Richard "Rick" Bava passed away on Friday, May 3, 2024, at Roosevelt Care Center in Edison.

Born in California, Rick was the son of the late Robert and Patricia Shea Bava.  The family eventually settled on the East coast where Rick attended Rutger's University and obtained his Master's Degree in Business.  He spent several years working at New Jersey Sports Authority in Giant's Stadium at what he considered, "the best job ever" because he was able to watch practices, get into games, and hear all of the bands performing there. After Sports Authority, Rick worked for NJ Transit for over 25 years and finally for the NJ Turnpike Authority where he worked for ten years prior to his retirement last year.  While his children were growing up, Rick was a board member and coach with the Edison Babeball League.  He was a season ticket holder for the NY Giants and Rutgers.  When not attending games, Rick spent time on his other passions, golf and gardening; but his favorite past time and greatest joy was watching his grandchildren play sports.

He will be missed beyond words by his beloved wife of 49 years, Deborah; his children, Jonathan and his wife, Christine and Brad and his wife, Kristan; his grandchildren: Owen, Sabrina, Luke, Benjamin and Hannah; his sister, Shari O'Neill and her husband, Frank; and his niece and nephews, Katie and Tommy O'Neill and Sean DeMauro.

Friends may call at the Flynn and Son Funeral Home, 23 Ford Ave., Fords on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, from 4:00-7:00 pm.  Funeral Services will begin on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at 10:00 am followed by a 10:30 am Funeral Liturgy at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, Fords.  Cremation will take place privately.

The family requests that donations be made in Rick's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital( www.stjude.org ).