Richard H. Maiorana

Richard Maiorana, age 74, of Pleasant Valley, NY passed into heaven on September 9, 2022. Rich was born in Manhattan, NYC on July 1, 1948 to parents Rosalie (Occhipinti) and Henry A. Maiorana. Following high school, Rich proudly served his country in the United States Army, 1st Cavalry Division, 1st Battalion 8th Cavalry, D Company from 5/20/1968 - 1/16/1970 when he was honorably discharged. While serving in Vietnam, Rich was wounded in combat on November 27th, 1968 while attempting to save two of his fellow servicemen. Rich received an Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Marksman M-14.

Rich returned from the war and through the G.I. bill attended Westchester Community College, earning his Associate Degree. He went on to attain his Bachelor's Degree from Fordham University, graduating with Cum Laude honors.  Rich then had a 40-year career with Proctor and Gamble, working with the New York Metro Sales Team before retiring in 2014.

Rich was a self-taught handyman.  He was an excellent carpenter and taught himself how to do electrical work as well as basic plumbing.  As he would often say, “I’m a jack of all trades, master of none.”  Rich was extremely humble, never giving himself credit for the work that he did. When asked how a project came out, he would say “not half bad” or simply “it came out OK”.

Rich had a passion for weight-training, a hobby which he shared closely with his son Andrew.  He served many years as a dedicated employee at Club Fit in Jefferson Valley where he was affectionately known as ‘Big Rich’ among the members, many of whom became his close friends.

After a period of “wooing” her, Rich married Dawn on April 21, 2001.  Despite them having quite different personalities, their differences complimented one another beautifully. Their unconditional love for one another was evident, and they were blessed to enjoy an amazing 24 years together.  Rich always said to Dawn “my only regret was not meeting you sooner”.

Rich and Dawn loved their yearly trips to Key West and Rich always dreamed of someday having a residence in Florida, which finally came to fruition in 2021 when he bought and renovated a condo in Cocoa Beach, just two short miles away from his favorite (only) sister-in-law.

Rich is survived by his wife Dawn, his children Andrew Maiorana and his wife Genevieve of West Harrison NY, his daughter Allison (Maiorana) Peck and her husband Christopher Peck of Rochester MA, step-children Charles Silvestri of Pleasant Valley NY, Angela Silvestri and partner Clint Leaf (aka ‘You Again?’) of Cocoa Beach Florida and Amanda Silvestri currently of Seoul, South Korea, his sister Andrea (Maiorana) Clark and her husband David ‘Buddy’ Clark of Red Hook NY, his grandchildren, Rocco and Gabriella Maiorana, Kaitlin, Nathan and Joshua Peck, his mother-in-law Joann Marone, of Lagrange, NY, sister-in-law Jodi Lizewski of Cocoa Beach, Fl, several nieces and nephews, and numerous other relatives and friends. Rich was pre-deceased by his parents, Rosalie and Henry Maiorana, father-in-law Stephen Marone and Gram Marone (who had a big crush on him).

We will be having a Celebration of Life in remembrance of Rich on Sunday, September 18th from 1:00pm - 5:00pm at the Elks Lodge, 29 Overocker Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. If you have any memories or stories about Rich, we would love for you to share them at the Celebration.

All are welcome to attend.  Food and drinks will be served so please RSVP if you plan on attending to dawnmaiorana@gmail.com by noon on Thursday 9/15 for planning purposes. Arrangements have been entrusted to Joseph J. Darrow Sr. Funeral Home, 39 So. Hamilton Street. Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 (845)452-1840

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