Richard Fuentes

Richard Fuentes, age 58, of Clinton Twp., NJ passed away on Monday, April 12, 2021 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick after an over three year courageous battle with ALS. 

He was born on April 21, 1962 in Elizabeth, NJ.  He grew up in Iselin, moved to Linden after he married, and had resided in Clinton Twp. since 2001.

He was the son of the late Angelo and Josephine Fuentes.

Rich was the husband of Lori Fuentes (Dunaj), celebrating 32 years of marriage.

He was a graduate of Kean University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business management. 

Upon his graduation, Rich worked for UPS for several years as a Supervisor of Operations in the Edison facility, later being named a Supervisor of Employee Training in the Secaucus facility.

Rich proudly worked for Knights of Columbus Insurance.  He began his insurance career as an agent in 1992 and became a General Agent for the company in 2013.  Rich worked for 28 years until his retirement in 2018 due to his ALS disability.  Throughout his career with the Knights, he achieved the Prestigious Million Dollar Round Table status numerous times, Supreme Knights Club several times, and he was the past president of New Jersey Fraternal Insurance Counselors.

Memberships include Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Annandale, NJ and also the Knights of Columbus Council #4504 in Union, NJ. 

Rich was an avid hunter and fisherman who enjoyed spending his time outdoors.  He was a devoted husband, father, and family man.  Rich valued all of his friendships tremendously. 

Survivors in addition to his loving wife include his three daughters; Nicole Kinzel and her husband Scott of Branchburg, NJ, Ashley McManus and her husband Sean of High Bridge, NJ and Dana Fuentes and her boyfriend Jack Peterson of Clinton Twp., NJ.  One brother; Donald Fuentes of Lavalette, NJ, and one sister; Lisa Tidona and her husband Joseph of Matawan, NJ.  He is also survived by his mother-in-law; Ann Dunaj of Iselin, NJ, sister-in-law; Teresa Koncar of Monroe, NJ, and brother-in-law; Gregory Dunaj and his wife Louise of Linden, NJ, and many beloved nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his sweet dogs; Cabela and Reese. 

Viewing will be held on Sunday, April 18, 2021 from 1-5pm at Scarponi-Bright Funeral Home, 26 Main Street, Lebanon, NJ.  Funeral Mass will be Monday, April 19, 2021 at 10am at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 316 Old Allerton Road, Annandale, NJ.  Interment at Immaculate Conception Cemetery. 

Memorials can be made to ALS Foundation, Greater New York Chapter, 42 Broadway, Suite 1724, New York, NY 10004. 

***Scarponi-Bright Funeral Home is committed to ensuring the health and safety of all visitors during this unprecedented time.  Due to Covid-19 and in compliance with CDC guidelines, the funeral home will be limited to 50% capacity during visitation, all guests must wear a mask at all times and social distancing is encouraged.  Strict sanitization measures have been taken.  We thank you for your cooperation in keeping everyone safe.***

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