Richard A. Murek Sr., known to family and friends as Rick, passed away June 2, 2026, at the age of 73. He was born Sept. 30, 1952, and lived a life marked by love, loyalty, hard work and devotion to the people who meant the most to him.
Rick was born and raised in Buffalo, New York, a son of the late Joseph and Muriel Murek. In 1972, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, beginning a chapter of service that reflected his sense of duty and commitment. While stationed at Fort Monmouth, he met the woman who would become his future bride. Rick and Maureen spent a year living in Okinawa, Japan, before returning to the United States. They were married and eventually settled in the Bayshore area, where they built a life together filled with family, friendship and enduring love.
For 52 years, Rick and Maureen shared a devoted marriage. Together they raised two children, Richard Jr. and his wife Karin, and Aubrey Dunne and her husband Robert. Rick was a proud and loving father, but his greatest joy came from being a grandfather. He leaves behind eight beloved grandchildren, Julianna, Shealee, Riley, Richard III, Chase, Hannah, Brennan and Mykenna, each of whom brought him immense happiness and pride. He treasured his family deeply and was happiest when surrounded by those he loved.
Rick worked hard throughout his life and took great pride in providing for his family. He was an ironworker with Ironworkers Local 373, a trade that reflected his strength, skill and dependable nature. He later turned his talents to home improvements and operated his own company, Belford Maintenance, serving the Bayshore area for 10 years. Rick was known as a man who could build and fix almost anything, and he was often found tinkering around the home, putting his hands and practical knowledge to good use. He was handy, capable and always willing to help when something needed attention.
Beyond his work, Rick was a man of many loyalties and interests. He was a diehard Buffalo Bills fan, carrying his hometown pride with him throughout his life. He was also a member of American Legion Post 23 in Keyport, where he shared in the camaraderie and fellowship of fellow members. Rick was a sentimental man who valued traditions and the simple joys of life. He especially loved the holidays, when he could be surrounded by family and enjoy the warmth of being together. He took great care in giving gifts, often wrapping them carefully and adorning them with bows and ribbon, a reflection of the thoughtfulness and love he put into everything he did.
Those who knew Rick will remember him as a loving, kind and handy man whose presence brought comfort and steadiness to those around him. He was proud of the life he built, proud of his marriage, and proud of the family that carried his love forward. His legacy will live on in the memories of his wife, children, grandchildren, and all who were fortunate enough to know him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered with love and gratitude.
Friends and relatives paid their respects June 6 at Scott & Kedz Home for Funerals. A private cremation followed.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Blood Cancer United at bloodcancerunited.org.
The article originally appeared in the June 11 – 17, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
