Richard Orrin Van Syckel Obituary
Richard Orrin Van Syckel was born on October 16, 1934 in New Jersey to Catherine Frances and Albert Lester Van Syckel, the 10th of 12 children. He died on April 7, 2016 at the age of 81. Richard (Rich, Richie) was a veteran of the US Navy and served honorably aboard the USS Boxer and the USS Kearsarge in the 1950’s. Serving in the South Pacific, he was an “atomic” survivor (witnessing atomic testing on Bikini Atoll). He was a victim for 21 years of a terrible injustice, but he had a wonderful attitude and a strong faith in God and so he forgave the people responsible for the injustice. He was the kindest, most generous man, helping and sharing whatever he had with family, friends, and strangers throughout his life. Predeceased by his parents and 9 of his 12 siblings, he is survived by one sister (in Chandler, AZ) and one brother (in Bar Mills, ME), his two children and 25 nieces and nephews and many great nieces and great nephews.
His cremains will be interred at a later date in New Jersey. Free at last, though not the way you wanted to be free, you will be sorely missed by all of us.
Rest in peace, Uncle Richie. Thank you for being a great uncle and that fantastic smile.