James J. Richelo, Jr.

James J. Richelo, Jr., 63, died peacefully in his home, surrounded by love on October 7, 2023, after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

Born and raised in Springfield to James J. Sr. and Eleanor Richelo, he was a graduate of Johnathan Dayton High School class of 1978 where he developed a love of the golden era of rock and metal music.

James was raised with a strong work ethic, working with his family on their poultry farm, Gage Farms, before entering the irrigation business. He started at The Sprinkler System in Springfield, and some of his fondest memories were riding in the truck and working the field with his best friend and brother, Michael. Jimmy went on to work for Four Seasons Landscaping and Nursery in their irrigation and plow division, and no one could cut a corner in a plow like Jimmy. He later went to work for himself at All Service Irrigation, beside (as Jimmy would say) “the son he never wanted and the third daughter he never had”, Helen Delpopolo. Within two years they became the largest commercial contractor in irrigation for New Jersey. If you have walked on green grass, you have walked on one of Jimmy’s masterpieces.

He met a beautiful woman, Elaine Dent, and bonded over their mutual love for the New Jersey Devils, a passion which was shared with her three boys, Johnny, Joey, and Jason. The two spent over fifteen years together building a beautiful life at their home in Clark. Memories created at family gatherings, barbecues by the pool, and holidays together made them a family. Jimmy later formed his business, Dakota Solutions, paying homage to the street he and Elaine called home for the entirety of their time together. Jimmy had a love for puzzles, and later shared it with his grandchildren, always letting them put in the last piece. He was a former resident of Basking Ridge where he raised his two daughters, Tara and Amanda and always said he realized the meaning of the song “Kick Start My Heart” after they were born.

He was rink-side for his beloved Devils’ Stanley Cup championships. He saw his favorite band, Rush, over thirty times, and enjoyed countless other performances as he soaked in his love for live music. Jimmy’s ticket collection is rivaled by the best, seeing the original Metallica as an opener, and many other classic acts at the hundreds of shows throughout his life.

Jimmy was a veteran member of AA, where he met lifelong friends. His life experiences, and willingness to share resonated with everyone who encountered him. Jimmy truly made a difference.

After losing his brother to suicide, he was devoted to The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. He joined their annual “Out of The Darkness” fundraiser, raising thousands of dollars. He was committed to his brother’s legacy, walking the twenty miles it took to help others be seen and supported. Jimmy always made sure to honor the legacy of his late brothers, Michael and Douglas. He was a man with a huge heart, and he will be missed by all who knew his laugh and wit.

Surviving are his beloved wife and best friend, Elaine, his loving mother Eleanor, sister Donna, daughters, Tara and Amanda, sister in-law Sherry, niece Sarah and her newborn son Dominic, his boys, John and wife Lisa and their girls Luna and Stella, Joe and wife Molly and their sons Theo and Damien, and Jason and his wife Gina, as well as many extended family and dear friends. He was welcomed into heaven by his brothers, Michael and Douglas, and his father James J. Richelo Sr.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00PM on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at Cusick Funeral Home, 80 Mountain Avenue, Somerville. Reflections will be held at 7:30pm. It is the wishes of the family for anyone able to attend to please wear New Jersey Devils attire.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at the funeral home. Family and friends are welcome to gather beginning at 10:00AM.

Followed by a committal service at St. Gertrude Cemetery, Colonia. If you are gathering only for the committal, please meet the procession at the cemetery office.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Click Here to Donate Online