Richard Michael Baran AGE: 77 • Forked RiverRichard Michael Baran, beloved father, 77, of Forked River, passed away unexpectedly on October 22, 2016. Richie was born on September 27, 1939 in Bayonne to the late Michael and Mary (Prokop) Baran. He was the devoted husband of the late Theresa (Kuligoski) Baran for 38 years prior to her passing in 2012. Richie was employed by the City of Bayonne as a police officer for 24 years until retiring in 1994. He spent the next 22 years employed by the Southern Regional School District as a security officer who made a positive, lasting impact on staff and students.An avid boater, he enjoyed spending time on the water with family and friends as well as annual excursions to his "happy place," Aruba. Aside from his pride in his children and grandchildren, little brought him more enjoyment than "heading south" to win big, which he often did, playing Texas hold 'em.Richie could entertain any crowd with his endless stories and witty sense of humor - all balanced by his genuineness, sincerity and loving heart. A skilled craftsman, he could build or repair all things big and small… never having to ask twice for him to lend his ingenuity and talent to a friend's project.Richie is survived by his two daughters, Lisa Brady and her husband Tom of Malibu, CA, and Dana Collins and her husband James of Glen Ridge, NJ, and his two sons, Jason Baran and his wife Elizabeth of Cherry Hill, NJ, and Shawn Baran of Forked River, NJ, and four grandsons, Ethan, Kai, Spencer, and Oliver Richard. He was preceded in death by his beloved sister Rita Shukusky.Viewings will be on Wed., Oct. 26 from 6-9PM and Thu, Oct. 27 from 2-4PM and 6-8PM at Riggs Funeral Home, 130 No. Rt. 9, Forked River. A funeral mass will be held at 10:30AM on Fri., Oct. 28 at the Church of St. Pius X, Forked River. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Richie's memory may be made to The Southern Regional Education Foundation, 105 Cedar Bridge Rd., Manahawkin, NJ 08050.