Richard Joseph PrivitarCaptain41ST SIG BN, 21ST SIG GRP, 1 SIG BDE Army of the United States 23 April 1946 - 20 October 1971 New York, New York Panel 02W Line 045 |
 
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The database page for Richard Joseph Privitar
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Richard was the love of my life. He was a son that every mother would have been proud to have. He was a wonderful boy and man who loved his family, friends and countrymen. Richard was a Fordham Prep and Fordham University graduate. Of all his fine qualities, what I hold dearest to my heart was his wit. I would like you to hear some of his wise cliches. When Richard graduated the Prep and while on summer vacation, my neighbor, who was in construction, told Richard that working in construction for the summer would earn him big money. Richard's Dad would not allow him to do so fearing that Richard would not want to go to college once he earned this money. Richard was very upset about this. However, when he was in his freshman year at college, his Dad asked him if he was still upset with him. Richard put his arm over his father's shoulder and said to him "Hey Dad, how did you learn so much in such a short time?". Another time, my neighbor and I were having coffee. We were discussing a bothersome neighbor and how we got caught lying to her when we had wanted to get rid of her. Richard, who was present at the time of our discussion, chimed in "Oh, what tangled webs we weave when first we practice to deceive". I could go on and on with his fine qualities. Richard was loved by all who knew him. I miss him terribly and every year it gets worse. I loved him and will love him until I die and beyond.
From his mother, |
YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR HEARTS
robert_abbate@nplainfield.org |
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I will see you again ... but not yet, not yet. - Gladiator
Miss you, Daddy - Donna |
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We met for only a brief time, while we were on Vung Chua Mountain, when I helped to carry your luggage and we talked and laughed about how little time you had left in Vietnam and how happy you were to be going home. Even though you were a Captain and I was a Sergeant, you treated me as if I were a Captain. I will always remember you for being a nice man and soldier. In our hearts forever.
From a fellow Soldier, |
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I met Richard during my tour of duty in Nha Trang at the 21st Signal Group. Captain Privitar was an honorable person and a well respected leader. I believe I am speaking for all who served with him and under his command. I was only an enlisted soldier (Spec 4), but Richard always had time, patience, and guidance for us. We had many chats together (maybe because we were both from New York). I remember the times Richard would ask me to "patch in" and make a connection on our telephone communications (MARS) so he could call home. He did indeed love and miss his family. I was also there the night he called home to say his tour of duty was extended. He was very disappointed, and one could tell how much he missed his family. I will always remember Captain Privitar, even though some 34 years has passed. I am sure Captain Privitar made a difference in quite a few people because he did for me. Captain Privitar, a gentleman, a friend, a leader, an inspiration for all that met him, these are the qualities of a real "HERO".
Thomas Buono |
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I knew Rich in high school at Fordham Prep. We played on the football team together. He was a lineman and I was a defensive back. Rich always kept a cheerful spirit and had an encouraging word for each of his teammates. More than once he encouraged me when things were tough. It wasn't until years after the war that I saw his name on the memorial wall at a HS reunion, that I learned of his death. He was a true gentleman and, even after more than forty years, I still think about him. We lost a truly decent and caring guy.
From a former teammate, |
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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Memorial first published on 13 Oct 2001
Last updated 08/10/2009