(718) 761-5544 | 
matthewfh@matthewfuneralhome.com | 
2508 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10314
Tribute Wall
Monday
22
February
Visitation at Funeral Home
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Monday, February 22, 2021
Matthew Funeral Home And Cremation Services, Inc.
2508 Victory Blvd.
Staten Island, New York, United States
Monday
22
February
Visitation
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Monday, February 22, 2021
Matthew Funeral Home And Cremation Services, Inc.
2508 Victory Blvd.
Staten Island, New York, United States
Tuesday
23
February
Mass
10:30 am
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
Holy Family RC Church
366 Watchogue Road
Staten Island, New York, United States
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Martin Roman posted a condolence
Thursday, August 19, 2021
Just found out about his passing. Rich was such a great guy. I'm in disbelief. What a loss. My deepest condolences to the family.
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Anthony Daidone posted a condolence
Friday, June 11, 2021
My condolences to the Pfluger family. I apologize for the lateness of this however I unfortunately first learned of the loss when I received the most recent RLA newsletter. I had the privilege of working besides Richard when we were supervisors in a Housing Unit. Richard was always positive, good humored and someone you could count on. No doubt he shall be missed here on earth however his good nature will always live on in the memory of the people he met.
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Jim Vroman lit a candle
Thursday, February 25, 2021
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I saw of Rich’s passing on the NYPD Ceremonial website. I am sorry for your loss. I too retired as a Lieutenant from the NYPD and I proudly wore Rich’s shield #21550 when I was a cop from 1998-2006. I presume I got it when he turned it in to become Sergeant. I did not know Rich, but I feel connected to him and again I am sorry to hear of his passing.
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John Scolaro hhgbp posted a condolence
Thursday, February 25, 2021
My sincere condolences on your loss. I worked with Richie at the Police Academy. He was always smiling and a pleasure to be around. God Bless, Rest In Peace!
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Leslie Knapp posted a condolence
Monday, February 22, 2021
Gretchen definitely has Rich's mannerisms and is the spitting image of him . I only met him a couple of times and he always made me and my daughter Emily smile. He had a warmth about him and made you feel like you knew him forever. May he watch over the Pfluger family clan.
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Leslie Knapp lit a candle
Monday, February 22, 2021
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This candle is for you so you may bring light to Gretchen, Bernice and the Pfluger clan as you watch over them.
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Norma Vasquez posted a symbolic gesture
Monday, February 22, 2021
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Rich, you were more of a son to me than a son-in-law. You were always checking on me, calling me to ask if I needed anything from the store, looking for my approval of your recipes. I was your official taste-tester, always asking “Mom, is it as good as yours?” I will miss our shopping trips to the supermarket. I’m happy we spent our last holidays together cooking in the kitchen. Thank you for the last goodbye kiss on the forehead. I’ll make sure to keep spoiling and checking on Princess Lilly for you. You’ll always be in my heart. Love, Mom
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Blamche Galietta lit a candle
Monday, February 22, 2021
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So so sorry no words ! He was a great guy!
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Kevin posted a condolence
Saturday, February 20, 2021
Rich was a very reliable and dedicated friend. We shared a lot of laughs together. Rich knew I was a Yankee fan but he text me during Met games and I used to watch Met games just so I can tell Rich how bad they where. He always laughed and never got mad when I used to rip the Mets most of the time he even agreed with me. I am going to miss watching football on his deck and all of our conversations. RIP my friend until we meet again.
Kevin Loeffel
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Stephen Sullivan uploaded photo(s)
Friday, February 19, 2021
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Richie was an awesome friend. He was always there whenever you needed him. Losing him and our friend Tommy is devastating. My deepest condolences to his family. I will miss you brother. I pray that one day you and Tommy will be waiting for me on the other side.
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Elaine Vasquez uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, February 18, 2021
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Ricardo, as I so endearingly called him, knew more about Puerto Rican culture and cuisine than my sister, Michele. He was always texting me pics of his many prepared meals, silly jokes and political memes, or proud-dad pics of Gretchen. Each time I visited, he always had a newly discovered bottle of wine ready to share with me. I will miss our long talks and his perfect impressions of family members that gave me belly laughs.
Thank you, Rich, for loving my sister and nephew wholeheartedly, for embracing our family as your own, and for being the best brother-in-law any sister could have. You fit perfectly into our family, and your place will be forever cemented. I love you bunches, Elaine
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Patrick Emery uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, February 18, 2021
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We’ve been friends for more than 35 years and have done a great deal of stupid things together. It saddens me to think that we will not be able to show our kids what “not to do” together. I promise to look after Gretchen and be a pest to her as her godfather. Teagan will know all about you as her godfather and will wear your #35 in any sport she plays in your honor. I realized that we became much closer when I became a father. You knew I didn’t know what I was doing and kept me in check. I will always be grateful of our friendship and being my big “brother” in life. I miss you already.
And yes, I will get a snowblower. There is no way I’m going through eternity with you berating me about shoveling down here!
Love you man
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Lynn Mesh lit a candle
Thursday, February 18, 2021
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Although I hadn’t seen Rich in quite a few years, I can still hear his laughter and picture his beautiful smile. I know he will be missed by so many who loved him. A life cut way too short ❤️
Lynn Mesh
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Catherine Tess posted a condolence
Thursday, February 18, 2021
I didn't know Richie personally, but I knew his family from Stapleton. My mom was good friends with his mom and dad. I remember they had 5 daughters and kept trying for a boy, hence Richie! I understand there was another boy they were blessed with as well. We moved to St. Paul's Avenue after Richie was born. I am so sorry for your loss, I wish I would have gotten to know him. My condolences to your family. RIP Richie......my prayers are with you all.
Catherine Tess
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Laura Leonardi posted a condolence
Thursday, February 18, 2021
Richie
my step baby brother since 1979 and my ringbearer. you were always a sweetheart. you will be missed so much. rest in peace ,always Laura and Robert.
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Roy Crombiw uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, February 18, 2021
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I first met Rich at McDonalds. I was the trainer and he was the new guy. We hit it off right away, but that was Rich, easy to talk to, easy to get to know. We started hanging out outside of work and we had some fun times. When I asked him to join my softball team...well the rest is history. 3 teams, 5 championships, lots of parties, and a group of guys who are lifelong friends. After I moved to Florida in 2000, Rich became the guy. Weather it was McDonalds reunions, or Softball reunions, or just getting together to hang out, Rich was the organizer. He kept us all close. I will truly miss him. He was one of a kind, a true friend!
Condolences to his family during this difficult time, but his spirit will live on. Peace!
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Dan C posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
Rich was my friend in high school , St Peters Boys. We both ended up on the NYPD but my biggest memories of Rich is still in high school. He had “Tom Platz” like legs and we used to break his chops with his good humor to go along. I remember him as if he is standing in front of me at this moment. I pray he felt no pain. My condolences to his wife and daughter along with extended frinds and family. Rest In Peace my brother.
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Katherine Smith lit a candle
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
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Mike, Katherine, Charlotte and Ava
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John lit a candle
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
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My thoughts and prayers are with Rich and his family. I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Rich in Narcotics, He was an all around great man and an excellent cop. He will be greatly missed. Rich rest in eternal peace. Godspeed my brother!
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Joe Fiorello lit a candle
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
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Devon uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
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Devon uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
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Brianne O’Leary uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
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I remember sitting in church for Teagans christening. We had the entire church to ourselves. The priest was asking a million questions that I didn’t really know the answers too and I started panicking. You looked at me and said “Bri.. shh, I got this”. What a relief! I kept Teagan quiet and we were blessed as her godparents. You were far better at this title. I promise to always tell Teagan how much you love her and amazing her Uncle ChiChi was. RIP Rich, you are missed more than you can possibly imagine.
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Julio C. Martinez posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
We all remember Rich as a young Police Officer in the 78 Pct. Patrol. We had plenty of fun. From all the former members of the 78 Pct. Detective Squad, May he rest in Peace.
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Steven Giurici lit a candle
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
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Rich was always the coolest guy in the room. If there was a party and Rich was going, you know it was going to be amazing. My heart goes out to his entire family, may god bless you all.
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The family of Richard M. Pfluger uploaded a photo
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
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Please wait
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Devon lit a candle
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
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Uncle Richie,
We will not always see eye to eye but we are all still family. I love you always!
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Richard Hartman uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
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Rich and I were friends for almost 35 years. We were roommates at the infamous 145 Ada Drive for 5 years and although my recollections of that era are rather hazy, I’m told we had a great time. My last communication with him was just last week and we were planning to get together in March. Rich was responsible for myself and so many of our friends keeping in touch and making time for each other as the years passed, people moved away, and life often seemed to get in the way. I would often come home to a message from Rich saying, “Hey, Let’s plan a dinner”. Or in later years a text about a ballgame game he has tickets to. This is how friendships are maintained and this came naturally to Rich, when so many of us simply take them for granted.
I hope that all of us will continue to make that extra effort to see each other as the years roll on, but I know that when we all get together in the future there will always be a void, a tinge of sadness, and a lot less laughter.
God Bless You Rich and my deepest sympathies to Michelle, Gretchen and the entire Pfluger family.
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Eileen Pfluger uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
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Richard at work
Eileen Pfluger posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
Richard,
I remember when we were little and I use to pick on you but I never let anyone else. I remember when I had to beat up that girl who went after you because you were throwing rocks at her (and she was huge, thanks Rich). I remember how mad I used to get at you for crying every time you lost. I remember mommy driving us to school and hitting every thing in sight, she could hit a pole making a wide right turn. I remember consoling you when you had your first heart break. And I remember consoling you many times after that. I remember when you and I had that thanksgiving together and how we swore we would always have each others back. I remember how I used to worry about you when you were on the narcotics division, when you were undercover, God I hated that job. I remember when you had your daughter and how you were bursting with pride to be her dad. I remember many happy times together and many bottles of wine. You were my best friend. Many things transpired throughout the years, to you, to me and to us, but one thing remained true, you were always my brother and I always loved you.
Until we meet again.
your sister Eileen
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Bob Verticchio posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
Just like when everyone else received the news of his passing, my initial reaction was shock. Rich is one of those people who you think of as invincible. From the moment I met him in 7th grade in 1979 I knew he was one of a kind. He was already a man among boys at 12 years old and he taught us all the things that we were curious about. His voice had already changed, he already kissed a girl, and I wanted to be his friend right away. We had many nicknames for Rich, one of them being 'Earl Campbell' because of his 'tree trunk' legs. Playing tackle football against him at PS 48 required at least 3 guys to bring him down. He was the natural leader of the group and we learned so much about life through him. He was responsible for setting me up with my first girlfriend and buying me my first beer (which got me drunk). He was one of the funniest people I've ever met and he was certainly the most fearless person I ever knew. He was the center of attention at every party and you wanted him on your side whenever things got rough . Despite going our own ways in life as we got older I'll always consider him a dear friend because of all that he has given me. I'll always be in his debt for all the laughs, all that he taught me growing up, and most of all for introducing me to my wife Kerrie back in 1989. For these reasons I'll always love the guy. He will be missed by so many of us.
Until we meet again Pal.
My condolences to Michelle, Gretchen, and the entire Pfluger family. May you all find peace during this difficult time.
-Bob Verticchio
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2508 Victory Boulevard,
Staten Island, NY 10314
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