Obituary of Richard E. Cottelli

Richard "Richie" Cottelli, 78, of East Hanover, NJ, passed away on February 12, 2024, in Morristown, NJ. Richie was born on October 22, 1945, in Englewood, NJ, and lived in Fort Lee for 18 years before joining the Army to serve his country. He proudly served as a paratrooper, completing 56 jumps without injury. However, shortly before his 21st birthday, Richie was involved in a serious automobile accident while stationed in Germany, which left him disabled for life. Despite his challenges, Richie was known for his resilience and determination.

After the accident, Richie was declared mentally incapacitated and was lovingly cared for by his mother and father. Tragically, his mother passed away just two years later, leaving his father to devote the next 29 years of his life to caring for Richie. In 1995, after his father's passing, Richie's niece Joanne (Cottelli) Dzialo assumed guardianship and continued to provide him with unwavering support until his death. Richie then moved to Denville, NJ, where he enjoyed a fulfilling life on Indian Lake, thanks to the dedicated care of his caregiver, Emmanuel Yeboah, who faithfully looked after him for 25 years until his retirement in 2023. Additionally, Joanne's husband Bob was always there as Mr. Fix it along with a very supportive neighbor, Brian Flynn, who was always there to lend a helping hand whenever needed.  Richie was so appreciative of the help he received.  When Emmanuel retired, he moved to Livia, East Hanover, NJ.   While the entire staff on his floor took such good care of him, specifically his Nurse Shanae and Nurses Aid QQ were just a tremendous support system to him and to Joanne always keeping her up to date.  

Richie is survived by his brother Charles Cottelli and sister Kathy Walsh,  his nieces Joanne Dzialo, Lois McCluskey, Jean Bond, Cindy Tallent, Nancy Bradley, Sonia Hardenstine, Tanya Walsh, nephews Damien Walsh and Kiernan Walsh, as well as his 17 great-nieces and nephews and 12 great-great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his Father Louis Cottelli, Mother Dorothy Cottelli, sister Dorothy Gasser, and brother Lewis Cottelli.

Richie attended Fort Lee High School and later enlisted in the Army, serving for three years. His military service was a source of great pride for him, and he exemplified bravery and dedication during his time as a paratrooper.

Richie Cottelli will be remembered for his indomitable spirit, he suffered for 57 years with nothing but a good spirit.  His catch phrase was "No more drinking, no more smoking, no more fräuleins."  His resilience in the face of adversity serves as an inspiration to all who knew him. May his soul rest in peace.

Graveside services for Richie will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, February 15th, 2024., at George Washington Memorial Park Cemetery, Paramus, NJ. The funeral arrangements are being handled by Dangler Funeral Home, located in Morris Plains, NJ.