Obituary of Richard J. Sahli

Richard was born on January 6, 1943 and died on April 9, 2021. He was the son of George and Marie Sahli of Linden, NJ.

He was a loving husband of 52 years to Felicia (Piskorowski). He was a retired high school teacher who worked in the Essex County Vocational and Technical High School system for over 25 years. He was recognized as Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers nominated by his students as a teacher who “made a difference” in the life of that student and therefore was acknowledged for excellence as a distinguished educator. He was also a dedicated crossing guard in Branchburg for 15 years and worked up until the day he died.

Richard enjoyed bluegrass and country music, learned to play the banjo and mandolin, and played the banjo with the Denville String Band for some time. He earned degrees and certifications in education and technology from New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) and Jersey City State College and was very hands-on and knowledgeable with everything from home electronics and appliances to cars. If he didn’t know about it, he made it his business to find out. And if he didn’t fix it himself, he researched how it was done to make sure it was done right.

He loved the beach, enjoyed history, and had a great sense of humor that he shared with his family. His favorite times were spent enjoying good weather at the beach, especially with his fun-loving grandchildren. 

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two adoring children, Cynthia and her husband Matt, and Michele and her husband Matt, and his beloved grandchildren, Kayla, Samantha, Ian and Richard.

Services will be private for the immediate family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made through IN Memory OF at www.inmemof.org/richard-j-sahli to benefit New Jersey Shore restoration projects.