Obituary of Richard J Crapella

Crapella, Richard J. age 58 of Totowa at rest in Wayne on March 29, 2018.  Beloved husband of 19 years to the former Joan La Rosa of Totowa.  Loving Father of Alicia Fargnoli & her husband Christopher of Tinton Falls, Gina Marie Balevski of Totowa,  Kristina Balevski of Totowa, and Richard Crapella of Jacksonville, FL.  Dear brother of Rosemary Arnell & her husband Michael of Totowa, Russell Crapella of Little Falls, and Raymond Crapella of Totowa. Devoted grandfather of Christopher Fargnoli, Gabriella Fargnoli, Anthony Bullaro, and Ariana Bullaro. Also survived by several nieces and nephews and his 3 beloved pet dogs  Sophia, Teddy, and Angelina. Born in Paterson, he lived in Totowa for most of his life.  He was a Machinist for Vibra Screw Inc., Totowa. Prior to that he was a pro carpenter as well as a pastry chef.  He was very active in the Boro of Totowa and very civic minded.  He helped plan the Memorial Day Parade and volunteered his time and cooked for the American Legion and veteran and parade functions.  He was a volunteer firefighter for the Totowa Fire Department, Riverview Park Co for nine years.  He was a United States Navy veteran and was a nuclear submarine specialist.  Richard was a member and 2nd vice commander for the American Legion Post #227, Totowa and a member of the Sons of the American Legion.  He was a former member of the B.P.O.E. Passaic Valley Elks Lodge #2111, Totowa and was a graduate of the French Culinary Institute, NY as a pastry chef.  His croissants were amazing.  He loved to cook for his family and cherished time spent with them.  He also enjoyed playing billiards and tending to his vegetable garden.  Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service at the Festa Memorial Funeral Home, 111 Union Blvd, Totowa, on Wednesday at 10:30 AM.  Committal to follow at Cedar Lawn Cemetery Crematory Chapel, Paterson.  Friends may visit Tuesday 4-8 PM.  Donations in his memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105 would be appreciated. For more information, go to www.festamemorial.com.