Richard W. Woerner

Richard William Woerner, known to his friends and family as ''Dick'', died on August 14, 2026, in Staten Island, NY after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease. Although Dick struggled for the past six years with his ailment, he was known for the vast majority of his life as an active, vibrant and family-oriented man. He was born in Brooklyn on September 26,1935 to Frank and Beatrice Woerner. Dick showed an incredible knack for academia in his early years, graduating from the prestigious Stuyvesant High School (two years early) at the tender age of 16. He proceeded to attend college at the City College of New York to study Biochemistry. The breadth of his intelligence and command of a wide array of subjects informed countless conversations through the years, leaving all of his counterparts with new pieces of information. Dick was particularly passionate about exercise as a teen and adult, in an era when there was limited available information on the topic. He enjoyed mentoring young people - whether they be relatives or complete strangers - as they began their personal fitness journeys. Dick and his wife Mary wed in May of 1957 and remained together until his passing, just shy of a 70-year union. They had three children: Barbara, Richard and Michael - and raised the family in Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish - at a time when neighborhoods in Brooklyn were identified by the name of the nearby Roman Catholic Church. The address at 420 Greenwood Avenue was conveniently located across the street from the Greenwood Playground, where Dick participated in many competitive games of paddleball and handball. Dick's fondest memories as a father were watching his sons Richard and Michael play football together for the Brooklyn Pioneers and leading the local Boy Scout Troop, where Michael made Eagle Scout. He was a selfless and devoted caretaker to his daughter, Barbara, throughout her life. He spent his entire career working as a Biotechnician at Downstate Hospital through his retirement in 1990 at the age of 55. Dick and Mary were blessed to enjoy the fruits of their hard work, traveling to many countries in Europe (Ireland, England, Italy, and Spain among them) and experienced life aboard the Queen Mary 2 on one of its maiden voyages. An adept photographer, he made sure to document each landscape he visited on film. Retirement also meant bountiful time to spend with his three grandchildren, Ryan Patrick, Gabrielle and Richard Anthony. Dick and Mary relocated from Brooklyn to Staten Island in 2000 primarily for this reason. He was always willing to drive his grandchildren to a game, practice, cheerleading competition or special event. His grandchildren�s' individual achievements and successes into adulthood are a testament to the immense support Dick gave them through the years. If you asked Dick for his best memories of his time as a grandfather, he would tell you about taking Ryan to Lake Placid for a hockey tournament (and annual visits to see him as an undergrad at Ithaca College), Gabrielle's Cheerleading competitions at the College of Staten Island, and watching Richard Anthony suit up as an all-CHSAA Lineman at nearby Monsignor Farrell. Dick is survived by his wife Mary; his sister Maria Callahan; his three children Barbara, Richard and Michael; grandchildren Ryan Patrick (Cassie), Gabrielle and Richard Anthony; Great-Grandchildren Charlee and Teddy; Daughter-in-Law Marie; and Siblings-in-Law Tommy, Veronica and Margaret. He is predeceased by his parents, stepfather John Grande, brother Francis, and brother-in-law Joe Callahan. All are welcomed to remember Richard on Monday August 17, from 1-5 pm at The John Vincent Scalia Home For Funerals & Cremation Services 28 Eltingville Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10312

Richard W. Woerner

September 26, 1935 - August 14, 2026