A Pro-life stalwart - Rich died Saturday after about a four month illness. He was 81. His wake is Tuesday 6-9PM at Holy Name of Mary Church in Croton-on-Hudson, NY, and funeral Wednesday at 10AM, Holy Name of Mary. Rich was active in many, many ministries at Holy Name.
What a great person. To quote Sister Lucy Marie of the Sisters of Life - "Such a great hero interceding for us – such a dear and kind man." She got it exactly right.
Rich's obituary is here - In Memory of Richard L. Fuerst June 17, 1933 - October 11, 2014 , and contains an extensive photo gallery if you'd care to peruse it. Rich had eight children. He lost the youngest - Theresa - to a car accident in 1997. Theresa had gotten motivated to involve herself in the Right to Life movement by her attendance at the great youth rally in Denver, with John Paul II, in 1993. Rich told several people that what motivated him to get heavily involved as an activist was the loss of Theresa.
This picture of Rich in May 2011 captures him perfectly.
And here he is at the March for Life in Washington, in January,2009. He's with Sr. Lucy.
Wonderful man. A big loss for our community. He led a great life, and he'll have a better heaven.
REST IN HEAVEN FOR EVERLASTING LIFE. BLESSING TO RICH.
Posted by: Yolanda Fana | October 13, 2014 at 08:10 PM
Praying for Rich and his family and thanking God for calling him to work tirelessly for the protection of human life! What a great loss to us!
Posted by: Tony F. | October 13, 2014 at 08:52 PM
We thank Rich's family for sharing their Dad with us. One of our dear and devoted pro-lifers has been called home. We will miss him greatly and we will keep his efforts to protect the rights of all from the moment of conception till natural death.
Rich may the arms of our Lord give you great comfort !
Posted by: Bill & Stephanie De Matte | October 14, 2014 at 12:24 AM
He was a devoted and wonderful brother Knight to all of us as members of the Knights of Columbus. Rest in peace.
Posted by: Lewis Montana | October 14, 2014 at 09:34 AM
Richard was leader in the Church Militant. He is a Pro-life warrior who will be sorely missed.His prayers I hope will bring us more boots on the ground.
Posted by: regina riely | October 14, 2014 at 04:43 PM
Rich is now in the arms of our Loving Creator who I am sure said to him:
"Welcome home my good and faithful servant"
Posted by: Eileen Peterson | October 15, 2014 at 09:42 PM
Thank you God for giving us a wonderful man "Rich" who certainly knew
how to engage people in the life of Christ.
Rest in Peace Rich! and our deepest condolence for your family.
Posted by: Manuel and Digna Coronel | October 16, 2014 at 12:03 AM
yes, he was the good and faithful servant. One of a kind.
Posted by: Nancy | October 17, 2014 at 07:00 PM