Mr. Richard D. "Ricky" Moskal

WHITESBORO - Mr. Richard D. “Ricky” Moskal, age 53, passed away on Thursday, April 6, 2017 with his devoted wife and loving family by his side, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Utica on March 6, 1964, Richard was the son of Richard J. “Dick” and Iris (Jones) Moskal. He was a graduate of New Hartford High School/Class of 1982 and continued his education at M.V.C.C. Ricky was a natural athlete, always a leader, not a follower. He was the captain of his New Hartford High School Championship Hockey team and 1st Team League All-Star. He was also an All-Star Baseball player. In 1988, Ricky began dating Diana M. LaFache, a relationship that culminated in a loving marriage on February 8, 2008. They were always together and they became one person, participating in each other’s passions and pastimes. Diana stood by his side, inspired him to fight, to hope, and to keep the faith. They were soul mates and were destined to hold on to their love until their last day together on earth. During his earlier years, Ricky was a bartender. His outgoing personality and good humor inspired him to become an entrepreneur. He opened “Fat Rick’s” in West Utica and welcomed neighbors and good friends. Ricky made many meaningful and lasting friendships through his business venture. He was a joyful, witty guy with a jolly laugh. He was kind and generous with his time and talents and beloved and known by many. He was an avid green-thumb gardener who grew vegetables, and a master at maintaining a meticulous lawn and beautiful blooms. Ricky had a real appreciation for art, and as a free-lance artist, he dabbled in painting for his own pleasure and also passed on some of his art work to others, always in his own handmade frames. He cooked up fine cuisine in the kitchen, and was king of the grill outside. Ricky was a loyal fan of the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Mets. He was a recreational golfer, and although he took the sport seriously, he had the patience of a saint when he played the game with Di. Ricky was blessed to have chosen the perfect partner and love of his life. He was satisfied with the things he had — a simple life filled with cheerfulness, contentment, and good will to all. Ricky was a believer in the Lord, and is now at rest from his labors. Ricky is survived by his treasured wife, Diana; his parents, Dick and Iris; his father-in-law, Louis F. LaFache, Jr.; and his mother-in-law and her husband, Antoinette and Norman Coleman, Sr. both who have been a great source of strength; in-laws, Debbie and Rick Giffune, Louis F. LaFache, III and Jessica Jones; nieces and nephews, including James Goldstein, Zachary Goldstein, and Emily LaFache; aunts and uncles, Judy and Bill Borris, Jim and Sandy Jones, and Carol Murray; and special cousins Billy Boris and Ann Simpson. Diana’s family have been Ricky’s family and their love has sustained him, especially Aunt Loretta Pugliese who is a precious person in their lives. He was predeceased by his brother, Danny Moskal; grandparents, John and Elizabeth Moskal; and uncle, John Moskal. A heartfelt thanks to Diana and Rick’s neighbors whose kindness will never be forgotten. The family is also grateful to cousin Rev. Anthony P. LaFache, for his spiritual guidance, and uncle Anthony J. LaFache, Esq. for his compassionate heart, as well as Uncle Billy Mazza from California who was generous and supportive during his illness. Visitation will be held Monday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. For those wishing to do so, please consider honoring Ricky's memory with contributions to New Hartford Youth Hockey program online at www.newhartfordyouthhockey.com, or Mother Marianne’s West Side Kitchen to help feed our neighbors online at www.mothermarianneswestsidekitchen.com; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Richard’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Tuesday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at St. Joseph & St. Patrick Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by his cousin, Rev. Anthony P. LaFache and his cousin, con-celebrant Fr. Joseph Moskal.

Mr. Richard D. "Ricky" Moskal

March 6, 1964 - April 6, 2017