Richard J. Blaich

Richard J. Blaich, 78, of Saratoga Springs, NY passed away at his home on Saturday, July 8, 2023 surrounded by his family.

Richard was born in Queens, NY on June 5, 1945 to the late John and Rita Blaich of Queens, NY.  Richard attended Richmond Hill High School and later transferred to St. John’s Prep School where he graduated in 1963.  After graduation, Richard went on to study accounting at Brooklyn College.

While Richard’s family was his greatest accomplishment, he was also a proud member for many years of The Knights of Columbus.  He eventually rose to the rank of Grand Knight of the Msgr Sherman Council 5103 of Glendale NY.  He continued to be a lifetime member.

Richard had quite a career working on Wall Street in Manhattan, NY.  He worked in accounting, International trading and finance and factoring for AFIA, Loeb Rhodes and Salomon Brothers.  While working on Wall Street, Richard also co-owned a bar in Glendale, NY called The Three Stooges.

In July 1985, Richard decided to move his family from Glendale, in Queens, NY, upstate to Saratoga Springs, NY to pursue a career as a restaurant owner.  He then purchased and co-owned the Spa Brauhaus in Ballston Spa, NY.

After choosing to retire from the restaurant business, Richard took a job with Mobil Oil Corp. as a manager in Saratoga Springs, NY.  After several years of managing the station on South Broadway in Saratoga Springs, Richard retired from Mobil in 2008.

Richard was very sociable.  He enjoyed people and being busy.  So, after retiring from Mobil Oil Corp., he worked for Total Events and The Saratoga Race Course.  In 2019, Richard decided that it was time to retire completely and just enjoy time with his family and friends.

Richard’s favorite hobbies included weekly card games with his friends and golfing.  He also enjoyed collecting coins and attending his grandchildren’s many sporting events, plays, milestone achievements and graduations.

Richard was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.  He was a kind, loving and supportive man with a great sense of humor.  Richard will be greatly missed by his loving family and many friends.  He was always the life of the party and he enjoyed telling jokes, sharing stories about his childhood and past experiences.  He loved making others happy and keeping us all laughing.

Richard is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 53 years, Carol, his two daughters; Michelle Pasquarell (Chuck), and Cindy King as well as his adored grandchildren; Taylor King, Cassandra Blaich, Michael Blaich, and Madelynne Blaich, and his sweet little great-granddaughter Charlotte. Additionally, Richard is survived by his extended King family, Pasquarell family, Bennett family and Skinner family; his nieces and nephew and their families as well as countless friends.

Richard was predeceased by his sister, Elaine Sarnelli and his son-in-law and good friend, Bryan King. 

Richard had a wonderful life.  He was very blessed to have so many wonderful and caring people in his life and family, including one of his care givers, Anna Frazier and his doctor’s.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Foundations on Richard’s behalf.

Calling hours for family and friends will be from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, July 21, 2023 at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave. (Rte 9 and/or Marion Ave.), Saratoga Springs, NY  12866.  A memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m. with Reverend Dean Brown officiating following the calling hours.

Condolences may be shared at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com

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