Rick Allen Deardorff, 69, recently passed away peacefully at home.

Rick, a Woodbridge Township resident of 36 years, is predeceased by his mother, Jane Witts and father, Neil Deardorff.  He leaves behind his wife of 35 years, Deborah Deardorff.  He has two surviving brothers, Steve Deardorff of Manheim, PA, and Michael Witts, of New Brunswick.  He also has a daughter, Dawn Deardorff and two stepsons, Noel Thomas and Eric Thomas.  There are five grandchildren: Tajaira, Adeianna, Jay Jay, Noel and Dylan along with a brother-in-law, Norman Lentz and his wife, Marie.

Rich graduated JP Stevens High School and later attended DeVry Institute where he attained a degree in Electronics.

From a very young age, Rick's passion in life was baseball.  In 11 ^th grade, he was being scouted as a southpaw pitcher.  Due to bone fractures in his left arm, he could not professionally pursue this career path.  He remained a die-hard Mets and Dolphins fan.  He loved to fish, catching anything the lakes, rivers and oceans held.  He loved the outdoors, taking trips to the mountains, parks, oceans and anywhere with a quietness of natural beauty and wildlife.

He will always be remembered by those who knew and loved him as a free-spirited individual.  All of us will miss him deeply, including his little buddy, Willie, his Bichon Friese gifted to him by his grandsons, Noel and Dylan.

On a personal note, his wife Deborah does believe that the soul lives on.  Her fondest memories are long walks under the canopy of the tallest of pine trees remembering the scent of pine, and a blanket of pine needles with the soft wind blowing while listening to the whispering pines sending messages to loved ones from the living as well as those who have passed on.

Rest in peace, Rick.