Richard "Richie" Jerome Claus

Richard (Richie) Claus, 73, passed away peacefully in his home in Bluffton, South Carolina, surrounded by his loving family, on Saturday, January 29th, after a hard-fought battle with lung cancer.  Richie was born on November 11, 1948, son to the late Andrew Claus and Dolores (Kiesel) Claus in Rockville Center, New York.

Richie is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Linda (McCabe) Claus, his daughter, Kathleen (Katie) Claus (Mike Farrell), his son Richard A. Claus (Charissa Radino), and his daughter and grandson, Laura Claus and Gavin Viera.  His siblings include his sister Patricia (Claus) Umland (Thomas), and his five brothers; Andrew Claus (predeceased), Robert Claus, (Joanne Franzese predeceased), Kenneth Claus (Barbara Wolfred predeceased), Steven Claus (Christine Lechner), and Kevin Claus (Joseph Milizio).  He is also survived by his sister-in-laws Eileen (McCabe) Geller, Laura (McCabe) Mener (Robert), Patricia (McCabe) Kacinski, and Barbara McCabe, as well as many nieces and nephews, friends and neighbors.

Upon graduation from Plainview High School in 1967, Richie joined the Plainview Volunteer Fire Department, where he has been an Associate Member of the Benevolent Association.  Richie was drafted into the United States Army in June of 1968, where he was awarded The Bronze Star for "Outstanding meritorious achievement in ground operations against hostile forces in connection with military operations in Vietnam."  He returned from active duty and was Honorably Discharged in January 1970.

Richie found employment with the Long Island Lighting Company (LILCO) in March 1970, where he remained for 33 years.  Richie and Linda were married in Plainview on July 31, 1971, and continued to live in their hometown for most of their married life and even into Richie’s retirement from LILCO in 2003.  They enjoyed raising their children, attending concerts, plays and shows that the 3 kids performed in.  Richie also enjoyed traveling, gardening, golfing and reading. He had a love for all animals and could often be found with someone else’s pet in his lap.  He graduated from Farmingdale State College on May 19th, 1988, with a degree in Ornamental Landscape & Design.

Richie and Linda left their childhood town in 2006 and relocated to Bluffton, South Carolina.   From time to time, Richie returned to work with private utility contractors, until he found his niche with Asplundh Construction, LLC.  He worked with them until July of 2021, while Linda kept the home fires burning in Bluffton.

There will be no formal memorial services, per Richie's request.  Friends and family are welcome at their home in Sun City on Tuesday, February 8th between the hours of 4 and 6 p.m.  A Celebration of Life will be held in New York on March 5th.