Richard William Almstead Jr., of Mahopac, NY., formerly of Pelham NY, departed this life on February 5th, 2022. He was 54 years old.
Born in Bronxville, NY on June 6, 1967 to Richard and Jean Almstead, Richie was the oldest of three boys. He grew up in Pelham where he created lasting memories with his infectious humor, charismatic personality, and outstanding presence. You always knew when Richie was in the room.
Richie had many passions in life. He was extremely athletic and enjoyed football and hockey. He played for Iona Grammar and Iona Prep. He returned to Pelham Memorial High School for part of his junior and senior year where he continued to play football and hockey.
After graduating from Pelham Memorial High School, Richie joined his father at Almstead Tree Company, perfecting his skills and craft to then take his knowledge further in his life and in his travels across the country.
Richie would discover through his own trials and tribulations that he had a unique aptitude for helping others. Saving lives became his mission and calling. This passion ran deep as he traveled, working for various centers and opening new facilities as an administrator for Narconon Rehabilitation Centers.
Throughout the years, countless people reached out to Richie’s family with stories and gratitude of how Richie made life-changing impacts and ultimately saved their life. True to his character, Richie was an organ donor, so he continues to help save lives, even after his passing.
Richie would meet his wife Stephanie Norgiel in 1996. They met in Oklahoma and would eventually make their home in Clearwater, Florida. Richie and Stephanie were blessed with three wonderful children, Ashtyn, Ava and Aiden.
Music was also a major passion for Richie. His escapades at shows and in life were legendary. He enjoyed playing the drums and spending time with people who he inspired and shared in the same passion.
Eventually Richie would return to his roots in New York and the company he helped build. He enjoyed working alongside his father and brothers, Kenny and Michael.
Richie will be remembered as a person who always took the time to get to know you as an individual, and he stored those connections in his heart. He had a gift of making others feel important and understood. He was a natural leader and always made his presence known. If you met Richie, you had a story. If you knew him, you had a book of stories. He was the adventure. Ultimately the most important part of Richie’s life was his family. He treasured them more than anything else.
Richie is survived by Stephanie; his children, Ashtyn, Ava, and Aiden; his parents, Richard and Jean Almstead; his brothers Kenneth (Peggy) and Michael (Johanna) Almstead; his grandmother, Regina Fritz; and his uncles Robert and Gene (Adrienne) Almstead, along with many nieces, nephews and extended family. Richie will be missed by his partner, Jennine Craig, and everyone who knew him. He is preceded by his grandparents, Dominick and Grace Palaia; William Almstead Sr.; and his uncle, Bill Almstead.