Obituaries

Richard Walter Sledjeski

Lifelong Greenport resident Richard Walter Sledjeski died Aug. 19 at Stony Brook University Hospital. He was 72 years old.

Born June 3, 1941, to Walter and Sophie (Slavonik) Sledjeski, Richie, as he was known to his friends, graduated from Greenport High School in 1958 and attended Villanova University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in economics in 1962.

After college he returned home to the family business, well known on the North Fork as Porky’s Restaurant. Richie was definitely famous for his cooking there, especially his garlic steak and clams a la Porky.

On Oct. 21, 1962, Richie married Clara Begley at St. Agnes R.C. Church in Greenport. They celebrated 50 years of marriage this past October.

Richie loved sports — New York Yankees, New York Giants and NASCAR. He loved to tease his daughter, Patricia, about being a Jeff Gordon fan.

Richie was proud to be a 50-year member and ex-captain of Standard Hose Co. No. 4 of the Greenport Fire Department. In addition to serving the community with the fire department, Richie was president of the Greenport school board, and was able to personally hand both his children, Patricia and Walter, their diplomas. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Richie is survived by his wife, Clara; his daughter, Patricia, and son, Walter (Maria); his granddaughter, Tara; his sister, Mary Ann Costello (Tom); and his nephew, Carmen Amici of Jacksonville, Fla.

The family will receive friends Thursday, Aug. 22, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold, with firematic services at 7:30 p.m. The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, Aug. 23, at 10 a.m. at St. Agnes R.C. Church by Father Tom Murray.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you send memorial donations to Greenport Fire Department, Standard Hose Co. No. 4, or the Greenport Fire Department Rescue Squad.

This is a paid notice.