Richard Stange

Richard Carl Stange, age 83, of Paramus, NJ, passed away of natural causes on October 8, 2025.

Richard was born on July 21, 1942 in Hackensack, NJ to the late Josephine (Ortelli) Stange and Harry Stange.  After graduating from River Dell High School in Oradell, NJ, Richard began his undergraduate studies in English at The Ohio State University, but quickly realized that his true passion was drawing.  He transferred and ultimately graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY in 1969.  Richard became a Certified Architect, first practicing for several years in New York City, before moving and founding an architectural partnership in Philadelphia, PA.  Richard continued working as an architect for the next 50+ years in his beloved Philadelphia.

A passionate artist, reader, and community supporter, Richard could often be found drawing, reading, or beautifying the Old City neighborhood in which he lived in Philadelphia.  He became an avid Philadelphia sports fan, faithfully cheering on the local 76ers, Phillies and Eagles.  He cherished his family and always made the journey back to gatherings in Northern New Jersey and the New Jersey shore.  In 2022, Richard moved back to Paramus, NJ, and lived a vibrant 3.5 years at Juniper Village, where he became a beloved part of the community as the resident artist.  His recent artistic endeavors included resident portraits, artwork for the community, and acting in several play productions.

Richard is survived by his brother-in-law, Jacob Doumato, his niece, Lorraine Higgins and her husband Michael, his nephew, James Doumato and his wife Diana, and his great-nieces and great-nephews, Ashley Higgins, Michael Higgins, Jr., Juliana Doumato, and Nicholas Doumato.  He was preceded in death by his sister, Judith (Stange) Doumato.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation celebrating Richard's life on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 from 11:00-12:00 p.m. at Vander Plaat Funeral Home, 257 Godwin Ave, Wyckoff, NJ.  An interment of ashes will follow at the George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to the ALS Association at https://www.als.org.

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