Richard M. Nieradka

Richard M. Nieradka, age 75, died Thursday, June 27, 2019 at the Hunterdon Medical Center in Raritan Township NJ. Born February 20, 1944 in Passaic NJ, Richard was the son of the late Boloslaw and Valaria (Jaworski) Nieradka. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Electrical Engineering from MIT and completed his Master’s Degree in Computer Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University (NJ). “Rocky” (as he was known to his co-workers), retired after more than forty years as an Engineer with BAE Systems in Wayne NJ. Richard had a love of music and the arts. He played trumpet and french horn as a member of the Blawenburg Band for many years. As a young man, Richard learned to play the accordion, where he often entertained at family gatherings. He attended many concerts and was a supporter of many bands, both large and small, as well as a long-time member of Arts Quest in Bethlehem PA. An avid reader, Richard absorbed and read anything he could get his hands on. He was an advocate for education in many different roles; as a mentor, tutor, philanthropist, and supporter. His efforts with financial support and his donated time for programs in music, arts, theater, computers, and literature were just some of the ways he helped further the education of others. For nearly ten years, Richard was a member of Delaware Valley Board of Education, where he served on the Education Services Commission and the Negotiating Committee, as well as serving as School Board President at one time. He helped setup the first computer department and lab in the Kingwood Township School. Richard loved living in Hunterdon County and tending to his vegetable garden at his home. He was a member of the group that completed the initial raised Senior Gardening Bed at the Hunterdon County Arboretum in Clinton NJ. Most of all, Richard will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. Richard is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Marie (Barker) Nieradka, his daughter and son-in-law, Jeanette and Joseph Mihalik Jr. of Nazareth PA, his sons, Jefferson Maxwell Nieradka and Winston Nieradka, both of Kingwood Township NJ, his granddaughter, Jillian Mihalik of Nazareth PA, his sisters and brother-in-law, Selene and Wayne Hulbert, and Lucille Walker, all of Zephyr Hills FL, as well as several nieces and nephews. Cremation services were private and under the direction of Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington NJ. A memorial service will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 6, 2019 at the Small Pavillion at Deerpath Park, 130 West Woodschurch Road in Flemington. Friends may gather beginning at 10:30 prior to the service. Refreshments will follow the service at the park. Memorial contributions in Richard’s name may be made to either the Nazareth Blue Eagles Marching Band, c/o Jeanette Mihalik, 429 Blue Ridge Drive, Nazareth PA 18064 or to the Popcorn Park Zoo, 124 Evergreen Avenue, Newark, NJ 07114 For further information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.