Richard Joseph Tkacz, known as Richie to friends and family, passed away unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, May 10, 2022. He was 43. Left to cherish his memory are his parents, Ronald Tkacz and Maria Tkacz, his brother Brian Tkacz and his wife Courtney Tkacz and their children Eva and Alexandra, along with extended family and many close friends. We will all miss him more than words can say.

A handsome, talented, creative and kind-hearted person, he had experiences and adventures few could even imagine. His travels took him across the United States, from his hometown in Edison, New Jersey, to Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York City, California, Iowa and back to New Jersey. He brought joy to those around him with his warm smile, exceptional culinary skills and artistic DJ dance mixes. He was a kind gentleman who would go out his way to help others that he believed were vulnerable or hurting.

He studied culinary arts at both Johnson and Wales University and the Culinary Institute of America and was an inventive chef who had the privilege of cooking for several famous celebrities over the years. He was an adventurous, free-spirited soul who loved styling hair and clothing, playing music, painting, snowboarding, modifying cars, and especially dressing up for Halloween. His creativity in hair styling and clothing design was evident from a very early age and that passion stayed with him.

Richie also struggled throughout his life with depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. He had worked for years to overcome mental illness and found renewed strength and comfort later in his life by being an active member of Christ Community Church in Piscataway, New Jersey. He studied the Bible weekly and found strength in putting God first in his life, followed by himself and his family. We acknowledge and honor the progress he made while recognizing the toll that struggle took on his life. We take comfort in knowing that Richie is now at peace in the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

At his request, there will be no memorial service or funeral services. Contributions in his memory can be made to Christ Community Church, 1347 Stelton Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854 or via their website at https://christcommunitynj.bre….

“Life is but a stopping place, a pause in what’s to be, a resting place along the road to sweet eternity. We all have different journeys, different paths along the way. We all were meant to learn some things, but never meant to stay…our destination is a place far greater than we know. For some, the journey’s quicker, for some the journey’s slow. And when the journey finally ends, we’ll claim a great reward, and find an everlasting peace, together with the Lord.”

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