Obituary of Richard W. Boss

Richard Willett Boss, Sr., 90, passed away at his home surrounded by loved ones on Thursday, June 29,2017. Richard was born on September 11, 1926, to the late James Downing Boss and Ruth MadelineWillett Boss. As a child he loved helping his mother deliver newspapers and riding his Indian motorcycle.On weekends, his father would often load up as many local kids as he could and take them to Riverview Beach in Pennsville. After much persistence, his father gave in and bought young Richard a horse named Smokey, who he loved to ride feeling like a cowboy. He and his friends were known to play cards quite often in one of the backyard old chicken houses.

After graduating Bridgeton High School in 1944, he quickly enlisted in the Army. He served from 1944 to August 1946, assigned to the 2nd Battalion Field Artillery, and was soon sent overseas on the Queen Elizabeth to Glascow, Scotland. Afterwards, he was assigned to duties in England, France, and Belgium.From there he joined the 8th Infantry Division, fighting their way across the Rhine into Germany.Though he didn't speak of it much, this is where he took part in battles. On May 2, 1945, as it advanced into northern Germany, the 8th Infantry Division encountered the Neuengamme concentration camp Wobbelin subcamp, near the city of Ludwigslust. The 8th Infantry Division was recognized as a liberating unit by the U.S. Army's center of Military History and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in 1988.

Upon returning to the states, Richard met the love of his life, Grace Foster of Newport, and married heron February 17, 1952. They led a wonderful life in Fairton and raised three sons and a daughter. He delivered ice for his father for many years. Richard then became a regional manager for the Philadelphia Bulletin and Bridgeton Evening News for over 30 years and was well known in the area for his hard work, prompt and reliable service, and his cheery disposition. He also managed the Fairton Trailer Park from 1983-1992. As a young man and father he enjoyed duck hunting and spending vacations at his brother Arthur's "creek house" on the Cohansey River. He also loved camping with his children and grandchildren, whether it was in Florida, Cape May, Chincoteague, or Lancaster. Richard loved spending time on the beach, and you could always spot him under an umbrella with a newspaper,pipe and a delicious lunch his wife "Gracie" always packed. He enjoyed family dinners, cookouts, and an occasional restaurant treat of a Bud Light and clam chowder! Richard always said that he had a blessed life and thanked God for all of his blessings.

In addition of his wife, Grace Boss, he is survived by sons Dr. Richard Boss, Jr. (Lynda), daughter Sharon Boss, son William Boss, Sr. (JoAnne), and son Arthur Boss; grandchildren Christopher Boss, Darien Boss,Samantha LaRosa (Dennis), Kelly Boss, Samuel Boss, Garrett Boss, Taylor Boss, William Boss, Jr., and Richard Boss III; sister Margaret Boss McDowell and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by brothers H. Carey Boss, James D. Boss, Jr., and Dr. Arthur Boss.

Friends will be received at the PADGETT FUNERAL HOME, 1107 State Highway #77, Upper Deerfield Township on Saturday, July 8th from 10AM to 11AM, with services immediately following and burial afterwards. Written condolences can be sent to the family at www.padgettfuneralhomes.com