleen Gerritty; grandchildren Kayla Spataro, Ryan Lictro, granddaughter Emily Richards, grandson Sean Richards, granddaughter Lily Richards; nephew James Gerritty and his fiance Caitlyn Herbert; goddaughter Patricia McDannell and her daughter Bennett McDannell; nieces Tabitha Brandt and Jessica Wasserman; and, nephew Michael Richards, his wife Christine Richards and their son Jake RIchards. The memories of their mother, sister, grandmother, aunt and great aunt will always be as a woman who laughed easily, loved to dance, loved Tom Jones, and whose pride and joy in her family was infinite.

Visitation for Veronica “Ronnie” Richards will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Sunday, October 15, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Ralph Aievoli & Sons Funeral Home, 1275 - 65th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11219. A funeral mass will take place Monday, October 16, 2023 at 10:00 a.m., St. Finbar RC Church, 138 Bay 20th Street, Brooklyn, NY. Internment to immediately follow at Ocean View Cemetery, 3315 Amboy Road, Staten Island, NY.

Family was everything to Ronnie, and Ronnie was everything to her family. Her legacy of strength, love, and guidance will be cherished and remembered by all who love her.