Richard J. Kane

richard kane

March 21, 1951 ~ January 2, 2024

Born in: Port Jefferson,, NY
Resided in: Smithtown, NY

Richard J. Kane – 1951 – 2024

 

Retired Suffolk County Police Officer Richard J. Kane, in his 73rd year, of Smithtown, New York died at home on Tuesday, January 2, 2024.

 

Richard, the fourth child of Joseph and Frances Kane (neé Fitzgerald) was born in 1951 in Port Jefferson, New York. He would be joined by many additional siblings over the years. In all, 17 children would be born to the Kane family. Richard attended SUNY at Stony Brook before joining the Suffolk County Police Department in 1975 as a Police Officer – his dream job, where Richard worked for 27 years before retiring in 2002.

 

One fateful day in February, 1980 Richard was stopped by a lovely young woman named Nancy Anne (neè Proto). She was lost and needed directions. And just like that, Nancy and Richard were soon inseparable. Excited to start their new lives together, the two were married just eight months later on October 5, 1980 in New York City. Richard and Nancy shared many road trips and adventures in their beloved 34 foot Southwind Storm RV traveling throughout the United States and even on a once in a lifetime 12,000 mile journey through the Canadian wilderness and Alaska. Richard and Nancy, both certified scuba divers, lived life to the fullest above and below the water. Their love of travel and adventure took them from the North Pole to diverse destinations in the Carribean on diving expeditions, to Europe and as far away as Tahiti in the South Pacific.

 

Richard was an active member of the Fraternal Order of Police, the Emerald Society and the Blue Knights, devoting his time and energy to all these organizations goals.

 

Everyone who knew Richard knew he loved to take long distance rides on his Goldwing motorcycle, play golf, bowl and do the NY Times Sunday crossword puzzle. But most of all, Richard will be remembered for his irreverent sense of humor. He brought us a lot of laughter and joy never taking anything (including himself) too seriously. He lived with an infectious enthusiasm. He was kind and wise and generous. He was keenly observant never missing the smallest detail. We couldn’t have asked for a better son, husband, brother, brother-in-law, or friend and we will miss Richard every day. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.

 

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Stephen and his sister Eileen and is survived by his wife Nancy Anne, his brothers and sisters, Joseph, Mary, Patricia, Theresa, Gerard (and his wife Diana), Susan, twin sisters Elizabeth and Margaret, Kathleen, Robert, Jean-Marie, Agnes (and her husband Dave), Nancy and Christopher, his nieces and nephews and a wide circle of friends.

 

A viewing will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2024 from 2PM to 6PM at Branch Funeral Home 190 East Main Street, Smithtown, NY 11787. In lieu of flowers, donations to America’s Vet Dogs would be greatly appreciated www.vetdogs.org

Services

Visitation: Saturday, January 6, 2024 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Branch Funeral Home Smithtown
190 E. Main St.
SMITHTOWN, NY 11787


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Charities

The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Richard J. Kane 's name.

America’s VetDogs

371 East Jericho Turnpike

Smithtown,

NY

1-800-548-4337 Facebook Twitter LinkedIn YouTube Instagram

www.guidedog.org

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Dearest Nancy and Family,
    We are both heartbroken at Richard’s passing. He was a light in all of our lives, as are you. We will miss his sense of humor and loyalty, and the love he shared with you, dear cousin. Most of all we will forever miss our annual February visits and dinners, Uno games and family time.
    Wishing you strength and prayer the love of your family will sustain you.
    Love, Rosemary & Seth

  2. To my Dear Cousin Nan,
    It is with heartfelt deep sorrow that I am writing this to you, as it is difficult to accept losing Richard, your husband and dedicated partner. He always added fun, humor, and his sharp, dry wit whenever I visited you both over the decades during my family visits to NY. I’ll sorely miss our
    laughter, lively conversation and his Cheshire smile, while we enjoyed your generous spread of Italian coldcuts & pastries in your backyard. All are treasured treats and memories.
    I hope you are comforted and strengthened by the many prayers and support of family and friends. Love, Cousin Lou

  3. candleDearest Nancy,
    We are so sorry for your loss. Ever since you and Richard “adopted” Valerie, then a solo traveller on a scuba trip in the Bahamas, you have both been loyal, steadfast, generous and loving friends to us and our family. I know the word “unique” has been used to describe Richard and he truly was. His unfailing patience, wry good humour and gentle smile helped to smooth the path for everyone around him. Our hearts go out to you in your loss. Mum also sends you her love and prayers. With love from Valerie and Peter, England

    • candleThe Hollywood Beach Tower friends will miss Richard as he would chat at the pool and join Nancy at the beach. . We will think off him at the sunrise.

  4. candleI had the pleasure of being “roommates” with Richard during my hospitali stay at St Catherine’s.
    In our short stay together, we became friends, and I quickly realized what a terrific person I was sharing my room with. Richard was a class act, with great values, and a wealth of life experiences. My sincere sympathy to Nancy and his family on his passing. He will be greatly missed by many, and my prayers for Richard, Nancy, his many siblings, nephews, nieces, and family members.
    Rest in peace my friend. 🙏

    L

  5. The Hollywood Beach Tower friends will miss Richard as he would chat at the pool and join Nancy at the beach. . We will think off him at the sunrise.

  6. Rich was always a class act. He was one of the first to welcome me when I joined the Blue Knights in 2009 and the FOP. He always went out of his way to say hello and came to the hospital when I went down on my bike 🏍️. He will be sorely missed. Rest in peace my friend.

  7. candleI can’t believe I am writing this. Richie, you will always be one of my dearest friends. We met “on the job”, and became partners in crime! We shared some amazing cases, and dealt with some crazy people. It was your sense of humor that always got us through. They say, Our friends become our chosen family, and I was so blessed to call you friend. I will miss you. All my love to your family , especially Nancy.

  8. candleDear Cousin Nancy,
    We are so saddened for the loss of Richard. Like everyone else, we loved Richard from the moment we had met him, with his humor and wit, he was a person that people wanted to be with, the focal point of any family occasion. Richard has made a difference in so many lives and will truly be missed. He will always be remembered, and our precious memories of times together will forever be held close to our hearts. Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss and know we are sending healing prayers and comforting hugs.
    Love
    Cousin John and Debra DiModica

  9. candleWe’ll miss seeing Rich during our annual visits to Hollywood FL… especially his wit and his humor. We will keep Rich, Nancy and the family in our prayers.

  10. Some people that you meet are truly unforgettable, Rich was one of them. His quick irreverent wit endeared him to me deeply. My life was enriched by him and as I think of him I realize that he is very much still with us and I am very grateful to have known him. Thank you Richard, now rest in peace my friend.

  11. We Will Always Cherish Our Special Memories With Rich Especially His Sense Of Humor & His Kindness. Hollywood Beach Will Not Be The Same Without You – You Have Fought Hard Rich – Now Rest Easily My Friend – Always In Our Hearts Until We Meet Again❤️💜💙💔

  12. Everyone who knew Rich knew he was “unique”. I had the distinct pleasure of seeing his uniqueness on many occasions. Whether it was his ability to talk to a suspect about welding or scuba diving or anything in order to get him to confess or his ability to calm an irate complainant about some nonsense, Rich was a class act. I learned a lot from watching him. Not many cops had his talent. He was always in a good mood and had a wonderfully unique sense of humor. I will miss you, Richie, as will every one who knew you. I am honored to have known you and to consider you my friend. Rest in peace.

  13. You will truly be missed Rich! Your sense of humor and all the great Florida memories over the years will be things I cherish forever. You were one of a kind!

  14. Rich, I’m going to miss our golf games and especially the breakfasts that followed. We always had a good time with lots of laughing. You can be proud of your service to Suffolk County as one of the finest police officers. I hope that you are getting good tee times in your new home. I feel honored to have known you. RIP!

  15. Richie, my old partner and friend. Thinking back to our days working together brings many smiles and laughs to mind, the karate guy standing in the middle of Jericho Turnoike trying to fight every car that went by. The pinochle tournaments at your dining room table, and the holiday meals that you and Nancy fed me.. I just want to thank you for all those and say rest in peace, my friend.

  16. We have sadness in our hearts but God is rejoicing,to have his Richard returned to him..for he will make him laugh,,just like Richard did for all of us .love u always Aggie.❤️

  17. candleRichard, you were a wonderful brother and I am grateful to have been part of your life and family. I hope in your next life you find great happiness, joy and abundance. I will miss you forever.

  18. Richard, I will miss you and your humor,. YOU were always there for all of us .THANK YOU. GOOG BYE, see you in the next life!❤️

  19. Richard,

    You were a light in our lives and never failed to make us smile. I’ll never forget your incredible humor and kindness. I’ll also never forget all of the fun I’ve had with you and Nancy growing up. Camping was a blast with you there. We will always love you.

    To Nancy I give my deepest sympathy. Thank you for always taking care of Richard and being such a wonderful partner to him. You two made a beautiful pair.

  20. Richard may your soul rest in peace. We will miss seeing you at the Tower especially on Tuesday meet and great. Your memories will be in our minds forever!!!

  21. candleDear Nancy, To my lifelong friend from when our mothers met in the NY City park. Frank and I are truly sorry for your loss. Richard had an irreverent and wicked sense of humor . He was always so outgoing and had a wonderful smile. Sorry we never were able to spend as much time together as we would have liked. It is so incredible to see the outpouring of sympathy and wonderful memories from so many people for Richard. It shows what a fantastic person he was. Someday we will all meet in our next life. Rest in peace. ❤️❤️❤️

  22. My dear bowling friend
    We had a great team with you, Jim & Howie
    Lots of laughs!!!
    You were an awesome bowler…I know I never met your wife Nancy but from all the good things you shared about her I feel like I know her too
    You certainly loved to travel
    Most of all your laughter about all things…

    You are missed!!
    Rest in peace!!

  23. We mourn Richard’s passing and Nancy’s loss of her dear partner for over 4 decades..
    May Richard enjoy eternal peace and may Our Lord bless him and keep him and make His Face to shine upon him.

  24. We will really miss Rich. We enjoyed being with him and Nancy vacationing in Florida. We appreciated his quick wit , humor, laughter and his joy in living. Rich was a good observer of human behavior and the world in general, and could see both the good and bad. We express our deepest sympathy to Nancy and Rich’s family. As we say in the Armenian tradition, “May the Lord illuminate his soul.”

  25. candleAnother Monday without you. So many years of post-bowling Outback (then just Outback). Your stories of your adventures with Nancy kept us in stitches. And you trying to keep your back to the TV so you didn’t spoil The Bachelor so you could watch with Nancy. Your light and wit are already missed. Our love and sympathy to Nancy and your siblings.


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